Illegal OHV Use - Orocopia Mountains Wilderness

The Orocopia Mountains have three main routes for OHV recreation.  Red Canyon Trail and Meccacopia trail, and the Bradshaw trail.  Amy's Wash and a couple numbered toutes off the Bradshaw Trail are ways that vehicles are entering the wilderness on existing routes that have been created illegally over the past 15 years.

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What does the management want to do about this use?

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Recommendations:  ​

• Campaign to alert all OHV traffic at main access point to the wilderness that it is illegal to go into the wilderness, except on foot, and fines and penalties for doing this action.  

• Post new signs at all trailheads and washes along the entire perimiter of the wilderness.  Education of Tortoise, Sheep and other wildlife, Responsible use, 

• Hire an interim Ranger to govern the monument, particularly this active area from the Mecca Hills, through the Orocopia Mtns, and the south side of Joshua Tree NP.

• There is only 1 BLM ranger for the whole Coachella greater valley.

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Transects - Ecological observations and land monitoring

Utility roads transecting the Desert Tortoise Linkage Reserve offer an opportunity to monitor the public and private lands .

The following benefits can be gained by scheduled and emergency monitoring and engagement with Low Speed Electric Vehicles offered by Desert Stewards ecological transportation services, as well as a hybrid or electric trucks with larger range.

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Project Highlights:

• Private and Public Land monitoring (including ohv use, camping, dumping, scouting, land evaluation, other issues or threats.

• Environmental observations and digital mapping (including wildlife sightings, invasive plants plant health, climate monitoring, 

• Hydrological observation and data collection for understanding climate change and resilience of the ecosystem

• Trail signage and Kiosks at key intersections and along the roads and trails.  Highlights are speed limits, sensitive habitat, wildlife information, discourage nighttime driving, slow signs.

• Utility monitoring and transportation access if needed for emergency or routine checks.

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Potential Partners:  The Living Desert, BLM, Private land owners, utility companies, Desert Stewards and Non-profit conservation partner for funding.