West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

Route designations apply only to routes and portions thereof on public lands; thedesignation of routes as “open,” and “closed” is not applicable on non-public lands.3.5.1.5 Route Designation DefinitionsRoute designation definitions of open and closed routes were established in the amendedCDCA plan. The definitions are shown here as an aid to the reader.• Open Route. Access on the route by motorized vehicles is allowed. Specific uses withpotential for resource damage or significant conflict with other use may require specificauthorization.• Closed Route. Access on route by motorized vehicles is prohibited except for: (1) fire,military, emergency or law enforcement vehicles when used for emergency purposes; (2)combat or combat support vehicles when used for national defense purposes: (3) vehiclesused for official purposes by employees, agents, or designated representatives of thefederal government or one of its contractors. Use must be consistent with the multiple useguidelines for that area.In determining route designations, the following must be kept in mind:• Route designations approved through the WEMO Plan constitute CDCA Plan decisions;future changes to these decisions would require amending the CDCA Plan.Route designations apply only to routes and portions thereof on public lands; thedesignation of routes as “open,” and “closed” is not applicable on non-public lands.3.5.2 Motorized Vehicle AccessThere is a close relationship between the pursuit of recreational activities and motorizedvehicleuse in the California desert, whether motorized vehicles are driven for pleasure or aresimply a means of access to recreation destinations such as campgrounds and wildernesstrailheads. Given the desert's vast expanse and great distances to recreation sites, it is difficult, ifnot impossible, in many circumstances, to engage in recreational activities in this region withoutemploying a motorized vehicle in some fashion. Therefore, actions that restrict vehicular accessmay affect opportunities for recreation depending on the specific activity pursued and/or thespecific location at which such restrictions are imposed. Routes of travel designations directlyinfluence opportunities for recreation and affect access for non-recreational pursuits.Accordingly, motorized-vehicle access, routes of travel designations, and recreation areaddressed as a single issue.Chapter 3 3-267