OFF-ROAD VEHICLE and MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT
This section applies to the operation of off-road recreational vehicles (ORV) on USAG Alaska managed lands. ORV and motorized watercraft regulations apply to all persons, civilian and military, operating ORVs and motorized watercraft on USAG Alaska managed lands. All ORVs and motorized watercraft will be operated in compliance with State of Alaska laws addressing registration, safety equipment, and pollution.
*Off-Road Recreational Vehicles (ORV) Trail Closure*
- ORV and ATV's are not permited on the Tanana Flats hydro-axe trail near the Tanana River Rail Bridge, but another trail is permitted for ATV use near the hydro-axe trail head.
- For permitting during hunting season, please visit the Alaska Railroad Corporation's Special Permitting page and Check-in using this site or calling 877-250-9781
Off –Road Vehicle (ORV)
*ORV vehicles are defined as motorized vehicles primarily designated for operation over hard surfaces including frozen lakes and rivers. They include snowmobiles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, swamp-buggies, civilian use small unit support vehicles, and four-wheel drive vehicles. ORVs are further defined into two classifications, those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 1500 lbs. or less, and those over 1500 lbs GVWR. This is the dry weight + potential payload rating, not necessarily what the vehicle and cargo actually weigh at any given time, hence the term "gross vehicle weight rating"
ORVs must be registered with the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles per Alaska AS28.39.010.
Motorized Watercraft
*Motorized watercraft is defined as watercraft propelled by machinery. This includes any vessel temporarily or permanently equipped with a motor (e.g. riverboats, airboats, hydrofoils, personal watercraft).
- Travel through an off-limits/closed area is prohibited.
- All occupants of watercraft must wear a US Coast Guard approved flotation device.
- All watercraft must be registered with the State of Alaska, and bear in plain sight on the bow the Alaska state registration numbers. Operators of watercraft must have in their possession a valid boat registration card for the craft they are operating.
- All watercraft operators are responsible to ensure the watercraft they are operating meet all US Coast Guard requirements (type and size requirements vary with vessel size).
Off-Road Recreational Vehicle (ORV) and Motorized Watercraft Areas
All land and water areas will be closed to off-road recreational use by motorized off-road recreational vehicles except those areas and trails, which are determined suitable and specifically designated for ORV use as established by the USAG Alaska Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan.
- USAG Alaska is managed for a number of different types of recreational use.
- All areas that are determined open for recreational use may be closed temporarily during periods of military use.
- All users must check in through USARTRAK to determine if areas are open to recreational use.
- Frozen (6+ inches of snow cover): No restrictions for any off-road recreational vehicles when soil is frozen.
- Unfrozen summer conditions: During unfrozen conditions, off-road recreational vehicles over 1500 lbs (road vehicles, dune buggies, Argos, small unit support vehicles etc) must stay on maintained roads. No restrictions for off-road recreational vehicles under 1500 lbs (all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, etc.). Motorized watercraft must stay within existing open water channels.
Safety
- The speed limit is 25 miles per hour, or lower if posted
- 3-wheel ORVs are not allowed to be used on USAG Alaska managed lands.
- Passengers on ORVs are authorized if the ORV is equipped with a factory-mounted seat.
- ORV operators and passengers are required to wear a DOT, ANSI, or Shell Memorial Foundation certified helmet, impact or shatter resistant goggles or full face shield properly attached to the helmet, sturdy leather boots or over the ankle shoes, full-fingered gloves, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt of jacket. A high visibility brightly colored out upper garment during the day and retro-reflective for night.
- ORV operators may carry loaded weapons with restrictions.
- ORVs will not be operated by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- ORVs may tow commercial or homemade carts. Towing of disabled ORV with another ORV is authorized. Towing persons by rope or cable is prohibited.
- All ORVs will have headlights turned on while in operation.
- No person under the age of 16 years will operate an ORV unless under the direct and visual supervision of their parent(s) or an adult 21 years of age or older.
- ORVs can use the established FWA Small Arms Range recreational bypass route when the FWA Small Arms Range is being used by the military.
- ORV operators must check into the area they intend to use by calling the USARTRAK check-in system.
Liability
- The United States shall not be liable for any damage or injury to either, equipment, persons, or property resulting from the use of or participation in ORV activity on a United States Army Installation. It is understood by owners and operators of ORVs that both natural and man-made hazards do exist in the designated ORV use areas and that anyone who engages in this activity does so completely at their own risks.
- ORV owners and operators are financially liable for any damage to government or private property resulting from their activity.
- Insurance is not required; however insurance is highly recommended.
Violations and Revocation of Privileges
- Operators and owners who habitually abuse ORV privileges may be denied further ORV/ recreation privileges on the installation.
- Military personnel who violate the ORV provisions of this regulation can be cited under Article 92 of the UCMJ. Civilian violators may be cited and referred to the United States Magistrate for prosecution or loose their privileges to recreate on military training lands.
Technical issues: leave a message at 907-361-9684 or email: usarmy.wainwright.id-pacific.mbx.fwa-isportsman@army.mil