The Inland Empire Crime Blog

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station, would like to remind citizens that the operation of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) is regulated throughout the Morongo Basin and San Bernardino County.

Pursuant to San Bernardino County Ordinances, groups of 10 or more OHV users who intend to stage at a central location from which they will use their OHVs must first obtain a “Staging Permit” from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement. These ordinances prohibit the use of OHVs on private property not belonging to the OHV user without the OHV user obtaining prior written permission from the property owner. Additional information on ordinance regulated OHV use can be obtained from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement at (909) 387-4044 during business hours.

Open OHV riding is permitted in the BLM managed Johnson Valley OHV recreation area. This large OHV park is approximately 20 miles north of Yucca Valley and can be accessed from SR 247 at Boone Road in Johnson Valley, or from either Bessemer Mine Road or Camp Rock Road in Lucerne Valley. OHV use is also allowed on several BLM designated OHV routes throughout the Morongo Basin. The exact locations of these routes, and any applicable use restrictions, can be found on BLM approved maps that are available through the BLM. The Barstow field office of the BLM can be reached during business hours at (760) 252-6000. Additional information about OHV opportunities in this area can be found on the BLM’s website at WWW.BLM.GOV under the Barstow Field Office area.

Deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station’s OHV enforcement detail, with the assistance of County Code Enforcement officers, will be conducting a maximum enforcement operation throughout the Morongo Basin during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. OHV enthusiasts are reminded to ride only where it is legal and safe to do so.

Refer: Sgt. James Porter

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. 760 366-1401

via Public Affairs Division.