Trail Rangers are a group of specially trained volunteers riding motorcycles, all terrain vehicles or driving their 4x4 vehicle in the National Forest. They are responsible for greeting fellow OHV enthusiasts, handling emergencies and passing along information about backcountry travel on public land managed by the Forest Service. Operating under a volunteer agreement with the Ocala National Forest Association (ONFA) the Trail Ranger represents the U.S. Forest Service. They are official representatives of the Forest Service, but carry no law enforcement authority to enforce regulations beyond that of any other citizen. Their influence is felt through their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to help others. They are a vital part of the Forest Service who have a high degree of commitment to responsible use of off-highway travel on public lands.

Key Activities

·         Coordinate Forest trail maintenance with local OHV clubs, associations and community organizations. Operating under the Adopt-A-Trail Program, the rougher routes of travel for ATV, motorcycle, or 4WD are assigned to local organizations.

·         A group of trained volunteers patrol routes on ATV's, motorcycles, and 4WD vehicles. These volunteers make public contact to provide information, watch for illegal use, missing signs or hazardous trail conditions.

·         Special projects involve organizations or individuals who have only a limited amount of time to donate - only one or two days per year.

Program Objectives

To help off highway vehicle enthusiasts understand land and resource ethics, the Forest Service has developed a partnership with OHV user groups and industry to develop an OHV program.

·         Unite all concerned in safe, sensible use of OHV recreational vehicles and responsible land management.

·         Provide information and conservation education to OHV enthusiasts who visit the National Forest.

·         Promote the continued enjoyment of our forest, year after year, for generations to come.

How to Become an OHV Volunteer

The OHV Volunteer Program is a partnership effort between the Ocala National Forests and the Ocala National Forest Association (ONFA). The ONFA manages the program for the partnership. The Partners have agreed upon the following requirements for Trail Rangers.

·         Have a strong commitment to the vision, mission, purpose, and objectives of the OHV Volunteer Program.

·         Complete and return the OHV Membership Form.

·         Demonstrate the ability to contact National Forest visitors in a courteous, informed and positive manner.

·         Complete required training provided for Trail Rangers.

·         Maintain your uniform in good condition and wear it only while on duty

·         Agree to a minimum of 90 hours of service per year (Host) or less than 90 hours for special projects.

Individuals interested in the Trail Ranger Program may submit their names to the Webmaster at any time of the year. Orientation and training are conducted at least four times during the year, check the training calendar for Orientation/Host class dates and times. No one will be permitted to become a host candidate between training cycles - each volunteer must complete all of the required training.

Background and History

Visiting the Forest used to mean camping and hiking. But with the advent of today's sophisticated multi-terrain technology, there is a new and exciting world of adventure - the use of all terrain vehicles that can take enthusiasts to parts of the Forests few people get a chance to see. But with this new use of public lands, there was also a concern and need for public education of the principles of trail ethics. To help OHV enthusiasts understand land and resource ethics, the Forest Service, together with the Association developed a partnership with OHV user groups and industry to develop an Trail Ranger Volunteer Program.

The objectives of the program are: to unite all concerned in safe, sensible use of OHV recreational vehicles and responsible land management; provide information and conservation education to OHV enthusiasts who visit the Forest; and promote the continued enjoyment of our Forests, for generations to come.

The overall goal of the program is a more informed public and a more protected Forest.