HARRISBURG, IL. May 8, 2020 –Shawnee National Forest would like to remind the public
that All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Task Vehicle (UTVs), “Side-by-Sides” and Off-Highway
motorized vehicles are prohibited from operating on National Forest System roads and trails
as well as cross-country. All motor vehicles are prohibited from off-road travel on the Forest.
National Forest System roads on the Shawnee National Forest are open to motor vehicles that
are licensed under State law for general operations on all public roads. All-terrain vehicles are
not licensed by the State and therefore are not authorized on Forest System roads.
It is the responsibility of the operator of the motorized vehicle to know where they are at all
times. Motor Vehicle Usage Maps (MVUMs) show Forest Service lands and the roads under
Forest Service jurisdiction. MVUMs are free and can be downloaded from:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/maps-pubs.
Our staff have seen an increase in use of off-road vehicles on the Forest. These vehicles damage
natural resources by destroying native vegetation, causing soil erosion, degrading water
quality and transporting invasive plant species to new areas of the Shawnee National Forest.
For up-to-date information on the Shawnee National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee.
