Willamette Road Rules 2016.pdf

This document is the Willamette National Forest Commercial Road Rules, effective December 2016, establishing regulations governing commercial use of National Forest System roads.

The rules apply to all commercial users generating traffic on Willamette National Forest roads, including log haul, rock haul, commercial firewood hauling, guide services, and other commercial operations. Commercial use is prohibited unless the user holds a contract, permit, or written agreement. The document establishes both general road rules applicable to all commercial users and specific road rules that modify general rules for designated roads. Key general requirements include: contracts must authorize specific roads for use; snow plowing is required when cumulative snow and ice depth exceeds four inches; tracked equipment is prohibited on paved or stabilized surfaces without prior written approval; vehicle load, height, length, and width must comply with Oregon Vehicle Code Chapter 818; and users must comply with fire precaution levels and public use restrictions. Road rules address vehicle operation safety, prohibit damaging roads or structures, restrict blocking roads without seven days' written advance notice, and require compliance with Motorized Vehicle Use Maps. The document defines road classifications including all-weather roads, limited strength roads, unsuitable roads, and restricted or prohibited use roads, with specific restrictions detailed in individual contracts. Road damage control guidelines distinguish between road distress (requiring maintenance), road damage (requiring repair), and environmental damage (requiring suspension of use), with detailed examples of liability scenarios including structural damage, drainage failures, saturation of subgrade materials, and deterioration of road surfaces caused by commercial operations.