(a) State vehicular recreation areas consist of areas selected, developed, and operated to provide off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities. State vehicular recreation areas shall be selected for acquisition on lands where the need to establish areas to protect natural and cultural resources is minimized, the terrain is capable of withstanding motorized vehicle impacts, and where there are quality recreational opportunities for off-highway motor vehicles. Areas shall be developed, managed, and operated for the purpose of providing the fullest appropriate public use of the vehicular recreational opportunities present, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, while providing for the conservation of cultural resources and the conservation and improvement of natural resource values over time.
(b) After January 1, 1988, no new cultural or natural preserves or state wildernesses shall be established within state vehicular recreation areas. To protect natural and cultural resource values, sensitive areas may be established within state vehicular recreation areas where determined by the department to be necessary to protect natural and cultural resources. These sensitive areas shall be managed by the division in accordance with Sections 5019.71 and 5019.74, which define the purpose and management of natural and cultural preserves.
(c) If off-highway motor vehicle use results in damage to any natural or cultural resources or damage within sensitive areas, appropriate measures shall be promptly taken to protect these lands from any further damage. These measures may include the erection of physical barriers and shall include the restoration of natural resources and the repair of damage to cultural resources.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 459, Sec. 14. (SB 249) Effective January 1, 2018.)