In 1985, the Wells and Elko Resource Management Plans (RMP) designated the majority of public lands managed by the BLM Elko Field Office as "open'' to off-road vehicle use. Since that time, improvements to OHV and all-terrain vehicle design, capability, affordability and popularity have led to more numerous and widespread presence of these motorized vehicles. According to BLM, "this increased use is creating adverse impacts to important cultural resources and wildlife habitat. 

As such, off-road vehicle (ORV) travel is now restricted to existing roads and two-tracks (approximately 850 miles) on public lands on and in the vicinity of Spruce Mountain, south of Wells, Nevada. Please understand that the purpose of this action is to protect important cultural resources and wildlife habitats."  This notice is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until BLM completes a land use plan revision (currently scheduled for 2009) and a Record of Decision.
 
Also, the BLM Elko Field Office is seeking input from interested publics, organizations, and agencies for a Travel Management Plan for the Spruce Mountain Area. This Travel Management Plan will also have input from the Northeastern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council (RAC). Any travel limitations recommended will be considered in the Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision process. Maps of the travel restricted area are available for review at the address listed below.
 
ARRA encourages you to participate in the Travel Management Plan development.
 
For further information, please contact:
Clinton R. Oke
Assistant Field Manager, Non Renewable Resources
Elko Field Office
3900 E. Idaho Street
Elko, NV 89801
 (775) 753-0200

The Federal Register notice in its entirety can be found here: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-5992.htm