Arizona

Steve Ayers

VERDE VALLEY - It took a coalition of off road riders and state and federal agencies six years to develop a program to regulate off-highway vehicles.

It has taken just one year to realize that the public doesn't seem to care.

The off-road vehicle community thinks that if they declare a place worthless, they should be able to ride all over it. They will take “half a dead baby” Solomon style by riding on land that they call “ruined.” A recent example from Mike Hawkins about a dune area in Wonder Valley declares, “There is nothing historic or natural about the rubble that was once a stinking, fly-infested garbage destination at a tangle of non-native salt cedars….” (Feel the love?) His unexamined principle is that once an abuse has occurred, no further protection is warranted.

Howard Fischer

PHOENIX — State senators voted to make further budget cuts over the objection of foes who said it will endanger senior citizens, leave roads unplowed, make the border less safe and result in the closure of all state parks.

But they refused to cut the budgets of two Republican elected officials. And in a political deal, they agreed not to raid a special fund that provides money to maintain the trails for off-road-vehicle users.

Joan M. Travis

The Colorado River Indian Tribes will be closing off designated areas around the Town of Parker to off-road vehicles.

According to Acting Chief Game Warden Ray Aspa stated, "It's a safety issue and we have been hearing complaints over the years."

The “user play/user pay” program known as the OHV Decal program went into effect Jan. 1, 2009. The program requires the annual purchase of an OHV Decal for any off-highway vehicle that is designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and weighs 1,800 pounds or less.

Remember, the OHV Decal you purchased is valid for one year from the date of purchase. No renewal notice will be sent to you about the expiration of your decal, so it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is up-to-date. For example, if you purchased your OHV Decal in January of 2009, you have until Jan. 31, 2010 to purchase the renewal decal.

Alexis Bechman

With stunning views, a meandering stream and an easy-to-follow trail, Monument Peak Loop is a popular, three-mile route enjoyed by hikers, bikers, riders and OHV drivers.

Some Star Valley residents are concerned that dust, noise and erosion from off-road vehicles is damaging the area and taking away from its natural beauty.

Andrea Rivera

A checkpoint staffed by several agencies Sunday in the Redington area sought to enforce rules on hunting and off-road-vehicle use.

Motorists operating or towing off-road vehicles also were asked to show they had valid tags and off-highway-vehicle decals at the checkpoint on Redington Road in the Coronado National Forest. Hunters were asked for licenses and game tags.

The owners of four out of five off-highway vehicles in Arizona are flouting the law requiring them to get an annual decal.

Some would undoubtedly plead ignorance. But the requirement took effect almost a year ago. With this rate of non-compliance, a lot of people simply are scofflaws.

Travis Grabow

Low compliance with a law requiring off-highway vehicle owners to purchase a $25 annual decal is hampering Arizona’s efforts to educate riders and protect areas from illegal use, state officials say.

In response, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is readying special patrols to catch riders who don’t have decals. The penalty: $250.