Editorial: Off-roaders to pay, one way or another

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.

And, to put it bluntly, stupidly shortsighted.

It was an ardent supporter of off-highway driving, Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, who pushed for the decal program, with a $25 fee to support oversight and trail restoration. He realized that if OHV fans didn't find a way to prevent abuses and restore damaged habitat, access to large areas of public land  would be closed off.

The requirement applies to OHVs of 1,800 pounds or less that are designed for use on unimproved terrain.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, which administers the program, calls it "user play, user pay." It makes so much sense that the legislation was backed by OHV groups, hunters, environmentalists and motorized-recreation dealers.

The fee revenue will pay for signs, trail development, education, habitat restoration and seven law-enforcement officers devoted to off-highway issues. (In this year of budget crisis , the Legislature should resist the temptation to siphon off the money.)

OHV and outdoor organizations need to get out the word and urge their members to get the decal. It should be an easy sell, just for pure self-interest. If OHV users refuse to pay, they will have fewer places to play.

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/11/27/20091127fri2-27.html

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