Letter: ATV decal fees won't get job done

Written by Arizona Daily Sun

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Some of your numbers are misleading concerning the number of OHVs. Some are purchased for private property use, some are used on tribal lands, and I'm sure some are not registered from lack of funds or are in disrepair. Most should be excluded from paying a fee. Twenty-five dollars is a lot of money for a vehicle used maybe as little as once a year. If $2.5 million has been raised so far, where did it go? That is a huge sum. The law enforcement segment of the law should be the least of the concern. Education about ATV gear and rider protocol is the most important aspect the public is missing.

I am not in total disagreement with the decal program. A fee scale should be put into effect. A two-ton pickup truck is excluded from the decal program, but it will do much more damage to our federal lands than a 200-pound two-wheel motorcycle. If the program isn't working, do away with it. An automobile has mandatory seat belts installed at the factory. An ATV should be sold with appropriate gear at time of purchase. Read the owner's manuals, most say no passengers right on the vehicle.

Gear up -- it should be the law.

BOB CORRIGAN

Flagstaff

Source: http://azdailysun.com/articles/2009/11/11/news/opinion/letters/20091111_lette_207231.txt

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“Once they chased our cow into a deep arroyo where it fell and broke its neck. I don't understand how anyone could think chasing livestock is fun.” As a result of the growing conflicts with off-roaders, the Gonzales family stopped their cattle ranching. It doesn't matter whether it is a plate or decal, what is important is that the identification is visible. The police could have tracked down the illegal riders if we had been able to photograph the IDs on their vehicles. I think that would have made them think twice before breaking the law.”

- Eleanor Gonzales, private property owner in Santé Fe County, NM