Agency promises to beef up presence at races

Written by Associated Press

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Kevin Freking

The agency charged with monitoring off-road racing on federal lands is promising to increase staffing and crack down on violations of racing permits.

Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein of California asked the Bureau of Land Management to respond to several questions they had after an accident in August killed eight people and injured 10 in the state's Movaje Desert.

Bob Abbey, director of the BLM, told the lawmakers in a letter obtained Wednesday that the agency will increase its presence at all the events it approves on federal lands, but he did not provide further specifics. The agency had only one ranger on duty patrolling the 50-mile race course where the accident occurred.

Boxer said the agency's response makes it clear that more trained personnel need to staff the races.

Abbey said the agency continues to cooperate with the California Highway Patrol as it investigates the crash. It's also reviewing pending requests to conduct off-road races on a case-by-case basis.

BLM officials have the authority to discontinue an event if they determine that the sponsor has failed to meet permit requirements.

"The BLM will not tolerate any deviation from permit stipulations," Abbey told the lawmakers.

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/09/08/national/w114109D21.DTL

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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