Colorado State Parks Board Hears Presentations on Use of Off Highway Vehicle Registration Fees

Written by Desert Blog

Monday, November 23, 2009

FRISCO, Colo. — The Colorado State Parks Board heard three hours of educational presentations Friday about the use of off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration fees. Two groups have proposed re-distributing the majority of the OHV registration fees to enforce OHV laws, purchase more signs to mark OHV trails and restore areas damaged by unauthorized OHV use.

The parks board oversees the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Program, which is administered through Colorado State Parks. On Friday, the parks board took no formal action on the proposals and asked for additional information.

The parks board has received more than 1,500 written comments on the proposals – 1,574 opposed any change to the current grant allocations and 77 in favor of the resolutions.

Responsible Trails America, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the Colorado State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Program, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Counties Inc., the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Colorado Snowmobile Association and others addressed the board on the issue. About 60 people attended the session.

The Colorado State Parks OHV Program registers and permits all OHVs, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, Jeeps (operated off-road), three-wheelers, and dirt bikes. In 2009, the program distributed $3.2 million in grants, generated by the user fees, to build, maintain and plan motorized trails and support volunteer programs on motorized trails throughout Colorado.

The grants are awarded to projects that accomplish multiple goals, including law enforcement, landscape repair and user education.

Throughout 2009, Colorado State Parks is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities.

Attracting more than 11 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,531 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,000 campsites, and 57 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.colorado.gov/parks.

Source: http://www.desertusa.com/desertblog/?p=6820

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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