Off-road group sues Colorado over where registration-fee money goes

Bruce Finley

Colorado dirt bike, all-terrain and other off-road vehicle drivers are challenging the way the state wants to spend about $3 million a year collected from registration fees.

A lawsuit filed by the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition in Denver District Court accuses state parks officials of illegally diverting some of the funds.

"Now, the primary area they want to spend the money on is law enforcement and restoration projects that remain undefined," said Jerry Abboud, executive director of the coalition.

The lawsuit includes claims by two disabled off-road vehicle enthusiasts who count on their vehicles to gain access to public lands. It aims to set aside the new state priorities.

Colorado off-road vehicle users are required to pay a registration fee of $25.25 a year. The money feeds a fund administered by state parks officials.

Last month, the State Parks Board decided to broaden criteria for awarding grants and increase the diversity of a committee that reviews project proposals. Off-road groups opposed the changes.

"We wanted to make it clear those were grant-eligible activities," state trails program coordinator Tom Morrisey said.

"The changes adopted by the State Parks Division and the State Parks Board are intended to reduce user conflicts and are designed to protect Colorado's public lands," Morrisey said.

State grant recipients have included federal agencies charged with implementing trail closures — projects designed to protect damaged wetlands and other sensitive areas.

Off-road vehicle users contend the funds ought to be used for maintaining trails for motorized vehicles, setting up signs and safety programs, and establishing new trails.

--

http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_15822482?source=commented-

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites