Ga. lawmakers ban off-road riding in streams throughout the state

Written by Associated Press

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

ATLANTA — The Georgia House gave final approval to a measure that would ban ATV drivers from riding in streams.

The measure was adopted Tuesday by a 149-4 vote in the House. It has long been sought by conservationists concerned that off-road driving is destroying habitat.

The measure allows off-road vehicles to directly cross year-round streams but blocks them from riding within them. Those who violate the law could face a civil penalty of at least $25.

The measure has already passed the Senate and now goes to Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Source: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/4d3c708089d94102b2e77ded4c401ed8/GA--ATV_Streams/

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Community Voices

“As a rancher who leases public lands for cattle, I’ve seen my share of cut fences and rangeland damaged by ORV use. I’ve also experienced ORV trespass onto my private lands. But I’ve had no way to identify the culprits when reporting trespass or illegal ORV use to local law enforcement. Congress should require that ORVs used on public lands have visible identification plates or decals. Doing so would remove the anonymity enjoyed by ORV riders who are bent on breaking the rules.”

- Ambers Thornburgh, second-generation rancher from Oregon who grazes cattle on his private land and adjacent lands leased from the Bureau of Land Management