EPD: ATV riding at reservoir must stop

Written by The News-Enterprise

Monday, April 27, 2009

Bob White

ELIZABETHTOWN — Elizabethtown police say ATVs have caused extensive damage to land around Buffalo Creek Reservoir.

The area around the reservoir is open to walking, fishing and non-motorized activities, but not open to ATV riding, or any other motored fun.

EPD spokesman Virgil Willoughby said in a written statement that the ATV use is causing damage to the land there. Patrol officers have responded to numerous instances of criminal mischief there relating to the riding of ATVs, Willoughby said.

To deter further ATV use and damage, signs are planned for posting at the reservoir to notify the public that the area is off-limits to vehicular traffic, Willoughby said.

Buffalo Creek Reservoir is located between Commerce Drive and Guthrie Street, and parallels North Mulberry Street.

Willoughby warned that people continuing to use the area for ATV recreation could face fines and citations.

Source: http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?053+article+News.Local+20090421132624053003

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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