Patrols to increase

Written by The Republican

Friday, July 02, 2010

Law enforcement officials announced an increase in patrols and enforcement of off-road vehicle laws this summer.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police will increase patrols in an area locally known as The Meadows, a Northampton and Hatfield section of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

This increase of patrols is in response to a high volume of illegal ATV, dirtbike and four-wheel drive vehicle operation in the area.

Unlawful operation on a state Wildlife Management Area carries a fine of up to $100 and or 30 days in jail. Penalties are significantly higher for trespassing on private property or riding in water supply protection areas, such as the Quabbin or Wachusett Reservoirs.

Massachusetts Environmental Police officers are also reminding operators of safety guidelines, such as wearing helmets, and urge riders to take safety courses, operate machinery while sober and receive proper training on how to operate their vehicles. For a list of parks open for recreational vehicles, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/orv.htm.

Source: The Republican

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Community Voices

“Farmers as a group rarely tend to want more government regulation. But the growing problem of trespassing caused by illegal riders spurred our membership into action to pass common-sense visible identification and ORV enforcement measures. We are proud that we were able to work with rider groups to find a solution that all sides could agree to.”

- Christopher Henney, Director of Legislative Relations, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation