Community members must work together regarding OHV noise, dust

Written by Dayton Courier

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Keith Trout

Lyon County Sheriff's Lt. Rob Hall reported to those present at the Dayton Regional Advisory Council meeting that the department is actively working on bringing members of the community together on the issue of off road vehicle noise and fugitive dust.

Resident Stacy Patterson said she attended the meeting specifically because of an article on the subject in the Dayton Courier: "I know there's a lot of angry citizens --I grew up here and we stayed here --and we don't want to loose the privilege of riding (off road vehicles). Is there a way to work together as a community to work on this issue and keep our riding freedom?"

A man who didn't identify himself said, "These are good kids. You take away their recreation and that leads to incarceration."

Hall explained to those present that it is currently legal for unlicensed off road vehicles including dirt bikes, endures, ATVs UTVs and other non-road-ready vehicles to ride on county-maintained dirt roads, but it is not legal for them to drive on asphalt roads.

He said, "We are not trying to take riding away from people"» we are trying to keep the peace between riders and residents."

Hall said it is important for members of the community on both sides of the issue to find a way to work together.

Source: http://www.rgj.com/article/20100721/DAYTON01/7210310/1042/DAYTON

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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