New Mexico

The Carson National Forest has released a proposed plan for managing motorized travel and is seeking public comment. The agency has separate plans for the Jicarilla Ranger District and the districts of Canjilon, El Rito and Tres Piedras.

Meanwhile, the Santa Fe National Forest is still preparing a draft environmental review of alternatives for managing vehicles on trails, roads and cross-country travel for further public review. All national forests are mandated to create travel management plans designating areas open to dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, trucks and cars.

The Santa Fe and Carson National Forests would dramatically reduce the amount of land open to cross-country motorized travel under recently released and highly controversial proposed plans.

The two agencies are seeking public comment on the proposed actions, the first step under the National Environmental Policy Act.

All national forests are preparing travel management plans to control the growing conflicts between those who like to travel with motorized vehicles in the forests and those who prefer traveling by horseback, on foot and on mountain bikes.

D'val Westphal

These changes, sponsored by Griego, require a $17 registration fee for off-road vehicles, a user fee capped at $40, certification of safety training groups, training permits, rules and penalties and gives oversight to the agency that deals with much of the fallout from misuse, the state Department of Game and Fish.

Source: http://www.abqjournal.com/

Elizabeth Piazza

FARMINGTON — Enforcement will increase for off-highway vehicles, according to officials from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

During a recent meeting, Game and Fish officials went over the rules and regulations concerning OHVs.

"We went over the laws we will be enforcing and (Game and Fish) was asked to hit it full force," Game Warden Timothy Cimbal said.

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - Game and Fish wardens are cracking down on off-roaders who break the rules.

The enforcement includes all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and go-carts.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish district wildlife supervisor Kathy McKim says the enforcement is a result of folks using All Terrain Vehicles like a bicycle.

Some of the biggest problems wardens see are kids riding unsupervised, without proper equipment or on vehicles that are too big.

New Mexico law enforcement agencies will conduct roadblocks, saturation patrols and safety blitzes statewide in an effort to educate the public and check for compliance with the requirements and safety provisions of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act.

The act defines an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) as any motorized vehicle designed specifically for off-highway travel, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, often called four-wheelers), snowmobiles, dirt bikes and go-carts.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state agency that oversees the enforcement of New Mexico's off-highway vehicle regulations says officers across the state will be conducting roadblocks and safety blitzes.

The state Game and Fish Department announced the campaign Wednesday. The agency said the goal is to educate the public and check for compliance with the requirements and safety provisions of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act.

State residents are required to register all off-highway vehicles through the Motor Vehicle Division if the vehicles will be operated on public lands. Nonresidents can purchase temporary permits from Game and Fish.

The act prohibits any riders under 6 years old from operating an ATV on public land. The law also includes specific regulations for riders younger than 18.

Source: http://www.kdbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10554610

Clint Henson

SANTA FE -- New Mexico law enforcement agencies will conduct roadblocks, saturation patrols and safety blitzes statewide in an effort to educate the public and check for compliance with the requirements and safety provisions of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act.

The act defines an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) as any motorized vehicle designed specifically for off-highway travel, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, often called four-wheelers), snowmobiles, dirt bikes and go-carts.

As the decibel levels in the woods rise with the rabbit-like multiplication of off-road vehicles, the debate goes on over banning them -- partially, mostly or maybe just a little bit -- in our national forests.

And the obnoxious growling of the ill-muffled machinery in question is only part of the issue -- as in: Is there any noise if there's no one but the driver to hear it?

Of greater concern, whether wholly legitimate or not, is the damage done by the thick-treaded two- and four-wheelers to the forest floor, including contributions to erosion. Really? From soft balloon tires? Even if they do create ruts, are they that much worse than hikers and mountain-bicyclists? And don't forget the good trail-repair work being done by ORV clubs ... right.