Solutions to off-highway problems discussed

Brochures, designated-use sites and volunteer efforts to repair damaged ditches were among the answers offered for the growing complaints of off-highway vehicle and snowmobile misuse in Burleigh County.

About a dozen people participated in the Burleigh County Motorized Recreation Meeting on Thursday at the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Century Center. Among them were property owners, state Parks and Recreation officials, law enforcement, user groups, Burleigh County officials and more.

The meetings were scheduled after some landowners complained about misuse of the devices in ditches, noise, damage to approaches and destruction of other property. Some are finding large ruts where users have been.

Tom Fettig, who lives along the 6200 block of 52nd Street N.E., said operators are often seen jumping approaches, and he fears it will lead to tragedy. He estimates many users are riding more than 50 mph. He thinks regular motorists may not have time to react. "They come out like deer," he said.

Some discussion centered on creating new brochures that alert users of the damage the devices can cause and where the most abuse is occurring, and remind operators about their responsibilities.

Many favored designating at least one off-highway-vehicle-use location south of Bismarck and one to the north. A marked trail system could lead to these areas. It was suggested that the trail system could be posted for speed limits near more populated areas and the use areas could be shut down after 10 or 11 p.m.

Sheriff Pat Heinert was skeptical, saying some users would be bored with a site after a few uses, but he agreed it was a start. Heinert said the brochures could be helpful if his agency receives a high volume of complaints in a certain area. These could be handed out to parents of young operators to let them know a section of the county is getting many calls.

Fettig said violators depart and return quickly to spots sheriff's deputies respond to. He says education efforts won't change some operators' practices.

"You should not give up on education," said Annette Behm-Caldwell of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. "The 10- to 13-year-olds, you can still get to them. You cannot totally cure the problem, but you can help minimize it."

State Parks and Recreation officials said the brochures could be mailed out to registered operators. The agency believes the issue could be addressed through different media releases, films and public service announcements. Those attending discussed jointly paying for the brochures.

State law allows OHV operators to use ditches.

Source: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2009/04/17/news/local/182666.txt

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