Blog entry: Land Rover Off Roading Lovers: Colorado OHV Program Funds Under Serious Attack

Responsible Trails American, a notorious anti-access and anti-OHV preservationist organization from the east coast wants to take your OHV registration funds for their agenda. They want this money because in many cases funding trail maintenance is the only thing that stands between you and extensive closures.

They want 70% of your funds to go to law enforcement and trail closures.

HOW ARE THEY TRYING TO DO THIS?

By hiring a prominent local lobbying firm, yes the same firm that tried to steal the OHV fund last year, to lobby the Park’s Board to force the use of the funds their way. They have created a resolution which they intend to have the Park’s Board adopt at the November 20, 2009 meeting. The entire resolution misrepresents our nearly 20 year old program.

HOW CAN YOU STOP THEM?

They can only be stopped by the voice of the OHV community. You must write a letter to the Park’s Board to save your fund. If you do not, then your money will go towards the destruction of your sport!

You have to write a letter. The deadline for getting it into the mail is: November 14, 2009

While the letter should be in your own words here are a few points that may assist you in writing your letter:

· Colorado’s OHV Program was intended to provide those that pay into it with opportunities.
· The program has always struck the proper balance among maintenance, education, signing and environmental protection.
· People from outside Colorado should not be allowed to rewrite a statute to the detriment of those who pay the way.
· HB1069 from 2008 allows every law enforcement officer to enforce restrictions on OHV travel, more enforcement is not necessary as only a small number violate the law.
· Colorado’s Program is viewed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management as one of the best in the country.
· The Program is far different than similar programs in other states and is not in need of tying up funds for outside interests; our program is uniquely well operated.
· Despite some past problems generated by other Park’s programs that caught the attention of the Legislative Audit Committee, the state motorized trails programs were found to be in full compliance.
· Personalize your letter about how you and your family enjoy your sport and do not want to see it diminished without reason.

E-mail: parksinfo [at] state [dot] co [dot] us
or

Address your letter to:

Mr. Dean Winstanley

Director, Colorado State Parks

1313 Sherman Street, Suite 618
Denver, CO 80203