The ATV on state land issue appears to have a little important back-story. The rule change may be allowed as a result of an intentional change in transportation bill wording initiated by the Governor and passed with little notice by legislators.This brings to mind the Governor’s curious crack at the close of the session about it having been a sloppy session,or words to that effect.How straightforward was the Governor in dealing with the legislators ? The state won’t rise or fall because of this but it certainly makes one wonder what over goodies the Governor may have slid into our laws over the years .ATV versus conservationist is just such a perfect divisive issue (a distraction ?) for the man to happily crow about as the state grinds into recession .
The public comment period for this has been extended and the rule change may be considered by a legislative committee.
The transportation budget bill approved by lawmakers this year and signed into law by Gov. James Douglas deleted the phrase “on private property” from the statute that allows the state’s association of ATV riders to spend fee and penalty money on trail maintenance and enforcement. That change – unnoticed by many lawmakers at the time – set the groundwork for permitting ATV trails on public land.
..Agency Secretary Jonathan Wood said he explained to the House and Senate Transportation Committees the effect of the change.
“That was explained to them and that was passed,” he said.
Butboth lawmakers involved in the ATV issue and conservation groups opposing the new rule said Monday they did not know the transportation budget included the ATV language, and that ANR had not warned them of the word change or the proposed rule during the legislative session.