PEAK PUTTERS

To review the entire content of SB 5128:http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/bil...Bills/5128.pdf

Summary - the bill is addressing natural resource impacts from off-road vehicle use; takes steps to minimize damage to public and private resource lands caused by unauthorized ORV use while continuing to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities.

Non-Highway Off-Road Vehicle Activites (NOVA) grant funds will be applied for and the application and funds appropriated - prior to expending grant funds for other facility requests.

It also addresses operating off-road vehicle on or across a highway or nonhighway road without valid license; need to be eighteen years or older; addresses seizure and forteiture of vehicle.

Status/Update -
Jan. 14 - First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean, and Recreation.
Jan. 29 - Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (Olympia) 10:00 a.m. (Subject to change)

The following was submitted by committee staff (Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation) as a summary from public testimony given. (Pros - Cons - Other).

Con: As the bill states, most users are indeed law abiding and respectful. Riding an ORV in a way that damages natural resources is already a crime, so the state should focus on the laws it already has. Moving an action that simply injures a plant from an infraction to a misdemeanor is too extreme, as is allowing the forfeiture of an ORV.

OTHER: Natural resource damage is a tough issue for land managers as well as ORV users. It can be very expensive to restore damaged natural resource lands. The ideas in this bill are worthy of discussion, but this approach may stir up controversy. DNR is leading a work group that may help resolve some of these issues.

Arlene Brooks, WA. State Director