State Legislators Are Considering New Regulations for Off Road Vehicles

Hundreds of acres of New Jersey state parks, forests, and wilderness areas are damaged each year by the illegal operation of motorized off road vehicles. The Department of Environmental Protection spends a small fortune repairing the damage done by these vehicles that are growing in popularity. Farmers have suffered crop damage, pristine wetland areas have been encroached upon creating deep ruts that destroy fragile wildlife habitat, and steep slope areas have been eroded, a threat to water quality. Violations continue without anyone being held accountable because these vehicles are not registered and cannot be positively identified.

Two bills are currently being considered, one in the state Assembly (A823), and one in the Senate (S2055) that would require tagging of off road vehicles in order to help law enforcement and citizens hold these riders accountable for their destruction. The bills would also increase fines for illegal riders, increase penalties for repeat offenders, and help establish a fund for the creation of additional ORV parks to support legal, responsible riders.

URWA supports this legislation. If you do, let your legislators know. A vote on these bills may be coming up as soon as early January.

Photo:  Damaged Meadow in Big Cypress National Preserve, Bear Island Unit, Matthew Schwartz, Sierra Club