Positive Arizona ATV Legislation

The Arizona house just passed a bill to help mitigate the impacts of ATVs and encourage responsible use.  As reported by the Arizona Republic:

The measure would establish a new annual registration system for off-highway vehicles, run by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The cost, perhaps $20, would be set through public rulemaking. 

The money would fund law enforcement, education, trail work and habitat restoration. Arizona Game and Fish sums it up this way: User pay, user play. It's the logical way to ensure that Arizonans continue to enjoy OHV recreation. 

The bill also specifies what areas and types of behavior are out of bounds for off-highway use, which would help Game and Fish officials rein in violators. Anyone 18 or younger would have to wear a helmet while riding or operating an OHV on public or state land. That's an important safety requirement for our kids. 

This is a positive direction that Arizona is moving. Hopefully the Arizona Senate will pass the bill and the legislation will be properly implemented.  If this happens, it will be a victory for our public lands.