Ferry County (WA) Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance Legally Challenged
Source:
Quiet Communities Coalition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ferry County Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance Legally Challenged
Local Group Concerned About Safety and Noise
Republic, WA – February 12. A broad based alliance of Ferry County residents, private property owners and business proprietors filed a legal complaint challenging a recent county ordinance permitting off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on over 50 county roads. The Quiet Communities Coalition contends OHV riding on hundreds of miles of county roads threatens the public safety, private property, and rural quality of life for Ferry County residents.
The Quiet Communities Coalition contends the Ferry County ordinance violates the Revised Code of Washington 46.09.180. That law permits counties to designate OHV travel on any road that provides a direct connection between a city with a population of less than three thousand and an off-highway vehicle recreation facility. Quiet Communities Coalition claims that none of the 54 roads designated for OHV travel in the disputed ordinance meet the direct connection requirement. The group is requesting that the ordinance be set aside and a permanent injunction be granted to halt its scheduled start on March 15, 2008.
Stated in the legal challenge is the County’s failure to comply with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that requires a study to analyze the potential adverse impacts of proposed actions and obtain public comment. “In keeping with the law, the county must determine the potential damage from OHVs such as the spread of noxious weeds and soil erosion”, notes Ellen Picken, president of Quiet Communities Coalition.
A 2005 recreation survey, initiated by the Ferry County Commissioners, determined the top four recreational opportunities local citizens enjoy and support are camping, hunting & fishing, walking & running, and wildlife viewing. OHV riding scored well behind public preference for playgrounds, bicycling and the arts.
“Our coalition believes the County has enacted an ordinance that is illegal and does not reflect the will of its local residents. We love Ferry County and choose to live here because it’s a serene and quiet landscape, without the noise and pollution you find in big cities”, says Picken, OHV enthusiasts have urged rural counties to open their roads to non-resident OHV riders to boost tourism. However, as OHV traffic increases on county and city roads “the multiple costs associated with increased OHV traffic on county and city roads will rise for county residents," says Picken. "We must consider additional law enforcement, road maintenance, emergency medical care, public and private property repairs and the financial burden it places on our county. Our citizens will be subsidizing OHV use at the expense of county staff whose budgets will be strained to provide basic services.” According to the National Association of Counties, local and county law enforcement officials are spending increasingly more time dealing with off-road vehicle-related issues.
Quiet Communities Coalition was formed in January to advocate for safe roads, a balanced recreation policy, sustainable tourist opportunities and a diverse economy. “Ferry County citizens live here for reasons of family tradition, occupation, health, recreation, and solitude”, explained Picken. “Promoting one form of recreation at the expense of others threatens the balance of our rural lifestyles.”
Contact:
Ellen Picken, President, Quiet Communities Coalition
epicken@rcabletv.com
(509) 775-2811
Steve Anthes, Vice President, Quiet Communities Coalition
Communications Director
info@quietcommunitescoalition.com
(509) 779-4117
www.quietcommunitiescoalition.com
POB 966 Republic, WA 99166
Date Published:
02/12/2008