Subject:
HB 717 Study Committee Recommendations
Date:
Mon, 26 Nov 2001 06:11:35 EST
From:
RichardGSATVA@aol.com
To All:
I am going to summarized herein the recommendations we expect to hear
presented on the LAST PUBLIC HEARING being held on December 6, 2001. We need to
pay attention -- this is the basis for the LAWS the committee will
write. Note the fees increases, limitations on how and when trails could be
developed. There are clearly concessions to our community and the need for
additional trails development, but there are serious constraints
to how and where trails will be developed that place a burden on ATV/Trail
bike users that is not placed uponany other users in the State.
Executive Summary: ( I recommend a full copy to all interested by contacting
the Committee Secretary, Representative Robert McGuire or Chairman
Representative John Alger)
Trail Development/Engineering
- Trials bureau should move forward with projects in process where trail
maintenance is assured due to local club involvement.
- DRED should move forward with Nash Stream - connecting trail only.
- DRED should select ONE new site within the state park system to develop a
new ATV trail.
- The Office of State Planning (in cooperation with DRED) should prepare an
ATV Trail Plan that will:
- Assess current ATV trails system available, predict the next ten years
growth and propose criteria and miles of trail needed to meet that growth;
- Propose UP TO three sites for ATV trails Propose site for acquisition of
land for ATV trails EMPHASIS on self-contained sites - NOT LINEAR TRAIL.
- Finish plan by December 31.2002.
- New trails created ONLY when there is a working agreement between DRED and
local club.
- Close trail if club doesn't keep up maintenance
- A new trail may be developed ONLY when DRED/Trails Bureau and Fish and
Game have the resources to monitor ATV use and enforce applicable laws.
- "It is understood" that ATV trails may be incompatible with
other users.
Enforcement/Point-Of-Sale
- Require purchase of an ATV TITLE for $30
- Require dealer to secure signature from ATV purchaser that they
"understand the law."
- REGISTRATION- ALL ATV's (being used off personal property) register annually
at the fees of: instate $67 out of state $87.
- License plate attached to ATV.
Operator Requirements
- ALL operators will have to be a member of a "licensed club" by end
of 2004.
- ALL operators must complete state approved education program.
- PENALTIES to be increased and points on drivers licenses for violations.
- Fish and Game
- Continue to be primary enforcement
- A portion of increased fees to be dedicated to enforcement activities and
involvement of local policing agencies.
- Financial Assumptions: The fee increases will provide an additional
$875,000.
Other policies:
- Amphibious vehicles and ATV's larger than 50 inches wide and over 800 pounds
be prohibited.
- Licensed Clubs: Individual clubs would be licensed through the Trails Bureau
for a one to three year period to
- Oversee and maintenance of one or more trails and held accountable for
preagreed standards of performance. If the club failed to meet those
standards, it could loose it's license and the trail(s) it was responsible for
closed.
- The club would be covered under the state liability policy and be
responsible for maintenance, signage, monitoring, education and as possible,
enforcement.
This is a lot of stuff folks. Read it, ask questions, look for things you are
concerned about and be ready to properly address these issues when you come
before the committee. I will be writing up an ASSOCIATION response to present.
All suggestions are welcome. DO NOT FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS THE BASIS OF
WHAT WILL BECOME LAW. THIS AFFECTS YOU TODAY AND YOUR CHILDREN IN THE FUTURE!
Richard Goudarzi
Executive
Director,
Granite State ATV
Association
PO Box 2181
Concord, NH
03302-2181
603-223-9714
office/fax
603-225-3536 home
RichardGSATVA@aol.com
"Ride as if everyone was watching--talk as if everyone is
listening"