(Submitted Peter Sandstrom, 4/3/02)

 

As of this date HB-1273 has passed the House and is now working it's way through the Senate. On next Tuesday, 4/9/02 this bill will appear before the Senate  WILDLIFE & RECREATION committee. What follows  is the GSATV (the unified political voice for wheeled OHRVs in the state of NH) psotion on this bill as it now stands:

What The Wheeled OHRV Community Opposes In HB-1273
  1. The Course and Fine Filter- The GSATVA opposes the current "Coarse and Fine Filter Criteria" as is written. Current technical data regarding erosion, water quality, and wildlife, as well as data from long-term use studies, has not been included in the evaluation, and therefore we believe the criteria to be flawed by lack of current best available scientific data.
  2. Wintertime GIA Trail Ban; i.e. the Spang Amendment- The GSATVA opposes the "Spang amendment" to the bill. It denigrates 25 years of tradition and trust between landowners and responsible users, and moves against the "original intent of the bill" by shutting down current riding areas for wheeled OHRV’s.
  3. Separate Accounts for 2-wheeled and 4-wheeled OHRVs- The GSATVA position is that there should only be two accounts; wheeled and non-wheeled.
  4. Proposed OHRV Sticker Fee Increase Schedule- The GSATVA position is that the fees should be raised to $45 resident ($60 non-resident) for all OHRV users regardless of type of vehicle.
  5. Disclosure Statement- The GSATVA opposes the requirement for dealers and rental agents to be required to provide the "disclosure statement" to all purchasers and or renters of ATV/Trail bikes.

What The Wheeled OHRV Community Feels Must Be Changed To Support HB-1273
  1. Single Land Easement/Purchase GIA Rollover Account
  2. Removal of the Wintertime Trail Ban; i.e. the Spang Amendment
  3. Merger of 2 & 4 Wheel Accounts To One Account
  4. Amend OHRV Wheeled Fee Increase Schedule

 

To influence the outcome of this contest, and to get this bill either amended to make suitable for us to support,  or to simply get the bill killed, please take the time to... 

1. Call your Senator-  and tell them you are opposed to this bill for the reasons outlined above.  A list of all the NH sate senators can be found at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members

2. Mail your Senator- Here is a generic opposition letter you can use to mail to your Senator...

_________________________________________________________________

Date

Name

Address

City, State Zip Code

Phone number

Dear Senator [ ],

I am writing to oppose HB 1273-FN as it is currently written on these major points as commented on by the Granite State ATV Association of which I am a member:

  1. The Course and Fine Filter- The GSATVA opposes the current "Coarse and Fine Filter Criteria" as is written. Current technical data regarding erosion, water quality, and wildlife, as well as data from long-term use studies, has not been included in the evaluation, and therefore we believe the criteria to be flawed by lack of current best available scientific data.
  2. Wintertime GIA Trail Ban; i.e. the Spang Amendment- The GSATVA opposes the "Spang amendment" to the bill. It denigrates 25 years of tradition and trust between landowners and responsible users, and moves against the "original intent of the bill" by shutting down current riding areas for wheeled OHRV’s.
  3. Separate Accounts for 2-wheeled and 4-wheeled OHRVs- The GSATVA position is that there should only be two accounts; wheeled and non-wheeled.
  4. Proposed OHRV Sticker Fee Increase Schedule- The GSATVA position is that the fees should be raised to $45 resident ($60 non-resident) for all OHRV users regardless of type of vehicle.
  5. Disclosure Statement- The GSATVA opposes the requirement for dealers and rental agents to be required to provide the "disclosure statement" to all purchasers and or renters of ATV/Trail bikes.

As a person required by law to pay a user fee to recreate on New Hampshire public lands, I oppose this legislation as it unduly increases my user fees, restricts my family recreational opportunity, is flawed in scientific data, and is an economic burden on retailers. I respectfully request you return this Amendment to HB 1273-FN:

    1. Back to the committee with recommendations for further study -OR
    2. Find it inexpedient to legislation. -OR
    3. Accept and incorporate the recommended changes to the amendment as made by the GSATVA

Thank you for your consideration of my recommendations and I welcome any direct contact to discuss this matter in more depth.

Sincerely yours,

 

[Signature]

Address

Home or work phone number

            _________________________________________________________________

 

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