10/29/2009 – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today awarded state snowmobile trail grants totaling $200,000 to nine local governments and to the statewide snowmobile association for trail maintenance, equipment, and safety improvements for public-access snowmobile trails in Illinois. 

“Snowmobiling in Illinois is enjoyed by thousands of people annually and we always talk about the importance of safety.  This money will help maintain trails and help keep snowmobilers safe this coming season.” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. 

The state snowmobile grant program is funded entirely by snowmobilers through the registration fees they pay.  There are nearly 38,000 registered snowmobiles in Illinois.

The snowmobile grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Applications for the next round of grants are available by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271, or by calling 217/782-7481.  Applications are accepted March 1-May 1.

The Snowmobile Grant Program recipients and project information for Fiscal Year 2010 are listed below:

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Blackhawk Park District (Carroll County), $15,000 to upgrade and maintain the snowmobile trail between Stockton and Elizabeth. Funds will be used to repair/replace four snowmobile trail bridges and to add gates and posts.

Flagg-Rochelle Park District (Ogle County), $11,085 to acquire a 1.7 mile-long, 40-foot wide corridor adjacent to a proposed bike path in Rochelle.

Freeport Park District (Stephenson County), $8,000 for the out-of-pocket operation and maintenance costs involved with the grooming and maintenance of the area’s public snowmobile trails.  

Knox County Sheriff’s Department (Knox County), $3,100 to buy heavy cloth orange safety vests, and a portable generator to provide electricity for a command trailer.

Lena Community Park District (Stephenson County), $16,000 to purchase and replace two rubber tracks on a Tucker-Terra 1000 snowmobile groomer and to help cover operation and maintenance costs involved with the use of the snowmobile groomer. 

Lena Community Park District (Stephenson County), $2,550 to purchase materials to construct a snowmobile bridge, 200 snowmobile trail signs for better marking trails and posts.

Loran Township (Stephenson County), $5,250 to repair seven small snowmobile bridges and to purchase 500 snowmobile trail signs and posts to better mark the area’s public snowmobile trails.           

City of Morrison (Whiteside County), $11,085 for the development of a 10-foot wide, eight-tenths of a mile long aggregate trail that extends northward from the edge of town.  The eventual plan is to develop a trail that will reach Morrison- Rockwood State Park. 

Rockford Park District (Winnebago County), $40,820 to install a new snowmobile bridge, to repair four existing snowmobile bridges, and to purchase snowmobile trail signs and posts to better mark the area’s public snowmobile trails.

City of Savanna (Carroll County), $7,110 to purchase snowmobile trail signs and posts to mark two new public snowmobile trails.  One trail will extend from Savanna to Mt. Carroll and the other will extend from Savanna to Thomson. 

SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs, Inc. (IASC), $80,000 to partially reimburse them for their annual cost of maintaining liability insurance that is required on all public snowmobile trails in Illinois. 

Kayla Lien, 19, and Macy McCormick, 18, both of Foley, were riding an ATV in a housing development near Duelm and east of St. Cloud, on July 2, when the ATV left the road and struck a tree. Neither was wearing a helmet. Neither had completed ATV safety training.

McCormick, the driver of the ATV, was treated for non-threatening injuries. Lien, the passenger, died. She was the sixth Minnesotan and second teenager to die in an ATV incident this year.

Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Education Program coordinator, said many fatalities could be avoided if people followed safety guidelines and took advantage of ATV safety training classes.

“Operators require special knowledge and training to be able to use an ATV safety,” Hammer said. “ATV safety training is important for everyone, regardless of age.”

Anyone who wants to operate an ATV on public lands in Minnesota and is16 or older and born after July 1, 1987, must successfully complete the independent study ATV Safety Training CD.

Those ages 12-15 must complete the ATV Safety Training CD and attend an ATV Safety Class before riding on public lands. Request a Youth/Adult ATV Training CD by calling 651-296-6157 or toll free 888-646-6367.

The DNR provides guidelines for reducing the risks involved with ATVs:

• Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride on one as a passenger.
• Do not drive ATVs on paved roads. They are unstable on paved roads because the big, low- pressure tires can cause the machine to flip.
• ATVs are not toys and can be hazardous to operate. Supervise your youngster’s operation of the ATV at all times.
• ATV operators less than 18 years old must wear an approved safety helmet, except when operating on private property. To prevent head injuries, everyone should wear a helmet.
• An ATV handles differently from other vehicles. Even routine maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills and over obstacles, can lead to serious injury if you fail to take proper precautions. With preparation and practice, operators can safely develop and expand their riding skills.
• Youth need to “fit” the machine. A 60- to- 120 pound youth and a 600-pound ATV are a  mismatch.
• The 2008-2009 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation booklet is available online.

Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated state ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.

“We currently have 32 trail sponsors that maintain more than 3,300 miles of state designated ORV trails and routes statewide,” said Steve Kubisiak, DNR Recreation and Trails Program coordinator. “We depend on these partnerships to maintain the trails, and encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to help us maintain Michigan’s great ORV trail system.”

Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route and scramble area development proposals also will be considered.

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2009. Any public agency or nonprofit incorporated club or organization seeking an application should contact: DNR-FMFM, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909. The forms are available on the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Under the Grant Programs menu, select “Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program,” and then “Forms and Publications.” Applications also may be requested by calling (517) 373-1275.

Questions about the ORV program and application requirements should be directed to the ORV program staff in the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909, or by calling (517) 373-1665.

A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding. For more information on ORV law enforcement grant opportunities, contact Maureen Houghton at (517) 373-2965, or visit the DNR Web site.

The ORV Trail Improvement Fund is made possible by 100 percent user fees that support the program for trail maintenance and development, resource damage restoration and law enforcement.

Vehicle operators should reduce speed in construction areas (particularly at night) and be aware of such hidden dangers as equipment, silt fences, wood survey stakes, steel right-of-way-markers, brush piles, sedimentation ponds, and boulders. Some of this material may remain months after construction activity ceases.

State snowmobile regulations allow riders to operate on outside ditch slopes and ditch bottoms but prohibit operation on roadways, shoulders and the inner slopes of a state or county road. Regulations also prohibit operation on the medians of four-lane highways and within the rights of way of any interstate highway.

Regulations also prohibit riders from operating against traffic at night within highway right of ways.

ATV operators must possess a valid driver’s license where it’s legal to drive on highway right-of-ways such as slopes and ditches, and when crossing roads. Minnesota residents born after December 31, 1976 must have a snowmobile safety certificate in their possession, or a snowmobile safety certificate indicator on their driver’s license or on their Minnesota ID card, to operate a snowmobile in Minnesota.

As a result, most state forest lands located inside the Superior National Forest (with several exceptions) will be classified as “limited” and state lands outside will retain their current “managed” motor vehicle classification.

This classification change will take effect Sept. 1, 2009. “Limited” means roads and trails are closed unless posted (signed) open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. In “managed” forests, roads and trails are open to motorized use unless posted closed. State lands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will remain “closed” to all motor vehicle use.

The DNR worked closely with U.S. Forest Service and St. Louis County representatives to develop this plan in an effort to improve consistency across public forest ownerships, said Jim Rupert, acting forestry regional manager in Grand Rapids.

“The purpose of the plan is to protect resources and provide places for both OHV riding and non-motorized use,” said Rupert.

Exceptions to the plan include Kabetogama State Forest, which will remain classified as managed in its entirety, including that portion located inside National Forest boundaries. Other exceptions include eight special sites totaling just over 8,300 acres (state lands) that will have restricted motor vehicle access due primarily to a long history of predominantly non-motorized use.

Nearly 200 miles of state forest roads will be designated under the plan, as will 32 miles of DNR hunter walking trails and nearly 13 miles of OHV trails, including portions of both the Taconite and Arrowhead State Trails. No changes are planned to other area snowmobile trails.

About 35 miles of existing, unsustainable routes (those that cannot sustain motorized use) will be closed year-round to vehicular traffic. Another 63 miles of routes will remain non-designated. Non-designated trails in limited forests are closed to motor vehicles, except for licensed hunters and trappers who may use vehicles seasonally for those activities. Non-designated routes in managed forests remain open to vehicle use year-round.

“Every effort was made to retain traditional motor access into the area, while meeting forest management objectives and environmental protection considerations,” Rupert said.

The plan was developed in response to a legislative directive to re-examine vehicle use in all 58 state forests. The final forest classification and route designation plan and maps are available at www.mndnr.gov.

More information is available from Brian McCann, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052, 651-259-5627, or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The restrictions apply to off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles such as Jeeps and four-wheel-drive trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a licensed deer hunter.

In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. (The 2008 Series deer season map is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html under Maps.)

The riding restrictions do not apply to OHV use by deer hunters possessing a valid firearms deer hunting license.  They may operate an OHV during the following times: before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise); from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

Wearing blaze orange is recommended during the firearms deer season when visiting Minnesota’s forest lands, said Capt. Mike Hammer, Education Program coordinator for the DNR Enforcement Division.

“See and be seen; it’s a common sense thing to do,” Hammer said. “The DNR urges all hunters heading afield for the firearms deer season to think about safety first.”

“The purpose of the plan is to protect resources and to provide places for both OHV riding and non-motorized use,” said Scott Kelling, DNR Trails and Waterways manager, Tower.

FOREST CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

Effective Dec. 31, 2009, the part of the Sturgeon River State Forest within the Superior National Forest (about 40 percent) will be classified as limited. Limited means roads and trails are closed unless posted (signed) open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use.

The remainder will be classified as managed, except for the Sand Creek tributaries area. Managed means roads and trails are open to motorized use unless posted (signed) closed.

The 9,033-acre Sand Creek tributaries area contains the headwater tributaries of Sand Creek, a DNR-designated trout stream, and a number of popular hunting trails. State and county-managed lands in the area will be closed to motor vehicle use. This effort will also lead to expanded and improved walking trails in the area.

FOREST ROAD AND TRAIL DESIGINATIONS

Nearly 30 miles of state forest roads will be newly designated under the plan, as will 26 miles of hunter walking trails, and nearly 13 miles of OHV trails. No changes are planned to area snowmobile trails.

About 40 miles of inventoried routes will be closed year-round to vehicular traffic, and another 16 miles of routes will remain non-designated. Non-designated trails are closed to motor vehicle use, except for licensed hunters and trappers who use vehicles seasonally for those activities.

This plan does not include designation of 4.7 miles of the Taconite State Trail for OHV use (part of the original proposal). That proposal will likely be part of an amendment of the existing Master Plan for the Taconite State Trail, which will include further resource and public review.

The plan does not include any trail connections to the Pine Tree Road near Perch Lake. Local residents expressed concerns about enforcement in that area and the DNR responded by closing those routes.

PLAN AND MAPS AVAILABLE

The final forest classification and route designation plan and maps are available at www.mndnr.gov or at www.findthetrails.com. For more information, contact Brian McCann,

DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052, 651-259-5627 or

888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The Commissioner’s Order effects recreational riding on DNR forest trails but does not impact OHV use for big game hunting. Vehicles affected by the restrictions include all terrain vehicles, off road motorcycles, and off road vehicles such as jeeps and four-wheel-drive trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a licensed deer hunter.

The purpose of the restriction is to protect recreational OHV riders from potentially unsafe riding conditions and, to minimize conflicts between deer hunters seeking a quiet deer hunting experience and recreational riders who may inadvertently interrupt the hunt.

In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In the Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. See the 2008 deer season map at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html

There are no recreational OHV trails in southeastern Minnesota that remain open during the deer season so no additional restrictions are necessary in the southern part of the state.

This new restriction is in addition to the restricted hours of use that have been in effect in previous years. Deer hunters possessing a valid deer hunting license can operate an OHV 1) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise), 2) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3) after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

While many recreational OHV riders have voluntarily opted not to ride forest trails during deer hunting and small game seasons, OHV riding has become a year-around sport for many. That’s why Commissioner Holsten, reminds everyone who visits state forests in the fall to always consider safety first.

The hotline number, 515-281-8385, will have the most up-to-date information available to the public 24 hours a day.

As issues arise with the parks, changes can be made without needing to wait for the information on the internet to be updated, although the web site with park closure information, www.iowaohv.com, will still be maintained and updated.

FWP manages the annual grant program, administering funds appropriated by the Montana Legislature.  The program funding—derived from one-eighth of one percent of the distributor’s gasoline license tax, registration-decal fees, dealer registration, and nonresident-permit fees—supports OHV law enforcement, a statewide safety and ethics education program, and the OHV grants program.

Examples of eligible grant projects include maintenance of existing OHV trails, signing, ethics education, noxious weed control adjacent to trails, enforcement, and route mapping.

Comments on the grant applications may be made through Monday, Sept. 15 by email to: rpaige [at] mt [dot] gov   or by mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Parks Division, Off Highway Vehicle Program, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

To review a list of the applications for OHV grants, go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page under Grant Programs.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game recognize the growing popularity of motorized recreation and desire by motorized vehicle users for appropriate recreational opportunities.

Both agencies want to clarify where and when OHV use is legal and appropriate, and to inform OHV users of a new state law which has prompted some upcoming changes in OHV management.

A variety of opportunities are available on public land for OHV use, including the larger UTVs. OHV owners should consult the appropriate land management agency for travel restrictions in the area they plan to ride. Each agency has its own guidelines or regulations for travel.

Some trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are open to two wheeled motorized travel, and some limit vehicles to a maximum width of 50 inches. All vehicles wider than 50 inches are limited to roads open to motorized travel and subject to licensing requirements.

In the past, many UTV owners thought they could register their vehicle with an OHV sticker and legally operate on the road. It was confusing for just about everybody, but a new law passed during the 2008 legislative session will remedy this situation.

Beginning January 1, 2009, a restricted use license plate will be available to all OHVs, including UTVs. This new plate, in combination with the OHV registration sticker, will allow all OHVs to operate on Forest Service roads unless the land manager specifically prohibits such use.

On Bureau of Land Management lands some motorized routes and areas, such as the St. Anthony sand dunes, are open to UTVs with a current OHV registration sticker. Other motorized routes are limited to 48 inches in width. Roads on BLM lands are similar to Forest Service roads and require a license plate.

After January 1, 2009, the new restricted-use license plate will allow use on roads unless specifically prohibited.

It is the operator’s responsibility to know before they go. On federal land it is important for all OHV users to check with their local land managers to identify the legal areas of operation. In most areas maps are available to assist in the identification of legal routes.

The new restricted-use license plate will also allow OHVs legal access to city and county roads. These local jurisdictions may prohibit certain roads from OHV use after a public meeting and an ordinance passed. The new law does not allow OHVs to operate on any state or federal highways.

In addition to vehicle type trail designations, some roads and trails may also be limited by seasonal restrictions. For example, some land managers may close roads or trails to any motorized travel during various times of the year to control big game vulnerability during the hunting season, to benefit wintering wildlife or to protect the trail surface during wet conditions. Most seasonal closures can be identified on the land managers travel map.

Idaho Fish and Game generally limits the use of OHVs on its wildlife management areas to established open roads – exceptions are Andrus and Craig Mountain WMAs – and also restrict the use of OHVs as an aid to hunting in certain game management units.

Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game suggest OHV recreationists not keep their OHVs parked in their driveways, but make sure they know the rules for enjoying them legally. Check with the appropriate land management agencies; acquire travel maps geared for off-road recreation, and pay attention to signage on public lands. Or contact the nearest Idaho Parks and Recreation office for information on OHV recreation in Idaho.

Permission is always necessary from a land owner for travel on private property.

Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho’s New OHV Law

Q. I am an Idaho resident and heard that license plates are going to be required on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, owners of off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs will be required to buy a restricted use plate for $3 if they will be operating those machines on public land or on public roads. They are not allowed on state and federal highways or federal interstates. The plate is valid for seven years. Exemptions exist for motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.

Q. How big is the restricted use plate?
A. The plate will be the same size and material as the current plate used on motorcycles. The plate will be white with black lettering and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Q. What happened to the $10 OHV sticker?
A. The OHV sticker will now be smaller and must be affixed to the restricted use plate on the rear of the vehicle. The sticker will be valid for one year.

Q. Do I need both a “restricted use” plate and an off-highway vehicle sticker?
A. Yes. Exemptions include motorcycles with a displacement of 50cc or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.

Q. Where can I ride with my restricted use plate and OHV sticker?
A. All state or federal roads, excluding state and federal highways and interstates, will be open to off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs with a restricted use plate and current year OHV sticker unless a local ordinance is adopted to close a road to such use or otherwise determined closed by a federal land manager. Designated OHV riding areas, areas open to cross-country motorized travel and designated motorized trail systems on public land will require both the restricted use plate and the OHV sticker.

Q. I converted my off-highway motorcycle to a regular motorcycle and already have a red, white and blue motorcycle plate on it from ITD. Does this mean I now need two plates on my bike?
A. No. Only one plate is necessary. To ride on trails, you will still need the $10 OHV sticker and must affix it to your existing motorcycle license plate. This is in addition to the current motorcycle license plate registration sticker provided by Idaho Transportation Department with the motorcycle plate.

Q. How does this new law affect non-residents?
A. Nothing was changed to the non-resident registration requirements. Non-residents are not required to register in Idaho unless they have operated within the state for more than 30 days.

Q. Does this law allow children to ride on roads?
A. No. When traveling on roads, operators of an off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV must have a valid driver’s license, carry liability insurance and have a vehicle equipped with the required equipment to do so.

Q. What required equipment must I have on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV to travel on a road?
A. The required equipment is still being determined. Current code requires a number of items including a mirror, a working brake light, and a horn audible at 200 feet.

Q. Where do I get plates and stickers in 2009?
A. On January 1, 2009, you must buy the restricted use plate and OHV sticker from the Idaho Transportation Department. Specifically your county assessor’s automobile licensing office.

Q. What do I need to take with me to obtain both plates and stickers?
A. You will need to have your vehicle identification number with you if it is currently titled in Idaho. If your vehicle isn’t titled in Idaho, you will need to contact your county assessor’s automobile licensing office and begin the titling process with ITD.

Q. Where do I go to renew my OHV sticker in 2010?
A. All Idaho Parks and Recreation registration vendors, including county assessor automobile licensing offices, OHV dealers and other businesses that sell OHV registration stickers, will be able to issue the OHV renewal stickers.

For additional information please call your county assessor’s automobile licensing office or the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in Boise at 208-334-4199, in Coeur d’Alene at 208-769-1511, and in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7121.

For additional information contact Troy Elmore of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-514-2411 or Mark Gamblin of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will erect the gates and attempt to reverse problems with rutting in fields and damage to preferred vegetation by improving a 350-acre tract of open grassland for rabbits, ground nesting birds and migratory bird species. AGFC will eradicate non-native grass species and restore native vegetation to enhance wildlife habitat.

Although motorized vehicles are prohibited, foot traffic is welcome. A parking area will be developed to provide access to the small game area. The Corps’ Little Rock District manages Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding public lands to meet the needs of human and natural communities for present and future generations.

For more information, call the Corps’ Russellville Project Office at (479) 968-5008 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.

“We currently maintain more than 3,100 miles of designated ORV trails and routes statewide,” said Steve Kubisiak, DNR recreation and trails program coordinator. “We encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to help us maintain Michigan’s great ORV trail system.”

Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route and scramble area development proposals also will be considered.

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2008. Any public agency or nonprofit, incorporated club or organization seeking an application should contact DNR Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909; (517) 373-9125. Forms also are available online at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants.

Questions about the ORV program and application requirements should be directed to ORV program staff in DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909; (517) 373-1665.

A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding. For more information on ORV enforcement grant opportunities, contact Maureen Kay Houghton at (517) 373-2965 or visit the DNR Web site.

Streambed disturbance in public waters has been prohibited for many years and these amendments provide new specific penalties. The amendments include defining the offense as a Class II violation under Code section 49-7-143. This increases the upper limit of the fine for conviction to $500 and offers prosecutors and judges the use of jail time as punishment for offenders who illegally ride down streams, following the meanders and causing damage to the streambed.

Damage to streambeds includes rutting from tires, and the suspension of sediment that then blankets the stream bottom, covering fish eggs and food sources for newly hatched fish and other aquatic animals. The normal and usual fording (crossing) of streams for legitimate agricultural, forestry or recreational purposes is not prohibited.

Additional changes make it illegal for any person to offer permission in exchange for a fee to ride prohibited vehicles down streams that are public waterways. This crime is also a Class II violation. In the past, illegal stream riding has been treated as a form of trespassing and the cooperation of landowners has been necessary. The changes in the law allow sheriffs and conservation officers to act independently when they find it necessary to write citations for violators who ride down the beds of public waters.

These amendments are a recognition that damage occurs to the public fishery resource when people ride vehicles down the beds of streams. Streams in Mississippi that have at least 100 cubic feet per second mean annual flow are public waterways, and most of these streams flow over private land. The public resources meant to be shared by citizens and protected by law are the water itself, the fish and other animals living in it. The law affords a right to fish and engage in water sports, so recreational users can float on the water in boats or tubes, swim, wade and fish in the state’s public waters.  Driving down a streambed with a wheeled vehicle is not a water sport. This activity damages the very public resources that the Public Waterways Law gives access to and is meant to conserve.

The amendments were supported by the Mississippi Forestry Association in partnership with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. A public education campaign will accompany the change in the law. Changes in people’s behavior can follow a better understanding of the public resources that they as Mississippi citizens enjoy.