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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday April 29, 1987 - Page 10 things we love. An appreciation of our responsibility and the education to use our machines wisely is not furnished automatically when one purchases an off highway vehicle. To meet the needs of people wishing to use dirt bikes, ATVs, and similar equipment, certain areas have been set aside, usually on public lands other than the National Parks. People looking for this type of activity should seek out these places which allow the use of motorized off highway equipment that is not licensed for highway use. Conversely, people wishing to avoid conflicts with these activities need to seek out those areas which do not allow such use. Laws governing the use of vehicles commonly called ORVs, vehicles, is changing to meet new demands and changing technology. The best way to insure happy experiences is to stay abreast of developments and always check on local regulations. The Utah State Parks, under the Division of Natural Resources, administers the program dealing with ORVs in the State. People can contact any of their offices for the latest state requirements. Local regulations and closures may vary from area to area and everyone is encouraged to check with local offices of the various land off-roa-d Damage caused by ATVs is inspected by Park Ranger Nick Eason. operated off established roads. Off-highw- ay registrations are not valid in the Utah National Parks and no vehicles may be NPS Photo managing agencies before Canyonlands National Park advises ATV users to look elsewhere The changes in regulations covering off highway use by vehicles, dirt bikes and similar vehicles proposed in the last session of the State Legislature may have people confused about where these machines can be used legally. Jim Brady, acting superintendent of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and Natural Bridges National Monument, advises prospective operators to check local regulations and to avoid the National Parks which are closed to off road use and to vehicles which are not registered for highway use. According to Brady, a variety of federal and state agencies offer areas for the whole range of outdoor use. Individuals have the responsibility of all-terra- in checking with the agency managing the land to learn the local laws; to plan for the dos and donts that can go a long way to insure a pleasant outing. National Park Service areas have been mandated by Congress to be preserved in their natural condition. Carefully planned roads, trails and campgrounds accomplish a delicate balance of preservation and use. Because National Parks are to be kept as natural as possible, there are many activities which are inappropriate in the parks. One of the most . pressing problems is off road instances of off road use by four driving by everything from wheel drive vehicles are demountain bikes to Winnebagos. creasing. The mountain bike is a The newest, and by far the newcomer to mechanized regreatest instances of off road creation. Unfortunately, all too use in National Park units is frequently, bike tracks can be from people operating dirt bikes seen cutting through fragile and all terrain vehicles (ATV). soils and across soft places These machines are designed to where the tracks will be visible be used where there is no road. for years. Although some Since ATVs at present are not agencies allow mountain bikes licensed for legal use on a public on hiking trails, the National road, and they may not be used Park Service does not. They are off the roads in a National allowed on dirt roads. Park, the ATV cannot be used Four wheel drive vehicles in the National Parks. This has have long been a problem when upset many a persons vacation driven by persons who do not plans when they arrive in a respect nature. Thanks to park like Canyonlands and find they can not use the machines. public education and the majority of responsible four wheel The best way to insure that you drive users who really do make do not run into these problems an effort to set a good example, is to check with the specific land RUMMAGE SALE management office where you plan to use them. Vehicles operating off established roads cause enormous damage to soils and vegetation. Visual scars remain for years as a constant reminder that we have the ability to destroy the IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH ALL eifirUT, 9 am til 5 pm 9 am til noon LOT? OF GREAT BARGAINS Proceeds to benefit Blue Mountain Entertainment & t I'M R&APY Pl$OJ$e WefAOWTU'e 0IU.6. at Monticello Library Fri, May 8 Sat, May 9 doing any off road driving or using any vehicle that is not registered for highway use. We are seeking the publics understanding and support to eliminate off road use in National Park units, says Brady. Please help us by being part of the solution rather than the problem. WE HAVE Ohae Intermediate Wheat Grass Manchar Brome Grass Nordan Crested Wheat Grass $2.49lb ! Casa de Amor Orphanage Additional donated items may be brought to Monticello Library on Thursday or Friday CARHART FEED & SEED 1987 290 N. Guyrene Dove Creek 677-223- 3 |