Package Aims to Increase Penalties for ORV Abuse, Expand Conservation
Easements, Designate Wilderness in Rocky Mountain National Park and
Protect Front Range Mountain View
April 3, 2001 Washington, D.C. - Citing problems caused by Colorado's
population growth and urban sprawl, Congressman Mark Udall (D-CO)
today introduced a package of four bills addressing the federal government's
role in protecting open space. This open space package includes legislation
to improve management of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on public land,
to purchase conservation easements and to protect Rocky Mountain National
Park and the Front Range mountain view.
This package, along with legislation Udall introduced earlier this
year to promote telecommuting (H.R. 1035) and preserve roadless areas
in the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest (H.R. 552), are part of an
on-going effort Udall has been engaged in to look for constructive
ways the federal government can help Colorado with its growth challenges.
"The question of how Colorado will grow is largely a matter
for state and local decision makers," said Udall. "But an
important component is preserving open space and protecting open lands,
and that is where the federal government can play a positive role.
What I am trying to do in Congress is look for ways to make this happen."
The Responsible Off-road Vehicle Enforcement and Response Act (ROVER
Act), would authorize the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
of Agriculture to assess fines of up to $10,000 or the costs of restoration,
whichever is greater, for violation of ORV regulations. The current
provisions for imprisonment of upto 12 months in jail would be retained.
It would also authorize the Secretaries to apply any funds acquired
from recreational ORV violations to the costs of enforcing off-road
violations, increasing public awareness of the problem, and to repair
damages to lands affected by such violations.
