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| USDA Forest Service, Medicine Bow & Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin |
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Contact: Mary Ann Chambers 307 745-2408 or Curt Orde 307 745-2300
THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR GOING OFF-ROAD ILLEGALLY
(Laramie, Wyo.) - October 06, 2003 - The Forest Service is winning the battle of protecting resources on National Forests in court. These past weeks, Forest Service Law Enforcement officers have been in court and collected restitution from violators to rehabilitate riparian areas where they have gone off road. "That is money the government does not have to take away from other important projects to repair what illegal off roaders are tearing up," says District Ranger, Clint Kyhl.
Frank Hanson of Laramie, Wyoming and Sean Musselman of Pahrump, Nevada both appeared in federal magistrate court in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Both were convicted of damaging natural resources on the National Forest as a result of driving off-road. They were ordered to pay $450.00 and $300.00, respectively to recoup damages and rehabilitate disturbed areas to National Forest System Land resources,
Word is getting out that the Forest Service is towing vehicles that are off road illegally and vehicle owners have to go to court and pay for rehabilitation of the land. "Education, information and enforcement are paying off," said Curt Orde, Forest Service law enforcement officer.
Responsible recreationists need to pay attention to the rules. Motorized vehicles must remain on open and designated roads. Designated roads have a numbered and or lettered post. Closed roads include two tracked trails that are not marked. All terrain vehicles (ATV) must also stay on open, designated roads. ATVs must have a license plate or Wyoming off highway vehicle (OHV) sticker. ATVs can only be operated by a licensed or permitted driver. Driving off road is a Federal Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 dollars, six months in jail, or both. If a person has questions or wishes to report illegal activity they are encouraged to call the Forest Service at 307 745-2300.
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Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, Wyoming 82670
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