The Washington County Board of Commissioners March 28 reviewed the impact of an ordinance which prohibits all-terrain vehicles from riding in Washington County ditches and other public right-of-ways. In January of 2004 the board passed County Ordinance 168, which prohibits the recreational use of ATVís in the county right-of-way. Commissioners stipulated that a follow-up study be performed in two years. Assistant County Engineer Wayne Sandberg said last week the ordinance was successful in greatly reducing the damage done to county right-of-ways and reduced the need for sheriffís response to ATV issues. The ordinance had little impact on the number of new registrations for ATVís in Washington County. Public comment from mailings and on the county web site was divided, with 47 percent in favor of the ordinance and 21 percent opposed. The remaining 32 percent were neutral about the ordinance but requested designated areas for people to ride ATVs within the county. The transportation department recommended the county continue the ban, but be open to proposals from the State Department of Natural Resources and other local ATV clubs regarding expanding trail opportunities.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605