Minnesotans For Responsible Recreation (res13)
Minnesota is experiencing an explosion of motorized recreation. Snowmobiles, jet skis, and off-highway vehicles are turning our trails and waterways into raceways. One statewide organization, Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation (MRR), is saying "Enough is enough!" MRR was founded to give a united voice to those concerned about problems created by snowmobiles, jet skis, and off-highway vehicles. Our goal is to pass common sense legislation, to require common sense enforcement, and to promote common sense behavior that guarantees the personal safety and the quiet enjoyment of Minnesota for the majority of its citizens. Following is a summary of MRR's draft comprehensive legislation on motorized recreation.
Application of the Uniform Vehicle Code to Motorized Recreational Vehicles: The uniform vehicle code shall apply to all snowmobiles, jet-skis, all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off road motorcycles when they are used on public lands, roads, trails, and waterways. This includes: endorsements on drivers licenses for operation of these vehicles, age limits, yearly registration of these vehicles, registration fees based on the value of the vehicle, mandatory liability insurance, revocation of licenses for repeated counts of driving while intoxicated, emissions and noise standards, etc. This shall not prohibit local governments from making stronger regulations.
Explanation: Everyone knows what it means to operate an automobile safely and that there are consequences for failing to, do so. Applying the same set of standards and expectations to the operation of motorized recreational vehicles will reduce injury and protect public safety. This concept is supported by the State Sheriff's Association and the House Majority Leader.
Funding for Enforcement of Motorized Recreation Laws An enforcement agency shall be created specifically to regulate the use of motorized recreational vehicles . This agency can be a division of an existing law enforcement agency. This agency shall be funded from revenues generated by motorized recreation. No state or federal money shall be spent on motorized recreational trail development until enforcement is adequately funded.
Explanation: Laws are meaningless without effective, consistent enforcement. Users of motorized recreational vehicle, especially snowmobilers, have claimed they are able to police themselves, but with the increase of dangerous and lawless behavior, this is obviously not true.
Gas Tax Refund Reform: The amount of gas tax refunded to the motorized recreation fund must be based on the actual number of motorized recreational vehicles registered in the State and the actual gas used by motorized recreational vehicles for off-road use.
Explanation: In February of 1997 there were 435 registered off-road vehicles in Minnesota yet their DNR account received approximately $750,000 in refunded gas tax. At that same time there were 298 registered off-highway motorcycles whose DNR account received approximately $190,000 in gas tax refund. These were 86,929 registered ATVs received $620,000. For fiscal year 1998 it is estimated the motorized recreation account will receive $11,808,000 in refunded gas tax. This money needs to be based on registered vehicles and actual gas consumed in off-road use not "estimates."
Grant in Aid Refund Reform: The Grant -in-Aid Trail system must undergo a thorough and independent audit with appropriate reforms to follow any abuse of funds found. Organizations or individuals found to have misused Grant-in-Aid dollars are no longer eligible for Grant-in-Aid funds.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) Off-highway vehicles (4x4s, off-road motorcycles, ATVs) cannot be used for recreation on public lands. Allowed uses on public lands include use by hunters to get to and from hunting locations, DNR use, law enforcement use and other uses to accomplish a legitimate or necessary goal. Their use as recreation on private lands or use for agricultural purposes shall not be affected by this law.
Explanation: OHV use of trails during the spring thaw and after rains can cause severe erosion problems. They are also in use during the summer when trail use by hikers and horseback riders is at its peak.
Snowmobiles: Tlle speed limit for snowmobiles shall be 30 m.p.h.
Explanation: The state of Vermont has a speed limit of 30 m.p.h. and experienced no deaths last winter.
No carbide traction devices (studs) are allowed on snowmobiles in Minnesota.
Explanation: Studs do severe damage to paved trails and roads. The Paul Bunyan Trail experienced 10 years of wear in 2 years due to carbide studs.
Snowmobiling is not allowed on paved trails.
Explanation: Snowmobiles damage and shorten the life of paved trails. This is unfair to other trail users, especially bikers and in-line skaters who need a smooth trail to best enjoy their sport
Jet Skis: There shall be a moratorium on jet-skis on all Minnesota lakes. Local government can lift the moratorium. The smallest unit of government in which the boundaries of a lake in fall has ultimate jurisdiction on the matter. There shall be statewide minimum standards for lakes on which the moratorium is lifted. These statewide minimum standards will include:
· Emission and noise standards;
· Quiet water designation for lakes below a minimum size on which jet-ski use will be prohibited;
· Jet-skis are not allowed on narrow, shallow or fragile waterways where their operation prohibits other uses such as fishing or paddling or disrupts wildlife;
·Their use is limited to 11 am to 4 pm Monday-Saturday and prohibited on Sunday; and Jet-skis must operate 600 ft. from shore.
Explanation: Jet-skis are the number one complaint to the DNR yet there are very few restrictions placed on them. Local units of government are the best able to judge whether or not jet skis are appropriate for their lakes.
Closing: MRR advocates recreation that enhances our public and environmental health while preserving peace, quiet, fresh air, and personal safety. Through grassroots organizing statewide, MRR is working to stop the irresponsible growth of motorized recreation. If these issues are important to you, get involved today and make your voice heard. Write MRR , P.O. Box 111, Duluth, MN 55801 or call 218/525-6638.
We at Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation (MRR) now have:
email = mrr@cpinternet.com
website = http://mrr.tsx.org
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