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http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12020570

denver and the west
ATV bill tightens rules for riders
New Mexico lawmakers send the compromise bill to Gov. Richardson.
By Susan Montoya Bryan
The Associated Press
Posted: 03/29/2009 12:30:00 AM MDT
Updated: 03/29/2009 01:05:08 AM MDT


ALBUQUERQUE — Landowners wanted stiff penalties for the unruly off-
roaders who were cutting their fences and harassing their livestock,
while child-safety advocates sought an age limit that would prevent
children from riding all-terrain vehicles.

Off-road enthusiasts, meanwhile, worried that their rights were about
to be trampled and that efforts to overhaul New Mexico's off-highway
vehicle law would make it tougher for the next generation of riders to
enjoy the state's backcountry.

After 60 days of many meetings and much hand-wringing, the dust has
cleared.

It's now up to Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, to decide whether to
sign into law legislation that some say evolved more than any other
bill heard during the session.

The legislation transfers oversight of the state's laws governing all-
terrain and off-road vehicles from the Tourism Department and a board
of more than two dozen people to the New Mexico Game and Fish
Department.

The measure also allows for higher trail-use fees — which must be used
for education and enforcement activities — and it prohibits off-
roaders from interfering with agricultural practices and harassing or
chasing livestock in a way that could hurt the animal.

And in addition to the usual safety tips and trail rules, certified
OHV trainers must teach their students how to be responsible with
respect to the environment, private property and the rural lifestyles
that still permeate much of New Mexico.

However, gone is the language that would have prohibited children
under 14 from riding all-terrain vehicles or other off-road
recreational vehicles with four or more tires. Also gone are some of
the high-priced penalties for violating certain provisions of the law.