Sportsmen who had been upset with the illegal use of vehicles on public lands Thursday celebrated the signing of Colorado House Bill 1069, a law that allows Division of Wildlife officers to issue citations on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Complaints had mounted over the incursion of off-road vehicles into closed areas, particularly during big-game hunting season. The measure signed by Gov. Bill Ritter adds the muscle of wildlife officers to the ongoing efforts to keep such activity in check.
The measure, in place for a period of five years, in no way impacts the ability of any vehicle user to access roadways open to the public.
While the measure was amended from its original form, much of the punch remains. “It’s close enough and contains lots of safeguards. It’s something we can live with,” said Rob Firth, DOW’s chief of law enforcement.
Firth emphasized that his officers won’t specifically seek out off-road violations. They’ll also allow time for appropriate signs to be posted, along with updated maps and information.
“We’ll handle what comes our way. I think there’ll be a significant deterrent once word gets out we’re writing tickets,” Firth said.
