| New Mexico Off-Highway
Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA- <http://www.nmohva.org/index.html>
wanted us to notify all our members and supporters
in the Land of Enchantment about a bill in the NM
state legislature. Joanne Spivack, President of
NMOHVA, is concerned about several provisions in
Senate Bill 252 and House Bill 460. Among her concerns
are that the bills establish a Trail Safety Board,
but does not give adequate representation to OHV
users. Apparently, the legislation allows people
who occupy OHV seats on the Board not to have to
be OHV user representatives.
The bills also increase OHV sticker fees. The
current OHV registration is $5 per year. The new
fees would be $8.50 per year AND add a 'user fee'
of not more than $15 per year. Under the new bill,
the maximum fee would be $23.50 per year.
The NMOHVA isn't certain any of these monies
will go to trail system maintenance and fear that
too much of it will be used for "safety programs"
of questionable value.
NMOHVA is asking folks to contact their legislators
and express concerns about the fee increase and
the representation on the safety board. Also, Joanne
is available via email
(ravens-nest@comcast.net)
to answer any questions and relate any additional
concerns NMOHVA has about the legislation. BRC encourages
folks to contact Joanne with any questions.
Its important to take action immediately as there
are two important committee meetings, Friday at
1:30 and Saturday at 1:30pm.
We recommend using the New Mexico legislature's
Fax System. It's the best choice since it puts a
printed paper with your concerns directly in the
hands of the legislators. All the Representatives
use the same fax number: 505-986-4610. The Senators
all use one fax number too: 505-986-4280.
To Find Your Representative and Senator: Go to
http://legis.state.nm.us and click on "Find
Your Legislator". You can find your representative
and senator by your zip code. There will be a phone
number for their office in the Roundhouse, there
might be an email address in case you would like
to call or email.
NMOHVA is a great group and works often with
BRC to defend responsible OHV use on New Mexico's
public lands and National Forests. They are worthy
of your support. Learn more on the web:
http://www.nmohva.org/index.html
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
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