House Sends ORV Bill to Ritter

The House approved amendments Friday to a bill that would prohibit off-road vehicle use on federal lands in the state unless those lands are designated by the federal management agency for that purpose and sent the measure to Gov. Bill Ritter.

HB 1069 makes violation of federal rules governing ORV access on BLM, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge lands a misdemeanor and grants Colorado law enforcement officers authority to enforce those rules.

Rep. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison, the chair of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, sponsored the bill. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton.