Hey Ten Bears More Education Needed?

[Nemont]

Maybe these guys do need more education because there are trail signs about every 1/4 miles and HUGE signs at every trailhead state clearly the proper use of ATV's. Maybe they just can't read. Maybe some nonrider didn't take the time to go back and look to see if ATV's were allowed inside a Wilderness Area. Yeah, I am pretty sure this is a nonriders fault.

October 21, 2004

3 Billings men cited for illegal ATV use

BIG TIMBER - Three Billings men were cited on July 31 for operating motorized all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the Blue Lake area south of Big Timber in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The three were identified as Chad M. Geering, 19, Michael A. Enderson, 20, and Zane D. Merrell, 18.

The individuals were fined $500 for operating an ATV in a wilderness area.

According to District Ranger Bill Avey, there has been an increase in resource damage from illegal ATV use on the Big Timber District in the past year or so.


"Generally speaking, legal ATV use is limited to Forest Service roads and designated trails on Big Timber District," he said. The use of mechanized equipment, including ATVs, is prohibited in wilderness areas.

"As hunting season progresses, we want to remind hunters to make sure they know what uses are allowed in the area they are in," Avey said. "Make sure to get a Gallatin National Forest visitor map prior to leaving on your trip. If you're not sure what uses are allowed in the area you are heading too, call a Gallatin Forest office and we'll help you figure it out."

For additional information on ATV opportunities, contact the Big Timber Ranger District at 932-5155.

 

[Bambistew]

Confiscate and destroy the machines if caught... a $500 ticket. What a fuggn joke!

 

[Ten Bears]

These guys should have been used as an example to educate others. I fear that the education received from this incident, by those wishing to break the laws, is not sufficient.

In regards to your question NEMONT, yes educate them (not some little slap on the wrist $500 fine either), but don't punish those that follow the rules.