JoseCuervo
New member
The Fat-Assed ATV crowd is now in trouble with the US Marines, and is impacting our National Security. I hope the Marines start using the Fat-Assed CRIMINALS for target practice. That ought keep those boys sharp...
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(April 14, 2005) -- Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch conservation law enforcement officers are on the lookout for illegal all-terrain vehicles as incidents of prohibited recreational vehicle use have been on the rise in recent months.
Marine Corps Base Order 5560.2C defines recreational vehicles as self-propelled vehicles having two, three, four or more wheels, intended for operation off paved roads and prohibits their operation anywhere aboard this base except at specific locations and events as may be separately authorized by the base commander from time to time. Currently, there are no such designated areas on Quantico. These vehicles must also be transported by an authorized carrier of vehicle to and from the special use areas.
Sgt. Dwayne Germer, a Marine game warden here, said officials are intent on discouraging the use of banned off-road vehicles that continue to pose a threat to joggers and cyclists.
“They are mainly in places where people are trying to enjoy running,” said Germer. “If you’re running up a hill with headphones on and an ATV is coming, you’re looking at a serious accident. We are going to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
Euel Tritt, a federal conservation officer here, said off-road vehicles have also damaged some of Quantico’s trails and recreation areas.
“They cause terrible erosion problems and loss of habitat,” said Tritt. “The last thing we want to do is write a Marine a fine, but we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do. The verbal warnings are coming to a close.”
Tritt said violators of the base order might be subject to a minimum fine of $250, face a day in federal court or even lose their vehicle. In addition to charges of trespassing, violators may also face other charges including destruction of government property, depending on the circumstances and severity of the violation.
Tritt also cited the safety of motor vehicle operators as a major concern because of ongoing military training aboard the base.
“People don’t seem to understand that the base is federal property, not to mention the main purpose of this installation is to train the world’s greatest fighting force – the United States Marines,” said Tritt. “The real danger is people coming aboard the base without knowing that they could travel head-on into a mortar or .50 cal. range. There was one instance where three adult individuals rode their bicycles directly into a .50 cal. range fan. The “live fire in progress” signs on the gates they went around did not seem to affect them. Luckily, no one was hurt but it could have been a very deadly mistake.”
Germer said that with several area off-road venues to choose from, all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts should look elsewhere to practice their hobby.
“ATVs are a problem everywhere on this base,” said Germer. “This isn’t the place to do it. We’re not pulling any punches anymore.”
For more information about all-terrain vehicle use aboard Quantico, call the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch at (703) 432-6794 or (703) 432-6795.