From today’s Rutland Herald, reporting on comments from Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wood:
The rule calls for a strict review process… It envisions a 30-day public comment period when no snow is on the ground, so people can look at the route of the proposed trail and point out perceived environmental threats.
As has been pointed out, however…
Rep. Tony Klein, D-East Montpelier, and chairman of the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee, said it was ironic that a cash-strapped agency with an already big to-do list would want to take on managing ATV riders’ use of state lands.
But on a certain level, all this is moot. As was previously document on GMD:
ANR has no authority to propose natural area/State land ATV trail rules. The General Assembly has not granted powers to ANR that enable unelected agency officials to adopt rules designating ATV trails on State land or in natural areas.
So why are they doing it? Apparently, simply because no one’s stopped them yet.
Lawsuit, anyone?
The legislature woke up with an ATV in it’s bed,sort of a modern rural version of the godfather’s horse head.
After the committee voted unanimously against this I figure its Douglas’ way of sending a message to the legislature of his respect of their authority.