The public has until May 4 to comment on a State of Alaska proposal regarding off-road vehicle use.
The state is considering issuing a general permit for off-road vehicles of a certain size when used on state lands managed by the Division of Mining, Land, and Water. The state refers to these off-road vehicles as: All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicle (UTV). To be considered an ATV/UTV, the vehicle has to fit these specs:
- 80 inches or less in width
- Having a curb weight of 2,500 pounds or less
- Designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires
Currently, under Generally Allowed Uses, using off-road vehicles weighing over 1,500 pounds requires a permit, when traveling off-road on DMLV land. That was approved in 1970, but since then ATV/UTVs have become heavier.
If adopted, the new general permit would not require an application or any fees, but people wanting travel off-road on DMLV land would need to have a copy of the permit with them.
You can see the state notice about this proposal HERE.
How to Comment
To comment on this proposal you can call, send an email, or mail in a comment. Address comments to Kaitlyn Raffier:
- kaitlyn.raffier@alaska.gov
- (907) 465-3406
- PO Box 111020, Juneau, AK 99811
Comments must be received on or before 5pm on May 4.
Alternate Points-of-View
Some people oppose this move because they believe the larger vehicles are causing more damage to trails and lands. At least one person argues that the larger vehicles should at minimum require a special permit that carries a fee, which could be applied to mitigation of damage caused by the vehicles. A special permit would also allow the state to track and better regulate usage by the larger vehicles.
The Alaska Outdoor Council also opposes the move but for different reasons. In an April 19 Facebook post the group argued that “motorized vehicles weighing greater than 2,500 lbs operating off highways may or may not cause anymore trail degradation to state lands than OHVs that weigh less than 1,500 lbs. Significant habitat damage caused by OHV use has far more to do with weight per area (psi) of ground contact and vehicle operators attitude than weight of the vehicle.” The group wants to see “more reasoned options before creating a NEW General Permit that you will be required to obtain before riding on state lands.”
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