Public input sought on Arizona's OHV management bill

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, on behalf of the Off-highway Vehicle Legislative Workgroup and Arizona Game and Fish Commission, is seeking input from the public regarding the "Copper Sticker" off-highway vehicle (OHV) user fee proposed draft legislation. A series of informational open houses will be held around the state in October and November, and written comment will be accepted until Nov. 26.

The Off-highway Vehicle Legislative Workgroup, a group comprised of OHV recreationists and outdoor user groups, land management agencies, county and local governments, and Game and Fish, have worked together to develop a "copper sticker" program to improve OHV management in Arizona. The draft legislation will enhance funding for OHV programs including the maintenance and development of OHV trails and routes, education and information programs, enhanced law enforcement resources and mitigation for damage to environmental, historical and cultural resources from OHV recreation.

Informational public meetings describing the OHV user-driven draft legislation highlights will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:

Monday, Oct. 30 - Prescott, Prescott Valley Council Chambers 7501 E. Civic Circle

Thursday, Nov. 2 - Pinetop, Arizona Game and Fish Department regional office 2878 E. White Mountain Boulevard

Friday, Nov. 3 - Mesa, City Of Mesa Utilities Department 640 North Mesa Drive

Monday, Nov. 6 - Yuma, Arizona Game and Fish Department regional office 9140 E. 28th Street

Tuesday, Nov. 7 - Kingman, Arizona Game and Fish Department regional office 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road

Wednesday, Nov. 8 - Flagstaff, Arizona Game and Fish Department regional office 3500 S. Lake Mary Road

Wednesday, Nov. 15 - Glendale, Glendale Foothills Branch Library 19055 N. 57th Avenue

Thursday, Nov. 16 - Safford, Eastern Arizona College Bonita Room 1014 N. College Avenue
The draft legislation can be downloaded and additional information can be obtained from the department's Web site at azgfd.gov/coppersticker.

Written comment can submitted until Nov. 26 at the meetings, through the Game and Fish Web site or by U.S. mail to OHV Comments, c/o Joe Sacco, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023-4399.