Date: 08/13/2015
Final
Presentation from the Associated Govts of NW Colorado
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
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01:38 PM -- Presentation from the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado
Mr. Richard Orf, Government Relations Representative at Orf and Orf, PC, Rio Blanco County Commissioner Jeff Eskelson, and Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese, came to the table to present to the committee. Mr. Orf said that OHV use is a major economic driver in Rio Blanco and Mesa counties, which have a lot of federal land with unique terrain that requires the ability to exercise local control over OHV use. Mr. Orf read the testimony of Rangely Fire Chief Andy Shaffer (Attachment C). A copy of a Mesa County Board of Commissioners ordinance authorizing the use of OHVs on Mesa County roads was also distributed to the committee (Attachment D).
Attachment C.pdf 
Attachment D.pdf
Commissioner Eskelson talked about the success enjoyed by Rio Blanco County with its 250-mile trail system for OHVs. He discussed the safety regulations put in place and the number of OHV users registered in the county, and said that the county has proven its safety record and the viability of widely allowing the use of OHVs on county roads.
01:48 PM
Commissioner Pugliese discussed the amount of paved roads in Mesa County, and the importance of maintaining local control for counties to allow the use of OHVs on county roads.
The panel responded to questions on possible registration requirements for OHVs statewide and locally, the option of voluntary statewide registration for those who wish to use an OHV on public roads, safety concerns surrounding OHVs on state and federal lands, federal rules for OHV use on federal land, and whether Rio Blanco County has developed terms to define its trail system and the use of that trail system.
02:00 PM
Committee discussion on OHV use and uniform regulations across counties ensued.