BY COLT SWEETLAND
Assistant News Editor
Kittitas County commissioners unanimously allow street licensed all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on county roadways under 35 mph.
Public concern about the new legislation is primarily focused on the safety of young children. Clayton Myers, under-sheriff of the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, said that only licensed drivers may operate an ATV under the new ordinance.
“You have to be a licensed driver to operate ATVs,” Myers said. “These ATVs are not designed to operate on highways at highway speeds.”
Some conservation groups have expressed concern over the impacts that ATVs may have if operated in forested areas.
“I understand these concerns, but [ATVs] aren’t allowed in wilderness areas,” Myers said.
Myers said he is going to put together an education enforcement plan, involving the Sheriff’s Office, local law-enforcement and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, so they have a consistent message and enforcement process.
“Since a lot of recreational ATV users come from out of the county, it’s going to be a state-wide educational campaign to inform people on what’s allowed,” Myers said. “We want people to understand that this does mean that we have opened up additional recreation areas.”
Gary Berndt, Kittitas County commissioner, asked about the legality of operating street licensed ATVs on state highways, and Myers said they are not legal on these highways.
One issue that has not been addressed with this new ordinance is whether or not ATVs will be able to use overpasses, such as the one in Easton.
“If adopted, we will be addressing that with the state patrol and the Department of Transportation (DOT),” Myers said.
Berndt asked about possible impacts on private land and wanted to determine whether or not this ordinance would affect private property.
“This law will have absolutely zero impact on private land and private property,” Myers said.
The possible impacts on cities such as Roslyn and Cle Elum are not yet known.
“It is our plan to address this with the municipalities,” Myers said.
There are rules in place that address off-road use, hydraulics violations and terrain damage, according to Myers.
“There are some enforcement issues, but they need to be addressed through the enforcement process,” Myers said.
Paul Jewell, Kittitas County commissioner, asked about potential impacts that this new law would have on trespassing and any enforcement issues regarding trespassing on private property.
“We’ve had written correspondents from senior citizens with limited mobility who support this because it’s going to allow them to have better access,” Myers said.
Myers said headlight use is strongly encouraged at all times and that it will be required as part of the new ordinance. He also said most of the new ATVs are designed so that headlights are always turned on when the ATVs are running.
The commissioners agreed to meet at the next agenda session May 20 for the final draft of the ordinance, and all enabling documents, to finalize the ordinance.
