As you are aware, Carroll County has proposed Noise and Zoning ordinances that if enacted as written, could effectively end recreational ATV use in the county. This is a reaction to a small minority of ATV operators have been using their vehicles illegally or without consideration of their neighbor’s property rights. As a result, all ATV enthusiasts (the vast majority of which are respectful, law-abiding riders and property owners) now face severe restrictions on the use of their ATV’s on their own private property!

The proposed ordinances will have no effect on violations such as trespassing, riding on public roads, or any other illegal activities already prohibited by Federal, State or County laws. These ordinances are intentionally written in a way that specifically targets ATV use on private property. Responsible riders and property owner rights will be the losers if the ordinances are enacted.

Five public workshops were held recently to explain the ordinances and obtain public feedback. The attendance was amongst the highest ever at public meetings and the written comments were 7 to 1 against the ordinances. Due to this response, the County Commissioners asked that a Committee be formed representing interests from both sides to try and reach a compromise.

The Committee is currently meeting weekly and will present recommendations by March 1^st. We face an uphill battle, but have made great progress since the ordinances were first proposed. In the meantime, Anti-ATV residents and property owners have been sending letters and e-mails to the Commissioners requesting the ordinances be passed as written for a variety of reasons. Their letters often contain inaccurate, unsubstantiated misinformation and/or exaggerations. Carroll County District 7 members should immediately send letters or e-mails to the County Commissioners opposing the proposed ordinances. Explain that you ride responsibly; that ATV riding is a family activity and you do not want your property rights restricted due to a few isolated incidents involving disrespectful and/or irresponsible riders. KEEP YOUR COMMENTS CIVIL AND REPECTFUL. THREATENING COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS HAVE ALREADY HURT OUR CAUSE.

The address for Commissioners Julia Gouge, Dean Minnich and Perry Jones is:

Carroll County Office Building

225 N. Center St.

Westminster, MD 21157

or e-mail to jgouge@ccg.carr.org, dminnich@ccg.carr.org, pjones@ccg.carr.org

Stay tuned to this website and your local papers. Get involved NOW as this issue is being watched carefully by other Counties seeking similar action. Even a short letter or e-mail helps. We must protect our property rights and our right to ride responsibly NOW!