Crowdog
04-19-2005, 07:13 AM
Police: Off-road vehicles damaging Surprise dam
Officials inform riders land is private property
Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 19, 2005 12:00 AM
SURPRISE - Complaints about noise, dust and damage are driving police officers to crack down on people riding dirt bikes and off-road vehicles near McMicken Dam in far west Surprise.
Officials say that the riders are damaging the dam by riding on the structure, tearing down fences and no trespassing signs and leaving behind a pile of litter.
They've dubbed their program Operation Dust Off, with weekend efforts during April aimed at letting riders know that land near Sun Valley Parkway and Crozier Road is private property. advertisement
Police Cmdr. Claude Carroll said police officers have talked to about 200 people but haven't issued any citations because people are stopped before they get onto private property.
"The response has been very positive," Carroll said. "They're just looking for a place to ride."
Police are closing the roads on the weekends, handing out fliers describing the land that is off limits and telling riders they need to find a different place to ride.
While some listened and went on their way, officials said, others tore down police tape meant to protect the area just hours after it went up.
Joe Muņoz, a spokesman for the Maricopa County Flood Control District, the agency that owns the land, said spending money to clean up the weekend messes left behind by some off-road enthusiasts was wasting taxpayer dollars.
He said the Flood Control District would also face fines from the county's environmental-control arm for the dust kicked up by riders. He said the potential liability if someone was injured is also a concern for the agency.
"It becomes very expensive," he said. "We try to work with folks, but when it comes to the dust control, there is just no way we can absorb those kinds of fines. It's just not helping the overall environment."
Police Chief Dan Hughes said officials understand that people have been riding in the area for years.
"We're really trying to educate (people)," he said. "There are places farther out where they can ride, but they need to do it the right way."
To get a recreation permit for state land, call (602) 364-2753.
Officials inform riders land is private property
Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 19, 2005 12:00 AM
SURPRISE - Complaints about noise, dust and damage are driving police officers to crack down on people riding dirt bikes and off-road vehicles near McMicken Dam in far west Surprise.
Officials say that the riders are damaging the dam by riding on the structure, tearing down fences and no trespassing signs and leaving behind a pile of litter.
They've dubbed their program Operation Dust Off, with weekend efforts during April aimed at letting riders know that land near Sun Valley Parkway and Crozier Road is private property. advertisement
Police Cmdr. Claude Carroll said police officers have talked to about 200 people but haven't issued any citations because people are stopped before they get onto private property.
"The response has been very positive," Carroll said. "They're just looking for a place to ride."
Police are closing the roads on the weekends, handing out fliers describing the land that is off limits and telling riders they need to find a different place to ride.
While some listened and went on their way, officials said, others tore down police tape meant to protect the area just hours after it went up.
Joe Muņoz, a spokesman for the Maricopa County Flood Control District, the agency that owns the land, said spending money to clean up the weekend messes left behind by some off-road enthusiasts was wasting taxpayer dollars.
He said the Flood Control District would also face fines from the county's environmental-control arm for the dust kicked up by riders. He said the potential liability if someone was injured is also a concern for the agency.
"It becomes very expensive," he said. "We try to work with folks, but when it comes to the dust control, there is just no way we can absorb those kinds of fines. It's just not helping the overall environment."
Police Chief Dan Hughes said officials understand that people have been riding in the area for years.
"We're really trying to educate (people)," he said. "There are places farther out where they can ride, but they need to do it the right way."
To get a recreation permit for state land, call (602) 364-2753.