Frequently Asked Questions Why did Quiet Communities Coalition begin a legal challenge the Ferry County OHV ordinance? Quiet Communities Coalition contends the Ferry County ordinance violates the Revised Code of Washington 46.09.180. That law permits counties to designate OHV travel on any road that provides a direct connection between a city with a population of less than three thousand and an off-highway vehicle recreation facility. Quiet Communities Coalition claims that none of the 54 roads designated for OHV travel in the disputed ordinance meet the direct connection requirement. Quiet Communities Coalition is requesting that the ordinance be set aside and a permanent injunction be granted to halt its scheduled start on March 15, 2008. Stated in the legal challenge is the County’s failure to comply with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that requires a study to analyze the potential adverse impacts of proposed actions and obtain public comment. In keeping with the law, the county must determine the potential damage from OHVs such as the spread of noxious weeds and soil erosion. Isn't the OHV Ordinance good for Ferry County's economy? The Ordinance as a whole is not suitable for Ferry County. Presently, ATV/OHV activity can not be fully enforced and if approved, will require more enforcement. Specific points within the Ordinance pose risks to drivers and OHV operators. The proponents of the Ordinance believe opening roads and streets will alleviate OHV pressure to ride illegally and boost the economy. Our transportation system is not a recreation area. OHV recreation’s supposed economic gain does not outweigh the costs. The citizens of Ferry County recommend the Commissioners prioritize safety, quality of life and economic diversity. Is Quiet Communities Coalition against OHVs and ATVs? Quiet Communities Coalition is not anti-OHV, but supports designating OHV recreation areas located in appropriate settings. Quiet Communities Coalition will actively promote recreation opportunities, in step with our mission statement, such as bicycling, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, horseback riding and yes even OHV recreation when it is safe, and in designated areas. Quiet Communities Coalition will continue to work with county and city government to create a balance of recreation opportunities in Ferry County to enhance our economy and at the same time protect the safety and quality of our rural area. What do people like to do in Ferry County. A County Wide Parks and Recreation Survey was completed and presented to the Ferry County Board of Commissioners in May 2005. According to city and county residents the top four recreational opportunities people participate in and would like to see developed in Ferry County are camping, hunting & fishing, walking & running, and wildlife viewing. OHV usage came in well after playgrounds, bicycling and the arts. Quiet Communities Coalition members and residents submitted comments to the Commissioners, wrote letters to local newspapers, and attended commissioners’ public comment meetings opposing the OHV ordinance. Public records of the meetings and comment letters show a majority of Ferry County residents do not want county roads open to OHVs. Won’t OHV riders bring in lots of money to the local economy? OHVs are only one aspect of the tourist economy. OHV sports are unlike any other activity. Their presence, noise and pollution can adversely affect the activities locals prefer and tourist activities we already support. A healthy tourist economy is a diverse tourist economy. And tourism is only one aspect of the economy. Costs to Ferry County residents must be taken into consideration. Some of these costs include: Road repairs. Grading roads costs the county $700.00 per mile. The former County Engineer submitted a letter to the commissioners questioning the OHV Ordinance. Public property damage and private property damage. Increased impact on law enforcement budget. Increase in cost of Emergency Medical Services. EMS budgets must figure in anticipated costs. Insurance liability: The Ordinance does not require OHVs carry liability insurance. Most insurance companies will not insure OHVs for street use...perhaps with good reason. Where can people ride OHVs if they won't be able to ride on county roads? People can ride OHVs on private property. In addition, the Forest Service has designated over 650 miles of OHV routes in the Colville National Forest. In early 2005, public meetings that included motorized and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts, local leaders, and residents were held in several locations to discern where Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation was both desirable and acceptable. As a result, over 650 miles of existing, open roads were designated for OHV use on the Colville National Forest. More info on CNF forest plan at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/travel-mgt/ohv/documents/faqs.pdf How many members are in the coalition? There are a lot of people in Ferry County who informally support the mission of Quiet Communities Coalition since many residents and property owners are concerned about issues of safety and noise from OHV’s. In mid January we started a drive to formalize membership by adding a membership form to our web site. People began contacting others by sending email messages and writing letters to their friends and family about Quiet Communities Coalition, asking them to formally join and to encourage others to do so. This strategy has been very successful for our small community. In just three weeks the number of formal memberships has grown to around 100 members and is increasing daily. Is Quiet Communities Coalition a national organization? No. Quiet Communities Coalition is a broad coalition of Ferry County residents, land owners and, concerned citizens. It includes local business owners, retired seniors, young couples with children, ranchers, farmers, students and, veterans who are concerned about safety on our county roads and a quiet life style in our community. There are a few members from other states and counties who have joined to show support for our cause. Some are friends or relatives of local members that have visited the area and appreciate its pristine beauty and tranquility. Others are citizens of other localities that are facing similar issues of safety and noise in previously quiet communities across the nation.