Monday, February 25 at 1:30 pm
Commissioners Hearing Room, Okanogan
Submit comments by February 24 to ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us

The Okanogan Board of County Commissioners is taking comments and holding a public hearing for an ordinance opening approximately 91 miles of county roads located in Commissioner District 1 and part of District 2 with a speed limit of 35 mph or less to wheeled all terrain-vehicles (WATVs).

The list of proposed roads and a map are available at the County Planning website, by clicking “WATV” and following the links on the page.

MVCC submitted comments on the proposed ordinance in January. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) expressed similar concerns.

MVCC’s concerns revolve around the county’s failure to implement the mitigations proposed for District 3 when that ordinance was approved.

While the county did adopt more stringent penalties for off-road riding, they have yet to provide the public with accurate maps showing open or closed roads, and have not placed signs to identify roads or protect critical areas. 

The county has finalized the list of proposed mitigations  for the District 1-2 ordinance in advance of the February 25 hearing.

MVCC plans to attend the hearing and testify to the following points: 

• We believe the county needs to show progress toward completing all of the mitigation measures proposed for District 3 before opening additional roads in other districts.
• Accurate information about open and closed roads in all Districts should be widely available and easily accessible to the public before final approval of this ordinance or opening the proposed roads to WATVs.
• Mitigation #2 calls for the county to consult with WDFW, DNR and USFS prior to public review of the proposed ordinance to gather information regarding enforcement concerns. The county has met with the agencies to discuss roads proposed for opening, but did not meet the requirement to address specific enforcement concerns. This consultation should take place before the ordinance is finalized.
• We support WDFW’s recommendation that the ordinance section 10.10.050 include a requirement that a map of roads open to WATV use be carried by riders, rather than a list of roads.
• We also agree with WDFW that county should make accurate maps widely available in print and online. 
• The county should commit to provide the Okanogan County Sheriff’s office adequate resources to provide for increased enforcement on county roads. 

Send comments no later than Sunday, February 24 to:
Lalena Johns, Clerk of the Board ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us

Please contact us if you are interested in attending the hearing!