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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT OF ILLEGAL USE OF ATVs IN STATE MANAGEMENT AREAS PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement will be conducting directed patrols in state management areas this weekend and on a regular basis throughout the year to curb the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on DEM property. The patrols will take place primarily on weekends when recreational activity is high. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Big River Management Area in West Greenwich and George Washington Management Area in Glocester, although patrols will take place in state management areas throughout Rhode Island.On March 5, while patrolling the George Washington Management Area in Glocester, DEM environmental police officers encountered nine ATV and off-road dirt bike users that were illegally operating their vehicles in an area between the management area, private property, and the Algonquin gas line. The nine subjects were issued summonses to appear in Sixth District Court on March 24. Also on March 5, DEM environmental police officers cited five individuals for operating three motor vehicles in a prohibited area of the Big River Management Area in West Greenwich. The DEM officers came upon a vehicle that was being towed out after it overturned in the restricted area the previous night, as well a third vehicle. The five individuals fled when they were approached by DEM environmental police officers but were later apprehended in the management area, which is protected by locked gates and limited exits, with the assistance of the West Greenwich police. Under state regulations, ATVs and dirt bikes are prohibited from being used in state management areas. The vehicles may only be used on private property with permission from the landowner. The use of ATVs and dirt bikes can cause substantial damage to the ecology of state management areas. The directed patrols by DEM environmental police officers are intended to curb the illegal use of these vehicles in DEM management areas. Throughout the year, the Department receives numerous complaints - particularly on nice weekends - from the general public about the illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in state management areas. Violators will be issued summonses and will be required to appear in District Court; penalties may include fines of up to $100 for each violation. -30- |
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