The Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution
Washington
Ferry County Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance Legally Challenged
In February 2008, an alliance of Ferry County residents, private property owners and business proprietors filed a legal complaint challenging a recent county ordinance permitting off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on over 50 county roads. The Quiet Communities Coalition contends OHV riding on hundreds of miles of county roads threatens the public safety, private property, and rural quality of life for Ferry County residents.
The 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. The group is requesting that the ordinance be set aside and a permanent injunction be granted to halt its scheduled start on March 15, 2008.
Quiet Communities Coalition was formed in January to advocate for safe roads, a balanced recreation policy, sustainable tourist opportunities and a diverse economy. "Ferry County citizens live here for reasons of family tradition, occupation, health, recreation, and solitude", explained Picken. "Promoting one form of recreation at the expense of others threatens the balance of our rural lifestyles."
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