As the popularity of OHV recreation rises, illegal incursions into wilderness areas in California have dramatically increased. Between 2000 and 2003, the number of trespass violations or warnings issued by the U.S. Forest Service has skyrocketed 242 percent. OHVs can cause serious and often long-term damage to sensitive resources and habitat areas.

“This is an important step to make sure our wilderness areas receive the protection they need to remain pristine for current and future generations,” said Assemblywoman Lieber. “A.B. 1086 serves to deter potential violators and gives law enforcement the tools they need to apprehend willful violators of state and federal wilderness protection laws,” explained Lieber.

A.B. 1086 also creates state penalties for OHV operators convicted of trespassing into federal wilderness areas, which comprise over 14 million acres in the state (this compares to approximately 465,000 acres of state-designated wilderness). Local and state law enforcement will now be able to cite these violators.

Virgil Welch, Legislative Director for The Planning and Conservation League, and sponsor of A.B. 1086, noted that “this bill is another in the increasingly long line of important environmental protection measures Assemblywoman Lieber has authored. We are thrilled to be able to work with such an environmental champion.”

In addition to widespread support from environmental groups, the bill was also endorsed by off-highway vehicle recreation groups, including the California Off-Road Vehicle Association.