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Corps of Engineers Column
 COE
writes citations for off-road driving on public land
By Chris Purvis, Park Ranger
The land surrounding Allatoona Lake is public land
and is fee owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is
charged with managing this land. The public can help us be good
environmental stewards by helping protect this land, especially when
it comes to the use of All-Terrain-Vehicles.
It is in violation of Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations to use ATVs, motorcycles or off-road vehicles on public
lands without authorization. Violators of these regulations will be
cited and may be required to appear in federal magistrate court with
fines reaching up to $5,000. Riding these vehicles on lands adjacent
to the shorelines of Allatoona Lake increases the amount of
shoreline erosion, resulting in serious damage to the land,
destruction of natural vegetation and wildlife habitats, increased
pollution of the lake, and impaired water quality.
Many areas surrounding Allatoona Lake are posted with
no trespassing signs. Whether areas are posted or not, it is illegal
to ride motorized vehicles on these public lands that surround the
lake. The property around the water and sewer lines in Cherokee
County has become a particularly popular gathering spot for dirt
bikes, trucks and ATVs.
Violators can be fined or ordered to appear in court.
The fine can be either $50 or $75, and a mandatory appearance in
magistrate court may be required if the violator is charged with
destruction of public land.
Cherokee County has passed an ATV ordinance giving
the county the ability to charge ATV riders on federal government
property.
In addition to the fines, riding motorized vehicles
on public lands can cause long-term damage to the shorelines of
Allatoona Lake, compacting the soil, destroying vegetation and
accelerating erosion.
Besides environmental concerns, off-road activity
near neighborhoods can decrease the value of homes. Many
subdivisions have set up “Neighborhood Watch” organizations to
combat the encroachment of vehicles on public and private lands.
As well, the Corps has partnered with Georgia DNR and
local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal, state and local
laws. Park rangers will continue to patrol the lake for violators.
If you have questions about off-road activity around
the lake or would like to report activity in your area, please call
the Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700.
This column is provided by
the US Army Corps of Engineers at the Allatoona Lake project.
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