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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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