Dear Norbeck Society members and friends;                             February, 2010
 
Here is a quick update on current activities:
1.  Norbeck Society public meeting Thursday February 11, 5.30 pm
Carol Lynch and Karen Hall (Democracy in Action) will be talking about the legislature:  “Effective Lobbying:  How the SD Legislature Works and How to Get Your Point Across.”
 
2.  The Game Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus West will have a ground-breaking ceremony at 11 am Friday February 5 on Sturgis Road near the Hills Materials office - more info shortly.
 
3. OHV Licensing Bill in the SD legislature
 
The senate bill has been submitted on the legislative web site today.  I attach a copy of the bill, but you can track its progress at the LRC site  - http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2010/Bill.aspx?Bill=175
 
Bob Burns, Becci Rowe and I met with Senator Craig Tieszen on Friday to give our input. It was a good meeting, and he is aware of our concerns though no changes in the bill are likely before it is submitted.
The Norbeck Society committee met to discuss aspects of the draft bill last week.  Since then the main change from what we discussed at the committee meeting is that the Governor does not want to be dictated on the makeup of the 7-member board which will decide on disbursement from the OHV trust fund developed from the $20 annual license fee.  I don't like that, but it will mean we will have to pressure the governor on the board makeup..  I copy our comments on the bill below.
 
Sen Teiszen thinks the bill will have a tough job getting out of transportation committee, but is hopeful, and would like the Norbeck Society to testify in Pierre in support.  Apparently OHV dealers are against it as they think OHV sales will decline if users can't ride on hard-surfaced roads.  OHV clubs are supportive of the bill, although some club members are activating against it.  The establishment of an OHV trail system in the BHNF basically depends on bill passage - without it, there will not be funding for trail maintenance, enforcement, etc, and certainly no rehab of damaged areas.
 
I ask you to contact your legislators this week and let them know that you support the bill (or otherwise).  You can access their email here  http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2010/MemberMenu.aspx
 
The decision by Supervisor Bobzien on the BHNF travel management plan has been delayed until at leats the end of February, and this is likely in order to see the outcome of the legislative action.
 
Best wishes,


Colin Paterson
President, Norbeck Society, Inc.

Best wishes,
                      Colin Paterson
                       President, Norbeck Society, Inc

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