This could be the beginning of the END for off road parks in Alabama.

  Sb254 was introduced by Senator Andrew Jones representing District 10 in the Alabama Senate, which includes Etowah, Cherokee, and Southern DeKalb counties.

If Passed sb254 would require all privately owned off road parks to obtain a permit from the county in which it is located. A small fee of $50 per year is no big deal...right?

WRONG!!! This permit requires that the park owners provide "Proof of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000)  of liability insurance coverage that indemnifies the county commission, neighboring property owners for damage to their property, and downstream property owners for damage to their water access.

This insurance policy is just unattainable for any privately owned park to purchase and be self sustainable. Simply put, this would immediately force every privately owned park to close their gates for good!

It also requires the land owner "shall follow the best management practices established by the Alabama Forestry Commission as they pertain to forested watersheds."   This will mean that a private park can not cut timber on steep slopes. (among other things). Hope you won't miss hill climbing........

What can you do to help?

Alabama Resident:

Call and leave a message with your State Senator that you oppose sb254.

Also Email your Senator letting them know that you oppose sb254

Non-Resident:

Click this Link and send an email opposing sb254 to as many Senators as you can!

(Sample email at the end)

Why as a Non-Resident should this matter to me?

This bill is the direct cause of a few disgruntled residents in Senator Jones' district that screamed the loudest about the traffic going in and out of ONE off road park.

If passed, YOUR state could see the same fait if the few are louder than the many! Let's come together strong as the off road community and stop this before it starts!!!

Thank you,

Your Humble Admin- David

 Email Template:

Subject: Oppose Alabama Senate Bill 254 - Protect ATV Park Freedom

Dear [State Representative’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 254, which seeks to impose unnecessary regulations on ATV parks in our state. As a dedicated supporter of ATV parks and someone who deeply values outdoor recreational activities, I urge you to stand against this government overreach.

ATV parks are not just places where people ride vehicles; they are vibrant communities where families and individuals come together to enjoy the beauty of our natural landscapes while participating in a beloved pastime. As an avid ATV enthusiast, I have personally experienced the sense of camaraderie and adventure that these parks foster. They provide a safe and controlled environment for riders of all skill levels to learn, grow, and connect with nature.

Senate Bill 254 threatens to undermine the very essence of what makes ATV parks special. By imposing burdensome permitting requirements, fees, and inspections, this bill would place undue strain on park operators, potentially forcing them to scale back operations or even shut down entirely. As a member of this community, I am deeply concerned about the negative impact that such regulations would have on local businesses, jobs, and the overall quality of life for ATV enthusiasts like myself.

Furthermore, ATV and off-road parks contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of our state. While I don’t have the exact figure for the economic impact of ATV parks in Alabama, it’s worth noting that in 2022, Governor Ivey awarded $1.64 million dollars to enhance outdoor recreation in our state. This investment underscores the importance of supporting and promoting outdoor recreational activities, including ATV parks, which not only generate revenue directly but also stimulate spending on fuel, travel, lodging, and other related services.

I urge you to consider the voices of ATV park supporters like myself and reject Senate Bill 254. Instead, I implore you to support policies that promote responsible outdoor recreation while respecting the rights of private businesses and individuals.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response and hope that you will join us in defending ATV park freedom.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]