Burleigh County commissioners back off proposed OHV ditch ban
BURLEIGH COUNTY, N.D. (KFYR) - Burleigh County commissioners are backing off on a proposed ban on off-highway vehicles (OHV) in county ditches, but said changes could still be coming.
Commissioners voted 4–1 not to move forward with an OHV moratorium resolution. They also voted 3–2 not to adopt the proposed ordinance amendments, which would have banned OHV use in county ditches.
They did approve a seasonal ban on ditch riding from Dec. 1 through May 15. The penalty tied to that seasonal ban is a $750 fine and applies only to riding during that time frame. The motion passed 3–2. Snowmobiles are not included, and agricultural and commercial use would be exempt.
Commissioners also debated whether changes would take effect soon enough to prevent more damage.
At one point, Commissioner Schwab said, “I’m going to tell you something right now. This is not, absolutely not going to work.”
They are waiting until the next meeting to discuss further options, such as raising penalties on the current ordinance.
Any countywide restriction, similar to a burn ban, would require a vote at a regular or special commission meeting.
The commission will continue the conversation at its next meeting on May 6.