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Power to the Rangers
They now are authorized to cite troublesome park users for various violations.
By SHAWN PRICE
The Orange County Register
County park rangers now can issue citations and levy fines and are authorized to wear protective vests and use pepper spray.
The top five violations park rangers likely will be citing park users for, according to the County of Orange:
Parking: Parking in undesignated areas. Rangers occasionally will allow parking in recreational areas if it doesn't interfere with park operations.
Unauthorized motor vehicles: Using any motorized vehicle such as a four-wheel drive, all-terrain, or off-road vehicle or motorcycle within any county owned, managed or controlled sensitive or wilderness areas.
Alcoholic beverages: Possessing or consuming alcohol.
Non-leashed domestic animals: Dogs off leash, unless in a cage, crate or similar enclosure.
Designated trails: Using a bicycle off official trails.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has given county park rangers the power to cite visitors for various violations, which should allow rangers greater ability to protect the very thing that people enjoy about the outdoors - the flora and fauna. The new program also includes protective vests for rangers and training in the use of pepper spray.
While the change was applauded by some rangers and outdoor groups, Kevin Thomas, county director of harbors, beaches and parks, was careful to make clear what the plan will not change.
"They are not police officers, they are peaceofficers. There is a distinction," Thomas said. "Our rangers' first order of business is as host and interpreter, not as enforcer. We're trying to encourage voluntary cooperation."
Thomas deemed the new plan "progressive enforcement" and said it's a reaction to the accumulated violations of a sliver of park users over the years. The department works very closely with local police on larger issues.
"There have been a few things that have spurred this over time - dogs off leash and trespassers," Thomas said. "It's a small section of the mountain bikers and dog owners, but we have some sensitive habitat out there."
Trails4All executive director Jim Meyer is thrilled that wilderness areas will be better protected.
"I think it's a great idea. One of the things we've always had a problem with is resource management," Meyer said. "The small number of users who go out and cut trails jeopardize the use of trails for everybody. This gives the rangers the tools they need to protect the land. We can't allow a few miscreants to spoil it for everybody."
Thomas said rangers will be able to write administrative, not criminal, citations for people. While fines are attached to the tickets given out, offenses would only become misdemeanors in the most extreme circumstances for repeat offenders. But Thomas stressed that was unlikely to happen.
"We're talking about a very small number. Unfortunately, one person can wreak havoc on a facility, and we need this to gain greater voluntary compliance," Thomas said.
Meyer agreed: "The guys that are breaking the rules aren't going to like it. Good. There'll be fines, and the word will get around to the bike shops. It's been a long time coming. I can't imagine being a ranger and having these guys flip you off because you couldn't do much."
Fines for all violations begin at $25 and move to $150 and $500 for repeat offenses.
Meyer's only concern is in how the program will be implemented. "It's so new to most of the rangers, there'll be some adjustment. I don't want them to be too lenient or overzealous."
The department is taking a long-term approach.
"Our hope is that we can create a better overall user experience," Thomas said. "I think we arrived at a very good program. We'll monitor it, and if we need to tweak it over time, we'll do that."
Power to the Rangers
They now are authorized to cite troublesome park users for various violations.
By SHAWN PRICE
The Orange County Register
County park rangers now can issue citations and levy fines and are authorized to wear protective vests and use pepper spray.
The top five violations park rangers likely will be citing park users for, according to the County of Orange:
Parking: Parking in undesignated areas. Rangers occasionally will allow parking in recreational areas if it doesn't interfere with park operations.
Unauthorized motor vehicles: Using any motorized vehicle such as a four-wheel drive, all-terrain, or off-road vehicle or motorcycle within any county owned, managed or controlled sensitive or wilderness areas.
Alcoholic beverages: Possessing or consuming alcohol.
Non-leashed domestic animals: Dogs off leash, unless in a cage, crate or similar enclosure.
Designated trails: Using a bicycle off official trails.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has given county park rangers the power to cite visitors for various violations, which should allow rangers greater ability to protect the very thing that people enjoy about the outdoors - the flora and fauna. The new program also includes protective vests for rangers and training in the use of pepper spray.
While the change was applauded by some rangers and outdoor groups, Kevin Thomas, county director of harbors, beaches and parks, was careful to make clear what the plan will not change.
"They are not police officers, they are peaceofficers. There is a distinction," Thomas said. "Our rangers' first order of business is as host and interpreter, not as enforcer. We're trying to encourage voluntary cooperation."
Thomas deemed the new plan "progressive enforcement" and said it's a reaction to the accumulated violations of a sliver of park users over the years. The department works very closely with local police on larger issues.
"There have been a few things that have spurred this over time - dogs off leash and trespassers," Thomas said. "It's a small section of the mountain bikers and dog owners, but we have some sensitive habitat out there."
Trails4All executive director Jim Meyer is thrilled that wilderness areas will be better protected.
"I think it's a great idea. One of the things we've always had a problem with is resource management," Meyer said. "The small number of users who go out and cut trails jeopardize the use of trails for everybody. This gives the rangers the tools they need to protect the land. We can't allow a few miscreants to spoil it for everybody."
Thomas said rangers will be able to write administrative, not criminal, citations for people. While fines are attached to the tickets given out, offenses would only become misdemeanors in the most extreme circumstances for repeat offenders. But Thomas stressed that was unlikely to happen.
"We're talking about a very small number. Unfortunately, one person can wreak havoc on a facility, and we need this to gain greater voluntary compliance," Thomas said.
Meyer agreed: "The guys that are breaking the rules aren't going to like it. Good. There'll be fines, and the word will get around to the bike shops. It's been a long time coming. I can't imagine being a ranger and having these guys flip you off because you couldn't do much."
Fines for all violations begin at $25 and move to $150 and $500 for repeat offenses.
Meyer's only concern is in how the program will be implemented. "It's so new to most of the rangers, there'll be some adjustment. I don't want them to be too lenient or overzealous."
The department is taking a long-term approach.
"Our hope is that we can create a better overall user experience," Thomas said. "I think we arrived at a very good program. We'll monitor it, and if we need to tweak it over time, we'll do that."