The Sheriff’s Office has applied for $75,000 in state money to ramp up its enforcement of illegal off-road vehicle use near the riverbed in the Lompoc area. Since last fall, the department has received numerous complaints about use of such vehicles, also known as quads, in that region, which has reportedly damaged property and harmed the environment in violation of three county ordinances.
In its letter, the Sheriff’s Office noted that the department has two quads from surplus program through the US Military and has also received free training from Vandenberg Air Force Base. However, “budget restraints and mechanical issues” with the current equipment has only allowed enforcement “on a varying and infrequent basis”. With the $75,000, the letter stated, the department could purchase a new quad and safety and rescue equipment and cover the costs of additional patrol shifts for one year.
The department submitted its preliminary application to California Parks and Recreation earlier this week, with the final application due on May 4. Through April 6, members of the public are encouraged to submit comments online at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov .