Current as of: 2009
I. The bureau shall have the responsibility to provide coordination between the department of resources and economic development, division of forests and lands, the fish and game department, and the department of transportation, with respect to matters pertaining to OHRVs and snowmobiles.
II. In addition, this bureau shall administer the funds provided the department of resources and economic development for the OHRV and snowmobile program; act as liaison between landowners and OHRV and snowmobile users; work with organized clubs in the support of the OHRV and snowmobile sport; supervise the production of publications produced by the department of resources and economic development relating to regulations and information on trails; maintain up-to-date information and data relative to new OHRV machinery, equipment, national standards and safety; and assist where required in any training programs that may be established.
II-a. Notwithstanding RSA 21-I:17-a, I, the director of the division of parks and recreation may make purchases using field purchase orders for expenditures of up to $2,000 for the state trail system and facilities through June 30, 2012.
II-b. The commissioner of the department of resources and economic development may transfer funds between and among the appropriations for the bureau of trails through June 30, 2012. The commissioner shall submit a report on a quarterly basis to the fiscal committee of the general court, the governor and council, and the chairmen of the house and senate executive departments and administration committees, the chairman of the resources, recreation and development committee, and the chairman of the wildlife, fish and game and agriculture committee of all transfers made under this paragraph. RSA 9:17-a and RSA 9:17-c shall not apply to transfers made under this paragraph.
III. The bureau shall be further responsible for coordinating efforts in obtaining easements and rights-of-way, in establishing trails and trail facilities, and any other similarly related tasks that may be required as a responsibility of the department of resources and economic development in relation to OHRVs and snowmobiles. The bureau may with governor and council approval acquire by purchase, gift or devise any land for OHRV and snowmobile trails or facilities.
IV. The bureau shall also have the responsibility to make or participate in a continuing study on the effects of OHRV and snowmobile operations on erosion and other damage to the environment. If other state agencies are involved in an overall study of this nature, the bureau shall cooperate with such agencies, and maintain a record of all findings that pertain to OHRVs and snowmobiles.
IV-a. The bureau shall also have the following duties:
(a) Provide the planning, development, and maintenance of the state trail system.
(b) Promote the proper use of trails throughout the state, and protect their integrity for future generations.
(c) Encourage the use of trails for educational purposes through the use of signs, published material and trail adoption programs.
(d) Coordinate the development of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail designated in RSA 216-A:11.
(e) Administer the New Hampshire conservation corps established in RSA 216-A:7.
(f) Obtain and administer any federal funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter.
(g) Assist communities with their trail programs.
(h) Support research and information gathering activities on the economic benefits of trails and improved environmental design of trails.
(i) Coordinate the efforts of motorized and non-motorized trail interests in the state.
(j) Maintain a list of recognized OHRV clubs.
V. The chief supervisor of the bureau may make recommendations concerning RSA 215-A:3-a and such rules as the chief supervisor feels may be necessary for the use and control of OHRV trails, facilities, and lands under bureau control or lease to the commissioner of the department of resources and economic development. The commissioner may adopt such recommendations as rules as provided in RSA 215-A:3-a. A person who fails to observe rules adopted under RSA 215-A:3-a shall be subject to the same penalties provided for in other sections of this chapter.
VI. The supervisor of the bureau shall receive all written requests from persons applying for permission to establish a highway trail crossing or trail connector on any class I, class II or class III highway for any OHRV trail or cross country ski trail on which an OHRV trail maintenance vehicle may operate. The requests shall be submitted by the supervisor to the commissioner of the department of transportation or the commissioner's representative for the department's approval or disapproval. If approval is granted, the commissioner of the department of transportation may post the area with appropriate signs designating the location of the trail crossing or trail connector and providing signs for both sides of the highway at an appropriate distance from the crossing or trail connector to warn the motoring public of said crossing or trail connector.
VII. The state treasurer shall keep all money appropriated to the department of resources and economic development for the bureau from the registration of off highway recreational vehicles in a special fund to be known as the OHRV and snowmobile fund.
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New Hampshire Laws: Parks and Conservation AreasU.S. Code Provisions: Parks and Conservation Areas
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