Legal Challenge in Isanti County, MN

Residents of Isanti County, MN may soon live under harsh new legislation regarding the legality of private motocross tracks.  A proposed ordinance would require all private motocross tracks (which are defined in such a way as to include just about anything where an identifiable track is laid down, excluding any trails that take more than 15 minutes to circulate) be at least 1,000 feet from neighboring homes.  Such a requirement would effectively make private tracks completely illegal for most people - in an article published in the Cambridge Star it is calculated that even a 40-acre parcel of land would be too small to allow for a private track if it were neighbored on all sides.

Motorcycles, Snowmobiles & ATV’s to be regulated in Isanti County 

That is what is going before the Isanti County Commissioners on March 25^th at 7:00 pm at the Isanti County Government Center in Cambridge, MN. 

With many rights comes responsibilities, we all enjoy the right to free speech, yet it would be irresponsible of us to yell fire in a crowded room.  So the right to ride your ATV, motorcycle or snowmobile, even on private land also comes with responsibilities.  The responsibility of being polite to your neighbors.  We have been hearing a lot about cities adapting ordinances regulating off road vehicles.  You hear complaints of peoples rights to peace & quiet are being affected, that off road vehicles are too noisy.  Last time I checked riding an off road vehicle is my right, so why is everyone acting like it’s a privilege?  

 If a neighbor has a problem with something that you are doing, and he comes to you with his concerns in a polite & neighborly manner, my guess is most people could work it out.  If you really did this and your neighbor totally disregards your concerns, then wouldn’t this be a behavior problem, not a noise problem?  Lets face it there will always be bad neighbors.  Do we really have to restrict everyone for a few bad behaving neighbors?   

Another thing we have been hearing a lot about lately is deficits and budget cuts.  I’m sure that adapting and enforcing yet another ordinance is going to cost money.  Why would we as taxpayers be willing to pay for an ordinance when we already have the laws in place and the people to enforce the laws on the County payroll?  If your neighbor is doing something that you disagree with the “nuisance law” should protect you.  

At the November 21^st board meeting the Isanti County Sheriff was asked how many complaints regarding motorcycle noise had been logged at the Sheriffs department, his response was none.  So what it comes down to is this; Are you as a motorcycle, snowmobile or ATV enthusiast, or just as a taxpayer in Isanti County willing to pay to enforce another ordinance?   An Ordinance that will restrict everyone from riding on their own property, when only a few have had problems. An ordinance for which we already have laws in place to take care of. I for one am not! 

Please come and let the Commissioners know you don’t want to lose your right to ride on your own property.  Be at the Isanti County Government Center March 25^th at 7:00PM.  Wear something that shows you are an off road enthusiast.    

Robert Anderson