County Poised to Allow ATVs on Some Roads

All-terrain vehicles could soon be cleared to access some roads in unincorporated Lewis County, pending a vote June 4 by county commissioners.

“It appeals to what rural Lewis County is all about,” said Commissioner Gary Stamper. “I’m excited about it, and I think everyone else is too.”

Stamper, who represents the rural eastern portion of the county, said he has been working on the ATV issue since he was elected to the commission. 

“I’ve gotten more than several phone calls about it,” he said.

Both Morton and Mossyrock have passed ordinances allowing ATVs following the Legislature’s 2013 passage of a bill to enable communities to do so. 

“Right now they're not truly allowed,” said Commissioner Edna Fund. “The legislation a couple years ago set up a way by which counties could allow all-terrain vehicles.”

A draft of the Lewis County ordinance provided to The Chronicle would allow for vehicles meeting the state definition of a “wheeled all-terrain vehicle.” Such ATVs must have proper lights, mirrors and a horn, among other requirements.

“They have to be street legal,” Stamper said.

Such vehicles would be allowed to operate on approved county roads, which would generally be those 35 mph and below. The county’s Public Works Department will be tasked with creating and maintaining a map of the ATV-approved roads, and it will apply for grants to place signs indicating where they are allowed.

Stamper said he consulted with the Cowlitz River ATV Club and the Washington ATV Association on the issue, and he’s convinced it’s an important step for bolstering recreation and transportation in rural areas.

He noted that many residents would like to use county roads to connect to public lands with ATV trails. In addition, disabled people who may not be able to operate a car may sometimes be able to use ATVs to get around. 

“It’s about opportunity and accessibility,” Stamper said. 

The issue will first be presented at a public hearing before the commission votes on June 4.

“This has been in the making for quite awhile,” Fund said. “Just that we have it on the agenda is a big deal to us. … This should be a good hearing for the public to come in and talk about ATVs in the county.”

Stamper said the commission has worked closely with law enforcement in developing the ordinance, and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office will be diligent about enforcing safety standards and ensuring ATVs are street legal.