The Ute Indian Tribe issued a Public Notice dated April 14th of an enacted Ordinance concerning ‘Trespassing on Tribal Lands’. The Notice states, “As its title suggests, Ordinance No. 25-006 amends the Tribe’s existing code governing trespass on Tribal lands and associated penalties. Pursuant to the amended code, any person who operates an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on Tribal lands without specific authorization from the Tribal Business Committee is considered in trespass, regardless of whether the operator has obtained a permit or right-of-way allowing access to Tribal lands. The Ordinance also establishes a mandatory fine for unauthorized ATV use, in the amount of $1000 for first violation, $1500 for second violation, and $2000 for a third violation. Fines double for each subsequent violation after the third. ATVs used for a person’s third or greater violation will be seized by the Tribe and subject to civil forfeiture proceedings.” The Public Notice is signed by the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee Chairman Shaun Chapoose.
