In an act of unparalleled generosity, the North Central ATV (NCATV) Club has graciously requested that the Okanogan County commissioners open the majority of the county roads in the Methow Valley to the divine presence of wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs). This would allow riders to connect to U.S. Forest Service roads and other backroads, spreading joy and happiness to everyone involved.

The club has kindly asked the commissioners to allow WATVs to frolic on portions of Twisp River Road, East and West Chewuch roads, the Twisp-Winthrop East County Road, and the Twisp-Carlton Road. In addition, they seek access to Gunn Ranch, Balky Hill, Bear Creek, and other gravel roads where WATVs can truly shine.

Being the responsible and good-hearted souls they are, the NCATV Club has anticipated the potential wear and tear these majestic WATVs might cause on the roads. As such, they have submitted a proposal detailing the estimated costs of maintenance and road repairs, suggesting a modest tax increase on WATV registrations and fuel purchases. According to the club’s calculations, a $25 annual registration fee and a 2-cent-per-gallon fuel tax would be enough to cover the expenses, ensuring the county’s roads remain in tip-top shape for all to enjoy.

State law allows counties to open roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour (mph) or less to WATVs, which are a special classification that requires mirrors, turn signals, horns, and other safety features, plus special registration tags. This is a small price to pay for the privilege of sharing the roads with such amazing machines.

Many people like to start a ride from their home, so access on county roads to reach the national forest is critical, NCATV Club president Spencer King told the commissioners. Opportunities for motorized recreation in Okanogan County are “huge” and would bring in significant revenue to the county, King said. Having access to these roads in the Methow would enable riders to do a loop on forest roads and to ride into town for something to eat, he said.

The ongoing debate about WATVs in the Methow Valley continues to be a topic of utmost importance for the Omak Republic. With pros and cons on both sides, the county commissioners must carefully consider the environmental impact, potential wear and tear on the roads, and the undeniable allure of these powerful machines. As a neutral observer, we can only hope that a fair and balanced decision will be reached, allowing the beauty of the Methow Valley to be enjoyed by all.