The destruction of natural resources by off-road vehicles and fires caused by carelessness has prompted legislation that could result in stronger penalties for those responsible.

U.S. Senator Mark Udall and Representative John Salazar, both Colorado Democrats, have introduced legislation designed to deter damage to natural resources caused by illegal or reckless activities.

The proposed legislation would amend the 1976 Federal Lands Policy and Management Act to allow the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to impose fines up to $100,000 and up to 12 months in jail or both.

The legislation would establish that any reckless use of fire on public lands would be punishable by fines of no less than $500.  Federal law currently prevents the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from assessing a fine greater than $1000 - even if the damage from the violation cots thousands more to repair.

Udall & Salazar stated that the increased fines, along with the authorization to apply the funds to restore damaged land, will allow the Interior (BLM) and Agriculture (Forest Service) departments to repair damaged wildlife habitat, replant wetland vegetation, revegetate scarred lands and repair trails.