Proposal to open Rail Trail to ATVs withdrawn

Written by Berlin Reporter

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Edith Tucker

GORHAM — A controversial proposal by the state Bureau of Trails to open about a mile on the east end of the 20-mile-long state-owned Presidential Rail Trail to summertime use by ATVs and trail bikes has been withdrawn, for at least a year, said Trails Bureau Chief Chris Gamache in a Monday afternoon telephone interview.

Businesses in Gorham requested the state's help in finding a route that would bring ATV enthusiasts to their doors, he explained, noting that the Gorham have been notified.

Area residents, particularly those in Randolph, were opposed to the idea of opening up any part of the former Boston and Maine Railroad roadbed up to any summertime motorized use until the entire route, from Gorham to Whitefield, could be scoped out and a master plan adopted.

"We don't have the time or the resources to pursue the idea at this time," Mr. Gamache. "We've been working with other landowners to try to get a satisfactory route in place."

Those against allowing ATVs on the rail trail in non-snowmobile seasons have used local newspapers to express their opposition whereas those in favor — mostly business owners — have shipped their comments directly to Bureau headquarters in Concord.

"We feel some obligation to help provide routes for ATV riders who come to Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin to get to local services," said Bureau Chief Gamache.

A "Friends of the Presidential Rail Trail" organization is being formed, and its leaders have pledged to work in positive ways with the state agency, he added.

The Jefferson Conservation Commission has called for a master plan to be drawn up, and that idea that has supported by the Randolph selectmen and the Appalachian Mountain Club. Many hiking trails on the south side of Route 2 cross the rail trail.

The Bureau of Trails is under the state Division of Parks and Recreation that is in the Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Source: http://www.winnisquamecho.net/Articles-c-2010-01-12-150361.113119_Proposal_to_open_Rail_Trail_to_ATVs_withdrawn.html

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Community Voices

“During the past decade, I have personally had six out of seven elk hunts ruined by the careless intrusions of ATV operators. This epidemic has forced me to abandon one prime hunting area after another, only to encounter the same situation elsewhere. The shameful part of this picture is that the overwhelming majority of these ATV’ers are young and healthy, not decrepit or physically challenged. Maybe these riders would be more respectful of other people's outdoor experience if they knew we could ID them."

- Bill Sustrich, Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers