More ATVs revving up in Wayne Forest

Mary Beth Lane

NELSONVILLE, Ohio --- More all-terrain vehicle riders are expected to use the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio this year as a company sets up shop to rent ATVs and offer guided tours.

The trail-riding season began Wednesday. Friday afternoon, dozens of helmeted, mud-spattered riders were joyfully bouncing along the wooded trails on ATVs and off-road motorcycles.

Ohio Recreational & Rentals Ltd. paid $900 for a permit that allows the Logan-based company to rent ATVs and guide riders along the 121-mile motor trail system within the forest.

"We heard from the ATV users that this is what they want," said Chad Wilberger, the forest's recreation-program manager. "Some cannot afford their own ATV or don't want to own one but want to ride one once in a while."

A forest plan adopted in 2006 calls for increasing trails for off-highway vehicles, as they are known, along with working with local companies to stimulate the economy in Appalachian Ohio. It also urges the closing of "user-developed, illegal" trails that harm the forest, documents show.

Forest managers signed an agreement Friday with the American Motorcyclist Association and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association to collaborate on a safety campaign that also will promote the importance of adhering to environmental ethics, wearing protective gear and obeying rules.

Critics say ATVs are noisy, polluting machines that do not belong on public forest land.

The Buckeye Forest Council would prefer that ATV-riding be relocated to the hills of reclaimed coal-mine land instead of national and state forests, said Executive Director David Maywhoor.

"That can still offer the same exhilarating ride, but at the same time isn't running over a box turtle," he said.

Riding ATVs in the public forests risks damaging land and wildlife habitat, causing erosion and stream contamination and disturbing the peace of the animals and nature lovers, Maywhoor said. More riders on rental ATVs might worsen that, he said.

President Karry Gemmell said Ohio Recreational & Rentals will provide basic orientation and safety instruction at the forest, and it also will encourage beginners to take further instruction at its training course. The company expects to have at least 300 customers.

ATVs and off-road motorcycles have been allowed on certain trails in Wayne, Ohio's only national forest, since the early 1990s, forest managers said. ATVs are allowed in only four of Ohio's 20 state forests.

Becky Dinsmoor, who was riding Friday with her husband, said critics should understand that the forest is for everyone.

"We pay taxes just like they do," said Dinsmoor, who had come from Athens.

Last year, Wayne National Forest sold slightly more than 16,000 all-purpose trail permits, the vast majority to ATV users. The rest were bought by mountain bikers and horse riders.

The fees to ride an ATV at the Wayne National Forest are $12 for one day, $24 for three days and $45 for a seasonal permit. Full-day rentals through Ohio Recreational & Rentals cost an additional $250 to $290. The company's phone number is 740-592-2500, and its Web site is www.hockinghillsnaturetrails.com.

Source: http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/04/19/forestatvs.ART_ART_04-19-09_B1_PRDJKSO.html?sid=101

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