Vermont

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is extending the comment period until July 6, as requested after a public hearing this week.

Warren Coleman, a lawyer for the agency, says so far the issue has generated a lot of feedback.

State officials say the change is intended to allow ATV riders to legally ride on trails on public land that would connect segments of the current 600-mile trail network maintained by the Vermont All-Terrain Vehicle Sportsman's Association (VASA). Opponents see the ANR proposal as an ill-considered move to open state land to motorized recreation.

Judging from the more than 200 people who attended a public hearing in Montpelier on Monday, passions are running high on both sides and these debates never end peacefully. With 468 square miles of state-owned land in Vermont, one would think there would be enough room to accommodate ATV riders and hikers.

ATV riders who want to expand their trail network onto state lands must first prove their form of recreation is compatible with traditional uses enjoyed by many and will have minimal impact on the environmental integrity of the land.

The Agency of Natural Resources has proposed rules that would allow the agency secretary to designate all-terrain vehicle trails on state land. Written public comment will be received until June 22.

The issues with vehicles such as ATVs are that they are hard on the environment and have a footprint that goes far beyond their physical size or even the trails they are ridden on.

MONTPELIER — An enthusiastic crowd of more than 250 all-terrain vehicle riders urged the Agency of Natural Resources on Monday to allow ATV connector trails on state land.

“There is room for all to share use of our lands and water,” said David Lewis of Royalton, summing up the sentiment of many of those who testified at a public hearing.

“ATV users are depicted as minority users that don’t count. We pay taxes like everybody else,” added Ernie Pappas of Morgan.

The Agency of Natural Resources proposed a controversial rule change that would lift the existing ban and allow limited off-road use on short stretches of state land. Supporters say it would broaden the 600-mile network of ATV trails by providing corridors to connect existing trails. Environmental organizations are concerned about the potential impact those trails will have.

A public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. this evening at the Pavilion Building on State Street in Montpelier.

Source: http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10532662

MONTPELIER - State officials tonight will take testimony in a hearing that could help decide whether Vermont opens up state-owned lands for all-terrain vehicle use.

The controversial issue has galvanized both ATV enthusiasts seeking to broaden their network of trails and environmental organizations concerned about the potential impacts. The long-debated topic resurfaced in recent weeks after the Agency of Natural Resources proposed a rule change that would lift the existing ATV prohibition and allow limited off-road use on short stretches of state land.

George Wuerthner

The Douglas administration has proposed a rule change that would permit All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to travel on state lands — parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. These lands are now closed to ATVs, as are federal lands in Vermont like the Green Mountain National Forest.

Ironically this proposal to open state lands to expanded ATV abuse comes at a time when most other states and the federal government are either banning ATVs outright, or attempting to greatly restrict their use. Why would Vermont go in the opposite direction?

MILTON — Steve Carlin’s Can-Am Outlander all-terrain vehicle bounced over rocks and ground through deep ruts at 10 miles an hour, climbing a steep, stony logging road below Georgia Mountain.

The ATV emerged at the edge of a high hill pasture, and Carlin looked west toward Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

“Does it get any better than this?” he asked, waving a hand at the panoramic view.

Regarding Friday's ATV story: It is my understanding that these vehicles -- along with lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other small engines -- emit the most pollutants.

There may be some reason for the use of the various power tools that pollute so much, but we lived well for many years without them. The ATVs, however, are just a toy that disturb the peace of those who hike and camp, all the while polluting in a big way.

I bought a Vermont-made battery powered lawn mower to avoid being a polluter and a noise maker. Let's outlaw ATVs!

Source: http://www.reformer.com/letters/ci_12483979