ATVs on state lands generates debate

Written by Associated Press

Saturday, June 20, 2009

WATERBURY, Vt. (AP) - Vermonters are getting two more weeks to comment on a proposed rule that would allow all-terrain vehicle users limited access to trails on state lands.

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.

More than 250 people attended a hearing on Monday in Montpelier asking to be allowed to ride on connector trails.

The Vermont All-Terrain Vehicles Sportsman's Association is working to create a statewide trail network but in some spots state lands create a barrier between trails and private property.

Opponents, especially environmentalists, say ATVS damage trails and don't belong in the woods.

Source: http://www.fox44.net/Global/story.asp?S=10566645

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Community Voices

“As a rancher who leases public lands for cattle, I’ve seen my share of cut fences and rangeland damaged by ORV use. I’ve also experienced ORV trespass onto my private lands. But I’ve had no way to identify the culprits when reporting trespass or illegal ORV use to local law enforcement. Congress should require that ORVs used on public lands have visible identification plates or decals. Doing so would remove the anonymity enjoyed by ORV riders who are bent on breaking the rules.”

- Ambers Thornburgh, second-generation rancher from Oregon who grazes cattle on his private land and adjacent lands leased from the Bureau of Land Management