Written Comments Show Opposition To ATV Plan

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Associated Press

WATERBURY, Vt. -- More than 1,000 people have written to Vermont officials to comment on a proposed rule that would allow all-terrain vehicle users limited access to trails on state lands.

By Wednesday, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources had received 148 letters and 1,600 e-mails about the proposal. Letter writers opposed the rule by a ratio of 3 to 1. An agency intern who has reviewed the e-mails told the Burlington Free Press that the ratio was similar among the e-mail messages.

At a public hearing last month, about 250 ATV riders and their supporters showed up to support the plan to allow ATVs on connector trails, far outnumbering opponents.

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, said ATVs damage trails and don't belong in the woods.

The state had previously extended the comment period deadline to Mond

Source: http://www.wptz.com/news/19956663/detail.html

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