Encourage ATV use locally?

Some see ATVs as a source of recreation and tourist dollars. Others are concerned about their environmental impact.

A six-county approach to encouraging all-terrain vehicle riding is eliciting strong reaction from both opponents and supporters.

ATVs are growing in local popularity. They're also seen by some as a tourist activity that could grow in future years.

Potter, Cameron, Elk, McKean, Clearfield and Jefferson counties are being studied for development of ATV trails by CEDG Engineers, a consultant working for the Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission.

A major obstacle to planners is the mixture of public and private properties that would be part of any multi-county strategy, according to project manager Don Clymer.

Among the complaints about ATVs aired during a recent public meeting:

 Violation of laws against riding on public roadways and posted property, creating challenges for law enforcement and landowners.

 Impact on animal and fish populations.

 Noise and trail damage.

 Liability and safety concerns

 Higher township and state maintenance costs.

ATV activists, on the other hand, are calling for additional trails, as well as motocross tracks, hill climbs, mud bogs and obstacle courses. Supporters cited the economic impact of their sport, pointing out that the average ATV rider who travels to a riding area spends $200 a day for food, gas and lodging.

Larry Miller from the Rough Riders ATV Club said some members of his group drive to New England to ride ATVs, due to the lack of local trails. He said many riders cover 300 or more miles a day.

Both the Pa. Game Commission and the National Forest Service are being pressured to open up their land to ATV use. ATVs are prohibited on state game lands, as well as most sections of the Allegheny National Forest.

David Stotler of the Pa. Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs said a six-county trail system and the resultant increase in ATV traffic would be a "nightmare."

"We simply cannot permit the continuation of the many adverse effects that uncontrolled (ATVs) are having on our state game lands, state and national forests and the millions of non-motorized users," Stotler said.

Clymer said the plan will go nowhere without the cooperation of private property owners. Some 86 percent of the proposed multi-county ATV trail system consists of private property. State environmental officials insist that there will be no taking of private property through powers of eminent domain to create the trail system.

One proposal calls for charging riders a $5 to $10 daily user fee, with funds being used for property acquisition and trail maintenance.

Once the feasibility portion of the CEDG plan is completed, the next step will be to designate advocates for the trails, such as local ATV clubs. Those groups would be responsible for identifying the land owners along the trails, seeking permission, and identifying problem areas.