Another group opposes ATV plan for six-county area

Another group has spoken out against the idea of a sixcounty trail system and promotional campaign to encourage all-terrain vehicle riding.

Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission conducted a feasibility study on the sixcounty ATV strategy and has been soliciting public input.

"Our biggest concern is trespassing," said Pa. Forest Coalition Chairman Dick Martin. "A DCNR report documented 2,525 miles of ATV trespass on Bureau of Forestry land alone."

"Unknowing or uncaring riders who leave the legal trails were just 'looking for fun,' but a puddle of water to them is a

vernal pond to DCNR," Martin continued. "It's a place where reptiles and amphibians reproduce every year. The tendency of riders to look for streams and wetlands has damaged many of our coldwater fisheries."

Martin also pointed out that a multi-county trail would likely need to use mostly private land with owner permission, as well some public land to connect the legs. Longer connector trails would provide more places for riders to leave the trail and explore, he said.With this in mind, the Pa. Forest Coalition would rather see stand-alone sites run by municipalities or private entities that are not on stateowned land.

Other ATV opponents cite lack of respect for private property; noise and trail damage; impact on animal and fish populations; and higher township and state maintenance costs.

Supporters cite the recreational value and economic impact of their sport.

The regional plan involves the counties of Potter, Cameron, Elk, McKean, Clearfield and Jefferson. Once the plan is completed, the next step will be to designate advocates to identify landowners along the trails and seek permission. State environmental officials insist that there will be no taking of private property through powers of eminent domain to create the trail system.