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HARRISBURG:
With recreational use of all-terrain vehicles continuing
to expand in the Commonwealth, the state Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources (DCNR) is looking for ways to guide
the future of the activity.
Beginning this week, 3,000 surveys will be mailed to a
random sample of registered ATV users across the state
to determine user interests and needs.
"This
is a chance for ATV users to shape the future of their
sport by telling us what kinds of riding experiences
they
want," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "We
expect ATV interest will continue to grow, as should riding
opportunities. Information from these surveys will help
us work with communities, organizations, and new businesses
in developing new ATV areas off state-owned land, where
the pressures have gotten too great."
Trx note:
There are 2.1 million acres of state forest, the only pressure
on it is "special intrest" anti access presure
to deny Pennsylvanians access to their state forests for all
types of recration.
End Trx note
The
questionnaire was developed jointly by the Pennsylvania State
University and DCNR's Snowmobile/ATV Advisory Committee
(SAAC). SAAC is comprised of ATV and snowmobile interest groups
who are looking for ways to increase riding opportunities and
improve safety for their sports.
Trx
note: The (SAAC) is a 17-member
committee representing the following legislative,
government and public interests, of these 17 members only 3
publicly
work towards, and are in favor of new ATV trails in the state of Pennsylvania.
In addition, the Pa Game Commission publicly lobbies against
any legal ATV trail systems.
The chairman and minority chairman of the Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee of the Senate
The chairman and minority chairman of the Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee of the House of Representative
Pa. Game Commission
Allegheny National Forest
Pa. State Association of Township Supervisors
Pa. State Association of Boroughs
Pa. State Association of County Commissioners
Pa. State Snowmobile Association
Pa. Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Conservation or Non-motorized Recreation Groups
Pa. Farm Bureau
Pa. Travel Council
End Trx Note
One goal of the research
study is to collect information that will help SAAC, DCNR
and others better plan for ATV
facilities. This study also will help to document the economic
impact ATVs are having in Pennsylvania.
Secretary DiBerardinis encouraged those receiving surveys
to fill them out completely and return them as quickly
as possible so the data can be included in the analysis. DCNR is the state agency charged with the registration and
titling of ATVs and snowmobiles. Currently, about 180,000
ATVs are registered in the state. The fees collected from
registration, titling and fines are deposited into a Snowmobile/ATV
Fund, which helps to fund trail maintenance and development,
safety information and classes, and grants.
DCNR is currently undergoing an analysis of the location
of trails both on public and private lands, registrations
by county, and liability issues of ATV parks. Over the last
two years, DCNR has invested $3.3 million from the ATV fund
for land acquisition and grants for ATV projects as a way
to shift trail development away from state forest lands.
Trx
note, $3.3 million, and not one mile of "New" open trail to
show for it.
End Trx note
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