PUBLIC COMMENT DOCUMENT

PUBLIC PROPOSAL - DRAFT - September 30, 2004 Photo by Photo by Craig Line All-Terrain Vehicles in Vermont The outdoors has room for all who love it responsibly. Photo by Bob Linck Photo courtesy of AMA/ATVA ATV Collaborative Draft Report for Public Review Convened by Governor Jim Douglas September 30, 2004 1PUBLIC PROPOSAL - DRAFT - September 30, 2004 This draft is a result of the collaborative deliberative process to date and is not intended as a final paper nor does it reflect the total agreement and views of the collaborative members. This draft is a working document for public comment. Background Use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Vermont has increased over the past 10 years. With growing numbers of Vermonters owning ATVs and only limited legal riding opportunities, there has been an increase in illegal ATV riding. For purposes of this report and the recommendations laid out here, an ATV is defined as any vehicle manufactured for off-highway and off-road conditions and not designed exclusively to ride on snow or ice. Many riders feel there are not enough places for them to ride legally in the State. Vermonters are using ATVs more than ever to work in the woods and on the farm, to hunt and fish, and as a way to enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, more Vermonters than ever are pursuing outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, biking, swimming, fishing, ...