Editor’s note: Vincent Illuzzi of Newport is a Republican state senator representing Essex and Orleans counties. This op-ed was first published in the Burlington Free Press
Environmentalists have squared off against Vermonters who want to use all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) on connector trails over public lands.
But a battle that pits one group of outdoor enthusiasts against another is sure to create more heat than light.
A moderate, middle way approach — based on good science, stewardship and a case by case review of allowing limited connector trails to connect privately owned lands — will better serve Vermont.
Vermont already welcomes diverse uses to its public lands, balancing environmental protection and sound resource management with the public’s desire to use those resources in many ways.
Ski areas, television and radio stations, utility companies, schools, businesses, hunters, trappers, snowmobilers and others have all been granted use of public lands after thoughtful environmental review and the application of reasonable fees and conditions.
Given this historic and reasoned approach, there is no hard science or logic to drawing a bright red line outlawing all ATVs from using connector trails, no matter what!
Consider the background for the debate. In 2004, Gov. Douglas convened a task force of all stakeholders to consider ATV issues. The group acknowledged that ATV use has grown in the past decade for both work related and recreational uses, yet there are few places where they can be legally used.
The task force posed a menu of 24 recommendations to promote safe riding, education, enforcement, and stewardship, which mirrors the successful approach used by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers.
Fast forward to one year ago. Then-Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wood adopted a rule that allowed application for up to three ATV connector trails as pilot projects if they met strict criteria like whether ATV use is consistent with existing management plans; to what extent the natural environment may be impacted; whether there would be conflicts with other land users; and, whether a connector trail is the shortest and most practical way to connect existing trails on private lands.
The rule required a finding of public good and demonstrated compliance with extensive criteria.
Sadly, one of Secretary Deborah Markowitz’s first public acts was to throw out all of this work, and in the process, write off a growing number of Vermonters and tourists who support this growing sector of our recreation economy.
Why would Markowitz lay waste to that thoughtful process and slam the door in the face of those Vermonters?
Why would Markowitz do so without so much as a single meeting?
Maine, New Hampshire and Quebec have embraced this form of outdoor recreation, and their extensive trail network beckons those tossed out of Vermont, including aging baby boomers, who must rely on ATVs.
Hailing from the Northeast Kingdom, where motorized recreation is both popular and a source of significant business income, this move has many in this region scratching their heads.
Most Vermonters agree that ATV use does not make sense on all or even most public lands. But few believe it should be completely outlawed.
Working with the Vermont Natural Resources Council on other land use issues, I would like to revisit a pilot project and consider additional criteria to ensure the dual goals of environmental protection and the ability to use connector trails.
The Vermont Legislature created the Vermont ATV Association as a user and watchdog group to oversee the use of ATVs in Vermont, and the development of a statewide network of trails.
Extreme views like those displayed by Markowitz are never a good thing, especially when it comes to the use of public lands that all Vermonters hold so dear and support with their tax dollars. We have a history of being able to negotiate these difficult issues.
For example, Bicknell’s thrush shares its habitat with telecommunication towers. Native trout populate brooks crossed by ski trails. And the Kingdom’s rare Spruce Grouse has heard more than one snow traveler pass in the night.
As a conservationist, I worked with former Gov. Howard Dean to purchase the Champion Lands in Essex County in the 1990s. We guaranteed traditional uses on those lands. I am confident we can find a way to accommodate connector trails on some state lands.
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ATV use is a filthy, dangerous activity (not sport) which the state has no business indulging by allowing the use of public lands. Studies are not needed to understand that ATV users routinely go “off-trail” smashing and squishing everything in their way. The dust clouds created by just one machine say it all.
What’s more, spinal cord injuries are common when the machines roll over, adding to the public burden of supporting this activity.
Their use of gasoline and the fumes their motors emit are not consistent with VT’s commitment to good environmental stewardship.
On the other hand, ATV use for those with disabilities, who have no other way to access the outdoors, or those using the machines for work is a different story. Treat them like any other farm/utility vehicle, not as one used for sport.