ANR Needs to Hear From You Now on ATVs

As you know, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has proposed repealing the Douglas administration rule allowing ATVs on state lands. To be clear: THIS IS A PROPOSAL. THIS IS NOT A DONE DEAL.

This is an absolutely critical moment for you to weigh in with a short written comment if you support the ANR in repealing the rule. If the rule is not repealed, ATVs will be allowed on state land without a comprehensive plan for dealing with enforcement and resource damage for illegal riding.

At a hearing on Tuesday, there was a huge turnout from people supporting ATVs on state lands.  Over the next several days, it is imperative that you register your opinion with the ANR, or this repeal may not move forward.

In your comments, you may want to note that the rule should be repealed for several reasons.

1. The original rule was fatally flawed  –  a bipartisan legislative oversight committee (LCAR) voted against the rule on the basis the ANR did not have proper authority to issue the rule.
2. For many years the ANR’s position has been that a comprehensive evaluation was needed to understand the impacts of ATVs on state lands. We agree, and the rule was flawed because it did not consider this evaluation.
3. Other, broadly-supported policy ideas – like bulking up enforcement of illegal ATV riding and the creation of an fund to repair ATV-damaged land – need to be part of a comprehensive solution to ATV management in Vermont. To read more about a comprehensive solution to ATVs click here.

Timing is extremely tight. COMMENTS MUST BE TO ANR BY TUESDAY MAY 3. So please, act now.

The easiest way to file your comments is by email at: atvrule@state.vt.us

You can also mail them to Jon Groveman, ANR, 103 South Main Street, Center Building, Waterbury VT 05671-3612.

It’s essential you act now if you care about the management of our state land.

Thank You!