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Editor’s Note: Trail photos are included below for your convenience.
For Immediate Release
October 31, 2024
Maine ATV Trail Inspection Program Finds Success in Enhancing Trail Safety, Sustainability, and Landowner Relations
Augusta – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine ATV Trail Inspection Program, established in response to recommendations from Governor Janet Mills' 2019 ATV Task Force, is proving to be a valuable resource for ensuring that Maine's extensive trail system remains safe, sustainable, and well-maintained. The program addresses social, economic, legal, and environmental challenges associated with ATV use while supporting vital partnerships with landowners, as over 80% of Maine's ATV trails cross private land. The program safeguards recreational and environmental interests across the state through systematic inspections and support for trail improvements.
"Private landowners are essential partners in maintaining Maine's ATV trail system," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. "This inspection program helps us maintain these valuable relationships by identifying and addressing problems early, ensuring trails remain safe and enjoyable for everyone."
In its final report, the ATV Task Force recommended several key actions to improve the management and oversight of ATV trails. Among these recommendations was the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) from the Maine Motorized Trail Construction and Maintenance Manual as official standards for state-funded ATV trails. These standards now serve as the foundation of the new inspection process.
Key Features of the ATV Trail Inspection Program:
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Best Management Practices: The inspection process is based on the BMPs found in the Maine Motorized Trail Construction and Maintenance Manual, ensuring consistency and quality in trail management.
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Maine Forest Rangers' Involvement: Independent inspections are conducted by Maine Forest Rangers, who bring their expertise in monitoring and enforcing Forestry BMPs to ensure unbiased assessments of trail conditions.
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Proactive Issue Resolution: The inspection identifies key issues—ranging from trail surface degradation to off-trail riding—and provides clubs with actionable reports. These reports help clubs prioritize maintenance projects and secure funding through grant programs.
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Comprehensive Reporting and Collaboration with Local ATV Clubs: Inspections track GPS data to map trail conditions and identify areas of concern, including issues related to BMPs, trail surfaces, vegetation, signage, bridges, and access routes. The detailed reports generated by these inspections help ATV clubs collaborate with DACF's Recreational Trail Coordinators to address issues and improve trail conditions. These reports can also be submitted with grant applications, making it easier for clubs to secure funding for trail repairs.
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Closure Protocols: If issues are not addressed, trails may be closed if they fail to meet BMP standards or pose safety risks. Clubs have until the end of the following season to make necessary repairs, after which trails may be shut down to protect riders and the environment.
Maine's approach to trail inspections is garnering attention nationwide. At the recent National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) conference, DACF Bureau of Parks and Lands Recreational Trails Coordinator James Turner presented Maine's trail inspection process to fellow state representatives.
"We fielded a lot of questions from programs interested in starting similar inspection systems to manage their growing trail networks and support grant management," Turner said.
Maine's ATV trails offer over 6,000 miles of recreational routes for trail enthusiasts to enjoy. The new inspection program is a major step toward safeguarding the future of these trails, ensuring they remain safe and accessible for years to come.
For more information about the ATV Trail Inspection Program or to learn about grant opportunities for trail improvements, please read DACF's Off-Road Recreational Vehicle web pages at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/atv/atv-trail-inspections.shtml.
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Media Contact: Jim Britt
Photos courtesy of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. Additional photos are available.
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