State of PA Embraces its ATV Population

It seems like whenever we encounter ATVs in the news, it isn’t good news for ATVs. Whether its reports of crashes and injuries, lawsuits, trespass or environmental groups, we’re usually pretty strong examples of no news often being good news.

However, the latest word coming out of the state of Pennsylvania bucks this trend for the better to be sure- namely state officials are observing ATV ridership on the rise and they’re looking to embrace it.

At present there are close to 170,000 registered ATV owners in the state and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking participation of ATV riders and owners alike in an online survey.

“We want to explore avenues of meeting these registered owners’ need,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams
Dunn. “To do that effectively, we need to better understand the wants and needs of the ATV user. We also ask riders to spread the word to fellow ATV enthusiasts — we want as much survey input as possible.”

“The survey is designed to help create a statewide inventory of ATV riding opportunities on public and private lands,” she continued. “Also, we are researching opportunities to partner with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations to create and develop new ATV parks, trails, and facilities to meet the needs of ATV owners.”

The survey will remain active through Sept. 15, and is available at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016_PA_DCNR_ATV_USER_SURVEY

PA ATV trails have been operating in 11 designated areas in seven state forest districts – Bald Eagle, Buchanan, Delaware, Michaux, Sproul, Susquehannock, and Tiadaghton – which provide 265 miles of trails. The Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania also provides over one hundred miles of trails, and there are several private riding opportunities throughout the state.