Forests mull action against over-blazed ATV trails

Last Update: 08/04/2003 7:49:11 AM
By: Associated Press


(Albuquerque-AP) -- New Mexico’s five national forest supervisors are having qualms about a policy that allows all-terrain vehicles nearly limitless access to forests.

The forests are crisscrossed with ruts left by ATVs—even where the U.S. Forest Service or local police try to block access to protect eroded areas.

Areas scared by ATVs include Chamisoso Canyon and Mount Taylor in the Cibola National Forest, the Rio Guadalupe in the Santa Fe National Forest, the Gila National Forest, Red River and Penasco.

The Lincoln National Forest banned motorized cross-country travel in 1986.

That policy, unique in New Mexico, means ATV drivers and motorcyclists on the Lincoln must stick to designated trails.

Gila supervisor Marcia Andre says New Mexico forest supervisors are working on an off-road strategy, due to be completed in September.


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