The ATV Debate

In 2003, the DEC banned ATV use from state land in the Adirondacks and the Catskills to ensure the protection of the park. ATVs drive through streams, which muddy the waters, destroy plants, and pollute the air. Additionally, the noise increases the stress on wildlife and can ruin the natural experience for hikers. Despite the ban, trespassers on these all-terrain vehicles are still tearing up hiking trails. Given the size of the park and the hundreds of trails through it, it is unclear whether ATV trespassing is increasing or decreasing in recent years.  

         In an article I found, a journalist named Stephen Williams discussed his experience hiking on the trails with severe ATV damage. He complained about how difficult it was to hike the trails, having to constantly watch where he stepped to avoid the deep, muddy ruts created by ATVs. The picture below shows some of the damage that ATVs can do the trails. Williams visited a dozen trails that were reported in 2003 by the Resident’s Committee to Protect the Adirondacks as having substantial ATV damage. Despite the ban of these vehicles, two-thirds of the trails showed signs of a continuing usage and abuse.

             In class we discussed the issues that ATVs on hiking trails raise for the surrounding wildlife and nearby hikers. I noticed some of the comments on the article actually brought up a lot of points of discussion that were mentioned in class. One person commented that ATVs were a selfish idea of “outdoor enjoyment”, disturbing the peaceful environment for any nearby hikers. However, someone responded to that comment arguing that people like to experience nature differently and should be entitled to the way that works for them. It’s definitely a difficult debate to get into, and I can understand both sides. Like we discussed, one resolution could be designating certain areas for ATV use and banning them from other areas.

Article Link:

http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/atvs-still-running-amuck