Sen. Aubertine Urges Dec To Open Truck Trails To Atvs

safe, well-maintained trails bring in $35 million annually Local ATV leadership must help mitigate environmental concerns

ALBANY—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) has called upon the leadership of the state Department of Conservation to reverse its decision to reclassify truck trails in Jefferson, Oswego and Lewis counties as roads.

Mr. Aubertine followed up recent talks with Commissioner Alexander B. "Pete" Grannis, by reiterating in a letter his strong opposition to DEC’s actions in regard to the closing of 52 truck trails to ATV traffic. The senator emphasized the economic impact of ATV tourism in his region and neighboring counties and the negative impact of the DEC actions.

"Like snowmobilers in the winter, ATV riders in the spring and summer make large contributions to the Tug Hill region’s economy," Sen. Aubertine said. "We need to ensure that riders have safe and well-maintained trails so the impact on our roadways and the environment is minimized. The local ATV leadership has shown a willingness to address concerns about this vital industry’s environmental impact."

An economic analysis done several years ago by Camoin Associates of Saratoga Springs found that non resident ATV use directly contributes $23 million to the region’s economy, including $7.9 million in wages. When factoring indirect and induced economic impacts, the numbers jump to $35.2 million and almost $11.4 million in wages.

"Because Region 6 has not had this classification before this year, it had grown into a sanctuary in New York State for ATV riders," Sen. Aubertine said. "The counties that benefit have trail coordinators to oversee these areas and mitigate concerns so that the economic benefits of this tourism can be shared by all. We must have these truck trails opened to legal ATV traffic again."

The Senator asked the DEC to look into opening the most important trails as soon as possible. The local trail coordinators have put together a comprehensive report on these trails and indicated to the DEC which ones were most critical to the ATV tourism industry. Mr. Aubertine said the DEC should open 6 critical trails and another dozen of the more important links within the fledgling ATV trail system.

"I intend to stay on top of this issue and I hope Mr. Grannis will take into account the impact of this decision," Sen. Aubertine said. "We would like him to act quickly, remembering the history of ATV tourism in this region, its impact and the steps taken by the counties here to oversee the trails. We can work together to resolve this issue."

Sen. Aubertine will follow up his letter to Commissioner Grannis by meeting with Oswego County ATV Club President Steve Cronk, Jefferson County Trail Coordinator Scott Burto, Jefferson County Soil & Water Executive Director Brian J. Wohnseidler and Lewis County Trail Coordinator Robert C. Diehl on May 9.

The leaders in the ATV community expressed their support for Sen. Aubertine’s efforts:

"It’s good to have the Senator voice his opinion. We appreciate his support and the work he’s done to address this issue. This issue goes far beyond the boundaries of any single senate district or political party," said Lewis County Coordinator Robert Diehl. "It’s about the recreation destination we have become and the economic benefits that keep our communities alive during the summer tourism season. There is a reason that Region 6 was the last DEC Region with ATV access on its Truck Trails."

"As President of the Oswego County ATV Club, we are happy to have Senator Aubertine speak out in support of our region’s ATV issues, and show his concern and willingness to work with us," said Steve Cronk.

"It is encouraging to see all local politicians getting involved in the sensitive ATV issues that have widespread impacts to our region’s quality of life," said Jefferson County Trail Coordinator Scott Burto. "We look forward to working with all of our politicians to resolve these regional ATV issues."