You asked if the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has identified any state property for use by all terrain vehicles (ATVs), or if it plans to do so. You also asked about Massachusetts' ATV policy, and if there is a Connecticut association of ATV owners.

The law requires DEP to evaluate its property and that of other state agencies for use by ATV drivers, and to make some of that property available for their use. In doing so, DEP must consider minimizing the vehicles' impact on the environment (CGS § 23-26c).

DEP legislative liaison Tom Tyler says that while the law requires DEP to set aside some state land for ATV use, it has not yet done so because it believes the vehicles cause too much harm to the environment. However, Tyler said DEP is reviewing the matter and should issue a policy statement in February.

Tyler said DEP lacks the resources to maintain and repair ATV trails, but believes the department would consider permitting the vehicles on some state land if ATV operators agree to maintain the trails and repair the damage the vehicles cause. He said DEP has such an agreement with the New England Trial Riders Association for a dirt-bike track in Pachaug State Forest. Similar agreements are in place in Massachusetts.

USE OF ATVS IN MASSACHUSETTS PARKS AND FORESTS

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) permits off-road vehicle use in eight state forests from May 1 to the last Sunday in November on specifically marked and designated trails. All off-road vehicles must be registered in Massachusetts and weigh 1,000 pounds or less.

DEM operates the designated trails in conjunction with local off-road vehicle organizations and trail councils that help with trail management and maintenance. For example, Paul Adams, assistant regional DEM director for western Massachusetts, states that the Berkshire Trails Council, comprised of several off-road vehicle groups, performs 400 hours of maintenance and repair work each riding season in each of five western Massachusetts parks.

The DEM web site, http: //www. state. ma. us/dem/recreate/orv. htm, states that ATVs are allowed in six of the eight state parks: Savoy Mountain, Pittsfield, October Mountain, Beartown, Tolland, and Georgetown-Rowley. The other two parks allow only motorcycle use.

CONNECTICUT ATV CLUBS

Tyler is not aware of any statewide ATV association, but the Internet lists an ATV All Tracks Association of Connecticut, located in Waterbury. The Internet also lists several regional off-road vehicle clubs, including the Connecticut Ramblers (Ellington), the Foothill Trail Riders (Canton), the Pathfinders (Bethany), and the Salmon River County Riders (East Hampton).

PF: ts