ATV club urges patience for trail opening and caution with dust issues

ST. JOHN VALLEY - Bert Levesque, secretary for the Valley ATV Riders has some advice for people heading out on the trails with their ATVs.

Wait.

The trails in the region will officially open on May 15 after the spring rains have stopped, snow has melted and the ground has dried.  People who are already riding are putting dangerous ruts in the trails that could endanger the lives of other riders and could annoy landowners who volunteer to let trails cross their property.

Levesque said it was mostly young people who were out riding illegally at this time of year "...damaging the trails."  He said it wasn't only teenagers.  "I've seen some grown-ups do some crazy things."

Levesque is advising people to be patient.  He said the riding season is shaping up to be a great time.  He said, "Conditions will be just right, mostly dry with a little bit of rain."  Last year, explained Levesque, the dry weather meant the speedier ATVs kicked up a lot of dust which annoyed landowners and other residents.  He said the ATV sport would do better in the public "...If people would just learn to take their time and not stir up the dust."

He said, "All over the Valley we've got some of the best trails in the state."

Bert Levesque said the clubs could not operate without the cooperation and good will of the landowners.  He said the club appreciates the help of Maine's landowners to bring the natural wonders of the state to everyone.