Pennsylvania Invests $1.4M in ATV Trails
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources invested $1.4 million to support four new ATV trail system projects, with the next grant funding round opening February 2. The initiative aims to expand recreational opportunities and boost local economic development in areas where ATV use is popular.
- The four projects supported by the $1.4 million investment include a trail study in Mercer County, the construction of a bridge over Little Piney Creek in Clarion County, the acquisition of 61 acres for trail expansion in Potter County, and the construction of comfort stations and trail expansion at Rock Run Recreation Area in Cambria and Clearfield counties. - Funding for these grants comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account, the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program. These accounts are funded by ATV and snowmobile registrations in the state. - A recent economic analysis of an ATV trail connector in Potter and Tioga counties showed a significant economic impact, generating over $23.5 million in revenue for area businesses over a two-year period. A separate report estimated the total economic impact for the same counties to be $8.2 million in 2022 and $11.7 million in 2023. - The expansion of ATV trails is not without controversy. The Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation (PEDF) has filed a lawsuit against the state and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), seeking to shut down the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail. The lawsuit alleges that ATVs damage public lands and that the state has failed to protect state forests from this damage. - The lawsuit from the PEDF points to the creation of thousands of miles of illegal trails by riders and cites concerns about environmental degradation, including damage to streambeds, wetlands, and other sensitive areas. - A DCNR report on the Northcentral ATV Pilot project found that while riders were generally satisfied, 71% of non-motorized recreational users and 46% of local residents were dissatisfied with the program, citing issues with dust and noise. - Despite the lawsuit, the DCNR is continuing the ATV Regional Trail Connector program through the 2025 riding season as directed by the 2023-24 state budget. - Municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities are eligible to apply for the next round of ATV and snowmobile trail grants.
