UTVs ON COUNTY TRAILS? IT COULD HAPPEN
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 -- 12:20 PM
Clark County might become the latest county to allow so-called UTVs on their ATV trail system.The state recently approved a measure allowing the larger Utility Terrain Vehicles, or side-by-sides, on ATV trails. To participate in the pilot program, counties must opt in. Once a county opts in, individual townships can opt in or out.
The Forestry and Parks committee explored the issue in April, but a motion to open the trails to UTVs never received a second.
The item is back on the agenda for their meeting on Friday. Trails coordinator Brian Duell says the extra few months gave Clark County the chance to see how UTVs affected other counties? trails.
"They're not experiencing any sort of troubles outside of normal ATV troubles. No excessive damage," Duell reports.
Then, there?s the funding issue. Duell says the state currently doesn?t have a way to reimburse counties for maintenance.
"The state still doesn't have any funding source for them. There is no funding, like there is ATV funding. Clark County has the standpoint that, when they get the funding source available for them, they will get them on," he says.
Still, the vehicles have become extremely popular and Duell expects they?ll be allowed on the trails?if not this year?in the very near future.
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