GreenWorks - Ideas for a Cleaner Environment

New Hampshire residents and visitors that appreciate the warmer months are now able to get out and enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and yes, even motoring, on trails in New Hampshire's woods and fields. According to New Hampshire's Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan - 2003, demand for outdoor recreation activities is increasing, and all terrain vehicle (ATV) use and trail bike riding are included among those activities. Total wheeled off-highway vehicle registrations in New Hampshire have more than doubled in the last seven years: from 15,000 to 30,000 vehicles. The primary environmental impacts caused by ATVs are trail erosion, disturbance of wetlands, air pollution, and noise. Fortunately, ATV riders can take some simple steps to reduce these impacts to the environment.

First, stay on legal trails. The most commonly asked question is "Where can I ride?" Staying on maintained, marked trails is the biggest step ATV riders can take towards reducing their impact on the environment. ATVs are only allowed on trails that are clearly signed as open for wheeled recreational vehicles, unless you have received written landowner permission. Most power lines are privately owned and also require landowner permission to use. Observe trail closures every spring to avoid mud season rutting. The N.H. Bureau of Trails has a listing of all the legal trails to ride. Local trail maps are printed and distributed by local clubs. See ATV laws at the N.H. Bureau of Trails website at www.nhparks.state.nh.us/trbureau.html, or the N.H. Fish and Game website at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/OHRV/faqs_ohrv.htm.

Do not drive through or near wetlands including streams, ponds, and wet meadows. Wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife. Many insects, birds, turtles, salamanders, snakes and mammals rely on wetlands as a food source and breeding area. You may not see or hear these creatures but they are there and are very sensitive to any disturbances, including noise. Damage to sensitive vegetation can also contribute to polluting the water in these areas. Riding in wetlands is against the law and violators can be fined up to $10,000 and may be required to restore damages that result. For more information, contact the Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau at (603) 271-2147, or visit www.des.state.nh/wetlands, or check out the Wetlands Bureau Off-Road Vehicles and Wetlands flyer at www.des.state.nh.us/wetlands/atv_poster.htm.

Join an ATV club. Clubs can provide trail maps of legal and safe places to ride and educate new riders about the laws. Clubs also help maintain the trails by installing proper stream crossings and restoring eroded areas. Visit the N.H. Bureau of Trails website at www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ trbureau.html for a list of wheeled vehicle clubs in the state.

Keep your vehicle tuned to reduce air pollution and noise. Replace broken or faulty mufflers as quickly as possible. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, buy one with a four-stroke engine. Four-stroke engines are better for the environment because they produce less pollution and noise. Learn more about the natural environment through which you are traveling. The more you know about the wildlife and the landscape, the more you can enjoy your experience and lighten the impacts.