A total of 10,779 passes were issued for the pilot program between 2023 and 2025. A multi-jurisdictional authority to operate the trail connector is not yet in place, but the DCNR said it will continue to operate the pilot program until then.
The DCNR said it created the pilot program to respond to the increase in ATV riders, registrations, and demand for more riding opportunities. The pilot program collaborated with local and state governments to create routes that offered long-distance riding opportunities while also maintaining the uses and values of state forests.
The DCNR released a pilot report that evaluated the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the pilot program. According to the report, the short-term impacts of the pilot had minimal impacts on state forest resources. Riders were generally satisfied with the pilot, with 71% of non-motorized recreationists sharing dissatisfaction with the pilot. Some of the key findings from the report include dust, noise, and the availability of law enforcement resources. 46% of residents expressed dissatisfaction with the pilot, citing dust, noise, and the availability of law enforcement resources.
A multi-jurisdictional authority is necessary to operate a trail connector program moving forward. The current budget does not allow for the DCNR to hire additional staff to manage the trail system. A legislative report will be released outlining the need for a multi-jurisdictional authority to operate the trail system moving forward.
Story source: Gettysburg Connection News Team