By By Ben Rayner • 10/26/2021 03:40 p.m. EST
The balance between conservation and recreation on preserved properties is often difficult to achieve. Organizations like the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) face a greater challenge when some take the decision into their own hands and illegally access their lands.
The main culprit in the misuse of these areas has been and continues to be all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), according to GLCT President Spencer Meyer. ATVs are becoming an increasing problem for many land owners, not just the trust, who’s properties are trespassed by these operators.
Even large cities, including New Haven, are dealing with the issue of ATVs, mini-bikes, and pocket motorcycles that abuse roadways and parks. However, the GLCT headaches continue to be off-road ATVs, the damage they cause, and the risk they pose to legal trail users.
Meyer said the organization really wants to get the word out that the use of these machines is not just an inconvenience, it destroys the very property meant to be conserved.
“This is a very significant and growing problem for the trust. The pandemic saw a rise in all use of trail systems by hikers and bikers and unfortunately with ATV riders as well. The problem is a significant safety hazard and the risk it poses to the legal users,” said Meyer.
The GLCT has recently begun the use of trail cameras on their property, which has led to several arrests and seizures, but the problem persists. According to Meyer, trail cams can only really help if the particular machine is registered and can be identified.
“The issue is enforcement of the existing laws. It is illegal to ride motorized vehicles without written permission on any private property in Connecticut and the problem is identifying the people who illegally use the trails,” said Meyer. “The Guilford Police Department has been very helpful in the past, but there is only so much they can do. They can’t initiate a chase to go after these riders and without a plate or registration for them to identify, they have a very tough job.”
Police Chief Butch Hyatt echoes those concerns and how difficult it can be to identify illegal users. One of the most trespassed areas is the Northwoods Trail system (Bluff Head). Both Meyer and Hyatt pointed out that this area can be accessed via North Branford and Durham through multiple points, making interdiction even more challenging.
“There are just so many ways to access these trails. It is not just Guilford people or a Guilford problem. They can get in from power lines, private lands, and the main access points as well,” said Hyatt. “It is difficult for us because we cannot initiate a chase; that is dangerous for the rider and other trail users. These riders also are wearing helmets, which makes identifying them harder and they do not have registration plates like a regular vehicle.”
Some of the other difficulties outlined by Hyatt include the department’s lack of off-road vehicles that could assist in these incidents, the simple lack of resources to keep trails constantly monitored, and the fact these riders are purposely trying to hide their identity and vehicle identity.
Besides the safety risk, ATVs also cause physical damage to the trust’s delicate properties and hamper preservation efforts.
“They also damage the ecosystems, too. They cause significant damage and erosion and also can damage the course of waterways,” Meyer said.
Hyatt said that the best way for the public to help is to provide info, whether descriptions or photos of these riders and their vehicles, or specific information about illegal trail use.
“First, no one should confront anyone in this type of situation. Get a good description, age, sex, any identifying marks of the vehicle,” Hyatt said. “The best thing the public can do is to provide the department with information. Let us know what you see and where. If you know anything, please contact us. A good description is what really helps us.”
Hyatt said he understands the frustration of riders who no longer have a place to ride.
“They argue that they have nowhere to ride, and that is accurate, but that doesn’t mean you can ride on private property,” said Hyatt.
To report a violation, contact the Guilford Police Department at 203-245-8061, or visit the GLCT website at www.guilfordlandtrust.org. You can also link to the department’s Facebook page to view photos of violators and other individuals whom the department is requesting information on.
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