Please don't tear up our forest roads & trails with ATVs

To The Daily Sun,

This letter is in reference to a photo included with your informative article on the young lady who is a member of the Gilford Police Department, which was published in your Agust 18 edition. I wish her the best in her career and personal life, however my concern is with the photo showing a number of ATVs on the summit of Piper Mountain. As a hiker and land steward for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, I have seen first-hand the destruction that ATV’s can wreak on the woods roads and trails in New Hampshire forests including erosion and damage on Piper Mountain.

I certainly understand the desire of ATV owners who enjoy driving their vehicles in woodlands and wild areas, however I only request that they exercise care and responsible behavior in these activities so that they do not cause damage to the areas where they ride. Following several common sense principles would serve to minimize their impact including:

— Refraining from riding in areas that prohibit wheeled/motorized vehicles.

— Refraining from riding after rainstorms when the ground is very susceptible to damage from these heavy vehicles.

— Avoiding steep grades where tires must tear up the soil and rocks in order to ascend.

— Repairing trail/road damage if it occurs including repair of water bars, which when destroyed, cause trail and road erosion.

If everyone who utilizes New Hampshire’s outstanding natural resources for recreational activities treats these resources with care and respect, they will continue to be available to enrich the lives of our children and grandchildren.

John Ford

Laconia