All-Terrain Vehicle Use on the North Shore State Trail: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

This study assesses the physical capacity of the North Shore State Trail (NSST) on a 6.4 mile segment to accommodate summer season ATV use. The principal environmental concern noted is potential impact on surface waters and wetlands, especially where the trail crosses protected waters. Of special concern are trout streams and their tributaries and wetlands. Summer season ATV use poses greater risk than all other trail users because of unfrozen conditions and mechanical disturbance to soils. The study finds that the NSST could be capable of supporting summer season ATV use but that modifications would be required throughout the entire length of the trail. Costs of such modifications are estimated at $577,000. The trail in its current condition is not capable of supporting summer season ATV use except where ATV use is already permitted.