Residents (East Freedom) Hear Plans for ATV Trail System

Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by ATVNotes

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According to a reported published Yesterday by The Altoonam Mirror, following the proposed Multi-Use Heritage Tourism and 6-county Motorized trail, the residents of East Freedom went to the Freedom Township fire hall in order to learn more details and offer their feedback on the same. Doug Wagner, who happens to be the Allegheny Ridge Recreation Association president, led that discussion together with Jim Laid who is in charge of Laird Landscape Architecture.

According to the survey that was done online via the ARRA website, 2644 individuals gave their feedback. Those who gave their response accepted the ideal of getting more land legitimately for riding various ATVs.

As per Wagner’s observations, the organizers wanted to have something that is close to the Hatfield-McCoy Trial System that is located in West Virginia. As far as the 6-county trail system is concerned, it was bound to include counties such as Center, Blair, Bedford, Clearfield and Cambria. The following are the area that drew immense interest:

  • Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument
  • Flight 93 National Memorial, Mountain Ridge ATV Resort
  • Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
  • Martin Hill ATV Trails
  • Horseshoe Curve
  • Snowshoe Rails to Trails and Bloody Skillet ATV Trails
  • Rock Run Recreation Area
ATV Trail System

Since there are more than 40000 All-Terrain-Vehicles registered within those localities, the trail’s proposal was created with them in mind. However, it is imperative to note that both Wagner and Laird wanted the trail to be used by off-road vehicles of all kinds including dirt bikes, snowmobiles and so much more. Additionally, the trail ought to have been ideal for horseback riding, mountain bicycling, hiking among other outdoor adventures.

With all these activities happening on the trail, there is a need to remain environment-friendly. As a result, there was need to utilize logging roads, fire lines, old mining sites, existing rail beds and so on.

After all, it is not prudent for one to put a trail on someone’s property and he or she is not willing to participate in this undertaking. Therefore, these measures would go a long way in respecting other people’s private property.

Since Laid was the consultant, he participated in the feasibility study and played a key role in making the entire project a success. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in enabling the communication on as well as linking maps so that the locals can comprehend the nitty-gritties of the project.

If Laird’s opinion is anything to go by, then the second industry in Pennsylvania is none other than the recreation activities that take place outdoors. A good example is ATV riding. Once a trail system is created, more people would be lured to engage in ATV riding thereby spurring economic growth within the region and beyond.

From purchasing gas to looking for accommodation, there are many activities that can make the region’s economy to grow tenfold. Besides allowing tourists and the locals to have fun on the trails, the landowners would be able to come up with more business ideas such as the ones we have mentioned above.

Since creating a trail system needs financing, it has to be sourced from different places. Some of sources of this funding include the Recreational Trails Program, DCNR’s ATV restricted fund, Volunteer Corps, Commonwealth Finance Authority, among other incredible sources.

More News on the Same Topic but in Different Places and Time

Last week news published to the joy of ATV and Snowmobile riders that there might be grants from the Pennsylvania State to help applicants develop ATV and Snowmobile projects. We have had news on the same topic where it is said that New Southern Tire and Western Part of New York legislators sounded curious to develop more ATV trail systems across the said states. Like the Pennsylvania DCNR authority, they also think that ATV trails promotion will boost the local tourism and economy.

Speculation is being made that the number of ATVs getting registered with the concerned bodies of the states having popular ATV trails are making others think in this direction. So, the states having land areas suitable for ATV sites and off-road adventures are planning to fledge ATV trails. So, get your ATVs trail-ready, your off-highway riding skills honed and collect the vital powersports safety gear – a comfortable and snug fit ATV helmet– to make your next off-road adventure ALL FUN.

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