Legislators to consider opening roads to ATVs

Jefferson County legislators will soon consider expanding their proposed trail system for all-terrain vehicles, a move that could improve the economic fortunes of the hamlet of Lorraine.

Scott M. Burto, county trails coordinator, will propose at today's Planning and Development Committee meeting that lawmakers open sections of county routes 93, 189 and 95 to ATV traffic. The roads are needed to connect trails on county forest property to forthcoming trails on private land.

Michael G. Bellinger, president of the New York Riders Organization of Northern New York, Lorraine, said his members recently convinced six local property owners to allow trails to be constructed on their property. Although the potential trail route has not been mapped, the president said opening the county roads could add 12 miles to the proposed 42-mile circuit in southern Jefferson County.

The roads would also give riders legal access to the hamlet's businesses, including the Lorraine Hotel.

"There is a hotel there that, with the economy the way it is, has been on the downside," said Mr. Bellinger. "But with an influx of more people, they're looking at expanding and adding to their facility for meals."

The president also said he believed the roads also would entice riders to patronize the fire department's varied fundraisers.

"We have the opportunity to revitalize our village by making an economic impact," said Mr. Bellinger. "Down the road, I think we can get into (the village of) Adams. There's a lot of potential there."

Lawmakers need to make sure that opening the roads doesn't have a negative impact on the environment before they proceed. They will also hold a public hearing on the local law that permits the roads to be open. That is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. May 9 in the board chambers, 195 Arsenal St.

The county is targeting May 15 for the opening of the pilot trail system.

Although Mr. Burto's request is to open roads, he and Mr. Bellinger said ultimately, they'd like to reduce the number of county and town roads that are used to connect trails. To do that, Mr. Bellinger said his group needs to expand its membership so that it can collect more dues and use those funds to ready more private land for trails.