To the editor:
In response to the recent letter “ATV trails for public use” I would like to start by saying that the Caribou ATV Club has been working diligently in cooperation with Caribou Parks and Rec to open the trails the earliest that we can. I will agree we have had a beautiful start to the season and the rain has been minimal. What most individuals misunderstand about ATV’ing in general is that 95 percent of all club trails are on privately-owned land.
Some of the largest landowners in the Caribou ATV Club system are farmers and of whom were out planting early this season. Out of respect for our landowners and for their livelihood the Caribou ATV Club and Caribou Parks and Rec decided to open the inner city trails the weekend of May 11th and hold off on opening the outer connector trails until planting is over. Without our landowners, whether they own 10 acres or 10 feet that the trail crosses on their land, we wouldn’t have any trails at all! I am happy to report that the Bouchard/Guerrette trail is now open and the Limestone Connector trail will be open shortly.
The Caribou ATV Club and the Caribou Parks and Rec work hand in hand with the Department of Conservation (DOC) each spring to ensure that we can open our trail system the earliest we can. The DOC states that trails are to open by May 30th of each year, however we open as soon as we can! Many things factor into the decision of our opening date including our landowners, the weather and trail safety and conditions. I truly understand the frustration of having the beautiful weather and not being able to get out on the trails. Also, as a reminder, Irving Woodlands does not allow ATV’ing on their property until at least May 24th for clubs that have trails that cross their property.
I’d like to add the Caribou ATV Club and Caribou Parks and Rec will continue to work hard to meet the needs of the club members and the landowners we have to make our system the best out there! We donate our time, use of our own equipment and take the time necessary to sign and fix these trails. We do this because of our passion for the sport and for the advancement of ATV’ing everywhere. Safety is our number-one concern and our number one goal!
If anyone is interested in becoming a member please contact any member of the club or the board of directors. Also, applications can be picked up at the Caribou Parks and Rec.
Thank you and ride safe!
Benjamin Zetterman, president
Caribou ATV Club
