Skowhegan ATV trail sees strong turnout after grand opening; club and police weigh enforcement

Skowhegan residents and business owners reported a surge of ATV activity since the town's new ATV trail opened a month ago, and club organizers said the route has brought riders to downtown businesses while officials urged compliance with safety and registration rules.

At a Select Board meeting on Aug. 26, trail master Chris said the club's grand opening drew about 75 machines and more than 200 people. "Within the last month, every day that I've been by Ken's or the bowling alley or the Chinese restaurant, there's ATVs at these businesses," he said, and noted that groups have visited downtown establishments in the evenings.

Chris and other speakers told the board that the trail has had no reported accidents since opening. The club said it has fielded a small number of complaints about riders without helmets and about unregistered machines, and that it is working with landowners and the police to improve signage and rider education. He recounted one incident during the fair where a minor on an unregistered machine was stopped and the vehicle held until parents arrived.

Police and select board members said they want to balance trail expansions with enforcement resources. One board member said the town needs penalties for egregious violations and noted pressure on law enforcement resources during school openings and other events. Chris said the club has been coordinating with the chief and with landowners and that some private property owners have placed cameras to monitor trail activity.

Why it matters Moderate ATV use can boost local retail and hospitality businesses by bringing overnight and day riders into downtown areas, club leaders said; local officials cautioned that the town will need enforcement and clear rules to prevent noise, safety and property conflicts as the trail network expands.

Key details and quotes - Grand opening turnout: about 75 machines and more than 200 attendees,…