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Committee outlines plan to deter ATVs after repeated off‑road incidents on Hubbardston trails
Summary
Open Space Committee members discussed frequent off‑highway vehicle (OHV) activity on town and state forest trails, agreed to map access points, pursue deterrents (posts, obstacles), request signage from state partners and pursue public outreach and enforcement options including documenting violations.
Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee members spent substantial meeting time discussing recurring off‑highway vehicle (ATV/UTV/minibike) activity on town and adjacent state forest trails and agreed on a multi‑pronged plan to deter unauthorized use.
Committee members described seeing vehicles on newly cleared sections (including Malone and Gates field areas), machines parked in hayfields and riders driving up Mount Jeff. Committee members said that the vehicles damage trails, create safety and noise issues for neighbors and risk undoing recent volunteer trail work. "I moved here because I was looking for peace and quiet," a resident told members during a site‑report discussion; members said noise pollution from machines was a frequent complaint.
The committee outlined three primary deterrent strategies: delay/deter/detect. Members proposed mapping trail access points, installing fixed obstacles or steel/concrete posts at prioritized entrances, placing staggered access posts that permit wheelchairs and horses but block side‑by‑sides, and using removable posts or sleeves so town vehicles retain access. One member suggested working with the state (DCR) for posts on state forest land and asking the state for signage; another offered to contact state staff about concrete posts and sign availability.
The group discussed enforcement limits. Tim noted the civil/criminal enforcement path and fines: "It's a $500 fine for operating a motor vehicle, without permission on any property," and recommended public outreach to educate riders and neighbors while collecting photographic evidence to support complaints. Members agreed to divide the trail network for scouting and to pilot deterrents at high‑use access points, starting with Malone where new trail work and clearing make it a higher risk area.
Additional proposed steps included updating trail signage with clear prohibitions and fines, coordinating a community outreach campaign asking neighbors to report incidents and providing volunteers with guidance on documenting violations. The committee set an action plan for the next meeting: Tim will map access points and members will prioritize three entrances to pilot physical deterrents and signage.
