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Stumpjumpers seek Select Board letter to support ATV-trail grant; board asks staff for draft impact statement
Summary
Stumpjumpers trail leaders requested a Select Board letter to accompany a state grant application to expand ATV access and connect regional trails. Town and board discussed safety, economic benefits, and that the club will pursue grant funding and fundraise; board asked staff to prepare a draft letter describing impacts and safety considerations.
Chris, the Stumpjumpers trail master, and Joanna, the club president, sought a Select Board letter to accompany a state grant application that would allow temporary ATV routing on town roads to connect to regional trails and speed access while permanent trail permits are obtained.
Chris said the club expects to rely on grants and fundraising rather than taxpayer funding and cited riding counts and registrations as evidence of demand: "We had 2,580 machines come through a trail ..." and "we had 554 ATVs registered." He described work already underway with neighboring clubs and engineers and said the plan would be staged and not permanent.
Board members raised safety and traffic concerns and asked staff to draft a letter that outlines the town's comprehensive-plan priorities, anticipated safety considerations, and the temporary nature of the arrangement. Select Board Member Amber proposed that staff include the economic-development potential and bridge‑project timing in the draft.
The board did not sign a final letter that night; instead they agreed to have staff prepare a draft for board review, circulation and ultimate approval.
