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ATV group asks Stratford Selectboard to allow resident-only access on McMann Road
Summary
Representatives of North Country ATV and local residents asked the Stratford Selectboard to permit limited ATV access on McMann Road restricted to residents; the board requested written permission from each landowner before deciding.
Ted Burns and Amber Rock, representing North Country ATV, and resident Brian McMann addressed the Selectboard on Aug. 11 to request limited ATV access on McMann Road restricted to residents rather than the general public.
"North Country ATV had requested a special audience with the board to discuss opening up McMann Rd for ATV," Burns said, describing a plan in which only residents on that road would be allowed to use ATVs to reach the broader trail network. Burns and Amber Rock provided the board a map and explained the proposed access would be closed to general public ATV traffic.
The board stressed the town needs confirmation that landowners along McMann Road do not object. Selectman Harry Juergens and Ron Scott asked for written permission from each property owner abutting the road; North Country ATV agreed to supply documentation and said the group will reconvene with the board once permissions are provided.
Why it matters: Allowing ATVs on a road, even for residents only, raises questions of property access, liability, and precedent. The Selectboard did not approve an opening at the meeting and emphasized the town’s responsibility to ensure property owners consent before changing access rules.
What’s next: North Country ATV will submit written permission from landowners; the Selectboard will review that documentation at a future meeting before taking any formal action.
