Residents press Tinmouth board to bar ATVs on Ricketts town trail; board to research authority

Members of Tinmouth’s Conservation Commission asked the select board to prohibit motorized wheeled vehicles on the town trail between Merrill Springs Road and Ricketts Road, saying such traffic disturbs flora, wildlife and trail improvements. "Motorized vehicles are not permitted unless they're for adjacent land agricultural purposes," Benson Ingley said, summarizing the landowners’ proposed signage and exceptions for authorized agricultural or logging use.

Doug Fontaine of the Conservation Commission presented the request and residents including John Carrick described regular weekend use by side-by-sides and four-wheelers. Board members and residents discussed distinguishing snowmobiles (which many said cause little erosion on packed snow) from ATVs and side-by-sides, and noted that some users contribute maintenance. The board repeatedly asked staff to research the town’s legal authority and relevant state decisions before taking action and agreed to resume discussion at a future select board meeting once that research is complete.