LYNNFIELD — The ATV industry (All-Terrain-Vehicles) has seen steady growth over the last several decades, with increased popularity during the recent COVID years’ focus on outdoor recreation. With this increased usage, the Conservation Commission wants Lynnfield residents to be aware of the negative environmental impacts from ATVs as well as rider safety requirements.
Please be aware that ATV use is NOT permitted on any public lands in Lynnfield, and is limited to private property only. All ATVs must be registered with the state with proof of registration in the operator’s possession.
Negative environmental impacts include damage to vegetation, increased runoff, soil erosion, and degradation of water quality.
The heavy weight of ATVs compact the soil, which then create areas for runoff and erosion. Surface soils are washed downhill into water, where sediments have negative impacts on aquatic habitats for fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. Soil compaction also limits root growth for plants, including those that wildlife feed upon.
When ATVs leave the trails, plants and young saplings are damaged, reducing coverage for the forest floor. As soil is eroded, roots are often exposed and damaged, thereby harming nearby trees. ATVs can also spread invasive species deep into forests when plant fragments and seeds are carried by the vehicles over long distances. Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems and food sources for wildlife.
Rider safety rules and regulations are overseen by the Massachusetts Environmental Police with the establishment of the Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws (CH. 202 of the Acts of 2010). The law includes education requirements for young riders, age restrictions for operators and increased penalties for illegal use. Many residents are unaware of these regulations, which can be viewed on the Massachusetts Environmental Police website at https://www.mass.gov/doc/ohv-pamphlet-updated-4312/download.
The regulations include details about registration, age restrictions, safety education and training, etc.
Specifically, no person between ages 14 and 16 can operate an ATV with an engine capacity more than 90 cubic centimeters. With a capacity less than 90 cubic centimeters, the operator must be directly supervised by a person at least 18 years of age.
No one between the ages of 10 and 14 may operate an ATV unless directly supervised in preparation for, or while a participant in, a supervised and sanctioned race, rally, or organized event approved by a municipal-permitting authority, with the vehicle limited to 90 cubic centimeters or less.
Additionally, completion of an ATV safety course is required for anyone under age 18. Further, all ATV riders must wear an approved helmet.
Again, ATV use is not permitted on any public land in Lynnfield, and is limited to private property only. For a list of public state parks and forests that allow ATV operation, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-state-park-ohv-riding-trail or call the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at (617) 626-1250. ATV use is only permitted on designated trails.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
