ATV club raising money for proper signage

To the Editor:

Greenville’s ATV Access Route measures more than 7 miles in total length and allows ATVs to travel on a combination of state and local roads, provided they follow certain rules. The Town of Greenville Municipal Officers establish these routes and ask the Moosehead Riders ATV Club to provide appropriate signage to indicate where the access routes lie, and where they do not.

Signage has been an ongoing issue for the ATV Club; they are a small non-profit group which works diligently to sign and improve ATV trails in this region.  Most of their efforts are focused on improving existing off-road trails, often with the help of state grant funds.  These funds are not allowed to pay for signage, however.

In reviewing the need for proper signage along this route with metal signs and posts consistent with what the MDOT uses on their roads, the Moosehead ATV Club is trying to raise $1,000 to pay for materials.  The Town is working with the club to help place these signs along the routes in places where they will be least-likely damaged by snow removal operations.  We’ll help them place the signs as soon as they have them, which will be as soon as they can raise the necessary funds.

We’re also working with them to place signs to indicate where ATVs are not allowed, to try to prevent abuse of the privilege of riding on the roads.  As a reminder, ATVs may only be operated on the designated routes seasonally between May 15 and November 15, and only between 8:30 a.m. and dusk.  Also, you have to be 16 years of age or older to operate an ATV on a public road.  Please wear a helmet, stay to the far right of the travel lane and obey the posted speed limits.

If you would like to help the Moosehead ATV Club with this project, please contact President Ken Snowdon at 207-504-6580 or via email at kensnow@myfairpoint.net.  Thanks for your consideration.

John Simko, town manager

Town of Greenville