PBS PROJECT: PBS is putting together “The PBS American Portrait.” According to the website, “This is a collection of stories contributed by people all over the country — a portrait of what it really means to be American today.

Everyone has a story.

Share yours.

Be heard. Get creative.”

Visit https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/ to share yours.

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ATV TRAIL POLICY: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently outlined final changes to its internal policy on ATV trails on state forest lands to respond to increasing demands for riding opportunities, local and county government interest in expanding recreational tourism, and legislative action.

The announcement was made at the recent meeting of the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council, where the proposed changes were first introduced for public comment.

Where there was a moratorium on new trail development in the previous policy, the revisions now authorize DCNR to explore the potential for new ATV trails and connectors on state forest lands. Other changes include: allowing the Secretary to designate portions of the state forest road system as temporary, seasonal or permanent ATV trails; allowing the department to request public comment for projects that have broader impacts on the community/region and supporting acquisition of lands specifically for motorized recreation use.

The policy is effective immediately. Implementation will be guided by a set of overarching ATV Management Principles (PDF) developed by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

A focus of the assessment will be the north central part of the state due to the prevalence of state forest lands, a relatively high number of township roads open to ATV use, and proximity to other DCNR ATV trail systems.

Pennsylvania currently has more than 260 miles of ATV trails in state forests.

The ATV Trail Development and Management Policy (PDF) is on the DCNR website, as is more information about ATV riding in state forests.