By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

Once again, Bear Brook State Park is being considered for all-terrain vehicle trails, despite being removed from the state's list of possible trails over the need to protect wells in the park.

There are two major areas in southern New Hampshire for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders to use, but none in the southern park of the state.

In favor of trails
Rick Lacourse is president of the New Hampshire ATV club, and is in favor of developing a trail network in Allenstown's Bear Brook State Park.

"It's one of the largest parks in the state," he said. "Every other group seems to be using it except for ATVers."

Lacourse said the area is of particular interest because it is one of a few spots in the south of the state for riders.

"We're a local club," said Lacourse. "People need a place to ride."

Lacourse said that the club's membership has dwindled from nearly 3,000 members to around 800, and one of the main reasons is that there are few places in the south of the state for ATV use.

According to Lacourse, the two biggest complaints facing all-terrain-vehicle operators are based on noise and pollution.

Current legislation does not allow the four-wheeled vehicles within 4,000 feet of community wells, but the House has recently voted to reduce the distance to 400 feet. All that remains is a vote from the Senate to ratify the change.

"Originally, the distance was 400 feet, but there was an error, and somewhere in there an extra zero got added. If this legislation goes through, it opens the doors to more riding in the area," Lacourse said.

Lacourse also said there was another lesser-known reason the club is interested in Bear Brook.

"Our fight isn't just because it's a good place to ride," he said. "Our club also has disabled veterans who are unable to ride horses or bikes. How else are they supposed to get out and enjoy the trails with their families?"

Lacourse said that since its beginning in 1998, the New Hampshire ATV club has organized charity events and cleaned and maintained trails for riders.

"We went to Hooksett, right near the Chester Turnpike," he said. "We removed 75 tires, and all sorts of garbage and scrap metal. One of the members even donated his tractor to remove five abandoned cars from the woods. Every year we clean out and maintain our trails. In all of our events, never once have I seen an ATVer leave trash behind."

Against the trails
For all of the purported benefits that the park offers to ATV riders, Allenstown officials have a different side of the story.

Sandra McKenney, an Allenstown selectman for the last five years, said that the legislation is unfair.

"We would rather see this killed and start all over again so that it's fair for everyone," she said.

McKenney said that since the legislation has now gone to the Senate, the decision is out of the hands of local government.

"We don't have any local control at this point; the state can basically do as they please," she said. "I understand that they (ATV users) have to go somewhere. I'd just rather it not be here in Allenstown."

McKenney also comented on the proposed distance from well water, and like Lacourse said that the difference between 4,000 feet and 400 feet is an important consideration.

"It wasn't a typo, per se," she said. "It was verbiage from the committee members in the Senate. This has been going on since it was House Bill 1273 in 2002."

The bill may be controversial, but McKenney is also concerned about Allenstown residents, particularly those abutting the park.

"Most of the people I've talked with prefer not to have ATVs around," McKenney said. "We haven't seen any of the trail proposals, and we have no idea where the ATVs might be going in the park."

McKenney is also concerned about the effect increased traffic might have on emergency services.

"We're concerned for the residents, the police, fire and rescue services and our drinking water," she said.

Norm Provencher works for the Pembroke Water Works, and is concerned about the effects of a gasoline additive on the environment.

"MtBE makes the gasoline burn cleaner," he said. "But it also has some pretty negative effects on human beings. They're looking to ban it by 2007."

Provencher is also worried about the effect of the increased traffic on the area.

"I'm not opposed to ATVs," said Provencher. "But one of my concerns with ATV use is vandalism to our pump houses. It has already happened, and it will increase with accessibility."

He added that the very nature of ATVs makes them a liability.

"Unfortunately, they don't stay on the trails," he said. "They aren't like snowmobiles; some riders think that they can go anywhere."

Provencher's final concern about the legislation has to do with the water pumps, which provide water to more than 6,000 people.

"Our well pumps pump out 350 gallons per minute," he said. "The Department of Environmental Services recommends a 400-foot distance for wells that pump out 90 gallons per minute."

It is unclear when a decision will be reached, but both McKenney and Lacourse expect one within the next few weeks. "I'm looking forward to keeping the trails safe, and working with the authorities," said Lacourse.