VERMONT RIDERS MAKE DEAL WITH CORPORATE LANDOWNER

"We'll clean it up and keep an eye on it, if you let us ride"

It appears to be the perfect arrangement for all involved. Riders in the North County ATV Association (NCAA) knew of an abandoned mining site near the town of Highgate, Vermont. The corporate owners of the land, Carroll Concrete, didn't like the fact that it had been used as illegal dumping grounds for many years and was looking quite trashy. The area had also been a popular illegal ride spot for OHVs.

Through the efforts of NCAA's Mark Miles and the Vermont ATV Sportsman's Association (VASA), an agreement was made with Carroll Concrete to ride on their lands in Highgate. NCAA and VASA members now have permission to ride on a portion of the area known as the Highgate sand pits. In exchange for this privilege, the ATV clubs have agreed to pick up illegally dumped material, maintain a presence on the land and regularly communicate with the management of Carroll Concrete.

The land consists of discontinued sand pits, water holes, mud holes and woods. In all, they have permission to use 80+ acres. Miles is pursuing additional adjacent lands to expand their riding opportunities in the area. The land is located off the Frontage Road in the Town of  Highgate. The entrance is approximately ¾ - 1 mile from VT 78 at I-89 Exit 21. The Frontage Road is directly across from the Champlain Farms truck stop

On Saturday, May 8th about 30 NCAA and VASA members met for the first major clean-up day. It also served as an introduction to the new ride site as Mark gave the entire group the full tour ahead of time. "We started at 8:00am and ended at 3:00pm. There was an amazing amount of dumped items," reports NCAA Secretary Claire Willette. "Our OHV enthusiasts brought out all sorts of their own equipment to get the job done, even a tractor."

"Only VASA/NCAA members will be allowed in legally to ride," says NCAA Vice President Brian Douglas. "To join our club, visit any of the local ATV dealers. There is no better time to join our club if you are not a member. We've already experienced how our number of members helps tremendously for resources and political clout. Thanks to VASA, the money you spend on registration and membership comes back to you by helping the entire Vermont ATV community."

For more information on this article, contact NCAA Secretary Claire Willette at  briclair@together.net or VASA'a Dean Shedd at vasanewseditor@adelphia.net

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