Protect our Forests from ATVs

How has your Pennsylvania hiking experience been impacted by ATVs/UTVs?

The observations of hikers, especially but not solely from the ATV pilot area of northcentral PA, are invaluable in better understanding the scope and scale of ATV impacts. If you’ve encountered ATVs or UTVs on your outings, please share your insights via this survey.

Step 1:
Please share any encounters or experiences you’ve had with ATV/UTV activity while hiking on public lands in Pennsylvania (please describe the nature of the interaction, why it was problematic, where it occurred, and when it happened)

Step 2:
May we contact you further about these incidents? If yes, please provide your name and an email address and/or phone number.

ATV riding has become a popular form of recreation over the years, raising these concerns among the PA hiking community:

degradation of resources
noise and air pollution
ground and water pollution
disruption of local wildlife
leads to forest fragmentation
invasive species spread
generates conflicts with those who utilize our public lands for quieter, non-motorized use

The Impact of ATVs in PA's Forests: a Mini-Documentary
With support from the PA Public Natural Resources Trust and the Sierra Club’s Huplits Wildlife grant program, Keystone Trails Association commissioned this short 12-minute documentary film about ATV/UTV effects on our public lands.

This film was produced by Stony Creek Films, a PA-based organization.

Two ways you can help protect our forests

1. Voice your concerns about this issue.
DCNR will be monitoring public input and comments during the length of the pilot program through a resource email account at [email protected]. By December 31, 2023, DCNR will publish a report about the pilot project for further evaluation and stakeholder input.

Visit our Activist Backpack page for resources to contact your state elected officials and voice your concerns about how the ATV Connector Pilot impacts your hiking experience in our public lands, the future of our forests, and the wildlife that resides within them.

2. Come see the impact first hand.
Join us for a hike on Saturday, June 10, 2023; 10:00 AM. Explore approximately four miles afoot the beloved Black Forest Trail while learning about the growing threat ATVs and UTVs pose to Pennsylvania’s public lands. Pack a lunch and plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and wear clothing appropriate to the weather. This hike is led by retired forester Bob Merrill.

Resources to help you understand the Issue
Background information, maps, and videos: