Frequently Asked Questions

"Use of the THM bond money to construct a trail does not of itself prohibit nor mandate the inclusion of motorized vehicles on the trail."
         - Added to THM Bond at the request of THM Steering Committee.

Answered by John Andrews, President of the Eastern Trail Alliance and Trails for a Healthy Maine Steering Committee Chair

The answer to your question depends upon who owns the land. In some cases, such as the Eastern Trail from Kittery to South Portland, the Eastern Trail Alliance (ETA) seeks access by snowmobiles. Unfortunately, the major landowner, Granite State Gas, is opposed to ATVs and other motorized vehicles, even snowmobiles. Given they are willing to give an easement to allow the trail to be developed for non-motorized use, the ETA is grateful to get this limited access, but can't do much about landowner policies regarding motorized use.

In the case of the Downeast/Sunrise Trail from Brewer-Ellsworth-Calais, the State owns the corridor. The Trails for a Healthy Maine Bond as a funding stream would remove federal funding obstacles to ATV use. Thus, this trail could be funded for use by ATVs, snowmobiles, equestrians, bicyclists, hikers, etc. ATV users are playing a critical role in the development and progress of this trail, and given the key links that the Sunrise Trail would create for ATV trail networks, the low population density, etc., ATV access is assumed.

It will be necessary to develop and somehow enforce rules for shared use. ATV users will need to be cautious and courteous on a shared-use trail that is also used by, for example, a mother walking with children or a family out cycling.

There are a limited number of existing corridors. Where possible, they should be shared. I biked the Bingham-Solon rail-trail along the Kennebec River that is shared with ATVs. I was surprised and pleased at how polite every ATV operator was and how they slowed down as we passed. It reminded me exactly of the happy experience I have whenever I ski on a snowmobile trail.

In short, each trail needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis, where local control is maintained and landowners and local trail groups decide what is most appropriate. The Trails Bond is intended to fund shared-use trails in an all-inclusive sense, but in some cases, such as in more urban or densely populated areas, restriction of ATV or even snowmobile access may be necessary. As we develop more examples of successful shared use with both motorized and non-motorized users, the better the chances of expanding ATV opportunities.

--John Andrews, Chairman THM Steering Committee

Answered by John Andrews, President of the Eastern Trail Alliance and Chair Trails for a Healthy Maine Steering Committee.

The answer to your question depends upon who owns the land. There is no intention to restrict equestrian access to trails built with bond funds.

There are a limited number of existing corridors. Where possible, and appropriate, they should be shared by all users.

It will be necessary to develop and enforce rules for shared use. Equestrians will need to be cautious and courteous on a shared-use trail that is also used by, for example, a parent walking with small children.

Signs are used in Acadia National Park urging all users to yield to horses, and for bikes to yield to pedestrians. Signs ask users to avoid spooking horses.

Each trail needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis, where local control is maintained and landowners and local trail groups decide what is most appropriate. The Trails Bond is intended to be for shared-use trails in an all-inclusive sense.

John Andrews

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