Colebrook, N.H. — To improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and encourage responsible riding practices, six local organizations with a collective membership of nearly 2,000 members have set out to install new signage throughout the Ride the Wilds trail system.
Supported by a $100,000 donation from the Polaris Foundation, 1,000 new signs are slated for install in preparation for the upcoming 2019 ATV and off-highway vehicle (OHRV) season.
“A partnership with North Country’s Ride the Wilds trail system allows us to help promote a fun, safe and memorable experience for our riders,” said Lucy Clark Dougherty, president of the Polaris Foundation.
As an economic driver for Coos County, NH, these trails provide much-needed tourism and recreation in the area. The funding is part of a larger effort to keep riders safe and ensure nearby communities and private properties are respected. Adding to the $1.3 million investment collectively made by North Country Alliance members over the years, this new funding will help maintain this iconic, interconnected trail system.
“The success of the trail system has stimulated a tremendous influx of visitors to our communities,” Corrine Rober, owner of Polaris Adventures Certified Outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures and marketing chair for North Country Chamber of Commerce, said. “We are encouraged by the support from our communities and are committed to fostering the sport by remaining diligent in responding to the desires of our neighbors and visitors. Working with local clubs has been a great opportunity to address communitywide interests and this alliance has certainly risen to the occasion.”
The North Country Alliance is made up of six local organizations including Bear Rock Adventures, Great Northwoods Riders ATV Club, Metallak ATV Club, Millsfield ATV Club, The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Umbagog ATV Club.
Local communities can expect to see this new signage in the upcoming months. Communities benefitting from the new signage include Clarksville, NH; Colebrook; Columbia, NH; Dixville Notch, NH; Errol, NH; Millsfield, NH; Pittsburg, NH; West Stewartstown, NH; Averill, VT; Beecher Falls, VT; Canaan, VT, and Lemington, VT.
“We are excited to continue working on this initiative that will enhance the overall quality of the trails and positively impact the OHRV community and North Country residents alike,” said Jodi Gilbert, Executive Director of the North Country Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, visit chamberofthenorthcountry.com/ridingtowardchange.html.
