I understand that today in the LOB at 10:15 AM there will be a public hearing in Room 2E for Bill HB7277 requiring all ATVs be registered.  The Vernon Greenways Volunteers would like to express our support for this legislation and ask that you do whatever possible to insure that this bill gets passed into law. 

The Vernon Greenways Volunteers is a 37 member volunteer organization that supports the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department through the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of Vernon’s trail system. 

One of the things we do under the “proper use” element of our participation is to report unauthorized motorized vehicles on the trail system to the Parks and Recreation Department. Our members are advised not to confront the individuals but to report a physical description, day, time of day, etc.  You can see where the ability to report a license plate would greatly enhance our ability to assist in helping to enforce a specific town ordinance without putting our members at risk.  In addition it would greatly affect the thought process of the perpetrator knowing how easily they could be identified.

I understand this bill, also, provides some trails for their use, and addresses safety concerns, including the use of helmets.  Both of which we also support.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.

Don Bellingham

Lead Person

Vernon Greenways Volunteers