Task force on ATV use plans meeting

Gov. John Baldacci named the members of his new task force charged with solving conflicts between all-terrain-vehicle users and landowners. Baldacci said in March he would create the task force in hopes of preventing the further loss of recreational access for many hunters, fishermen and hikers.

“ATV problems cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. They cannot be solved by landowners or legislators. … We’re all in it together, and we all have a responsibility,” Baldacci said in March during a conference on ATV issues sponsored by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

The new task force will hold its first meeting 10 a.m. July 14 at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife office in Augusta. A report to the governor is due Jan. 1, 2004.

Paul Jacques, DIF&W deputy commissioner, will serve as chairman of the group. Other members are: Peter Mosher, Department of Agriculture; Brian Bronson, Department of Conservation; Mike Mullen, Department of Environmental Protection; Major Robert Williams and Lt. Jeff Trafton, Department of Public Safety; Dan Mitchell, ATV Maine; Tom Carter, SAM; Jon Olson, Maine Farm Bureau; Gary Donovan, Maine Forest Products Council; Sharon Libby Jones, Small Woodlot Owners Association of Maine; Sally Jacobs, Maine Coast Heritage Trust; Nancy Sferra, The Nature Conservancy; Dave Henderson, Star City ATV Club; and Jeff Austin, Maine Municipal Association.