Northcentral PA ATV Initiative
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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ASSOCIATION, INC. (CMATVA, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) organization – contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The official registration and financial information of CMATVA, Inc. (EIN #26-1610598) may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, (800) 732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
Please Remember:
* The maps contain currently legal trails and proposed trails … Only the GREEN trails are currently LEGAL.
* Be respectful, riding these township roads is a privilege, not a right.
* Abuse of this privilege will result in it being taken away for everyone.
MAPS: (click to download full size) |
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System Map |
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Updated 2/20/24 |
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Detailed Maps |
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| * Cross Fork to Potato City | * Benezette |
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| Updated 12/4/19 | Updated 10/31/2018 |
| * Route 6 Corridor | * Elk County |
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| Updated 5/3/21 | Updated 11/8/2018 |
NEWS:
02/20/24 Map Update
System map updated.
08/06/21 ATV Pilot Program Information
Click for press release from DCNR concerning the ATV Pilot Program. Click to open the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot Area Online GIS Map. Click to open the Print-Ready ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot Area Map.
07/30/21 Map Update
System map updated.
05/03/21 Map Updates
System & Route 6 Corridor maps updated.
05/09/20 Cross Fork Bridge Repair
9 CMATVA members (Andy Shultz, Todd Peifer, Todd Hess, Alvin Shaffer, Gary Leitzel, Ed Eisenhower, Travis Peters, Mike Kunes, & Greg Kunes) repaired the bridge approach washouts.
12/30/19 NCPA ATV Initiative Update Meeting
The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here: Link
8/14/19 Summary of NCPA ATV Initiative Meeting in Harrisburg
Sen. Scarnati recently scheduled a meeting regarding the status of
the Bloody Skillet to Whiskey Springs Connector project. The meeting was
held in his Harrisburg office on August 14, 2019. Invited to the session
were Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, Officials from DCNR and PennDOT, and
Central Mountains ATV Association. PennDOT chose not to respond to the
invitation. DCNR was represented by the Deputy Director - John Norbeck,
State Forester - Jason Albright, and two officials in charge of special
projects. CMATVA was represented by President - Henry Sorgen IV, Vice
President - Todd Peifer, and NCPA ATV Initiative Chair - Rich Wykoff.
The session was coordinated and chaired by Legislative Director for
Senator Scarnati – Adam Pankake. Following is a synopsis of that
meeting.
Discussed:
* DCNR is working on finding different avenues of funding for the Bloody
Skillet to Whiskey Springs Connector Trail
* Estimated cost to build the connector trail
* DCNR presented a list of things that are being done and have been done
to support ATV recreation within the NCPA ATV Initiative region.
- New section of trail connecting to Denton Hill trail system
- Lyman Run State Park pilot project.
- Investigating possibility of a connection between Kettle Creek
State Park and Whiskey Springs
- Improvements to Haneyville ATV Trails (Duncan’s Demise)
- Continued annual support of the Bucktail Medical Center Relay For
Life team’s “Renovo ATV Cruise For A Cure” fundraiser
- Larson Group’s feasibility study regarding the Bloody Skillet to
Whiskey Springs Connector Trail
- A statewide study (the GAP Study) showed that interest in ATV
recreation is growing.
- DCNR leaders have been investigating the impact of ATV recreation
in other states such as New Hampshire and West Virginia. The
economic benefit is real.
- This Fall, DCNR will evaluate / investigate a project for
connecting the Denton Hill Trail System to the Notch Road.
- DCNR noted that the Huling Branch Run remediation project is being
scheduled to begin in the near future. That will affect riding
at Whiskey Springs as happened with the previous project. That
may impact the connector trail project.
- DCNR made it clear that at this time there is no effort to change
policy (as directed in the recently enacted fiscal code).
Instead, they are attempting to find solutions or “work–arounds”
that would essentially create the connector without taking the
required step of changing DCNR policy that blocks use of
forestry roads.
- DCNR is looking at connecting Whiskey Springs ATV trails to Leidy
Township (Stewart Hill Road) and Cross Fork. They are also
looking at a possible solution for connecting Kettle Creek State
Park to Whiskey Springs ATV Trails.
Summary:
The meeting was essential to enabling the Initiative and the
Connector Trail project to move forward. It was precipitated by
Secretary Dunn’s letter in response to Commissioner Jeff Snyder’s query
about the status of the implementation of Governor Wolfe’s charge to
PennDOT and DCNR to work together to build the Bloody Skillet to Whiskey
Springs ATV connector trail.
The NCPA ATV Initiative map was useful in helping attendees to focus
on the size of the overall project, the potential impact of the
initiative on the region, and the important role the Connector Trail
plays in assuring the success of the project.
It was evident throughout the discussion that all were aware of what
this project means to tourism and economic impact.
Existing code does not allow DCNR to open forestry roads to ATV
traffic. They will not be making changes to the policy manual regarding
use of forest roads by ATVs. DCNR stated that they have been “doing
everything through the Governor’s office.” Their position is that they
need time and resources to implement the changes that are required by
the new law.
Adam Pankake, Legislative Director for Senator Scarnati and
Representative Stephanie Borowicz are going to have further discussion
with the Governor’s office and PennDOT / DCNR related to questions,
concerns, and issues that resulted from this session. Specifically, they
intend to determine why the two departments are not complying with the
Governor’s directive to change policies as was signed into law.
Submitted by
Rich Wykoff
CMATVA
Northcentral PA ATV Initiative Committee Chair
12/14/18 Bloody Skillet to Whiskey Springs Connector Trail Update with DCNR
The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here: Link
Jim Bull attended this meeting. A summary and links to additional information can be found in his blog post: Link
3/15/17 Lock Haven Express editorial: Link
1/31/2017 The Northcentral Pennsylvania ATV Initiative was published in the January 2017 National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council’s (NOHVCC) newsletter. Read the article here:
8/17/2016 75% of West Branch Twp and Abbott Twp roads now have signs. The remaining signs are on backorder from DCNR.
2/6/2016 Northcentral Pennsylvania ATV Initiative Project Article: Link
7/25/2015 Northcentral Pennsylvania ATV Initiative Project Article: Link
Please Check Back Soon for updated map and connectors trails … this project is a work in progress.
