ATV rules on hold

WINFIELD, W.Va. -- The Putnam County Commission on Tuesday sent proposed all-terrain vehicle ordinance revisions back to the Parks and Recreation department for more clarification.

An ordinance that generally prohibits the use of ATVs on park property has been in place for some time, but it did not include an enforcement section, Parks and Recreation Director Scott Williamson said.

In addition, there's a shared roadway between the county park in Eleanor and the adjoining property's gun club, which was said to allow members to use ATVs on its grounds. Commission members said the ordinance should be more clear in allowing for ATV travel between or to the two properties.

Williamson said he brought ATV use to the commission's attention because paths designated for cross-country bike riding and competition continue to be destroyed by ATV and motorbike use, even though signs banning the activity have been posted.

Blatant violators have been spotted parking their vehicles in a park's parking lot and unloading their ATVs. Others have been noted to park and unload the vehicle just outside the park property and then ride an ATV through the property at will.

Williamson said that about a half-dozen volunteers, along with park staff, work hard to keep the trails clean, clear and safe. He added that it's frustrating when "a four-wheeler or motorbike can go out there and tear things up pretty quick."

The ordinance would allow for state, county and local police departments to intervene with a maximum fine of $100.