N.H. Lawmakers Approve ATV Park
Lawmakers in New Hampshire approved plans to buy a large parcel of land near Jericho Lake for a new state park that would feature hundreds of miles of trails for all-terrain vehicles.
The City of Berlin is contributing land it owns near the lake to add to the 7,200 acres the state arranged to purchase from loggers Tom and Scott Dillon. The $2.16 million cost will be paid for with funds collected from ATV registration fees and some federal money. The state hopes to close on the purchase in mid-January.
City officials envision a trail network that would attract off-road riders from around the country and boost business for Berlin. The property already has about 60 miles of roads, but the state plans to develop about 350 miles of off-road trails as well as incorporate facilities for Skiing, snowmobiling, camping, hiking and other uses.
The new park is adjacent to White Mountain National Forest, where ATVs are prohibited. Two public hearings were held prior to the decision, one in Berlin and a second in Concord.
