Illegal ATV Use Reported On Larkin Bridle Trail: DEEP

Information via Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)

NAUGATUCK, CT — State DEEP Environmental Conservation Police are working with a number of New Haven County police departments to deter illegal off-road vehicle use on the Larkin State Park Trail.

According to a news release provided by DEEP, trail users and property owners have reported the operation of numerous illegal ATVs and other off-road vehicles on the trail and adjoining private property.

Commonly known as the Larkin Bridle Trail, the 10.3-mile trail runs through four towns: Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury and Middlebury.

This trail is open to walkers, joggers and horseback riders. The operation of ATVs and off-road vehicles on this trail is strictly prohibited and can result in a fine for the operator, according to DEEP.

Operators are allowed to ride their own registered ATV on private land if they have the written permission of the landowner on them when they are operating on that designated land and if local ordinances permit it, according to DEEP.

In response, EnCon, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Connecticut State police are cooperating to warn unauthorized riders that riding on the trail is not allowed in order to protect the rightful users of the trail and the long-term health of the trail itself.

According to DEEP, these police departments take these reports very seriously and are concerned about the impact illegal operators are having on the public.

In light of this, they would like to remind the public that:

• Off-road vehicles must be registered.
• Cannot operate off-road vehicles on state-owned land without permission.
• Operators cannot operate the machine in a negligent manner that endangers person or property and damage to land or property.
• Operators cannot operate an off-road vehicle unreasonably fast.
• Operators must carry written permission from the landowner.

These violations are punishable by infraction and can lead to the seizure of the vehicle, according to DEEP. Many communities have recently enacted additional local ordinances to further address these circumstances and it is the responsibility of the individual rider to be aware of these laws.

Police are seeking public's help identifying these illegal operators. Please reference the ATV rider fact sheer at this website.

Property owners who allow riders to access their property are asked to speak with those riders about these laws and rules.

DEEP also noted they discourage witnesses from confronting the riders and, instead, encourage them to simply take a picture of the activity and record the information on the fact sheet.

"This illegal activity is causing damage to our lands and placing the health and safety of law-abiding citizens at risk," the release reads. "We encourage the public to report these activities and to call their local police departments and report these activities as they are occurring. DEEP’s parks, forests, and trails provide a wide range of year-round recreation opportunities. With 110 state parks, 32 state forests, and thousands of miles of trails, DEEP and our partner organizations want residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, safely, and sustainably."