BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Some residents along the St. Lawrence County multi-use trail system have said there has been trouble on the trails this year, but a former St. Lawrence County legislator is pushing back on that narrative. 

The 100-mile trail system is an attraction that has brought in thousands of dollars for the county through ATV and UTV permit fees and has been maintained by volunteers for roughly two decades.

But Laurie Pendergraft and her husband Bradley, who live near the trail system in Parishville, told legislators during a recent meeting that many riders' actions "border on insanity," noting instances of driving while intoxicated and reckless driving that puts others in danger. 

Pendergraft said she is a non-driving ATV/UTV board member of the St. Lawrence County Recreational Trails Advisory Board and walks the trails nearly every day. 

But the more she has done so, the more incidents she has seen riders act recklessly, she said. 

Pendergraft was one of nearly a dozen residents who attended the Sept. 15 Full Board meeting to raise concerns about the trail system. 

A 30-year resident of Parishville, Pendergraft said the quiet town has been "devastated" by the changes in laws that have allowed ATV and UTV activity to increase. 

She recounted a conversation she had with a State Trooper near the trail system this summer, telling him about reckless riders that were using the highway as if they were allowed to. 

Pendergraft said in her conversation with the trooper, she was told that in just over an hour-and-a-half he was approached by nine individuals who wanted to raise concerns over reckless ATV and UTV riders. 

"He said that was all anyone had spoken to him about at that time," she said. 

Pendergraft noted UTVs are not allowed on highways under state law, however local laws have been passed to allow ATVs to use highways to move from trail to trail in the system. 

She's also a member of the St. Lawrence County Neighbors for Sensible OHV Standards, an organization that is seeking reforms to the trail system to ensure riders are safe and property owners near or on the trails are respected. 

Pendergraft was not the lone advocate at the meeting, with many commenting they have seen drunk driving and reckless driving on the trails as well. 

Others claimed trespassing has posed an issue, saying some riders have disregarded signs and gates that are placed to keep them off of private property near the trails. 

Plans continue to connect more trails and expand on the existing system, with a design in place to connect St. Lawrence and Lewis County trail systems. 

Advocates who attended the meeting suggested expansion plans be stopped until better regulations and enforcement can be put in place. 

Many cited safety concerns like Pendergraft related to the use of UTVs on highways. 

She said she was informed the issues were "enforcement issues" that would have to be directed to law enforcement, something she has sought to do. 

Pendergraft also brought concerns to the Trail Advisory Board, claiming that no amendment would be made to meeting minutes that might "put a negative light" on the trail system, despite her recent protests. 

She said in many cases she has seen coolers, open containers of alcohol in cup holders and individuals drinking while riding the trails. 

Those in attendance said it not only puts those around the trails in danger, but also those who are on the highway as well. 

The topic came up again during the Oct. 6 Full Board meeting, with many advocating for personal responsibility and accountability for those using the trail system. 

St. Lawrence County Trail Coordinator Deb Christy, who provided background on the trail system during the meeting, said the organization welcomes constructive criticism and noted the organization is considering starting a trail ambassador program. 

She said the program would include retired riders who would be on the trails to help riders with directions, reporting of accidents or injuries and providing assistance as needed for other riders. 

The ambassadors would not function as law enforcement, she said. 

Former County Legislator Tony Arquiett, who served for 12 years, was a key advocate for the trail system in his time on the board. 

A member of the Tri-Town Trail Riders ATV/UTV Club, Arquiett said the group has over 300 members and has raised over $10,000 for local first responder organizations. 

He said even before complaints were lodged during the September meeting, the club has worked to address any issues and concerns, whether riders are driving too fast near buildings or trespassing on private property. 

He spoke of the benefits of the system, noting business growth and sales tax revenue generation, something that he said will continue to grow as the hobby grows further. 

Arquiett praised the efforts of county officials, including County Attorney Steve Button, Highway Superintendent Don Chambers and Sheriff Rick Engle. 

He said county support and oversight will assist organizations and the Trail Advisory Board to move forward with more trails that will lead to less road riding. 

"I think it will be less of a detriment to some of the folks like you heard from last week. If we can get in the woods, that's going to involve land owner use agreements and agreement from the DEC to allow us to do that. Your help in doing that will be integral and we hope we can count on that," he said. 

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