A Forest Walk Spoiled

To the Editor:

Our family was enjoying a delightful walk through Paugussett State Forest on June 11. The weather was perfect and the beauty of the woods was a treat for the senses. The children ran ahead of us, acting out imaginary games, inspired by the natural setting.

Unfortunately, our peaceful experience was interrupted by the sound of gunning engines and the smell of diesel fumes, and we were distressed to discover that ATV riders were driving down the hiking paths! The noise and air pollution they caused was bad enough, but our anger at seeing these people thoughtlessly cause harm to the protected forest that we were trying to enjoy just about ruined our morning.

They proceeded to get stuck in a brook and expended lots of extra gas trying to extract themselves while our children looked on, distressed at what they were seeing. We called out that the drivers were not supposed to be there, but got no response. It was clear from other tire marks and places where the paths had been turned to puddles that these were not the only ATVs entering the park.

Other than informing the police after the fact, there must be something more we can do to prevent this from happening.

Miranda Pacchiana

Sandy Hook, June 13, 2006