Burke Weighs Phased ATV Access as Select Board Prepares for April 7 Meeting

The Select Board in Burke will meet on April 7 to discuss a proposal to open town roads to all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs. This follows a survey initiated by residents, which received 166 responses, with 104 in favor and 62 opposed. Supporters of the idea, like resident Dan Tanner, believe it could benefit local businesses and boost outdoor recreation in the area. However, the proposal is controversial, and the Select Board is considering a phased approach to test the idea, starting with limited road openings in areas like West Burke, where illegal ATV traffic is already common. Enforcement remains a key issue, as staffing shortages with the Vermont State Police and Caledonia County Sheriff’s Office may limit the town’s ability to monitor ATV traffic effectively.