ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The state on Wednesday proposed an effective ban on all-terrain vehicles on state land in the Adirondack and Catskill state parks.

The ban under a draft of a policy by the state Department of Environmental Conservation comes after environmental groups and state officials used photographs to show damage by the powerful three- and four-wheelers with wide, knobby tires.

Acting Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise Sheehan said the ruling means state Vehicle and Traffic Law will apply to the sensitive forests. Exceptions are allowed for disabled riders and some other narrow cases, said department spokesman Michael Fraser.

ATVs and other motorized vehicles are already banned from state land designated as wilderness.

The proposal is also aimed at making sure public land is not used to provide access to trespass on private land, as well as to stop "environmental degradation." The policy would provide a process for a road or trail to open to ATV use under specific criteria.

"The development of this policy represents another significant step New York state is taking to ensure the continued protection of public lands,"
Sheehan said. A public comment period is planned before final action is taken.

"This is going to be an enormous relief to badly damaged areas in the Adirondacks and Catskills and will make enforcement much easier," said John Sheehan of The Adirondack Council, who isn't related to the acting commissioner. "This will make especially the western Adirondacks much more serene and peaceful, especially in summer."

Environmental groups had argued partial bans restricted by road or region would be too difficult to enforce.

In July, the state Adirondack Park Agency banned the use of all-terrain vehicles on trails in sensitive wild forest areas in the western park.

ATV enthusiasts have opposed greater restrictions. They note the growing activity provides an economic boost to the areas often hit hard.

Public comment periods are scheduled statewide through May.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/