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From the PA Forest Coalition: What's at Stake: The IBA's located in Burns Run Wild Area, Fish Dam Wild Area, East Branch Swamp Natural Area, Clendennon Swamp Natural Area and Cranberry Swamp Natural Area are threatened - by Rep. Mike Hanna's continuing attempts to gain access for his ATV buddies.                       20 months ago, you helped generate enough letters that we scuttled the 23-mile ATV connector from Bloody Skillet to Renovo (sponsored by Rep. Mike Hanna).     See Attachment: Denial By DCNR in 2007 THE PROJECT IS ALIVE AGAIN.   A political call to the head of PennDOT (Secretary Al Biehler) has been made. Biehler is considering a change in PennDOT policy – ALLOWING ATVs to use a State Highway bridge (Rt. 144) between Renovo and South Renovo.   PennDOT is contemplating a first: to allow ATVs on a State Highway. Up to now, only individual townships allow "joint use roads". PennDOT has never allowed any ATV routes on State Highways.   Access to that bridge is the key which would allow ATVs to easily trespass on the southern part of Sproul State Forest . (Map available on request) We've been asked to get the troops out to convince PennDOT Secretary  Al Biehler that designating the Rt. 144 bridge as open to ATVs is a bad idea. Please write and call as soon as possible – Before the decision is made. Foward this message to your organization. Since this is a political move, we ask you to send a copy of your message to Governor Rendell.  He is aware of the request.  ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Talking Points: ·         This would give access to IBA’s (Important Bird Areas) in Sproul State Forest ·         Uninspected motor vehicle do not belong on public roadways ·         At present, too many ATV riders are using their machines illegally on public roads; do not legalize any use on State Highways. ·         40% of ATV accidents are on public roadways (DCNR data: 2001-2006) ·         ATVs are not designed to be used on hard roads. Every manufacturer cautions against this. ·         10% of ATV accidents involve drugs/alcohol (PennDOT data: 2000-2006) ·         Because of their short wheelbase, high center-of-gravity and low-pressure tires, ATVs do not handle well at higher speeds. ·         Almost 28% of those killed or injured in public highway ATV accidents in Pennsylvania were children under 16. ·         This bridge would allow ATVs ready access to all of the Sproul State Forest south of the river, including the Burns Run Wild Area, Fish Dam Wild Area, East Branch Swamp Natural Area, Clendennon Swamp Natural Area and Cranberry Swamp Natural Area. ·         ATV traffic on public roadways would have a negative effect on our efforts to promote PaWilds. ·         This would increase conflicts with hunters, hikers, anglers and other recreational users. To Contact PennDOT Secretary Al Biehler: abiehler@state.pa.us   http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/web.nsf/HomepageWithFooter?OpenFrameSet ra-penndotexecutiveoffices@state.pa.us Phone: ( 717)  787-5575 To Contact Governor Rendell: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html Phone:   (717) 787-2500 Fax:   (717) 772-8284 ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Yours in conservation, Dick Martin Coordinator, PA Forest Coalition Please note our new Phone System: Forest Coalition: 717-480-0324 All other calls : 717-497-5015                                       http://www.PaForestCoalition.org The Pennsylvania Forest Coalition is a unique alliance of hunters, hikers, anglers, landowners, wildlife-watchers, paddlers, bikers, churches and conservation groups who are united in our concern for the stewardship of our public lands. . . Caring for what God has created These messages are brought to you as a public service; in compliance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107 this material is distributed free and without profit or payment for educational purposes only.