Coos County Trails Network Project Final Report of Findings 2016 - 2018 June 2018 This project has been funded the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation Bureau of Trails, and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. During the course of this project North Country Council created an on-road ATV study, created a survey instrument, conducted interviews of stakeholders, collected data on a variety of sources, facilitated a public meeting to present draft results, and created a working group to collaborate on the planning process. The working group will be convened throughout the planning process to provide feedback and ensure that the work is on a proper trajectory. Table of Contents INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 2 RECREATION TRENDS .................................................................................................................. 2 Non-Motorized Use ............................................................................................................................... 2 Motorized Use ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Types of Use .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Extent of Trails ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Land Base Ownership .......................................................................................................................... 12 IMPACTS OF TRAIL NETWORKS ..................................................................................................... 14 Natural Resources ................................................................................................................................... 14 Hiking .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Equestrian ........................................................................................................................................... 16 Mountain Biking .................................................................................................................................. 16 OHRV/Snowmobile Impacts ................................................................................................................ 16 Social Impacts ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Shared Experiences ............................................................................................................................. 17 Health Impacts ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Economic ................................................................................................................................................. 18 OHRV Economic Impact ...................................................................................................................... 21 Snowmobiling Economic Impact ......................................................................................................... 22 Mushing Economic Impact .................................................................................................................. 23 FINANCIAL RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 24 APPLICABLE LAWS AFFECTING THE USE OF TRAILS ............................................................................. 27 OHRV & Snowmobile Regulations .......................................................................................................... 28 Enforcement of OHRV and Snowmobile Laws .................................................................................... 31 Sound Levels and Tests ....................................................................................................................... 31 Accidents ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Equestrian Regulations ........................................................................................................................... 33 Hiking and Walking Regulations .............................................................................................................. 33 US Forest Service ................................................................................................................................ 33 Wilderness Regulations ....................................................................................................................... 34 Thru-Hiking Permits and Regulations (Appalachian Trail) .................................................................. 35 NH Hike Safe Program ......................................................................................................................... 35 Rail Trails ............................................................................................................................................. 35 Paddling and Boating Regulations ...................................................................................................... 36 Biking Regulations ............................................................................................................................... 38 UNOFFICIAL TRAIL RULES AND ETIQUETTE ....................................................................................... 40 INTERVIEW DATA ..................................................................................................................... 42 When asked to elaborate .................................................................................................................... 50 Connectivity ........................................................................................................................................ 53 WORKING GROUP .................................................................................................................... 54 Summary of Discussions ......................................................................................................................... 55 Development of Vision and Guiding Principles ....................................................................................... 56 VISION .................................................................................................................................................. 56 GUIDING PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................................................... 56 Identified Priority Needs, Issues & Concerns .......................................................................................... 57 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. 61 RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................. 61 Planning Framework ............................................................................................................................... 62 Engagement Process ............................................................................................................................... 64 Addressing Conflict ................................................................................................................................. 65 Addressing Carrying Capacity ................................................................................................................. 66 Asset Inventory ....................................................................................................................................... 67 Economic Impact Assessment ................................................................................................................. 69 Needs Assessment and Analysis Existing Conditions .............................................................................. 71 Assisting with Decision Making ............................................................................................................... 72 Trail Entry Point Sign Consistency ........................................................................................................... 73 Coos County Trail Network Symposium ................................................................................................. 74 Comprehensive Coos County Trails Network Plan .................................................................................. 74 Systematic Understanding of Compatible Use ....................................................................................... 75 Increased Volunteerism .........................................................................................................................