HARRISBURG, Pa. – In a bid to better gauge ATV use across Pennsylvania and plan for future riding opportunitie in the state, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking participation of riders and owners in an online survey.

“DCNR is working on a study to analyze existing ATV trails and parks in Pennsylvania, as well as explore possibilities for establishing additional riding areas,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said this week. “The survey is designed to help create a statewide inventory of ATV riding opportunities on public and private lands. Also, we are researching opportunities to partner with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations to create and develop new ATV parks, trails, and facilities to meet the needs of ATV owners.”

DCNR officials first announced this forthcoming survey in early June when they joined representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection in announcing the reopening of the Whiskey Springs ATV Trail. The popular public ATV trail, threading through Sproul State Forest near Westport, Clinton County, is heavily used by ATV riders. DCNR records as of Aug. 1 show more than 168,680 registered ATV owners ride on private land and approved state forest trails.

“We want to explore avenues of meeting these registered owners’ need,” Dunn said. “To do that effectively, we need to better understand the wants and needs of the ATV user. We also ask riders to spread the word to fellow ATV enthusiasts — we want as much survey input as possible.”

The survey will remain active through Sept. 15, and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016_PA_DCNR_ATV_USER_SURVEY . The study is being completed by Moshier Studio and Pashek Associates. Questions may be directed to John Buerkle at jbuerkle@pashekassociates.com.