BEC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GZA, was hired by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Outdoor Recreation to assess the condition of trails used for motorcycle “Enduro” events within four State Forests. Due to the increasing popularity of these and other Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use in Connecticut State Forests each year, there has been an increase in both permitted and illegal OHV use thereby causing trail degradation and natural resource impacts. In addition, high public demand for multiple use trails and associated conflicts on these trails, combined with insufficient DEP funding and staff available to provide the intensive maintenance required by these recreational activities, necessitates the urgency in addressing this situation. 

Currently Enduro event routes exist in Connecticut’s Cockaponset, Nipmuck, Pachaug and Shenipsit State Forests. These routes can be utilized by special use permit up to three (3) times per year at each location, with the exception of Pachaug State Forest, which is open year round except during “mud season” (typically January 1 through April 1). The events are organized by local motorcycle clubs with assistance from the New England Trail Riders Assocation (NETRA). Enduro events have been occurring at the State Forests for several decades.

The focus of the study was on the environmental impact of Enduro events on wetlands, watercourses, vernal pools and endangered species habitats occurring along and in close proximity to the trails. BEC also evaluated the conditions of the trails with respect to other uses including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  BEC developed a unique and efficient methodology for identifying, mapping and assessing over 150 miles of trail that will assist DEP in future Enduro event permitting and management actions. Trail areas that were degraded due to Enduro or other uses were mapped and catalogued into a Geographic Information System (GIS) geodatabase for future use by DEP. BEC recommended changes to the special use permit process that will help both DEP and the Enduro user groups.   BEC developed a menu of standard repairs for typical Problem Areas (PA) which were categorized as follows: ditching, pocketing, braiding, widening, direct crossing of resource, non-conformance with multi-use purpose and channelization. Diagrams were so that DEP staff and Enduro user groups could refer to them when implementing the repairs. For areas that were determined to be unsustainable even with repairs or areas of high environmental sensitivity, BEC conducting a rerouting analysis to avoid such areas while still maintaining a viable Enduro route, where possible.  BEC assessed conditions pre and post-event at Shenipsit and Cockaponsett State Forests. In addition, BEC staff observed the event at selected PAs to document acute impacts to resources. For the recommended repairs, BEC prepared cost estimates which considered potential access issues for heavy equipment to access the site. Low impact machinery was specified to avoid resource impacts during trail reconstruction. BEC also conducted an outreach program in order to understand the needs of the Enduro user groups. This was also beneficial in establishing good relations and lines of communications between DEP and the users.