Nearly 100 people turned out in July in support of the Lumberjack Trails Adventure Area in the New York State Forest system, a proposed trail system that would be the first in the state to allow dirt bikes and ATVs.

AMA Board Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw and Steve Salisbury, AMA government relations manager for off-highway issues, attended a state Department of Environmental Conservation public hearing to point out the need for accessible trails for responsible motorized recreation.

The AMA has been involved in the development of the Lumberjack Trails Adventure Area plan over many months, assisting a local advocate well versed in off-road motorcycle riding and competition.

The proposed adventure area would encompass about 20,000 acres, centered in the Oquaga Creek State Park.

Also voicing support during the meeting were a police officer who rides at the park, a professional ATV racer and representatives of the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and Visit Binghamton.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has opened a public comment period that ends Nov. 1. Comments may be made by email to [email protected], with the subject line “Treaty Line Unit.”