By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“High winds and a large volume of rainfall in the central Aroostook area, especially Caribou, took their toll on local ATV trails in the region recently,” stated Kathy Mazzuchelli, superintendent of Caribou Parks and Recreation. “Wind and water damage had already created havoc with the Bangor Aroostook ATV trail and the Aroostook Valley trail on Wednesday, but last Thursday’s torrential rain really created most of the damage,” she added.
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At right, ATV riders in the Caribou area will have to use extreme caution while riding, as many of the area’s trail incurred severe damage following two back-to-back storms last week. This washout is located on the CP rail line on the east side of the Aroostook River on a trail which connects Caribou and Presque Isle. Unfortunately even larger washouts on this trail have resulted in the need for it to be closed to riders until further notice.
Mazzuchelli, who is also project manager for the Caribou Municipal Trail grant noted, “Friday, it was agreed to shut down the entire ATV system until members of the Caribou ATV Club and staff members could assess and mark off damaged areas.”
According to Mazzuchelli, by Friday afternoon there were estimates of over $50,00 in damages to the 95 one-way mile trail system which included significant washouts and more than 200 downed trees on the Bangor Aroostook Trail alone. The Caribou system has reopened, however there are a few sections that do pose problems, these are marked but riders should proceed with caution.
Cathy Martin, president of the Caribou ATV Club said that local farmers incurred a tremendous amount of damage and riders need to respectful of that fact, reminding that riding on private property is a privilege not a right.
Martin and Mazzuchelli both request that ATV riders please adhere to signage, stay on marked trails and use caution as trails all over still have some problem areas.
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Caribou’s recreational ATV trail system took a beating last Wednesday and Thursday, incurring well over $50,000 in damages. This washout was located off of the trail that accesses Sweden Street and allows recreational users access to food and gas. Unfortunately more rain on Monday precluded the washout from being repaired. Caribou Parks and Recreation officials remain optimistic that the trail will be re-opened by this weekend.
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More than 200 trees had to be removed from the Bangor and Aroostook ATV trail between Caribou and Blackstone Siding last Thursday due to high winds. Caribou Recreation and Parks personnel, assisted by volunteers removed debris to insure the safety of the trail however there are many left to remove through this trail all the way to Washburn.
