Rep. Karen Boback to sponsor two events concerning senior citizens

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Kirby’s Chandelier Lobby Series is gaining in popularity

All-terrain vehicle riders who illegally scale the Wyoming Valley Levee&#8217;s banks, often ripping up the soil and leaving behind muddy ruts, be warned.You not only risk sizable penalties, but your machine&#8217;s treads can gradually undermine the integrity of the flood-protection system &#8211; designed to safeguard property and lives. That means your joy rides are no trivial matter to the thousands of people who rely on the levee and who get billed yearly for its upkeep.If caught doing damage, you will pay.One man was charged about $6,000 last year for his ATV violation, said Chris Belleman, executive director of the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority. By installing guard rails and no-trespassing signs later this year, he said, the authority intends to further deter quad runners from ruining the sod that&#8217;s so important to the earthen levee&#8217;s long-term condition.It&#8217;s too bad that money must be spent to discourage a few riders seemingly high on octane but low on common sense.Self-policing within the ranks of ATV riders might be the most effective solution. Quad enthusiasts &#8211; and local retailers who sell the motorized equipment &#8211; have a vested interest in protecting the activity&#8217;s reputation. Caution fellow riders against destructive behavior and dumb stunts, including going to off-limit locations. That&#8217;s been the basis for efforts such as the Tread Lightly campaign, marking its 25th anniversary this year. (See treadlightly.org.)Similarly, any area resident who observes ATVs on levee property should call 911. With the prevalence of cellphones, and cellphone cameras, it&#8217;s easy to supply municipal police with timely reports and information that can be used to track down the offenders.Luzerne County communities failed a decade or more ago to be at the forefront in providing authorized ATV parks and trails. Now, officials in places such as Hughestown field complaints and draft ordinances regarding riders on the streets.By contrast, in Northumberland County, residents near Shamokin recently established the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area. ATV riders can purchase yearly or day passes to access its trails. Organizers intend to soon add hiking and biking opportunities on portions of the site when it&#8217;s closed to motorized use; Boy Scouts reportedly might help to blaze walking trails. (For information, visit www.anthraciteadventure.com.)Ultimately, it&#8217;s up to individual riders to register their vehicles and restrict their use to appropriate spots: private property where permission has been given, certain state forest trails approved for ATVs (including those in Monroe and Pike counties) and authorized riding areas such as Lost Trails ATV Park, near Dunmore. To find locations, visit websites such as www.riderplanet-usa.com.Ride responsibly. Or don&#8217;t ride at all.

Our Opinion: ATV riders risk plenty by riding atop Wyoming Valley Levee