BERLIN, N.H. -- Over the next three days, thousands of Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) enthusiasts will gather at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, N.H., for the annual Jericho ATV Festival. This event is organized by the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Androscoggin ATV Club and is supported by many sponsors. Avid riders and families from around the state and the greater New England area are travelling to the Berlin/Gorham area, as well as destinations throughout Coos County to participate.

In addition to hundreds of miles of scenic trails and riding opportunities throughout the region, Jericho Mountain State Park boasts 80 miles of managed OHRVtrails open to traditional All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), motorized trail bikes, and popular Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), also known as side-by-sides. In the event area, festival activities include the N.H. Fish and Game Department's OHRV Safety Booth, representatives from the DRED Bureau of Trails, numerous OHRV competitions, food vendors and demo rides with all four major OHRV manufacturers.

In support of this large event, expected to draw an anticipated crowd of 5,000 or more, Fish and Game Conservation Officers have coordinated planning with New Hampshire State Police, Berlin Police Department, Gorham Police Department, NH Division of Forest and Lands Forest Rangers, the Coos County Sheriff's office and local fire and EMS. Dozens of officers will be patrolling throughout the state park and the region in patrol vehicles, UTVs, ATVs and trail bikes.

According to Captain John Wimsatt, who oversees Fish and Game's OHRV Program, "Our enforcement and patrol efforts will be focused on three primary objectives. First, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Second, we have a responsibility to protect the environment and our invaluable natural resources. And third, we will be working to ensure that riders stay on designated trails, many of which exist due to the generosity of landowners."

To accomplish these objectives, staff will be on hand at the OHRV Safety booth to spread the word about responsible OHRV operation. Officers will be using hand-held radar units to enforce speed regulations, conducting DWI patrols and patrolling trails to detect and prevent illegal use of wetlands by OHRVs. They will also be working with volunteer club Trail Patrollers who have recently been trained to assist on the trails and act as ambassadors for the sport.

"The vast majority of riders follow the rules, do all of the right things, and have a great time on the trails. But there are some who ride irresponsibly and put themselves, the public and the environment at risk. We have no tolerance for this type of behavior and will be out in full force to prevent it," stated Wimsatt.

Conservation Officers remind all riders that a New Hampshire OHRV Registration certificate with decals affixed to the machine are required to operate off your own property. Always wear a helmet and proper riding gear, pay attention to signs posted along the trail, and respect landowners wishes. Ride safe.

For more information:

http://www.wildnh.com/OHRV/ohrv.htm for OHRV laws and safety education.

http://www.wildnh.com/OHRV/ohrv_agent_list.htm for a list of registration agents.

http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/bureau-of-trails for the NH Trails Bureau.

http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/jericho-mountain-state-park.aspx for information on Jericho Mountain State Park.

http://jerichoatvfestival.com/ for information about the festival.