HB127
House · 2025 sessionRepublicanSigned into lawExtending OHRV trail season
AI-generatedRequires all existing OHRV trails on the Connecticut Lakes headwaters working forest property to remain open through the second Monday in October, Columbus Day, overriding conflicting easement or contract provisions.
(New Title) extending the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut Lakes headwaters working forest property.Official record
Division of testimonyComputed by this site
146 submissionsAll 62 written submissions were individually written — no organized campaign detected.
Status
Signed into law · July 31, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Argument digest
AI-generatedfrom 62 of 62 written submissionsHB127 would extend the closing date of OHRV (ATV) trails on the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters property in Pittsburg from September 30 to Columbus Day, matching the season used on neighboring trail systems elsewhere in Coos County. Most submissions support the extension, citing added tourism revenue for local businesses and consistency with other trails, while a smaller number oppose it, citing conflicts with fall hunting season and a preference for the topic to go through the state's ongoing OHRV-use study commission rather than a standalone bill.
- Extra weekend brings tourism revenue to local businessesSupport47 of 62 reviewed
Submitters argue that extending the season through Columbus Day, a high-traffic holiday weekend, would bring meaningful additional revenue to Pittsburg-area hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses during an otherwise short tourism season, while also aligning Pittsburg's closing date with neighboring trail systems.
“The anticipated economic impact of this two-week extension could reach millions, benefiting our hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.”
— Lori Korzen, Berlin · #337717 — read full submission →
“Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer.”
— David Powers, Danby · #339408 — read full submission →
- No evidence of safety or legal problems from a prior extensionSupport3 of 62 reviewed
Submitters point out that when Pittsburg trails previously stayed open past September 30, no notable safety incidents or increase in illegal activity resulted, and that clubs already manage trail conditions and closures responsibly.
“To my knowledge, there were no issues that came about with Pittsburg choosing to stay open this past fall.”
— Jodi Gilbert, Stewartstown · #337190 — read full submission →
“We seen 0 increase of illegal activity by extending the season. But we did see a lot of people enjoying our little island of allowed ATV season.”
— Richard Dube, Pittsburg · #337780 — read full submission →
- Changing conditions (less snow, declining hunting) favor a longer ATV seasonSupport3 of 62 reviewed
Submitters note that shorter winters, less snow, and a decline in hunting activity have reduced other revenue sources, arguing an extended ATV season could help offset that economic loss.
“I myself have noticed a decline in the Hunting crowds of the last years,and speaking with Business owners alignment with the Neighbor systems to remain open would hopefully be a business boost lost by the Hunter decline”
— Steven Gagnon, Farmington · #338425 — read full submission →
“The economy needs this. With winters getting shorter you could help by making fall longer.”
— Patrick Gorman, Colebrook · #339583 — read full submission →
- Extension supports veteran and disabled-veteran outdoor programsSupport2 of 62 reviewed
Submitters affiliated with a veterans' outdoor program note that a longer season would let them bring disabled veterans onto the trails during one of the most scenic times of year.
- Conflicts with fall hunting season and quiet recreationOppose3 of 62 reviewed
Submitters argue that extending ATV access into October would disrupt bird hunting, fishing, and hiking, and disturb the peace and quiet valued by other users of the land during that period.
“This bill will interfere with the use of public land by others who need quiet for hunting, fishing and hiking.”
— Alan Robert Baker, Columbia · #339458 — read full submission →
“The machines and the people that come with them have ruined the peace and quiet in the north country.”
— Jason Kohr, Gilford · #338594 — read full submission →
- Should go through the state's OHRV study commission, not a standalone billOppose1 of 62 reviewed
A submitter argues the question was already vetted through a public process and denied, and that passing individual bills like this one undermines the ongoing legislative commission tasked with a comprehensive review of OHRV use.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
The record · every submission as filed
146 submissions| Expand | |||||
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Mario Audit for Myself Stratford I believe the OHRV seasons should be extended in the Great North Woods of Coos County, NH. So the area has a chance to survive economically. Without this it hurts all local businesses which contribute to the local economy. | Stratford | Support | 223 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Jon Worrall for Warriors @ 45 North Pittsburg We are in favor of extending the ATV season. Our Veterans love ATV riding in the North Country. This would extend to cover our last trip of the year. Thank You for your consideration. Jon Worrall, SFC USA Ret Founder Warriors @ 45 North | Pittsburg | Support | 243 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Judy Varrill for Myself Concord We have a second home in Pittsburg and depend on it for supplemental income as we are on a fixed income and I am disabled as a result from a stroke 4 years ago. Continuing this activity in the north country is detrimental to folks like us. Please approve this bill | Concord | Support | 264 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Deb Mason for Myself Groton Extending the ATV season would be beneficial to the towns ant businesses. We own a home in Pittsburg nh and would love to see the season extended to be able to ride into the fall with family and friends. | Groton, MA | Support | 203 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Blaine Frizzell for Myself Pittsburg Worst thing to happen to the north country since the factory closed. Bird hunting is a big part of the north woods. It’s what’s got is to the ball people!! | Pittsburg | Oppose | 155 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Patrick Phillips for Myself Pittsburg I run Warriors at 45 North and we use the trails to get disabled vets back out in the woods and to enjoy nature again something they thought they would never be able to do again and if the season was extended I can get vets out there at some of the prettiest time of year in the fall. | Pittsburg | Support | 284 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Patrick Gorman for Myself Colebrook The economy needs this. With winters getting shorter you could help by making fall longer. | Colebrook | Support | 91 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Alan Robert Baker for Myself Columbia This bill will interfere with the use of public land by others who need quiet for hunting, fishing and hiking. This has been subject to public hearings and vetting by both the local community and state officials and the idea of expanding the time ATV operation is permitted to the period after September 30 has been soundly rejected. Why this attempt at an end around the determination to keep other recreation viable at this critical time of year for some of the best upland bird hunting in America.? ATV operation is simply inconsistent with the land uses traditionally protected between the end of September and Columbus Day in the Connecticut Headwaters. | Columbia | Oppose | 661 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
David Powers for Myself Danby I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. Thank You. | Danby, VT | Support | 619 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Eric Bascombe for Myself North Providence I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. | North Providence, RI | Support | 608 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Lisa Wentzell for Myself Hudson I fully support extending the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut River Headwaters property from September 30 to Columbus Day. Many other clubs are already open until Columbus Day and this would only further increase revenue to these small towns and communities. | Hudson | Support | 278 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Lisa Secondo for Myself Pittsburg Keep the trails open thru the holiday | Pittsburg | Support | 37 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Michael Zumbruski for Myself VERNON I am in support of keeping trails open through Columbus day holiday | VERNON, VT | Support | 67 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Darcey Earle for Myself VERNON I am in support of keeping trails open through Columbus day holiday | VERNON, VT | Support | 67 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Justin Falconer for Myself Colebrook I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. | Colebrook | Support | 608 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Jack Pereira for Myself East Taunton I enjoy this area year round and support this bill. Thanks. | East Taunton, MA | Support | 59 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Representative Brian Labrie for Myself Bedford Dear Members of the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee, I respectfully urge you to vote "Ought to Pass" on this bill. The economic vitality of businesses in the northern counties heavily depends on the ATV season, which is already constrained by the limited number of weekends available. The addition of one more weekend could be pivotal, potentially determining the success or failure of the entire season for these local enterprises. Allowing an extra week of operation is not just beneficial; it is mission-critical for generating essential revenue. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Representative Brian Labrie | Bedford | Support | 655 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Richard Fauteux for Myself Pittsburg As a small business partner located at 1590 Main Street in Pittsburg, NH I am in support of this bill to extend the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut River Headwaters property from September 30 to Columbus Day. Closing the North Country sooner trails than others in the state has a significant negative impact on ALL of the businesses in our community. Running a gift shop (Up North NH) our entire industry is tourism and we rely heavily on all who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Holiday weekends are without a doubt our most successful sales weekends of the year and to close the trails just days before a holiday weekend really hurts us. To limit the riding season impacts our sales and sets us up for failure in the month of October when we are "in between" busy seasons. I hope that the State of NH will find that being consistent with one set of dates across the board will alleviate a lot of questions and concerns of safety while supporting all of our North Country businesses as they enter their slower months. I thank you deeply for considering this extension. | Pittsburg | Support | 1,142 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Kelly Dabilis for Myself Pembroke As a small business partner located at 1590 Main Street in Pittsburg, NH I am in support of this bill to extend the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut River Headwaters property from September 30 to Columbus Day. Closing the North Country sooner trails than others in the state has a significant negative impact on ALL of the businesses in our community. Running a gift shop (Up North NH) our entire industry is tourism and we rely heavily on all who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Holiday weekends are without a doubt our most successful sales weekends of the year and to close the trails just days before a holiday weekend really hurts us. To limit the riding season impacts our sales and sets us up for failure in the month of October when we are "in between" busy seasons. I hope that the State of NH will find that being consistent with one set of dates across the board will alleviate a lot of questions and concerns of safety while supporting all of our North Country businesses as they enter their slower months. I thank you deeply for considering this extension. | Pembroke, MA | Support | 1,142 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Kimberly Fauteux for Myself Pittsburg As a small business owner located at 1590 Main Street in Pittsburg, NH I am in support of this bill to extend the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut River Headwaters property from September 30 to Columbus Day. Closing the North Country sooner trails than others in the state has a significant negative impact on ALL of the businesses in our community. As a gift shop owner of Up North NH, our entire industry is tourism and we rely heavily on all who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Holiday weekends are without a doubt our most successful sales weekends of the year and to close the trails just days before a holiday weekend really hurts us. To limit the riding season impacts our sales and sets us up for failure in the month of October when we are "in between" busy seasons. I hope that the State of NH will find that being consistent with one set of dates across the board will alleviate a lot of questions and concerns of safety while supporting all of our North Country businesses as they enter their slower months. I thank you deeply for considering this extension. | Pittsburg | Support | 1,143 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Timothy Parenteau for Myself PITTSBURG I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. | PITTSBURG | Support | 609 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Michelle Parenteau for Myself PITTSBURG I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. | PITTSBURG | Support | 609 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Jamie Gray for Myself Pittsburg Pittsburg should be no different than any other town. ATVing should be extended | Pittsburg | Support | 79 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Ben Bouchard for Myself Derry I am in support of this bill for the trails to remain open and consistent with the rest of the state trails. Closing the north country sooner than others takes away from the local businesses that depend on not only local monies, but those who travel out of state to the area to enjoy all the north country has to offer. Extending the season will enable these businesses to potentially count on another month of revenue for their continued success. I think the state will find being consistent will alleviate multiple inquiries and questions as to what area closes and when. Keep it standard across the state. | Derry | Support | 608 | Jan 15, 2025 | |
Michael O'DONNELL for Myself Colebrook I support keeping the atv trails open until after Columbus day. Great idea to help the North Country economy. | Colebrook | Support | 111 | Jan 15, 2025 |