Brian Helmer, the Director of the proposed Burning Rock Off-Road Park, announced on February 16, 2008 that he has reached an agreement with the Beaver Coal Company to use some of their land for a new, 80 mile ATV trail system. The trails will feature Beginner, Intermediate and expert areas. He acknowledges that some environmental impact will be necessary but he expects it to be minimal because he plans on using old logging trails for most of the new ATV trails. He wants to make sure that the local residents get in on the planning, developing and operation of the trails so he is encouraging local residents to contact him and let their voices be heard.
Helmer has a degree from Marshall University in Parks, Recreation and Conservation so this project is right up his alley. He became interested in ATV trails when he was an intern with Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems. He was able to take a hands-on approach to every aspect of trail planning including administration, trail construction and trail maintenance. He noticed that there was a lack of ATV trails in Raleigh County and decided to remedy that situation. There are of course financial benefits for this trail system. There is an expected increase in revenue for the area from tourists as well as local ATV enthusiasts. He expects to have more detailed information on the trails by March of this year and has a tentative grand opening in the summer of 2008. |
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