Grugan Township ATV Question Failed to Advance

By Christopher Miller

GRUGAN TOWNSHIP – In a packed, standing-room-only township building, two dozen property owners and ATV/UTV enthusiasts met to voice their concerns, opinion, and data on the question of allowing ATVs and UTVs to use a township road.

The road in question, Hyner River Road from the Chapman Township line to Rattlesnake, spans a distance of 4.1 miles.

Supervisors detailed a list of topics that were addressed at the previous meeting. These included items such as public safety and emergency response, noise, jurisdiction over patrolling the road, maintenance, how the use of ATVs could affect residents, and the possibilities for the local economy.

Jason Fitzgerald, CEO of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, was present to explain how the trail would benefit tourism in the region.

“There are concerns with noise and we can work collaboratively with the township to overcome concerns. This would help put more money in the pockets of the folks here and the money could be reinvested to help fund the schools through taxes. We at the partnership are in favor of this,” he said.

Of the 145 surveys mailed to property owners, 72 responses were received. Of those responses, 57 were against the idea and 36 responses were in agreement. The survey allowed for each person on the deed to state their opinion in the matter.

Those against the use of ATVs and UTVs on Hyner River Road said that they were concerned about speeding, drinking and driving, dust and dirt pollution, noise pollution, ecological and environmental factors, and the additional maintenance on the road.

One of the only property owners who was for it said that he believes this “is needed for the township to thrive and continue into the future.”

“We need to consider this for the future of the township,” he said. “Business can come into the township from the ATVS. I have hosted over 150 families at an AirBnB property I own here and I have never had one problem with them. The number one question I receive from people coming out here is about renting ATVs and can they be used.”

Gregory Kisko, District Manager for Sproul State Forest was present and spoke briefly at the meeting.

He detailed that their office has only four rangers to patrol the 308,000 acre area that makes up Sproul State Forest and that they would not be able to enforce the rules associated with ATVs on the road.

The motion to ride on Hyner River Road was struck down due to the lack of a second motion.

The supervisors will meet again in October 2026 when the question will be revisited for the 2027 season.

Township supervisors J. Craig Conti, Richard “Dick” Grenell, and Eric Williamson were present and attentive during the meeting.