BASS HARBOR (AP) – All-terrain vehicles are being blamed for damage at a campground, on trails and in woodlands.

Acadia National Park crews are repairing more than $1,000 in damages at Seawall Campground, where ATV riders drove over the lights on a pathway to the campground amphitheater and deliberately destroyed a privacy wall near the restrooms, said Ranger Richard Rechholtz.

The entire campground area, including restrooms, were rebuilt about two years ago, he said.

“They destroyed that wall by ramming into it over and over,” Rechholtz said.

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on park trails and carriage roads, and ATVs are not allowed anywhere in the park.

Still, ATVs have been a growing problem in the park. In recent weeks, ATV riders have been drawn out by the lack of snow cover.

ATV riders have been causing damage to trails and vegetation, park officials said. Rangers have attempted to block some trails, but the riders have been riding around the obstacles, damaging young trees and plants along the way, Rechholtz said.

In some places, riders have created their own trails through the woods, he said.

Authorities believe the problem is being caused by a number of local teenagers. Rangers are not only concerned with damages to the park, but also fear that somebody may get hurt, Rechholtz said.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-12-18-06 1028EST

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