Barnstable Upping Patrols For Dirt Bikes, ATVs On Public Land

BARNSTABLE, MA — Using a dirt bike or ATV on Barnstable public lands could result in heavy fines for operators, town officials said this week.

Barnstable police and Natural Resource officers will be patrolling conservation areas and open space land throughout November and December in the hopes of cracking down on ATV and dirt bike use on the "sensitive habitats and trails."

The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on public lands in Barnstable, officials noted.

"These joint patrols are part of an organized effort to deter operation on public land and educate the public's awareness of the damage these vehicles cause on sensitive habitat," officials said.

Below are some examples of prohibited actions, from Barnstable officials.

• Operating on any Barnstable Public Land designated as open space
• Operating on public ways or upon or across a controlled access highway
• Operating on land of another without written permission from the owner
• Operating in a manner to harass or chase wildlife or domestic animals
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol