FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners voted Tuesday to grant permission for all-terrain access over 1.7 miles of Cook Hill Road in Freeman Township with conditions to connect to Moose Loop, a trail that circles the county.

It connects trail systems of seven clubs from Strong to Kingfield and on to Eustis.

Commissioners had tabled the request during a hearing until the need for a road bond was investigated and a previous agreement on ATV access on another county road was reviewed.

The Sandy River Riders ATV Club made the request to use the portion of Cook Hill Road through Commissioner Clyde Barker of Strong in August because parts of the existing ATV trail are damaged.

The portion of the road to be used is from Cook Hill Farm traveling north on the road to Tuttle Corners.

The agreement on ATV access over the East Madrid Road did not require a road bond.

Sandy River Riders ATV Club President Bill Birden said he checked the need for a bond with both insurance and a state ATV group. Neither had heard of the need for a road bond and did not know where the club could get one, Birden said.

“We do close our trails down in the winter,” Birden said, and they try to police activity on the trail. “We spend a lot of money on trails each year. We don’t want to chew them up either.”

Commissioners struck the wording that would have included snowmobile access over Cook Hill Road, since snowmobilers did not request access.

Permission was granted for ATV users with conditions, and commissioners can revoke permission at any time.

Among the conditions are that the club buy and maintain appropriate signage to indicate on and off accessibility to the trail system and speed limits. The club will be responsible for putting up the signs in conjunction with the county’s road agent to ensure proper placement.

The maximum speed has been set at 25 mph. ATVs must travel to the far right of the public roadway

ATV access will be allowed May 30 through Nov. 1.

dperry@sunjournal.com