Public lands are off-limits to ATVs, yet wide trails zigzagging among trees shows that all-terrain vehicles are still roaming the state-protected forests in New Jersey…illegally.

State legislators initiated a bill signed into law in January that aimed to deter off-road recreation by setting larger penalties and a new registration fee.

However, its provisions will not go into effect until the state allocates land for at least one public riding area. These provisions remain in limbo because residents near potential sites fear noise, rowdy behavior and a loss of nature, therefore opposing the ATV parks, according to www.nj.com.

The state continues to try to find a spot that will suffice for both conservationists and ATV enthusiasts.

NJ.com reports that environmentalists say illegal riding destroys swaths of public parkland and hurts the serene and pristine environment around walking trails. And they add that hikers listening for bird calls and bubbling streams instead end up hearing the roar of engines.

Riders argue by saying they deserve access to the outdoors as well.

This tends to be a heated debate between the two sides. Hopefully soon enough the law provisions will be initiated so everyone knows where they stand.

Both sides have strong arguments making it difficult for the State to implement the best possible strategy.

To 4-wheel or not to 4-wheel? That remains the question.

-Orly