Three ATVs Impounded, Seven Summonses Written at Pine Barrens

A recent all-terrain vehicle (ATV) detail resulted in charges against three people who were caught riding illegally on protected Pine Barrens lands, DEC Regional Director Peter A. Scully announced Friday.

On May 19, DEC forest rangers and environmental conservation officers (ECOs), along with Suffolk County Park Police and the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff’s office took part in the ATV detail organized by the Pine Barrens Commission Law Enforcement Council’s Multi-agency ATV Task Force. 

During the seven-hour detail, three ATVs were impounded and seven summonses were written on and around the DEC’s Rocky Point Natural Resource Area, including one summons issued for allowing an eight-year-old child to illegally operate a vehicle. 

Summonses written included:

• · two tickets for operating an ATV on Public lands;
• · one ticket for operating an ATV on private lands without written consent;
• · one ticket for a parent allowing a juvenile under the age of 16 to illegally operate an ATV;
• · one ticket for operating an unregistered ATV;
• · one ticket for operating an ATV without liability insurance; and
• · one ticket for operating an ATV without a helmet.

Three ATVs were impounded by Suffolk County Parks Police. Individuals ticketed by DEC law enforcement personnel include Jose M. Morales, 24, of  Mastic and Vincent Giampino, 48, of Miller Place.

“Illegal ATV use damages valuable natural resources and important wildlife habitat, especially in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Pine Barrens,” said Director Scully. “Law enforcement from both DEC and Suffolk County did outstanding jobs protecting our resources and bringing those who attempted to skirt the law to justice.”

Individuals spotting illegal activities are encouraged to call DEC’s environmental conservation officers at (631) 444-0250 during business hours, and (877) 457-5680 or (518) 408-5250 at all other times. DEC forest rangers can be reached at (631) 444-0291.