by Cathy St. Clair
News Editor 
  Two state legislators agreed last Wednesday they would try to sit down and talk with representatives of CNX Gas Company to determine if there is a way to reopen some gas well roads to area ATV riders.
  State Sen. Phillip Puckett and Del. Dan Bowling met with a group of about 35 ATV enthusiasts in the Buchanan County Courthouse Wednesday to discuss what might be done to see the roads reopened.
  In the end, after more than an hour and a half of discussion, Puckett and Bowling agreed to try to set up a meeting with CNX officials to discuss the issues.
  Petitions containing the names of about 80 people were also circulating during the meeting. The petitions asked that state legislators work "to restore the rights of citizens, property owners, ATV riders, hunters, fishermen, berry pickers, ginseng hunters, etc., where CNX Gas Company operates gas wells."
  For the past month, ATV riders have been seeking help from the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors to get CNX to reopen the gates or at least to again provide ATV riders with keys to the gates allowing them to access properties which they have said they have permission from the land owners to ride upon, lease themselves, or in some cases, which they themselves own.
  They have previously complained to the board that the roads were locked this past summer by the company and that the company, citing safety concerns as well as security concerns related to a rash of thefts of copper wire, has refused to reopen the gates or to provide keys to those wishing to use the gas well roads for ATV riding as they have done in the past.
  In opening the session last Wednesday, Puckett said he and Bowling were there to listen to the issues and he pointed out both were aware to some extent what the issues are.
  "We want to find a solution that maybe both sides can live with," Puckett said.  "I've been on those trails and I ride four-wheelers and motorcycles myself."
  Bowling noted he realized that ATV riders added to the local economy and agreed he too would like to see the roads reopened.
  Jim Osborne noted that when CNX locked the gates earlier this year, the company in effect "destroyed" the trails used by ATV riders.
  He added that ATV riders were willing to do whatever they needed to do to have the privilege to ride the roads again.
  "We want to do it right," Osborne said. "We're law abiding citizens and just want the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves."
  Puckett said although he was not an attorney, it appeared there were several legal issues surrounding the use of the gas well roads, including rights of way and leases held by ATV riders.

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