The Conservation Commission has announced a regulation that will allow certain vehicles used by disabled residents access onto environmentally sensitive property here in Chelmsford.

Their ruling is meant to come into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, although there will still be some limitations set in place to preserve the pristine nature of these conservation areas for other residents.

The vehicles, primarily motorized wheelchairs and other devices used by disabled individuals, cannot use gas or any type of internal combustion engine, may not go off of trails, cannot move faster than 3 mph, and may not make noise louder than 65 decibels.

In addition, disabled individuals using town trails are expected to travel at their own risk while on local trails, and may be asked by local officials to provide credible evidence such as a handicapped placard to show that their mobility device is required. 

Conservation Commission chairman Chris Garrahan believes that the compromises will help preserve the character of Chelmsford's over 900 acres of land with trail systems while helping to bring these areas to those less fortunate.

"Chelmsford has a wonderful resource in its conservation land," said Garrahan. "Now many who were not able to previously use the land have an opportunity to do so."

More information on this new regulation and other Chelmsford conservation information is available at the Conservation Commission website.