The next governor also will confront how the state uses public land to cope with the growing popularity of all-terrain vehicles. New Hampshire has tried to corral illegal riders by promising to use vehicle registration fees to build trails on state-owned land, but opposition remains strong from those who complain about the noise and damage to the environment.

Both Lynch and Tarbell said part of the solution must be stricter enforcement of laws. But while Lynch cites the example of snowmobile riders who worked with the state in the 1970s to ensure responsible ridership, Tarbell said ATVs should be treated differently because they cause more damage to land.

Neither came out for or against building trails on state land.

"Limited accommodations may be made after public input is carefully considered," Tarbell said.

Lynch agreed, saying he'd bring users of public land together to decide where ATVs are appropriate.

"This is not a decision a governor should make arbitrarily," he said.

McEachern, however, opposes building ATV trails on public lands.

"ATVs are noise polluters and hazardous to the environment," he said. "If we don't meet this challenge head-on, New Hampshire will be captive to the growing ATV lobby, now gaining a foothold."