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| 4/29/2008 1:58:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | NR board says no to ATV trails in state forest
Nathan Bortz
Outdoors writer
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board unanimously voted last week against establishing the all-terrain vehicle trail alternatives developed by a stakeholder's group for sections of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest that lie in Oneida, Vilas and Iron counties.
In the department's recommendation, secretary Matt Frank cited the potential for "adverse ecological impact" as part of the reason (there were several others) for not supporting the alternatives.
As a result, part of the department's recommendation asks that the possibility of ATV trails not be reconsidered until a fundamental change in ATV technology occurs.
NHAL superintendent Steve Petersen explained this further.
"If an ATV group comes to us in a couple months and asks us to try to establish another trail, we'll tell them it's just too soon," Petersen said. "Now, if someone approaches us in five years and says, 'these ATVs are lightweight, have a top speed of eight mph, differentials and two psi tires - that we'll consider."
The board made its decision after about two hours of public comment from 25 individuals and representatives from groups in opposition of the trails and two representatives, Jane Severt and Mike Peterson, from the Wisconsin County Forests Association, who were in favor of the trail.
After the motion was made and seconded to approve the department's recommendation, three minutes of discussion from board members Jonathan Ela and Gerald O'Brien and forestry administrator Paul DeLong followed. All seven members of the board followed that discussion with approval of the recommendation.
Public comment
During the public comment portion of the meeting, 15 year-round Northwoods residents and at least one part-time resident delivered arguments detailing why they believe the board should not allow trails to be established in the NHAL.
Those from the area who spoke were Sue and Alan Drum of Presque Isle; Jeff Rubsam of Lake Tomahawk; John Kuczkowski of Lac du Flambeau; John Bates of Manitowish; Kathryn Drew of Star Lake; Dave Vogt of Presque Isle; Diane Muri of Boulder Junction; John Aldridge of Boulder Junction; Bill Sloey of Star Lake; Nancy Atwater of Star Lake; Mark Haag of Boulder Junction; Jeff Richter of Mercer; Al Eschenbauch of Presque Isle; Susan Knight of Arbor Vitae; and Frank Splitt of Mount Prospect, Ill.
No one representing an ATV user group delivered testimony during the meeting.
Severt, who wants to see trails established in the forest, said it is time that the state opens more trails in its forests.
"For a manager of public lands to pick and choose what recreational opportunities they will offer flies in the face of true public ownership and multiple use," Severt said. "Counties are tired of being the only game in town when it comes to ATV recreation. Whether we like it or not, the demand for motorized recreation in Wisconsin continues to grow."
An over-arching theme that emerged when Northwoods residents delivered their testimony was that they sought to preserve the forest as it is because they enjoy the peace and quiet the forest offers.
"Wisconsin has a rich heritage when it comes to conservation leadership we have an opportunity today to continue that," Kuczkowski said. "We don't talk about the intangible values of why we all enjoy this wonderful natural resource."
Nathan Bortz can be reached at nbortz@lakelandtimes.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Article comment by:
Gary Edinger
I disagree with Jane Severt's comment that true public ownership and multiple use means ATV trails should be allowed. Destructive, non sustainable activities should be controlled. Multiple use was coined to mean to mean more than just timber, mining, and grazing interests. It is folly to believe all public land should be home to all of public's interests!
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