Dear Representative Mary
Hubler,
I was pleased to read in yesterday’s Chronotype that you
are a member of the Special Legislative Committee on State Trails and are
welcoming comments from your constituents.
I just read Joel Patenanaude’s Editor’s Letter in the November issue of
Silent Sports and was puzzled by some of the testimony given at the first
meeting of the committee.
Rob McConnell, vice president of the Wisconsin ATV
Association (WATVA) reportedly said that they are working with the Ice Age Trail
(IAT) to address ATV damage, “but have not found a solution.” As a member of the Superior Lobe Chapter
of the IAT, I have participated in meetings with the DNR and WATVA where
suggestions have been advanced such as the
following:
ü
A restitution fund should be established similar to
Minnesota where property owners and trail management authorities can tap into
the ATV fund in order to repair illegal ATV damage. If ATV proponents felt the
financial pain like non-motorized trail volunteers do, the damage by vehicles of
mass destruction will dramatically decline.
ü
ATVs should be required to have legible license plates as
is the case in many states and Canadian provinces. Rogue ATV riders would be less inclined
to engage in criminal trespass for fear of being identified. For those who continue to trespass there
would be a chance to identify the culprits.
ü
The DNR could erect more effective barriers on state
trails and use surveillance cameras to good
advantage.
ü
As was the case in successfully curbing poaching,
penalties could be increased to include stiffer fines and confiscation of
equipment. We heard from an
enforcement officer that one violator treated the small fine as just another
insignificant cost of his outing.
ü
Illegal access trails, one with a wooden bridge, could be
investigated and shutdown.
ü
New signage with either persuasive or threatening
language could be developed
ü
Designation and promotion of multipurpose trails should
come to a halt. These trails are
inherently unsafe and encourage ATV use on non-motorized trails. It’s
recommended that ATV operators wear a helmet, face shields, gloves and
protective clothing. Although
hikers are subject to the same hazards, they have no protective equipment. When
ATVers see that the DNR permits mixing of people with powerful machines capable
of speeds in excess of 60 mph, it makes it difficult for four wheeler operators
to understand why they are prohibited from the Ice Age Trail. Cook County Illinois has a multipurpose
trail where bicycles and pedestrians share the same trail. However, the posted speed limit for
bicycles is 8 mph whether or whether not pedestrians are present. ATVers need their own trails.
None of the above suggested remedies have been
implemented.
From Joel’s letter, I understand that there was a
processional of ATV proponents who pressed for expanded riding opportunities at
the last meeting. The demand for
additional places to ride is obvious and should not take up the committee’s
valuable time. There’s no question
about the demand for more ATV trails.
I believe the focus of the committee should
be:
How
can additional riding opportunities be provided without hurting the financial
and quality of life interests of others?
There is evidence that the vortex of the ATV problem is
in the 75th District and Barron County. I have come to this conclusion based on
the following facts and observations:
1.
On three
occasions ATV proponents have taken away stretches of the Ice Age Trail. Although these takeovers have subjected
some of your constituents and their organization to expenses and jeopardized two
programs promoting tourism, there has been no offsetting compensation. Motorized recreational users have
received thousands of dollars of infrastructure at no cost to
them.
2.
The
Department of Natural Resources inaugurated a pilot program for tracking
Wisconsin Trail and Safety Incidents starting at the end of March 2006. By September 8, 2006 there were 13
illegal ATV trespass incidents reported.
Ten or 76.9% of the incidents were in Barron County on the Tuscobia
Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The report is probably only the tip of
the iceberg since the statewide reporting system has yet to be widely
publicized.. I heard of one very
recent incident on the Tuscobia State Trail that is not included in the report
where an ATV sped past hikers at 60 mph.
3.
Most of
the Ice Age Trail that I have walked in Polk, Taylor, Lincoln, Marathon,
Portage, Sauk, Walworth, Dane, Waukesha, Washington and Chippewa Counties is a
joy to hike by virtue of being a quality footpath meeting National Park Service
standards. I have seen very little
evidence of ATV trespass in these counties. Most of the Ice Age Trail in Barron
County is marred by four wheeler ruts and does not resemble a quality-hiking
trail like you would expect to be part of the National Scenic Trail system. For
the most part, in Barron County the IAT more resembles an illegal ATV trail than
a quality footpath.
It’s been claimed that by establishing more legal ATV
sites will mitigate the damage.
This result is not always the case.
When ATVs took over a portion of the Tuscobia Segment of the Ice Age
Trail in July 2004, unlawful ATV traffic on the non-motorized portion became
more frequent. It appears that the
non-motorized portion is being used to gain access to the motorized
portion.
The onslaught of riders who are chewing up the private
and public landscape is of concern to more than silent sports enthusiasts
wishing to enjoy the beauty and solitude of Wisconsin. Under staffed government and regulatory
organizations are bearing additional stress. Responsible ATV riders have to
constantly apologize for rogue riders and bear the stigma of their unlawful
action. In addition ATV enthusiasts
along with the Ice Age Trail are being denied recreational easements because
property owners fear the footpath will be a magnet for illegal ATV
traffic.
Ice Age Trail volunteers are facing a triple whammy in
their efforts to build a premier hiking trail in Barron County. First: Ice Age Trail has been taken
away and designated for ATV use. Second: Illegal ATV traffic is chewing
up the Ice Age Trail. Third: Private landowners are denying
recreational easements to the Ice Age Trail because they fear a footpath
will draw illegal ATV traffic.
From my experience as a trail builder and maintainer I can attest, under present policies and practices it’s impossible to establish a decent section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail across Barron County. I hope your committee can change this situation. Responsible ATV riders, government staff and self-propelled users would greatly benefit if you can come up with a solution. Thank you for listening.
Don Erickson
2806 28th Street
Birchwood, WI 54817-2006
715 354-3827