To:  All Trail Patrol Ambassadors, WATVA members, WATVA Dealers & Associated Businesses

Please spread the word that the Light Utility Vehicle (a.k.a. Side x Side and/or UTV) pilot test program is now underway. Also note that Marinette County also requires a special LUV sticker, those details would be available on that county’s web site or with local county contacts. Also note that state registration is mandatory although no state fee is required at this time. Registration information is in the press release below.

For all “Ride Smart” Trail Patrol Ambassador’s, we have a special Trail Ambassador survey form available to you, designed for those patrollers who wish to patrol in the counties that are participating in the LUV pilot test. Our goal as patrollers is to gather as much data from the traditional ATV riders who interact with the LUV riders, as well as LUV riders themselves and to use this data to help assess the test results.

We can e-mail the surveys or we can mail you hard copies. They are fairly short and easy to use……please let the NOHVIS and Rider Network office know if you want hard copies or electronic ones.

Also see the second release about the ATV Internet Safety Course now being available. This should help alleviate some of the backlog we have with our out of state visitors who have young riders that need safety certification but have a tough time scheduling it because of distances.

Ride Smart – Get Involved & Tell Others to do the same!

Randy

Lightweight Utility Vehicles temporary allowed on ATV trails

Five northern counties to host pilot program

MADISON – Lightweight utility vehicles -- also known as LUVs, UTVs or side by sides -- are now temporarily allowed on certain all-terrain vehicle trails in northern Wisconsin . Lincoln , Washburn, Sawyer, Florence and Marinette counties have elected to enroll in the LUV Pilot Program, which ends on Sept. 30, 2009.

“Members of the public interested in operating LUVs within these counties, need to visit the individual county's Web site or contact the county Forestry Department for all rules and regulations. Each county should have an online registration, which is required for each county you operate in; registration is free. Additional information or trail sticker requirements should also be reviewed with each county,” said Gary Eddy, all-terrain vehicle administrator for the state Department of Natural Resources. “The counties will regulate how and where LUVs will operate on their trails and routes.”

Passed as part of the 2007-09 State Budget, the pilot program is to be administered by the DNR -- in consultation with the Department of Transportation -- to evaluate use and effects of operating lightweight utility vehicles on all-terrain vehicle trails and routes.

“After the pilot program ends, the DNR will review the data gathered during the program, consult with the counties and then forward the results to the legislature,” Eddy said, “If things go well, the DNR will evaluate whether a statewide registration program is appropriate for these vehicles.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, All-Terrain Vehicle Administrator, (608) 267-7455 or Karl Brooks, DNR Law Enforcement - (608) 266-7820

                      =======================================================================================

Internet ATV safety course now available

MADISON – Operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV) now have a convenient online method to receive ATV Safety Certification through an Internet Web page introduced by the state Department of Natural Resources.

“This should prove very beneficial to young adult operators and out-of-state operators who need ATV Safety Certification," said Gary Eddy, DNR all-terrain vehicle administrator.

All operators at least age 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete an ATV Safety Certification course in order to operate on public ATV trails and areas in Wisconsin .

“The internet course may not be for everyone. Parents will have to gauge whether an internet course is the best fit for their child. For some students, young and old, a classroom course with instructors and hands-on learning may be a better fit," said Eddy.

Both courses provide basic information on how to operate an ATV safely and responsibly, but they don't make you an expert rider.

The Internet course is available at [www.offroad-ed.com/wi]. Check the DNR’s Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes Web page to find classroom courses available around the state.

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=116#art11

Students must continue to practice what they've learned in their ATV Safety Course and parents need to reinforce what has been taught."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, All-Terrain Vehicle Administrator, (608) 267-7455 or Karl Brooks, DNR Law Enforcement - (608) 266-7820

____________________________________________________

To: WATVA Board of Directors, AWSC President, WCFA, WATVA Clubs, members and interested ATV program advocates

Below and attached is our response to the NH-AL 12 million dollar corridor proposal sent to Paul De Long and to the Natural Resources Board.

My special thanks to the new WATVA Trails Team for pulling all this together.

Randy Harden

Hello Paul & Steve:

As we spoke at the last meeting we had in Madison , attached is our differing point of view and costs related to the 30’ foot corridor proposal that we consider a forest road versus what our concept of a trail is. We tried to be as brief as possible while making our point given the time frame we had to work with.   

Although we disagree considerably on this topic, we still appreciate the professionalism and courtesy you have extended to us that our viewpoint can be so noted in the NRB presentation. I will send a copy of this to the NRB as well. WATVA has not requested to speak at the April meeting but vice president Rob McConnell will be in attendance, along with some other ATV leaders within WATVA from the Vilas County and surrounding area.      

Best Regards,

Randy Harden
President – Wisconsin ATV Association  

                            Wisconsin ATV Association, Inc.

                               5531B N. Hwy 42

                               Sheboygan, WI 53083

                               Phone (920) 565-7531  www.watva.org

                                                                                           April 10, 2008

To:  Paul De Long

       Administrator, Division of Forestry Chief State Forester

Re: Different point of view and alternate trail proposal for NH-AL State

       Forest versus road corridor 

The Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) board of directors representing 94 local chapters and thousands of members and ATV owners across Wisconsin, fully support managed ATV trail systems that include sustainable natural resource attributes. WATVA recognizes the difference between a forest road project and an ATV trail system and therefore encourages the DNR and Natural Resources Board to pursue an alternate trail proposal that would display a more acceptable ATV trail experience for the end user while still maintaining resource integrity.

The Wisconsin ATV Association highly suggests an alternative to the DNR Corridor proposal using appropriate and sustainable design attributes favored by ATV riders.  This would bring the cost estimate in line with existing sustainable trail system now in place throughout Wisconsin. We encourage the DNR and Natural Resources Board to pursue a more detailed assessment and proceed with developing a specific trail plan.

Design Attributes & Trail Standards

WATVA feels strongly that the proposed clearing of a 30’ corridor with a 16’ trail tread on 58 miles of gravel is not what we consider an ATV trail but rather a forest road with all the increased costs associated to build it.

In the Wisconsin DNR publication CF-018 “So you want to build an ATV trail” “The normal straight or slightly curved trail tread for a two way ATV trail is recommended to be a minimum of 12 feet wide. Past ATV trails have been 10’ wide but in recent times the suggestion has been increased to 12 feet wide. Certainly a 16’ trail tread exceeds any ATV county managed trail system that we are aware of. 

The 12’ width is used and considered the standard on most of the approximate 180 miles of State ATV trails and 2,000 miles of successful County maintained trails. The cost of developing the 30’ corridor project along with materials needed would be considerably less if the 12’ guideline was followed for the NH-AL forest, based on similar projects completed and supervised by County land managers. Another positive when using the current 12’ standard is that smaller equipment could be used to construct this type of trail with a lower impact to the environment.  We feel that by following the current 12’ guideline and design, all aspects of this trail could be effectively managed for enjoyment, safety and sustainability.

Our observation and suggestion is to use hardened trail surfaces where necessary, not on the entire trail – to identify specific sections (i.e. steep hills & curves, at intersections) or segments that require more detailed analysis for spots requiring tread way stabilization in the form of added fill material. The intent of hardening is to determine which segments of the trails are capable of sustaining ATV travel either as is or with modification and then estimate the cost of necessary modifications.  If soil conditions are unfavorable and trail surfacing must be ordered – clean washed rock is recommended for hardening of the trail surface. The use of washed rock is recommended to reduce the introduction of invasive species such as spotted knapweed, during the construction process.

In the DNR proposed trail layout, it incorporates existing motorized travel corridors whenever possible. The proposed trail does minimize further fragmentation of forestland by locating trails on areas with existing development whenever possible.  However, wide straight-a-ways of trail promote speed and should be balanced with more inherently slower challenging technical sections requiring more attention from the rider (well designed, low angle, short-radius curves are enjoyable and much more sustainable).  If the proper challenges are provided, the desire for speed becomes less pronounced. Slower speeds also produce less noise and dust. Natural, hilly areas make for the best trails, with long, straight trails found to be boring.  Riders enjoy challenges with a variety of conditions – although not all of the trail should be highly difficult so groups of riders can stay together.

Managing sightlines is one of the major tools for controlling speed and promoting safety. With a 30’ cleared corridor, unlimited sightlines can actually pose more of a safety concern than those that are more constricted because they encourage excessive speed.

“Trail Drainage and Erosion Protection” can be minimized with the use of drainage dips, and hard bottom drainage catch basins to hold runoff water and prevent silted run-off into local streams and lakes, trails with side slope bank cuts using stabilized cut and fill slopes is preferred versus the proposed road corridor with 2 ditches and crowned road surfaces for storm water control. Use short grade dips in the trail surface to allow surface water to directly run off trail tread versus running into a cut ditch.

Eliminate & Save

We also suggest eliminating Option 1B in the Iron County segment, this is the wettest section of the trail and excessive amount of boardwalk is needed to make the connection – this would be a cost savings $4,275,000. 

Boardwalk costs in other areas could also be lowered by building them to support the weight of ATV’s rather than much heavier grooming equipment that would not need to cross them.

Add designated pull-off areas where riders can park and then walk to sensitive areas or overlooks.

Other Resources

We suggest using judgment based on application of procedures and criteria established by a knowledgeable, experienced trail construction professional with knowledge in soils, vegetation, hydrology, grades and works within the confinements of the natural environment.  One possible contact for cost-effective ways to design, build, and maintain high-quality trails, would be the Professional Trailbuilders Association.  (www.trailbuilders.org)

In addition, refer to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Manual “Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines”.  It was a result of a multiyear effort and the goal of the project was to develop a consistent set of guidelines and common language for developing motorized and non-motorized trails.  Extensive attention is given to developing trails that are physically, ecologically, and economically sustainable.  The principles of trail design put increased emphasis on the art of design in order to make trails more visually appealing and enjoyable.  The guidelines provide a comprehensive reference for agencies, trail advocates, and policy makers as they embark on various types of trail development projects.

The Wisconsin ATV Association and its Chapter Clubs thank you for this opportunity to present our view of a sustainable ATV trail in the Northern Highland - American Legion forest that attains the attributes that our ATV riders desire.

Sincerely,

Randy Harden                       Rob McConnell 

Randy Harden – President       Rob McConnell – Vice President

WATVA Trails Committee          WATVA Board of Directors

________________________________________________________