Ads
Monday, August 29, 2011
In effort to boost local economy, ATVs allowed on Tomahawk roads
http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20110829/WOF01/308290081/In-effort-boost-local-economy-ATVs-allowed-Tomahawk-roads?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
TOMAHAWK -- Motorists within city limits will now share some city roads with ATV riders.
Last month, city officials approved a measure that allows the all-terrain vehicles within city limits. In the past few weeks, officials installed road signs that alert motorists to look for ATV riders.
Mike Tolvstad, director of public works for the city of Tomahawk, said the change in regulation is an effort by officials to provide a boost to the economy here.
In the past, ATV riders were limited to ATV trails, which kept them away from local businesses, Tolvstad said.
One local restaurant owner said many people are not yet aware of the new provision, particularly tourists who vacation in the Northwoods. He's eager for ATV riders to use the new designated ATV city trail to access downtown.
"People are just starting to learn the (new ATV) trail," said Bill Schulz, co-owner for the Pine Tree Supper Club, a restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue. "We're really looking forward to next year when people from down south come up and visit the trails."
Schulz's brother Fred Schulz, who also co-owns the restaurant, already is taking advantage of the new ordinance. He has driven his ATV to the restaurant nearly every day since the measure was approved.
ATV drivers now can come into town on Mohawk Drive, Leather Avenue, Theller Drive and Kaphaem Road.
Phil Rausch, president for the Somo Area ATV Club, said he helped draft the map, which is intended to provide an access point into the city from local ATV trails such as the Harrison Hills ATV Trail.
But the new law comes with restrictions, Rausch said.
ATV riders are not allowed to use Wisconsin, South Tomahawk or East Somo avenues, but can access the downtown restaurants by riding on the alleys, Rausch said.
"It's a means of getting from point A to point B," Rausch said. "It's going to help bring business because now (riders) can stay at the hotels and ride again in the morning."
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
WATVA Video Recap
Something new here at WATVA... Video recaps!
In this video recap, President Randy Harden goes over the past few rides from around the state and upcoming bills / program changes.
In this video recap, President Randy Harden goes over the past few rides from around the state and upcoming bills / program changes.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
DNR hopes to hire about 12 to help fill statewide vacancies
Taken from: http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20110811/WOF08/110811048
DNR hopes to hire about 12 to help fill statewide vacancies
MADISON – Men and women passionate about the outdoors and the environment interesting in helping to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources should apply to become a state conservation warden during a warden recruitment period under way through Sept. 2, 2011.
The Department of Natural Resources expects to hire about 12 new conservation wardens in an effort to fill existing vacancies in the state’s warden force of 206 officers. The recruit wardens will begin their formal training in March 2012.
“Many of our veteran wardens are at or nearing retirement so we need to move forward as soon as possible to hire their replacements,” Darrel Waldera, training director for the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement, said of the ongoing recruitment. “By the end of 2011, there will be 30 vacant warden positions throughout the state, with more than 15 more wardens eligible to retire by the end of December 2012.”
With the department’s budget finalized for this fiscal year, Chief DNR Warden Randy Stark says he is “pleased we’ll be able to continue filling some of our vacant warden positions. Considering the current economic conditions we feel very fortunate to be able to hire new wardens.
“It’s important to start the hiring process now so our new wardens will be ready to be placed in local communities around the state by the middle of 2013, after the recruits complete their first year of training,” Stark said. “There’s a lot of important work to do in the coming year recruiting, hiring and training quality candidates who will be the next generation of wardens charged with providing public safety and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources.”
What does it take to be a Wisconsin Conservation Warden?
"We need men and women with integrity, strong verbal and written communication skills, and an interest in enforcing the regulations that make Wisconsin a healthy place to live and recreate,” DNR Training Director Waldera said.
But those aren’t the only criteria necessary to become a state conservation warden. Well-qualified candidates must meet high standards and be able to successfully withstand the scrutiny of a thorough background investigation.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. In addition the minimum education standard is 120 academic college credits. However, candidates who have at least 60 credits can apply if they have worked at least 2 years as a certified law enforcement officer. “People who are interested in a warden position need to understand these are the minimum hiring standards,” Waldera said.
Besides the educational requirements, a clean background and an interest in protecting people and natural resources, candidates also must have solid interpersonal and communication skills needed to work with a wide variety of people from various cultures who use natural resources in a changing society.
“Much of a warden’s day-to-day work puts him or her in contact with people,” Waldera said. “Whether checking folks to see if they have the proper permits for certain outdoor activities, following up on a complaint or conducting a boating or snowmobile accident investigation, wardens must be skilled at putting people at ease, maintaining control of the situation and getting the job done professionally.”
The DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement’s mission statement calls for protecting, enhancing and promoting the safe and wise use of natural resources through enforcement, education and community-based wardening that guarantees fair and equal treatment.
“Conservation law enforcement is also about life long learning, being adaptable and having multi-cultural competence,” Waldera said. “There is a strong component of conflict resolution, a capacity to build community relationships and the determination to try and solve problems in our efforts to fulfill this mission.”
Application and examination materials are available online through Sept. 2, 2011. People without computer access may visit local public libraries or Wisconsin Job Service offices to access the application and examination through computers at those locations.
If you have questions about the hiring process, please contact Sherry Van Haren at the Bureau of Law Enforcement, 608-266-2174.
DNR hopes to hire about 12 to help fill statewide vacancies
MADISON – Men and women passionate about the outdoors and the environment interesting in helping to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources should apply to become a state conservation warden during a warden recruitment period under way through Sept. 2, 2011.
The Department of Natural Resources expects to hire about 12 new conservation wardens in an effort to fill existing vacancies in the state’s warden force of 206 officers. The recruit wardens will begin their formal training in March 2012.
“Many of our veteran wardens are at or nearing retirement so we need to move forward as soon as possible to hire their replacements,” Darrel Waldera, training director for the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement, said of the ongoing recruitment. “By the end of 2011, there will be 30 vacant warden positions throughout the state, with more than 15 more wardens eligible to retire by the end of December 2012.”
With the department’s budget finalized for this fiscal year, Chief DNR Warden Randy Stark says he is “pleased we’ll be able to continue filling some of our vacant warden positions. Considering the current economic conditions we feel very fortunate to be able to hire new wardens.
“It’s important to start the hiring process now so our new wardens will be ready to be placed in local communities around the state by the middle of 2013, after the recruits complete their first year of training,” Stark said. “There’s a lot of important work to do in the coming year recruiting, hiring and training quality candidates who will be the next generation of wardens charged with providing public safety and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources.”
What does it take to be a Wisconsin Conservation Warden?
"We need men and women with integrity, strong verbal and written communication skills, and an interest in enforcing the regulations that make Wisconsin a healthy place to live and recreate,” DNR Training Director Waldera said.
But those aren’t the only criteria necessary to become a state conservation warden. Well-qualified candidates must meet high standards and be able to successfully withstand the scrutiny of a thorough background investigation.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. In addition the minimum education standard is 120 academic college credits. However, candidates who have at least 60 credits can apply if they have worked at least 2 years as a certified law enforcement officer. “People who are interested in a warden position need to understand these are the minimum hiring standards,” Waldera said.
Besides the educational requirements, a clean background and an interest in protecting people and natural resources, candidates also must have solid interpersonal and communication skills needed to work with a wide variety of people from various cultures who use natural resources in a changing society.
“Much of a warden’s day-to-day work puts him or her in contact with people,” Waldera said. “Whether checking folks to see if they have the proper permits for certain outdoor activities, following up on a complaint or conducting a boating or snowmobile accident investigation, wardens must be skilled at putting people at ease, maintaining control of the situation and getting the job done professionally.”
The DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement’s mission statement calls for protecting, enhancing and promoting the safe and wise use of natural resources through enforcement, education and community-based wardening that guarantees fair and equal treatment.
“Conservation law enforcement is also about life long learning, being adaptable and having multi-cultural competence,” Waldera said. “There is a strong component of conflict resolution, a capacity to build community relationships and the determination to try and solve problems in our efforts to fulfill this mission.”
Application and examination materials are available online through Sept. 2, 2011. People without computer access may visit local public libraries or Wisconsin Job Service offices to access the application and examination through computers at those locations.
If you have questions about the hiring process, please contact Sherry Van Haren at the Bureau of Law Enforcement, 608-266-2174.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Gandy Dancer Trail is now OPEN!
The Gandy Dancer Trail is now OPEN!!!!
Remember, the Gandy is open to bicyclers and hikers ONLY in Polk and Burnett Counties.
Thank you for your patience while we were getting the trail cleared off!
Kari Letch
Burnett County Forest & Parks
Remember, the Gandy is open to bicyclers and hikers ONLY in Polk and Burnett Counties.
Thank you for your patience while we were getting the trail cleared off!
Kari Letch
Burnett County Forest & Parks
Friday, August 5, 2011
ALL Burnett County's ATV/UTV* TRAILS ARE NOW OPEN!
***THE BRIDGE OVER THE ST. CROIX RIVER ON THE GANDY DANCER TRAIL IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES OVER 1,000 LBS. GVW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***
All ATV/UTV trails are OPEN!!! PLEASE ride with caution as recent heavy rainfalls may have caused some washouts in areas.
These trails will remain open for the season UNLESS a Red Flag Alert for fire danger goes into effect.
Please note: It is illegal to ride your ATV/UTV on the Gandy Dancer Trail in Burnett County south of highway 77 at any time.
A BIG THANK YOU goes out to our clubs who worked extremely hard, and for many hours, to get the numerous trees off of our trails since the July 1st wind storm!
All ATV/UTV trails are OPEN!!! PLEASE ride with caution as recent heavy rainfalls may have caused some washouts in areas.
These trails will remain open for the season UNLESS a Red Flag Alert for fire danger goes into effect.
Please note: It is illegal to ride your ATV/UTV on the Gandy Dancer Trail in Burnett County south of highway 77 at any time.
A BIG THANK YOU goes out to our clubs who worked extremely hard, and for many hours, to get the numerous trees off of our trails since the July 1st wind storm!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Part of Tuscobia State Trail closed by major washout
Part of Tuscobia State Trail closed by major washout
http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Part_of_Tuscobia_State_Trail_closed_by_major_washout_126729763.html
SPOONER (RELEASE FROM DNR) – Intense rainfall Tuesday caused a major washout along the Tuscobia State Trail, just west of Radisson in Sawyer County, forcing the state Department of Natural Resources to close a two-mile section of the trail.
A set of double culverts completely washed out, said DNR trail ranger Kathy Pospychalla. High water took out guard rails and exposed buried utilities. The shifting culverts are threatening the integrity of fiber optic cables.
The closed section runs from Martin Street in Radisson west to Weigor Road. This section of the trail is no longer safe for public use. Barricades and signs have been erected to alert trail users.
It will take at least 10 days to repair the damage and ensure the trail is safe for public use, Pospychalla said.
The detour route, traveling east to west:
Turn south from Tuscobia Trail onto Ogden Avenue in Radisson; left on Church Street to State Hwy 40: south on State Hwy 40, crossing Chippewa River bridge, to Potters Road; west on Potters Road to Berhausen Road: south on Berhausen Road to Polish Road: west on Polish Road to Weigor Road; and north on Weirgor Road to intersection with the Tuscobia Trail.
All of these roads are designated and marked as ATV routes. In addition, orange signs with black arrows have been placed to mark the detour.
http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Part_of_Tuscobia_State_Trail_closed_by_major_washout_126729763.html
SPOONER (RELEASE FROM DNR) – Intense rainfall Tuesday caused a major washout along the Tuscobia State Trail, just west of Radisson in Sawyer County, forcing the state Department of Natural Resources to close a two-mile section of the trail.
A set of double culverts completely washed out, said DNR trail ranger Kathy Pospychalla. High water took out guard rails and exposed buried utilities. The shifting culverts are threatening the integrity of fiber optic cables.
The closed section runs from Martin Street in Radisson west to Weigor Road. This section of the trail is no longer safe for public use. Barricades and signs have been erected to alert trail users.
It will take at least 10 days to repair the damage and ensure the trail is safe for public use, Pospychalla said.
The detour route, traveling east to west:
Turn south from Tuscobia Trail onto Ogden Avenue in Radisson; left on Church Street to State Hwy 40: south on State Hwy 40, crossing Chippewa River bridge, to Potters Road; west on Potters Road to Berhausen Road: south on Berhausen Road to Polish Road: west on Polish Road to Weigor Road; and north on Weirgor Road to intersection with the Tuscobia Trail.
All of these roads are designated and marked as ATV routes. In addition, orange signs with black arrows have been placed to mark the detour.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Solberg Lake ATV trail open after years of planning and hard work
Solberg Lake ATV trail open after years of planning and hard work
Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 2:13 PM CDT
Taken from http://www.phillipswi.com/articles/2011/07/27/news/doc4e305bea50447322258177.txt
(full story isn't available unless you are a paid subscriber).
Eric Knudson
THE-BEE
Price County has a new ATV trail this year thanks to a lot of hard work by Price County Assistant Forester Eric Holm. After years of planning routes, securing grants, coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and National Forest Service the 9.5 mile Solberg Lake ATV Trail is completed.
Join our Premium Online Membership to view the rest of the story.
Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 2:13 PM CDT
Taken from http://www.phillipswi.com/articles/2011/07/27/news/doc4e305bea50447322258177.txt
(full story isn't available unless you are a paid subscriber).
Eric Knudson
THE-BEE
Price County has a new ATV trail this year thanks to a lot of hard work by Price County Assistant Forester Eric Holm. After years of planning routes, securing grants, coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and National Forest Service the 9.5 mile Solberg Lake ATV Trail is completed.
Join our Premium Online Membership to view the rest of the story.
Clark County ATV Trails Open!
Date: 8/01/11
Clark County ATV Trails Open!
The Clark County ATV trails are open. Trails are wet and rough in areas – Please ride with caution! Some sections of trails may be temporary closed due to trails hazards – Obey signs and find an approved alternate trail/route.
Off trail riding and excessive acceleration will not be tolerated and citations will be issued. These types of actions lead to substantial long term damage and high cost of repairs. Please use good judgment and ride responsibly to help protect the trails.
Please remember to check the trail updates before you plan to recreate as trail conditions do change throughout the open riding season depending on weather. Clark Co Forestry & Parks strive to provide diverse and extended recreational opportunities for everyone but trails being open are never a guarantee.
• Trail from Intersection #2 to Resewood Ave and Trail from Intersection #16 to Intersection #17 will remain closed for this season of summer ATV use. These sections of trail will be open for snowmobiles only during the winter.
• UTV’S/Side-by-Sides Clark County is now part of the state UTV pilot program; UTV’s will be allowed on the Clark Co ATV trail system starting May 14th, 2011. Please refer to www.wiutv.org for additional information.
Visit the county website at www.co.clark.wi.us for updated information or Contact Clark
County Forestry & Parks (715) 743-5140.
STAY ON TRAIL!!
Clark County Forestry & Parks
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-5140
Clark County ATV Trails Open!
The Clark County ATV trails are open. Trails are wet and rough in areas – Please ride with caution! Some sections of trails may be temporary closed due to trails hazards – Obey signs and find an approved alternate trail/route.
Off trail riding and excessive acceleration will not be tolerated and citations will be issued. These types of actions lead to substantial long term damage and high cost of repairs. Please use good judgment and ride responsibly to help protect the trails.
Please remember to check the trail updates before you plan to recreate as trail conditions do change throughout the open riding season depending on weather. Clark Co Forestry & Parks strive to provide diverse and extended recreational opportunities for everyone but trails being open are never a guarantee.
• Trail from Intersection #2 to Resewood Ave and Trail from Intersection #16 to Intersection #17 will remain closed for this season of summer ATV use. These sections of trail will be open for snowmobiles only during the winter.
• UTV’S/Side-by-Sides Clark County is now part of the state UTV pilot program; UTV’s will be allowed on the Clark Co ATV trail system starting May 14th, 2011. Please refer to www.wiutv.org for additional information.
Visit the county website at www.co.clark.wi.us for updated information or Contact Clark
County Forestry & Parks (715) 743-5140.
STAY ON TRAIL!!
Clark County Forestry & Parks
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-5140
All trails in Jackson County will be CLOSED.
UPDATED ON Friday, July 29, 2011
Effective at 1:30pm all trails in Jackson County will be CLOSED. We apologize for the very short notice but public safety is our number one concern and because of rising water levels and unsafe conditions we are forced to close all trails. Due to the 5 inches of rain that we received yesterday the water level rose overnight and continues to rise at this time. In some areas the trail system is being used as a channel and rising over bridge abutments. This storm has caused major damage and we do not have a definite time as to when the trails will re-open. We will not be able to inspect until the water level has gone down.
Jackson County is now part of the state UTV pilot program; UTV’s will be allowed on the Jackson County ATV trail system. Please refer to: www.wiutv.org for additional information.
For more information please call the office at
715-284-8475.
Effective at 1:30pm all trails in Jackson County will be CLOSED. We apologize for the very short notice but public safety is our number one concern and because of rising water levels and unsafe conditions we are forced to close all trails. Due to the 5 inches of rain that we received yesterday the water level rose overnight and continues to rise at this time. In some areas the trail system is being used as a channel and rising over bridge abutments. This storm has caused major damage and we do not have a definite time as to when the trails will re-open. We will not be able to inspect until the water level has gone down.
Jackson County is now part of the state UTV pilot program; UTV’s will be allowed on the Jackson County ATV trail system. Please refer to: www.wiutv.org for additional information.
For more information please call the office at
715-284-8475.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)