In effort to boost local economy, ATVs allowed on Tomahawk roads

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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."