Price County Update

All Price County trails are now open including several multi-use trails that welcome recreational motorized vehicle use. The Tuscobia State Trail is open to ATV & UTV use; grading was taking place last week. The Flambeau Trail System and Solberg Trail, both in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are open to ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and UTVs up to 50" wide; the Flambeau River State Forest trail is open to ATVs & UTVs; and the Georgetown Trail west of Phillips is open to ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and UTVs. 

Price County Tourism Department

www.pricecountywi.net

1-800-269-4505

WASHBURN RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL REPORT for Friday, May 25, 2012

WASHBURN RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL REPORT for Friday, May 25, 2012

Areas of the Washburn Ranger District received anywhere from one to two inches of rain on Thursday and more rain is forecasted for the weekend.  With this amount of rain, riders should be alert for washouts on steep trail sections, puddling in low areas, and blow down trees and debris.  Please keep your speed down and ride with caution, especially if you are not familiar with the trails. 

The following are reports on the current trail conditions throughout the Washburn Ranger District: 

Bayfield County:  All Bayfield County trails in the Port Wing, Iron River, Barnes and Cable areas are in good to very good condition.   With the heavy rains that are occurring, be aware of potential washouts when cresting hills. Also with the wet soil conditions and winds, there is a possibly of downed trees across the trails.   There is active logging at the junction of trail 24 and Ruth Lake Road south of Iron River and also north of Iron River at the junction of McLean Road & FR 241 on trail #3 between Iron River and Port Wing.   New this year is a privy and parking area on Battle Axe Trail #3 at the Flag Road junction.

The extended weather Forecast for Washburn, beginning Friday, May 25, 2012

• Today: Mostly Sunny. High 67F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. 
• Saturday:  Cloudy with a few showers. High 56F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. 
• Sunday night: Showers and thundershowers in the evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight...perhaps a rumble of thunder. Low 48F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a half an inch. 
• Sunday: Thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s. 
• Monday:  Slight chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s. 
• Tuesday:  Few showers. Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the low 40s. 

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Chequamegon-Nicolet and please be safe. 

Burnett County Summer ATV/UTV Information

Our summer ATV/UTV riding season will begin this Friday, May 25th

At that time, all trails will open except a portion of Trail 8 along Hwy 77.  This trail will be closed from the Trail 41/Trail 8 intersection east to Bear Lake Road until further notice due to road construction.

Things to remind riders:

It is illegal to ride your ATV/UTV on the Gandy Dancer Trail in Burnett County south of highway 77 at any time.

 ***THE BRIDGE OVER THE ST. CROIX RIVER ON THE GANDY DANCER TRAIL WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO VEHICLES OVER 1,000 LBS. GVW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

On July 1st, 2011, over 76,000 acres in Burnett County were severely damaged in a wind storm resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of trees.  There continues to be numerous loggers clearing trees from not only our county forest, but also from state land and private lands, sometimes crossing or using our trails with their equipment.

Please continue to watch for new dead falls and branches throughout the 2012-2013 riding seasons.  
If they need any maps, lodging information, or any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164

Thank you!
Kari Letch
Bookkeeper
Burnett County Forest & Parks

DNR officials urge ATV safety

From: http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20120520/SPJ0101/205200430/DNR-officials-urge-ATV-safety?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE


Three early season deaths in Wisconsin have spurred Department of Natural Resources officials to push all-terrain vehicle safety tips as summer approaches.

Three deaths is not an unusually high number for Wisconsin, and the death rate per 100,000 registered ATVs actually has declined slightly in the past decade, according to DNR data.

But most of the deaths seem to follow a familiar pattern of uncontrolled speed or alcohol use, and the DNR's Division of Enforcement and Science wants to keep flooding the state with safety classes and tips.


"The figure we'd like to stay close to is zero," said Gary Eddy, the DNR's ATV administrator, referring to the number of deaths per year. "We're trying to get the safety message out to as many people as possible so they are thinking about it."

The numbers of ATV deaths in the state peaked at 24 in 2007, which also was the year with the most ATV registrations, at about 314,000, according to DNR data. Since then, the number of deaths per year has stayed between 12 and 18, while the number of registrations has dropped to about 280,000 per year.

The DNR has worked to get local ATV clubs on board with safety training and promoting it within the clubs, something clubs have been receptive to, Eddy said.

"The clubs are taking the initiative to have more members become (ATV safety) instructors and pass on that positive reinforcement," Eddy said.

The DNR also has assembled a recreational safety and enforcement team to traverse the state and set up patrols and provide safety information.


Getting an increased law enforcement presence on the trails has been a big help in Clark County, where miles of trails criss cross the land, said Josh Pedersen, the county's forestry and parks administrator. The county's Sheriff's Department has one officer assigned to recreational issues, logging hundreds of hours on the trails.

"Sometimes, he'll park a truck and trailer in a parking lot, and people who ride the trails know he's out there," Pedersen said. "The presence of seeing him out there, they are more apt to ride cautiously."

For individuals, the most important safety measure is to take a safety course, Eddy said. Another easy way to improve safety is by wearing a helmet.

Alcohol use has also been a big problem. Seven of the 16 crashes in 2011 involved alcohol, and in three cases, the person who died had a blood alcohol level of more than 0.2, more than twice the legal limit to drive.

"When you have a recreational vehicle, recreation can involve alcohol use," Eddy said. "Unsafe behavior is more common."

Southern Wisconsin Guided Trail Rides

From : Dan Fargen

Southern Wisconsin Guided Trail Rides

"Non competitive, fun riding"

2012 Dates:

• June 2 - Sat. Hill Point, WI “50 miles NW of Madison”
• Sept 8 - Sat. Hill Point, WI “50 miles NW of Madison”
• Oct. 20 - Sat. Middleton, WI “10 miles West of Madison”
• Nov. 3 - Sat. Middleton, WI “10 miles West of Madison”

Open to ATV, UTV (side by side), & Dirt Bikes.

Guided groups will be broken down by skill level, so everyone can ride at their own ability. Trail consists of a 25-30 mile loop on private property, and you are welcome to ride the 10am or 1pm loop or both. Lunch by a local group at additional cost. Helmets required for ATV, Dirt Bikes, and UTV groups above the slowest.
Events are limited to 100 machines.

(Entry for the day) Adult $35, Kids 12 plus $25, Passengers over 12 $10, Passengers under 12 free.
To register or for more information contact Dan Fargen at (608) 445-8228. E-mail ddkj@tds.net


These are not AMA sanctioned events

DNR poised to make largest recreational and forest land acquisition in state history

DNR poised to make largest recreational and forest land acquisition in state history

News Release Published: May 17, 2012 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Paul DeLong, Chief Forester, 608-264-9224; Dick Steffes, DNR Real Estate Director, 608-266-0201

MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources today announced it is poised to make the largest recreational and forest land acquisition in state history, an easement on 67,346.8 forest acres in Douglas, Bayfield, Burnett and Washburn counties from the Lyme St. Croix Forest Company.
The purchase – to be known as the Brule-St. Croix Legacy Forest -- is located at the headwaters of the St. Croix and Bois-Brule rivers in the state’s northwest sands area and contains 80 small lakes and ponds, 14 miles of streams, and a globally significant pine barrens habitat. About 20,000 acres of the purchase are located within the Brule River State Forest boundaries.

Black Fox Lake, in Douglas County, north of Hwy. A in the rule-St. Croix Legacy Forest.
WDNR Photo

“This purchase forever opens access to hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, skiing, bird-watching, ATV and snowmobile trails, portions of the North Country Trail, and extensive habitat for deer, bear, wolves, woodcock, migratory songbirds and grouse,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “At the same time, the land remains in private ownership, on the tax rolls and will be managed sustainably for forestry purposes. It’s a win-win for everybody that will help maintain the celebrated forested character of the north.”
The state Natural Resources Board will review the proposed purchase at its May 23 meeting. If approved, the department will forward the proposal to lawmakers and to the Governor for final approval.
"Through new standards and prioritizing of our department Knowles-Nelson Stewardship acquisitions, we were able to make sure that we had adequate bonding authority to make a purchase of this magnitude," said Stepp. "We thoroughly assess properties to assure we are getting a good return on investment for the public’s money. When we buy land we choose only the best of the best, like the Brule-St.Croix Forest Legacy easement."

According to DNR Real Estate Director Dick Steffes, the transaction is based on two phases. Phase I, to be reviewed at the May 2012 Natural Resources Board meeting, is for a working forest easement on 44,679.09 acres at a price of $252 per acre, or $11,260,000 from the state’s Stewardship Fund. Phase II, also an easement, covers 22,667.71 acres at a cost of $6,007,000. Phase II is proposed as a 2014 transaction. DNR will apply for federal forest legacy funds and use Stewardship. Taken together, the project would protect 67,346.8 acres as sustainable, working forest land permanently open to the public for outdoor recreation.

Working forest (forest legacy) easements ensure permanent public access for recreational enjoyment while the property itself remains in private ownership, keeping property on the tax rolls, allowing sustainable timber harvest practices and minimizing state costs with the low easement versus full ownership cost.
“We applaud the state for recognizing that Wisconsin’s natural resources are precious and should be managed in sustainable ways for the benefit of the regional economy and the environment,” said Tom Morrow, Managing Director, The Lyme Timber Company. “Lyme has a long history of owning and managing large forestland properties under conservation easements that provide a steady flow of wood to local mills, regular employment for forest managers and logging contractors, while allowing public recreational access.” Morrow credited The Conservation Fund for assisting with the transaction.
The Lyme property provides wood products to 12 pulp, saw timber and telephone pole processing mills and other supporting industries in the region. The Wisconsin forest products industry employs 60,000 workers and provides $18 billion in economic value in wood and paper products. Wisconsin leads the nation in employment and the value of shipments in the forest products industry.

“Maintaining large blocks of working forests is critical to the health of our industry,” said Butch Johnson, owner of Johnson Timber in Hayward and Flambeau River Papers in Park Falls. “We’ve seen the break-up of many of our former industrial forests in Wisconsin, and these conservation easements are invaluable public-private partnerships to meet the needs of the public and protect jobs.”

The Lyme St. Croix Forest easement restricts development, requires sustainable forest practices, limits property subdivision and ensures public access as well as protecting the environmental values of the property. With the completion of the Lyme St. Croix easement, more than 200,000 acres of working forest lands have been protected through conservation easements. This preservation effort helps secure materials for the forest products industry for future generations.

In 2010, tourism expenditures in this 4-county area totaled $346,578,723 and supported 8,791 jobs. Statewide, tourism has more than $12 billion in economic impact each year and supports many jobs.
The Forest Legacy Program, which is a strong partnership with the US Forest Service, supports efforts to protect private forest land from being converted to non-forest use. The program encourages and supports acquisition of conservation easements, which are legal binding agreements that transfer a negotiated set of property rights from one party to another without removing the property from private ownership.

Trail Dedicated To the Late Roger Steinbach, a Top Trail Patrol Ambassador, Club President and Honored ATV Enthusiasts

Press Release

Trail Dedicated To the Late Roger Steinbach, a Top Trail Patrol Ambassador, Club Vice President and Honored ATV Enthusiasts

Sheboygan, WI, May 5th, 2012:  The Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) officials including President Randy Harden attended a trail dedication ceremony on Saturday May 5^th 2012 in Oconto County to the late Roger Steinbach who was an avid ATV enthusiasts, a leading Wisconsin Trail Patrol Ambassador and the Vice President of the Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club. 

If you have ever ridden on the trails in Northern Oconto County, specifically near the townships of Lakewood or Townsend, or in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area, chances are you were on a trail patrolled and loved by the late Roger Steinbach. At the time of his death, Roger was the vice president of the Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club in addition to being an active member in many other local clubs, including the Wisconsin ATV Association. Roger was also one of the state’s most active volunteers in the Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador program. Rogers’s effort in opening trails and routes in the Lakewood and Townsend area opened the way for economic development in the townships. With all of his involvement, the Wisconsin ATV Association honored Roger with a new annual award called the, “Roger Steinbach Trail Guardian of Excellence Award,” which will be presented to Trail Patrol Ambassadors who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Roger Steinbach worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator, but often spent his free time riding his ATV with friends and family. Roger had a profound love for this sport which led him to become involved in, and eventually an officer, of the Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club. Roger also participated in meetings and events for the Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA). “Roger would often show up at various land management meetings involving ATV’s and really provide a great positive image to the entire sport,” president of Wisconsin ATV Association Randy Harden said at an interview.

The Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador program works under a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and provides a “neighborhood watch” program for our ATV/UTV trails in Wisconsin. Roger was among the state’s most dedicated volunteers, offering much of his personal time patrolling for the program. His wife Kathy continues to patrol the trails in his honor. She plans to ride and patrol with other members of the Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club in the coming years.

Economic impacts to local tourism are vital to communities that allow ATV and UTV traffic. Roger was committed to expanding trails, opening additional routes to connect other trails and businesses to the current trail system. The trail dedicated to him would not have been opened had it not been for Roger’s efforts. Around the state, more and more communities are opening their roads and giving trail access, attracting many out of town visitors.

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association has implemented a new annual award to be presented to members of the volunteer trail patrol program who go above and beyond the call of duty. This award, called the Roger Steinbach Trail Guardian of Excellence Award, was presented to Roger’s family during the association’s annual meeting last April. Next year, the award will go to another dedicated member who will continue Rogers’s legacy. The Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association also dedicated November 2nd as “Roger Steinbach Day” in remembrance of him.

Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association

WASHBURN RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL REPORT for Friday, May 4,

WASHBURN RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL REPORT for Friday, May 4, 2012

All trails on the Washburn Ranger District are now open for use. A crew will be out next week to begin clearing and repair work so please so ride with caution as spring conditions prevail.  Trail 31, including sections of the Iron River Trail and the western Valhalla loop trail have had significant reconstruction work done in the last month.  Very soft conditions, and the potential for debris such as roots and loose rocks exist in these areas.  Responsible riding in these areas is essential to ensuring the longevity of the work done.  Please slow down in these areas and avoid abrupt turns and stops that will rut the trail surface.  Your cooperation in this matter will ensure that we can keep the trail open during this settling in period.

Forest Visitors:  Please remember that the Valhalla and Drummond parking areas require a $5 daily fee or an annual parking pass. Daily passes can be purchased on site, and annual passes are available at district offices and area vendors. The 2012 forest passes arenow on sale and will be valid until March 31, 2013.  Trail passes are also required for all non-resident ATVs.  These passes can be purchased for $35.00 at local chambers of commerce and sporting goods stores, and must be visible and permanently affixed on the forward half of the ATV. 

Langlade County ATV/UTV Trails Opened

http://www.antigodailyjournal.com/full.php?id=14672

ATV trail system opens today

April 27, 2012

Langlade County all-terrain vehicle trails opened this morning, with side-by-side vehicles sharing the system with traditional four-wheelers.

Langlade County has been participating in a state pilot program to determine if the increasingly popular utility vehicles, also known as UTVs and LUVs can co-exist with four-wheelers and other trail users.

That pilot program has led to a new Wisconsin law that provides for permanent registration and updated regulation of utility terrain vehicles. It goes into effect on July 1.

Utility terrain vehicle means a motor driven device that is not a golf cart, low-speed vehicle, dune buggy, mini-truck, or tracked vehicle, that is designed to be used primarily off highway, and originally manufactured with and equipped with all of the following:

—a net weight of less than 2,000 pounds;

—a cargo box installed by the manufacturer;

—a steering wheel;

—a tail light;

—a brake light;

—two headlights;

—a width of not more than 65 inches;

—seats for at least two occupants, on non-straddled seats;

—seat belts; and

—roll bar or similar device designed to reduce the likelihood that an occupant would be crushed as the result of a rollover.

UTVs will follow nearly all the ATV laws, except where specifically referenced and will have a specific UTV decal. Registration categories will be the same as ATVs—agriculture, private, or public.

UTV operators at least age 16 and those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must be a graduate of an approved ATV Safety Certification Course to operate in areas open to the public.

The agricultural use definition for ATVs and UTVs is modified to be consistent with the Department of Transportation. Agricultural use now means transporting farm implements, equipment, supplies, or products on a farm or between farms.

Other changes in the new law include:

—Creation of a new, non-resident, UTV trail pass.

—New, $20, five day ATV and UTV non-resident trail pass.

—New, $5 late registration renewal fee assessed for customers renewing their registration after the expiration date., effective July 1

—UTVs will follow all ATV snow removal laws.

—UTV-generated funding for UTV trails.

—UTV passengers are only allowed in seats that the UTV was originally manufactured with. Riding in the bed or cargo box of a UTV will be illegal.

—ATVs and UTVs are now required to display a rear license plate, in addition to the side decals. Plate can be created or purchased by the registered owner. Plate specifications are 4 inches high by 7 1/2 inches wide, white in color with black lettering. Letters must be a minimum of 1 1/2 inches high and 3/16 stroke. Registered owners must display their six digit, registration ID numbers on the plate.

—Commercial license holders will also create/purchase their own plates to display their commercial decals upon.

—Certain ATVs that do not currently fit the ATV definition may be registered as UTVs, such as ATVs weighting more than 900 pounds.

—Registrations and annual trail passes will expire March 31.

—Beginning in 2013, the first full weekend in June will be a registration free weekend for ATVs and UTVs

Photo Caption: 

From left, Mike McDougal, Calvin Hurlbert and Tom Quinlan pose with two of the side-by-side utility vehicles available at Quinlan's Equipment.

Clark County ATV Trails Are Open!

Date:  5/1/12
Clark County Forestry and Parks

Clark County ATV Trails Are Open!

Please remember to check trail updates before you plan to recreate as trail conditions do change throughout the open riding season. Clark County Forestry and Parks strive to provide diverse and extended recreational opportunities for everyone but trails being open are never a guarantee.

Clark County ATV/UTV Trails Are Open.  ATV/UTV trails are open May 1st through October 31st.

UTV’s are allowed on the Clark Co ATV trail system during the summer. Please refer to www.wiutv.org for additional UTV information – that is wiutv.org.

Please use good judgment and ride responsibly to help protect the trails from damage and reduce maintenance cost. 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.

• Trail from Intersection #16 to Intersection #17 will remain closed for summer ATV use. This section of trail will be open for ATV’s & snowmobiles during the winter.
• Trail from Intersection #2 to Resewood Ave has been removed from the ATV Trail System. This section of trail is now managed by The Neillsville Snowmobile Club. 
• UTV’S/Side-by-Sides Clark County is part of the state UTV pilot program. 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.