Burnett County Trails Update

All Winter ATV/Snowmobile Trails are CLOSED

The winter riding season begins December 1st.  However - all Burnett County Winter Trails will remain closed until December 10 due to an Antlerless Deer Hunt.  At that time, they will open for use once we have a 4” groomed snow base, (as shown on the winter use map).

If we do not have snow and the ground is frozen, the Frozen Ground ATV Trails will be open.  

NO OFF TRAIL USE IS ALLOWED AND OPERATION ON PRIVATE LANDS IS ILLEGAL UNLESS YOU HAVE PERMISSION FROM THE PRIVATE LANDOWNER.

Some township ordinances allow for ATV/UTV use of the town roads during the winter months, and others do NOT allow it.  It is the rider’s responsibility to contact the township in which you plan to ride in and get the current rules pertaining to ATVs/UTVs and the town roads.  Please contact the individual townships for their rules and regulations.

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

It is your responsibility to know where you are and whose property you are on.  Please be careful, be respectful to other trail users, and ride safely.

 ***THE BRIDGE OVER THE ST. CROIX RIVER ON THE GANDY DANCER TRAIL WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO VEHICLES OVER 5,000 LBS. GVW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***


PLEASE NOTE: 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.  

Contact
If you need any maps please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or feel free to email them at Bctour@sirentel.net.

Oneida and Langlade County Trails Set To Close for Winter

The Oneida County state funded ATV-UTV trail system will close today at midnight. The ATV trails in Langlade County will close tomorrow. 

They'll reopen May 1st of next year.

BlueRibbon Coalition: Winter Wildlands Alliance seeks to limit snowmobiles on Forest Service lands

Greeting BRC members and supporters

We thought we would blast a brief update on two important legal cases BRC is involved in. Both have profound implications for OHV and snowmobile recreation across the U.S.
We encourage you not to quickly delete this message. The update on "de-facto Wilderness management even rates a "Must Read."

You can check up on all of BRC's legal efforts by clicking the "issues" tab at the top of http://sharetrails.org. Look to the left for "Legal Action."

As always, feel free to call or email with questions or comments.
Brian Hawthorne                                                     Ric Foster
Public Lands Policy Director                                    Public Lands Office Manager
208-237-1008 ext 102                                            208-237-1008 ext 107

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Update: Winter Wildlands Alliance seeks to limit snowmobiles on Forest Service lands
Anti-snowmobile activists led by the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) launched a significant challenge to snowmobile access on Forest Service lands via a lawsuit filed one year ago. The lawsuit primarily targets the "snowmobile exemption" in the US Forest Service (USFS) 2005 Travel Management Rule.
Recreation  advocacy groups BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), Idaho State Snowmobile Association (ISSA) and American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) intervened to defend snowmobilers. 
Last Wednesday, November 14, 2012, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Bush heard oral arguments in federal court in Boise, Idaho. The argument lasted about two hours and included presentations by Mike Ealy on behalf of ISSA/ACSA and Paul Turcke for the BlueRibbon Coalition. The Court had numerous questions for all the attorneys, then took the matter under advisement and indicated a written decision would be issued.
The AP had a story on the hearing:
Spokesman Review: Powder struggle: Snowmobilers, back-country skiers battle in court

ISSA's Sandra Mitchell:  Editorial-Winter Wildlands Lawsuit 12-8-11 by Sandra Mitchell 
A WWA victory could have Forest-system wide implications for snowmobiling.  The wave of planning potentially necessitated by that outcome could affect wheeled vehicles and other Forest system visitors.  The recreation community (and hopefully the agency) must take this case seriously. 
More on the web: CLICK HERE

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Update: Idaho State Snowmobile Association and BRC challenge de-facto Wilderness management
The BlueRibbon Coalition and the Idaho State Snowmobile Association joined forces to challenge the 2011 Clearwater National Forest Travel Plan and its conspicuous reliance on the Northern Region Recommended Wilderness Area ("RWA") Policy. 
Under the Policy, RWAs are required to be managed as formally designated Wilderness, which in the Clearwater meant eliminating long-occurring snowmobile, motorcycle and mountain bike use.
The USFS submitted an "answer" to our complaint on November 9, 2012.  Normally, these "answers" don't really answer much, and wouldn't rate an update. However, this answer is more notable than most in that it reflects a very detailed analysis of the complaint by the lawyers representing the USFS.
The USFS "answer" also included a conscious effort to denounce the existence of any "Region 1 RWA Policy."

• The Region 1 RWA Policy that may or may not exist is here. 
• BRC's complaint is here.
• The USFS answer that denies the existing of the RWA policy is here.

The whole point of this suit is to find out which version reflects reality - ours or the USFS! 
Since 2007, the RWA guidance has been revealed across numerous planning actions in various national forests in Region 1, but we consider the Clearwater Travel Plan the most thinly-disguised application of the RWA Policy to require on-the-ground closures by the agency.
The case will now move forward in the "housekeeping" phase. We anticipate Wilderness advocates will soon seek to enter the case as intervenors.  We welcome and are flattered by their appearance, which hopefully reflects they take our case seriously.  A scheduling conference will soon be calendared, which will prompt counsel to outline a litigation plan for the case.  Under a typical schedule the agency will spend several months compiling the administrative record, and the merits will be presented through various motions roughly a year after filing of the complaint, ie Fall of 2013.
Sandra Mitchell, Public Lands Director of the Idaho State Snowmobile Association, said it best:

"Only Congress can designate Wilderness. For many years we have heard rumors the Northern Region was going to start illegally limiting their management options in potential Wilderness areas, effectively creating a new system of administratively designated Wilderness.  In the Clearwater Travel Plan they have followed through on that vision. We cannot stand idly by and watch them change the long-established system for managing these treasured lands."

Learn more on the web: CLICK HERE
 

Price County ATV & UTV Trail Report Update

The Tuscobia Trail in Price County closed to ATV/UTV use on November 15 and will reopen April 16, 2013. The Flambeau River State Forest Trail will close to ATV/UTV use on November 16 and will reopen May 15, 2013. The Georgetown Trail and the Flambeau Trail System remain open through the gun deer season and anyone in the woods should wear blaze orange for safety.  Winter ATV/UTV trails will open once the snowmobile trails open in December.

Price County Tourism Department
126 Cherry Street, Room 9
Phillips, WI 54555
715-339-4505
715-339-3089 (fax)
www.pricecountywi.net

The Wisconsin Trail Patrol Ambassador Program Is Seeking Volunteers for 2013

Press Release

The Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) and the Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador program are looking for volunteers to attend their classes in 2013. The Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador Program is a flagship community outreach service that helps keep our trails safe while improving the public image of our sport. Duties include assisting lost or stranded riders, safety education, working with local / state/ federal law enforcement officers, trail patrol “hot spots” and other positive image activities. Classes are being formed for the 2013 season based on demand. Those that are interested may sign up at www.trailpatrol.com and click “Volunteer Now.”

The Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador program was formed in 2002 by the not for profit organization NOHVIS. All around Wisconsin the program has helped communities open up new trails and routes with the understanding that volunteers would self-patrol the trail system while working with local law enforcement. Our volunteers go above and beyond from just patrolling to teaching safety classes, talking with government officials and working with other user groups on shared trail issues.

Volunteering for the program is fun, easy and rewarding. Trail Patrol Ambassadors must patrol with at least one other credentialed Trail Ambassador. The activities of the Trail Ambassador often include: patrolling a section of trails while looking to assist riders who are lost or stranded; report illegal trail activities to law enforcement; attend public events to provide a positive image of ATV & UTV riders; assist at state wide level events and some even help organize club trail rides. Our volunteers choose what type of participation level to get involved with. Some of our volunteers only like to patrol while others like to reach out and get more involved with local events.

We have two levels of trail ambassadors to better fit our volunteer’s needs:

1. Advanced TPA: Advanced TPA volunteers are also certified DNR ATV safety instructors that not only perform the activities of a Trail Ambassador, but also teach a few DNR ATV safety classes throughout the year. Those wishing to become an Advanced TPA, unless they are already an active DNR ATV instructor, will need to take a separate instructor course which includes a thorough review and understanding of the DNR ATV safety instructor manual. As a prerequisite for the instructor training, the applicant will need to download the DNR instructor manual files, then complete and submit the self-study, open book quiz approximately 30 days before the actual selected training date. If the new TPA applicant is already an active DNR instructor but not a TPA, upon successfully passing the ½ day TPA training will qualify the person as an Advanced TPA. No additional instructor training is necessary in order to qualify as a new Advanced Trail Patrol Ambassador.
2. Auxiliary TPA: If you’re willing to help out with just the riding portion of the program, this level of trail patrol is just for you! Auxiliary TPA members are encouraged to patrol the trails and assist others enjoying our sport. That’s it! New Auxiliary TPA applicants (non-instructors) need to only attend the ½ day trail patrol training course.  For new Auxiliary TPA applicants that have never been an instructor, there is another prerequisite required before coming to the Trail Patrol training session. In lieu of being an ATV instructor, these applicants must first be graduates as a student of the Wisconsin DNR ATV safety course (on line or classroom training, both are accepted). Applicants for both TPA categories, including those taking the re-certification TPA training to become Advanced TPAs, must pass criminal background checks which will be completed approximately 30 days before the day of training by the NOHVIS Group home office.

At certain times of the year the Wisconsin ATV Association calls upon its volunteer core to help out at their state wide events. Last year we had a few opportunities to assist with events including TrailCon in Antigo, the VIP ride in Tigerton and the Youth Expo in Beaver Dam. There are also “hot spot” patrols held at different times of the riding season to assist law enforcement officers during high traffic periods or sensitive areas of a trail system. The “hot spot” patrols are a great way to learn how local and state recreation officers work on the enforcement side of the program.

Classes are being formed for the 2013 season and are held based on regions of the state. Each region has a contact called a Regional Coordinator who lines up the classes based on demand. Often times we can train members of several clubs in one setting to further improve their positive image within the region. Generally speaking, the classes are held on a Saturday and run about four hours long (for the Trail Ambassador training). Those wishing to become an Advanced Trail Ambassador also must complete an additional DNR ATV Safety Instructor program. Please inquire for more details.

To learn more or to put your name on the waiting list, please visit the official Ride Smart Trail Patrol Ambassador web site located at www.trailpatrol.com.

Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association
NOHVIS Group Inc.
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WATVA dedicates November 2nd to the Late Roger Steinbach, a Top Trail Patrol Ambassador, Club Vice President and Honored ATV Enthusiasts

Sheboygan, WI, November 2nd, 2012:  The Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) has dedicated the date of November 2nd to the late Roger Steinbach who was an avid ATV enthusiast, a leading Wisconsin Trail Patrol Ambassador and the past 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 dedicated every November 2nd as well as an 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 in 2012. Next year, the award will go to another dedicated member who will continue Rogers’s legacy. 

On May 5th 2012 WATVA President Randy Harden, along with other WATVA representatives attended a trail memorial dedicated to Roger. You can watch this video on WATVA’s YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onj2-_hUAEY&feature=plcp or by clicking play below:

Contact:
Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association
3321 Behrens Parkway
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920.694.0583
Fax 888.649.0676
www.watva.org
info@watva.org

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All Clark County ATV Trails Are Currently Closed

All Clark County ATV trails are currently closed. Trails will remained closed November 1st through December 14th.  Trails will open up again on December 15th and be open until March 15th.

During the fall closure of November 1st through December 14th ATVs can only operate on designated trails from the close of hunting hours to 11:00 p.m. This provision is intended for any hunting related activity including the transportation of tree stands and dead game.

For more information please see our ATV Trail Information website.