Burnett County Update

Burnett County Winter Trails are currently OPEN!!!  We have 4-10" of snow throughout the county.  The majority of the snowfall was in the south half of the county.  Not all trails are being groomed, but are open.  They are forecasting more snow for this Saturday.

Please use caution over lakes and swamps as they are not all frozen yet and you could find some open water.

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.

***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 continue to watch for new deadfalls and branches throughout the 2012-2013 snowmobile season.  The storms of 2011 may continue to create hazards.

If you need any maps or any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or email them at bctour@sirentel.net.

Jackson County ATV & UTV Trail Update

Jackson County ATV & UTV trails are set to open this Saturday, December 15. We did receive some snow over the weekend and will be evaluating the trails in the next few days and making a final decision. Please continue to check our website or call our office for updates. A reminder that UTV's are NOT allowed on our trails during the winter riding months.

Thank you.
Jackson County Trails
715-284-8475

Burnett County Trails: Open!

ALL SNOWMOBILE AND ATV WINTER TRAILS IN BURNETT COUNTY ARE OPEN!!!

Groomers are out and gates are being opened as soon as possible.

Below is a reminder to you all of the winter trail rules:

1. Only registered machines meeting the state definition of an ATV and UTV, Wisconsin Statutes 340.01 (2g) and 23.33 (11p), are allowed on the trail system, as well as registered snowmobiles.   Follow this link for state definitions: http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/le/LEA507.pdf or call the DNR Call Center: 1-888-936-7463 (7 am – 10 pm, seven days/week).
2. From December 1 through March 31st you may operate your ATV/UTV on State-Funded Winter ATV trails when a 4 inch groomed snow base is present. These trails are shown on the Snow Trails Map in blue. If we do not have snow, the Frozen Ground ATV Winter Trail will be open for use once the ground is frozen. These trails are shown on the back of the Winter Trail Map.  
3. The blue blazers indicate the Winter-use ATV trail.  Green blazers indicate the Frozen Ground ATV Winter Trail.  
4. These trail systems may be closed by the county if an early thaw exists, and rutting or damage begins to show.

Remember to respect other trail users and enjoy the ride!

Kari Letch
Bookkeeper
Burnett County Forest & Parks

Community comes together to help family of man paralyzed in ATV accident

Kevin’s recovery: Community comes together to help family of man paralyzed in ATV accident

The following article was reported from WEAU in Eau Claire.


MENOMONIE, Wis. (WEAU) – A local man continues to recover after being paralyzed in an ATV accident.

Faced with a mountain of medical bills, the community is coming together to help the man's family in their time of need.

This past May, Kevin Knospe was riding an ATV around his family's cabin in northern Wisconsin when his life changed forever.

“I missed a corner and hit a dirt berm and it tipped the machine over,” Knospe said.

Part of his vertebrae was broken and his spinal cord was stretched.

The 43-year-old soon found out he was paralyzed from the chest down and there was a five percent chance that he'd get any feeling back.

“We've never dwelled on the 95 percent. It's always been whatever we got to do to get better,” Knospe said.

And that's what Sunday’s benefit at the Veterans Center of Menomonie was all about.

Dozens of family, friends and people from the area came together to the event to raise money.

“There’s a lot of stuff that health insurance doesn't cover. We have some hefty hospital bills and things like that so hopefully that will help relieve some of the pressure,” Knospe said.

Knospe said this benefit is going to inspire him on his journey to get out of his wheelchair.

The father of two said he's making progress in physical therapy, getting back some feeling in his back, hips and feet.

“Ultimately, I’m going to walk again. I told myself and my wife told me ‘You're not going to be in that chair forever’,” Knospe said.

His wife Lauri said they were riding through lots of dust when the accident happened.

She said ATV riders should slow down when visibility is poor.

“Things change in a blink of an eye. One minute you're on an ATV riding and the next minute you're in my husband’s condition where he's paralyzed,” Lauri Knospe said.

The next step of Knospe’s recovery is returning to his job at the Walmart Distribution Center this week.

“The support has been just unbelievable. I appreciate everything,” Knospe said.

If you’d like to help, a link to the family’s website posted below.

http://knospebenefit2012.com/


Source: http://www.weau.com/news/headlines/Kevins-recovery-Community-comes-together-to-help-family-of-man-paralyzed-in-ATV-accident--181778061.html

Blackwell ATV Connector Trail Dedication

On Friday, November 30, 2012, the Blackwell ATV Connector trail was dedicated.  The dedication took place at the trail head.  The trail is now complete and was made possible from a grant from the Nicolet National Forest Eastside Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), in the amount of $20,000.00 and a matching grant from Yamaha in the amount of $8,000.00 that was awarded to the Forest County ATV Association (FCATVA.) In addition, the Town of Blackwell provided $500.00 for the project.  The funding that was provided by RAC, Yamaha, and the Town of Blackwell was used to improve existing Forest Service classified and unclassified roads for ATV travel from the Nicolet State Trail to Blackwell.  The completion of this section of trail links the Forest County ATV routes and trails with Marinette County ATV trails. Following the dedication of the trail, a ceremony and luncheon was held in the County Board Room at the Forest County Courthouse with various state and local legislators attending as well as representatives from the various partner agencies.

Forest County ATV President Jack Matuszewski welcomed the 32 people present at the
dedication  ceremony that took place at the Forest County Courtroom Board Room.  President
Matuszewski expressed his thanks to the partner agencies as well as the officers of the ATV Club, Vice-President John McCullough, Secretary Jeannie Weyers, and Treasurer Jim Hausinger.  He gave special recognition to those members of the ATV Club who played a role in brushing and signing the new trail.

Speaker Joe Yakey of Antigo Yamaha stated that he was proud to represent the Yamaha Corporation in the awarding of the grant for the purpose of completing the trail as well as acknowledging that the completion of this trail will help businesses in the area by purchasing gas, food, and lodging in the area.  Representative Jeff Mursau congratulated the FCATVA as well as the partner agencies by working together to complete the trail and to assist the North Woods by enhancing their trail system and promoting tourism in the North Woods.
Evan Miller of the U.S. Forest Service recalled the history of discussions that took place approximately four years ago regarding the development of this segment of trail and recognized the effort it took among his agency as well as the FCATVA to bring this project to completion.

Forest County Board Chairman, Paul Millan, thanked the agencies responsible for their coordination in making this trail system a reality in Forest County that will also help the growth of economic development in the area.

Terry Coplein, Northeast Regional  Coordinator for the Wisconsin ATV Association shared comments about  the positive relationship that exists between the  FCATVA, the state, the county, and other agencies and stated that he and President Randy Harden will continue to play a supportive role in helping to establish ATV routes and trails in the North Woods of Wisconsin.

Dave Ziolkowski, Forest Administrator-ATV-Snowmobile Coordinator for Forest County ,who  has played a vital role in working with the FCATVA,  expressed his gratitude in working with the FCATVA and the U.S. Forest Service to complete this segment of trail, and stated that  he will continue to work with the FCATVA in the building and maintaining of routes and trails in Forest County.

President Matuszewski  provided closing remarks as well as also acknowledging  that the completion of this project increases ATV riding opportunities and promotes tourism in the Forest County area. He also stated that the Blackwell Connector Trail is an excellent example of cooperation and collaboration among the U.S. Forest Service, the RAC Committee, the Yamaha Corporation, the Town of Blackwell and the FCATVA.  Lunch was served following the ceremony.

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.

New grant program funded by Wisconsin Maps and other motorsports products & services

New grant program funded by Wisconsin Maps and other motorsports products & services

The Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) has teamed up with National Motorsports Services for fund raising into their new Key Grant program thru the sale of Wisconsin ATV/UTV map products. The Key Grant program is administered by National Motorsports Services with the intent to support trail access projects around the state and in conjunction with WATVA. The map products include a printed statewide map and a map book provided by VVMapping.com. Other products that help fund the grant program include personal lines ATV/UTV insurance coverage offered from National Motorsports and Progressive Insurance.

WATVA and National Motorsports are working together to promote the new National Motorsports Key Grant Program. The Key Grant Program is privately funded with the sale of goods and services from National Motorsports. The grant program strives to assist grassroots organizations on a state and national level with financial aid that is used for trail development and positive image programs. These programs can be implemented at a local level as long as they are in line with the state or national organization and approval of National Motorsports Services Key Grant Team.

Products that are helping fund the program are unique trail riding planning maps that are available in either a large format printed map or a book of maps. These products are supplied from VVMapping based out of Michigan. The map data was acquired by GPS data and mapping data supplied by the county / property owners. Over 100 pages are included in the map book and show ATV and UTV trail information. The large format map is designed as a great way to visually plan your next riding adventure.

National Motorsports Services and Progressive Insurance have teamed up to offer $5 towards the grant program from referral quotes on personal lines coverage. Coverage’s are provided by Progressive Insurance and sold under National Motorsports Services, an authorized Progressive Insurance agency. The Key Grant funding is derived from the opportunity to quote individual OHV machines.

Maps can be purchased at National Motorsports Services via their web site (listed at the bottom of this release) or from select WATVA Premier Dealerships.

National Motorsports Services also seeks other industry products and / or services to help fund and expand the Key Grant program.

Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association

Map Products *: https://nationalmotorsports.com/index.php/store/category/35-maps

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Jackson County Trail Closure Update

All Jackson County ATV/UTV & Motorcycle trails are now CLOSED for the hunting season. We will
re-open December 15, 2012 weather permitting.

Thank you.

Marshview Riders 2013 Poker Run

The Marshview Riders ATV Club is hosting their annual poker run on January 12th, 2013.

The poker run will be using the Wild Goose Trail from Hwy 60 to 49. Registration is at 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Click the image above for a larger photo.

Most state ATV fatalities occur on private land; popular farm tool, too

Most state ATV fatalities occur on private land; popular farm tool, too

Hunters using all-terrain vehicles to get to remote game areas or to carry out their harvests are reminded to think safety when using these motorized workhorses and to make sure they only drive these machines where authorized. Conservation Warden Gary Eddy, who also serves as the Department of Natural Resources ATV safety administrator, says some of the main complaints received involve these machines being operated in unauthorized areas on public lands.“Hunters need to know if they are on county, state or national forest lands, and they need to contact the appropriate office ahead of time to find out the local rules and laws regarding their machine's use.”Eddy's advice not only pertains to hunters but also to farmers and other citizens who use the ATV and utility terrain vehicles for farm work or simple travel on their land. And the majority of the 2012 fatalities involving ATV use have occurred on private lands.

Read more: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WardenWire/WardenWire_Lookup.asp?id=141

John Ames Memorial ATV Ride set for Oct. 6

http://www.lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=84&ArticleID=16043


The fifth annual Jon Ames Memorial ATV Ride will be held Saturday, Oct. 6 in the Little Rice/Willow area.

The annual ride, sponsored by the Lakeland ATV Club, is in its fifth year. The event is held to raise proceeds that will benefit area Big Brothers Big Sisters youth participating in the ATV club’s annual Kind Gary Fisheree.

Participants can register at 9 a.m. at the Willow Road ball diamond/fire barn area on Willow Lake. The fee is $15. Riders return to the starting area at 4 p.m. for  a prize drawing.

Riders will find rest stops and food at Willow Wood, Willow’s End, Boomba Bar, Barowski’s Little Rice Resort. Reel Em Inn, Bucksnort, Boyles, Hillside and Indian Point. Riders can also purchase tickets to enter in the prize drawing at these locations.

“It’s mostly club members, but we encourage anybody else that wants to ride to join us on the ride day. The proceeds support a good cause. They support the Big Brothers Big Sisters portion of the fisheree that we have the first weekend in February every year,” Pat Harkins, club vice president, said.

“Initially we had a ride where we’d meet and everybody had to go at the same time. Kind of a ‘follow-the-leader’ thing. But the last couple of years we just meet at the site down by Willow Lake.”

There are a lot of trails to check out, and riders have some options on what they’d like to explore or how long of a ride they want to take.

“A lot of them will ride from the west side of the Willow on the trail system, the Little Rice trail system, all the way over to the east side of the flowage where Willow Wood and Willow Haven and Willow’s End are,” Harkins said. “And they’ll have lunch and ride back — and that’s about 25 miles each way so it’s a three-hour ride or something like that.”

There are some new areas for riders to explore.

“This year we have a new loop that our Lakeland ATV Club opened, which is kind of a loop around the north end of the Willow Flowage area, on Cedar Falls Road, Cedar Falls Drive, Camp 9 and Manhardt roads,” Harkins said.

“Another piece of road that we opened this year goes west ... into Price County through the town of Emery and the town of Fifield, and you can go all the way over to the Sailor Lake Campground area in Price County and connect into that whole trail system in Price County.”

Harkins said riders just need to return to the ball diamond/fire barn area by 4 p.m. on the day of the ride to be eligible to win in the prize drawing.

Prize tickets can also be purchased ahead of time at other area club sponsors including Crickets Pub, Work-N-Sportz, Musky Shores, Minocqua Yamaha, Ron Hallstrom Sports, Black Bear, R & R Rental, Smiley’s and The Edge.

The fundraising ride was formed in memory of John Ames, who died at age 49 in a New Year’s Eve 2007 snowmobile accident near his vacation home on Squirrel Lake. Ames resided in Eden Prairie, Minn., at the time but was originally from Minocqua.

Ames was one of Lakeland ATV Club’s founding members.

Participants in the ride are urged to ride safely, respect the trails and roadways and adhere to state and local laws while riding.

Harkins noted that the fall colors should be quite nice for the ride.

Kind Gary Fisheree 

The Kind Gary Fisheree is named after Gary Miles, an original founder of the fisheree.

Miles died at his cabin on Squirrel Lake in 2006 and the Lakeland ATV Club continues the fisheree in his memory. Proceeds from the Ames Memorial ride will be used to benefit the fisheree.

“It provides tip-ups and fishing poles and prizes and entry fees and that sort of thing,” Harkins said. “We’ve had the fisheree for quite some time. We just incorporated this Big Brother Big Sisters event into it a few years ago as well.”

The money raised by the ATV ride has had a good impact on the fisheree and the kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

“We thought we would utilize some of that money to buy these kids ... free entry into the [fisheree] to get them out and get them fishing. It’s worked pretty well. We buy the rods, the gear and it’s theirs to take home with them when they go,” Harkins said.

There are separate divisions for the Big Brothers Big Sisters portion of the fisheree. Prizes are awarded for biggest fish in different categories. Those attending will also have the chance to purchase tickets to enter into drawings for prizes.

The Kind Gary Fisheree, held on Squirrel Lake, is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2013.

Same-day registration

Harkins said those participating in the John Ames Memorial ride can register the day of the ride. Registration can be later than the 9 a.m. start time.

“If [riders] get there at nine and register they can go ahead and go on their ride and come back. Or, if they start from somewhere else and they get there at noon or two or three they can still register,” he said.

Those unable to attend, but wanting to make a donation may mail checks made to The Lakeland ATV Club, P.O. Box 1305, Minocqua, WI 54548.

For more information on the Ames Memorial ride or the Kind Gary Fisheree call Harkins at 715-588-1747 or club president Dewey Sternberg at 715-499-3443.

Those interested in the club and its events may also visit the Lakeland ATV Club’s website at  lakelandatvclub.webs.com.

Craig Turk may be reached at cturk@lakelandtimes.com

Burma ATV trails to close during hunting seasons

The Burma ATV trails in Marathon County will be closed from Monday, October 1 through Friday, November 30 due to the fall hunting seasons.

These trails will reopen to ATVs on Saturday, December 1.

For more information, contact the Wausau and Marathon County Park Department at 715-261-1550.


http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20120928/WOF01/120928023/Burma-ATV-trails-close-during-hunting-seasons?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

Vilas County Outdoor Recreation Plan Survey

Vilas County

Outdoor Recreation Plan

2014-2019

Vilas County Forestry, Recreation, & Land Department is working with North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to update its Outdoor Recreation Plan for 2014-2019.

The new five-year outdoor recreation plan will be used to identify new projects for development, as well as which local government parks, county parks, or county forest segments need to add additional recreation facilities (like trails, buildings, boat landings, or camp sites).  The plan enables Vilas County Forestry Department, and all municipalities within the county, to be eligible for competitive federal and state outdoor recreation grant money. Non-profit conservation organizations (NCOs) are eligible to participate in the Knowles–Nelson Stewardship Program too. NCOs may adopt or carry out recommendations from this county outdoor recreation plan or use their land management plans that are required for participation in the stewardship programs.

This plan assesses the existing recreation system in Vilas County, identifies recreation needs based upon public input and recreation standards, sets forth goals and objectives to be used as guidelines in formulating outdoor recreation improvements, and establishes recommendations for improving the recreation system over the next five years. Submission of this report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources establishes eligibility for the County and local governments to apply for a variety of Federal and State Aids. Non-profit groups, foundations, and the general public may also use this document to coordinate their own private efforts for developing outdoor recreation facilities.

Outdoor Recreation Survey

Click here to take survey

Survey available through Sept. 28, 2012.

General planning timeline:

A summary of the survey results will be posted here by Thanksgiving.

Plan development will occur over winter.

Goals & objectives developed in early 2013.

Draft plan available for public review by July 2013.

Club Car Recalls Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles Due to Fuel Leak and Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12748.html

Recall Alert

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Communications

Washington, D.C.

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September 19, 2012 Alert #12-748

Club Car Recalls Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles Due to Fuel Leak and Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Golf cars and utility vehicles

Units: About 4,000

Importer: Club Car LLC, of Augusta, Ga.

Hazard: The fuel tank filler neck can crack and allow fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Club Car has received 10 reports of incidents involving fuel tank filler necks cracking. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the following 2012 Club Car gasoline and diesel golf cars and utility vehicles. The model and serial numbers are located on a decal above the passenger’s side floor board. “Club Car” is printed on the front of the vehicles.

Model #	Serial Numbers
Café Express AF	1239-316392 to 1246-332503
Carryall/Turf 1 FG, HG	1239-316644 to 1246-332427
Carryall/Turf 2 EG, PG, RG	1239-316132 to 1246-332511
Carryall/Turf 6 JU, JV, NG	1239-316388 to 1245-332426
Carryall 232 Gas XL	1240-318876 to 1246-332164
Carryall/Turf 252 XG, ZG	1239-316002 to 1245-333097
Carryall 295/XRT 1550 CL, CM, RF, RJ, RY, TR, TT	1240-318918 to 1246-332838
Carryall 295 SE/XRT 1550 SE CC	1244-328456 to 1246-33429
DS Gas Golf Car AG	1239-316192 to 1246-333221
Precedent Gas CR, PR, PT, PY, 1E, 1G, 1X	1239-316628 to 1247-334839
Precedent 4 Pass Gas PF, PW	1239-316811 to 1246-333096
Transporter 4 JT	1240-319376 to 1245-331978
Transporter 6 JQ	1240-321030 to 1243-326719
Villager 4 Gas TG	1242-325492 to 1246-333015
Villager 6 KG	1235-305704 to 1246-332456
Villager 8 MG	1239-318011 to 1246-332616
XRT 800 Gas HJ, XJ	1239-318111 to 1246-333316
XRT 900 AE	1243-326280 to 1245-331977
XRT 950 CT, CU, CV, KR, KS, KT, KY	1244-330247 to 1246-332929

Sold at: Authorized Club Car dealers nationwide from April 2012 through June 2012 for between $5,500 and $17,700.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled vehicles immediately and contact Club Car for a free replacement fuel tank. The firm is directly contacting consumers who purchased the vehicles.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Club Car at (800) 227-0739 ext. 3831 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the recall page on the firm’s website at www.clubcar.com and click on Safety Info.

Carryall 295/XRT 1550 CL, CM, RF, RJ, RY, TR, TT



Carryall 295 SE/XRT 1550 SE CC



Carryall 252/Turf 252 XG, ZG



XRT 800 Gas HJ, XJ



Precedent Gas CR, PR, PT, PY, 1E, 1G, 1X

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.