Got this from a friend in another part of the state, but I also got notice about it via the State Trails Council. (Even though I didn't get reappointed two years ago, the governor still hasn't appointed anyone to fill my position as Touring and Road Bicycling representative, so I'm still on the list.)
I am assuming this will heavily impact people that like to bike on logging roads, service roads in parks, and other low- and no-volume roads. These formerly quiet routes would be opened to ATVs, 4WD vehicles, and off-road motorcycles. I can tell you that the motorized sports people are VERY organized, and the silent sports people are not, so each voice from the bicycling/hiking/XC skiing/bird watching, and other low-impact sports community is important. Please pass this on to others that might be interested or concerned. *UPDATE: Motorized Access on State Lands Moves Forward* Wisconsin’s 2013-2015 Budget is legendary for its hidden laws and statues. Buried in this budget was a statute to map and potentially open thousands of miles of primitive roads in state parks/forests/ refuges and natural areas. The draft guidance for state statue *23.116(3)* <https://mail.ahcmessaging.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=hVg9ohuA302hVuBZii5C8mqgA4bLe9IIxQinDjeiyjRKM7af_Vu0gaEtttkiGjMJKKiHSiMo8Fc.&URL=https%3a%2f%2furldefense.proofpoint.com%2fv2%2furl%3fu%3dhttps-3A__docs.legis.wisconsin.gov_document_statutes_23.116-25283-2529%26d%3dBQMF-g%26c%3dFdThBvJHxSAZ8-R9NIS_sODV3ezb9Po6yjZ5Lt_XtNs%26r%3dBm9AaYJgucjK4CViZauIBjqGFmQuQX89vd1mjgqDk8I%26m%3doIOKgI2nr6HY5CidJI3RxpgWAfHxSQpjHhv-3xkVT5o%26s%3d__DHcE9WE7nAyvNZBqs4SWB4Wpo4Bjd_ZdJTGghlyyg%26e%3d> was finalized at the NRB’s June 24 meeting and awaits public comment. This little known statue can actually “trump” existing property Master Plans and allow motorized vehicles in state forests and parks. Section Chief Aaron Buchholz & Specialist Teague Prichard will oversee the planning & mapping teams which will inventory and develop motorized access on state lands. ”This process will allow the DNR the ability to come up with a plan and engage the public before anything becomes final”, according to Buchholz. “Local flavor will influence whether roads are opened. If communities support motorized use, it’s more likely roads will be opened based on ecological, economic, and social criteria. It might also provide more route opportunity for motorized recreation”. Link to this NRB agenda item: http://dnr.wi.gov/about/nrb/2015/june/06-15-5B1.pdf Opening public road use will likely have significant impacts on wildlife and habitat as well as silent sports users. DNR staff is already meeting with motorized user groups on routes and process. *Silent sport’s trail and park users can make a big difference on future land use by commenting here:http://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/guidance.html#open <http://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/guidance.html#open> * *Public comment ends July 15.* Robbie Webber Transportation Policy Analyst 608-263-9984 (o) 608-225-0002 (c) [email protected] All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any other group with which I am affiliated.
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