From Sue Drum...

Hi everyone,

You deserve a big congratulatory pat on the back! As you have no doubt read in the Sept. 16, 2005, "Lakeland Times" and the Sept. 14, 2005, "Vilas County News Review", your far-reaching, grassroots network, that spoke out against the proposed ATV trail in the NH-AL State Forest, was successful in removing the loop trail from the final draft of the master plan.

The DNR, primarily Dennis Leith, deserves our praise for listening to and acting upon the feelings of the majority. The final Master Plan continues to sustain our forest in a relatively wild and undeveloped state so that the majority of users can still enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

Wisconisn State Statutes still mandate that the DNR encourage and support an ATV trail system. This obligates NH-AL
planners to continue to look for suitable sites for ATV trails. The final draft of the 15 year Master Plan contains the following language about ATV's: " As a result of an overwhelming number of comments related to ATVs, the plan does not include the experimental ATV loop trail. The plan does allow ATVs on designated trails, however it does not designate a specific location for an ATV trail. A stakeholder group will be established to provide analysis and recommendation to the Department for the appropriate use and designation of an ATV trail. If no suitable areas can be found, no ATV trail will be designated."

We have not yet closed the door on ATV trails in the NH-AL State Forest. Therefore it is very important to again gather in large numbers at the October 26th meeting of the Natural Resources Board in Tomahawk when the final approval of the plan is on the agenda. The detailed agenda for the Oct. 26th meeting is not yet "on line", but they will probably have a listening session (as they did at their Sept. 27-28 meeting) Oct. 25th from about 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. This listening session is open to everyone for public comment. This would be the time and place to show up in large numbers. I have heard that key people with the ATV advocates will be there. I will call Amy Lemberger, N.R. Board executive assistant, this Friday, 9/30 to get details.

There will also be an opportunity to speak during the board meeting on Oct. 26th. You have to sign up ahead of time to speak and I will find out how this is done and let you know.

Please try to activate our very effective network to continue what we started, the protection of a priceless natural resource threatened by an unsustainable form of recreation, ATVs.

Sue Drum
11384 CTH B
Presque Isle, Wi 54457
drumnsa@centurytel.net
715-686-2655