Dear fellow silent sports advocates,
In the waning days before the third and final State Trails Policy committee meeting on Jan. 4, I'm I'm marshaling the necessary argument in favor of the establishment of a ATV damage repair fund in Wisconsin. In order to do so, I need a better idea of the extent of the damage ATVs and other off-road motor vehicles have done in this state and the toll they have taken on our public lands, at the expense of other recreational opportunities and overall cost to taxpayers.
No one person or state agency can put a dollar amount on it, I realize. But we can get a snapshot if we ask one another what we have seen happening in our own neck of the woods. So I'm putting out a call for witnesses and other folks knowledgeable about specific problem areas. I need details: dates, repair cost estimates, photos -- all as well documented as possible. Also names and contact info for folks who can tell me more, either by email phone or site visits.
The loss to ATV'ers of about five miles of the Ice Age Trail in northwestern Wisconsin is an egregious example and demonstrates that nonmotorized trails are being destroyed or taken away from their intended users without consequence or compensation. This is but one example.
I know but endeavor to learn more about other places in Wisconsin that have experienced property damage, environmental desctruction and displacement of nonmotorized recreationalists. What I'm primarily looking for is detailed accounts of ATV damage that has resulted in costly repairs completed or still needed on public lands, private lands adjacent to legal ATV trails as well to nonmotorized trails.
Given the Jan.4 meeting date, the sooner I hear of such accounts, the better. (Some of this may find its way into my magazine after the meeting date, but not before I obtain permission from the sources of the information, rest assured.)
Please send your first-hand accounts, photos or leads to this address: silentsports@gmail.com.
Thank you in advance for your assistance,
Joel Patenaude,
Editor, Silent Sports Magazine
Public Member, Special Committee on State Trails Policy
P.S. What follows is my comparison between the draft ATV damage repair bill and existing legislation in Minnesota. Any comments you may have on the proposal would also be greatly appreciated. To read the bill in its entirety and other draft legislation that committee will discuss on Jan. 4, go to
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lc/3_COMMITTEES/Special%20Committees/2006/TRAIL/.
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