Wisconsin State Parks and Trails will remain open to the public. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will continue to monitor on the ground circumstances each day to determine if park closures become necessary.

Recent guidance from the Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 people or more to help protect Wisconsinites, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease.

Parks, law enforcement and property staff will be diligently ensuring groups larger than 10 do not congregate as well as provide routine sweeps of our properties.

Beginning March 19, 2020, the DNR will implement the following changes to operation of all state parks and recreation areas across the state consistent with guidance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Department and Health. Here is what to expect:

Voluntary Registration Fees

• Admission is voluntary at this time via self-registration or electronic kiosks

Close all state park offices, visitor centers, and non-essential buildings for duration of public health emergency; bathrooms remain open

• Effective immediately, the DNR will close the following state buildings to the public: Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions, and indoor group camp buildings on all DNR owned properties to the public.
• Restrooms on state properties will remain open given there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.
• Properties will continue to be staffed and outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, trails, fishing, hunting, etc.) remain open at this time.
• Visitors are reminded to practice proper personal hygiene to prevent spread of COVID-19 and to limit group sizes to under ten people when enjoying state properties.

Camping And Special Permits

• All campsites (Individual, group, and indoor) are closed through April 30, 2020.
• Refunds will be issued to all customers.
• No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.
• DNR staff or Camis Reservations staff will be reaching out to individuals with current or upcoming group camping reservations to issue refunds. Any other questions regarding camping reservations can be directed to the Camis Call Center at 1-888-947-2757.
• DNR property managers will also be contacting groups or individuals who have existing special event permits.
• Our customer service representatives also continue to provide service via phone at 1-888-936-7463 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

For updates on event cancellations and building closures at DNR properties, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For specific information regarding the COVID-19 we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

We are committed to service excellence.

Visit our survey at http://dnr.wi.gov/customersurvey to evaluate how I did.

Missy VanLanduyt
Recreation Partnerships, External Relations and Communication Section Chief – Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 South Webster Street

Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608 266-7617

​IRVINE, CA – March 16, 2020 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2018 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries, released in February 2020, confirms that injuries related to all-terrain vehicles continue to decline.

Assessing a 10-year period (2009-2018), CPSC staff cited a statistically significant overall decrease of 38 percent in ATV-related emergency department-treated injury estimates. The decrease of 13 percent in the estimated number of ATV-related emergency department-treated injuries from 2017 to 2018 also was found to be statistically significant.

"The commitment to safety education and training by the member companies of the ATV Safety Institute and the CPSC is clearly contributing to the decline in ATV injuries," said Erik Pritchard, ATV Safety Institute chief executive officer. "The ATV Safety Institute aggressively reaches out to new ATV owners to urge them to take our free hands-on training and our e-Courses to learn and practice our eight Golden Rules for ATV Safety.

"And we continue to plan our seventh annual ATV Safety Week, currently slated for June, when anyone who owns an ATV can get free hands-on training from ASI licensed instructors at locations throughout the country," Pritchard said.

ATV owners and non-owners should visit ATVSafety.org for more information about ATV Safety Week. An announcement with more details about how adults and their families can register for training during ATV Safety Week will be made in April.

​DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/16/2020.

All Snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under management of the Douglas County Forestry Department are officially closed for the season.

In addition, all year-round recreational trails are temporarily closed at this time except for the following trail segments:

1. Gandy Dancer Trail – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau.

2. Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road parking lot.

3. Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y.

4. Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski trails are still covered in snow but are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice.

Thank you again to all the members of the Northwest Trails Association for the amazing work that they do to open and maintain over 300 miles of winter recreation trails in Douglas County!

This report was prepared March 16th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

9182 East Hughes Ave.

Solon Springs, WI. 54873

Phone: (715) 378-2219

Fax: (715) 378-2807

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:www.douglascountywi.org

 Volunteer Education Instructors:

This notification is in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID 19) and program direction on how to conduct business as a volunteer instructor. Effective immediately, the Department of Natural Resources has taken the position to cancel all Safety Education Classes for Hunter-Internet field days-Archery-ATV-Snowmobile-Boating-Trapper Education classes from March 16th to March 31st.

Please review your pending roster and notify the public of this. If you need help in closing your class, please call your Outdoor Skills Trainer. CONTACTS: https://dnr.wi.gov/Volunteer/instructorcorner/outdoorSkillsTrainers.html

We are aware of classes posted that are after April 1st and we will notify you as soon as were able on any future closures. If you decide on your own to postpone your class we support your decision.

Planning a class soon:

We encourage our instructors to consider waiting until this virus has run its course in Wisconsin before posting a new class. We look forward to getting back to normal and offer safety courses to our public soon.

If you should have questions please contact your OST. You may also call the appropriate program administrator for questions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause now and into the short term future. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. 

Respectfully,

Jon King 
Hunter Education Administrator
Conservation Warden
608-575-2294 

Martin Stone
OHV Administrator
Conservation Warden
608-778-2035

​DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/13/2020.

All Snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under management of the Douglas County Forestry Department will officially close for the season at 8:00 AM local time on Monday, March 16, 2020.Douglas County received two days of warm weather over the weekend and the trail conditions across the county range from good to poor.The trails that are shaded are still in pretty good shape. There are some areas of bare ground and almost all grooming has stopped on the trails.Snowmobile traffic is not recommended

In addition, all year-round recreational trails will temporarily close at that time except for the following trail segments:

1. Gandy Dancer Trail – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau.

2. Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road parking lot.

3. Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y.

4. Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

Deer have been reported on trails so keep an eye out while traveling.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open and closed trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 5

Trail 5A

Trail 930

Trail 935

Trail 835

Trail 9 (Caution: watch for logging North of Hwy M)

Closed Trails

Trail 925 between Swedish highway and Andrews Road (Gates are closed)

SE Quadrant –OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 (WRT south)

Trail 27B

Trail 27C

Trail41S

Trail 41B

Trail 217

Trail 727

Trail 17N

Trail 7

Trail 27

Trail 3

Trail 5

Trail 41 (Watch for Logging)

Trail 541

Closed Trails

Trail 17S South of Lower Eau Claire Lake(Gates are Closed)

NE Quadrant –Open Trails

Trail 1
Trail 2
Trail 4 Very rough trail lots of ruts

Trail 6 Very rough trail lots of ruts
Trail 24
Trail 27/27A
Trail 35 (WRT)

Closed Trails

Trail 235 (Gates are Closed)

Caution Watch for Logging:
Logging operations with on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

Logging on the west end of Trail 6 is finished
Logging on Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P finished
Logging on Trail 4 east of Hwy F is finished.

NW Quadrant-OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail

Saunders Grade

Wrenshall Grade

Trail 0

Trail 28

4/41

Trail 4

Closed Trails

The Cross town connectorfrom Tower Ave to East 2^nd Street (Gates closed and signed)

Osaugie/Tri County Trail from Loons Foot Boat Launch to Barkers Island (Gates Closed and signed)

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed.The Ski Trails where Groomed Wednesday February 19thand are still covered in snow.The trails are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice,

Thank you to all the members of the Northwest Trails Association for the amazing work that you do to open and maintain over 300 miles of winter trails in Douglas County!

This report was prepared March 13th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Date: March 10, 2020

From: Pete Villas, Forestry Administrator

Subject: ATV Trail Closure

The entire Marinette County ATV Trail System will be closed to all vehicles effective Monday, March 16, 2020 and until further notice. This closure is required to protect the soft trail bed from erosion damage caused by ATV's and other vehicles during spring break up. ATV trails will re-open when conditions warrant. Another press release will be placed in the paper when the trails are re-opened.

DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/10/2020.

All Snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under management of the Douglas County Forestry Department will officially close for the season at 8:00 AM local time on Monday, March 16, 2020. Douglas County received two days of warm weather over the weekend and the trail conditions across the county range from good to poor. The trails that are shaded are still in pretty good shape. There are some areas of bare ground and almost all grooming has stopped on the trails. Snowmobile traffic is not recommended

In addition, all year-round recreational trails will temporarily close at that time except for the following trail segments:

1. Gandy Dancer Trail – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau.

2. Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road parking lot.

3. Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y.

4. Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open and closed trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 5

Trail 5A

Trail 930

Trail 935

Trail 835

Trail 9 (Caution: watch for logging North of Hwy M)

Closed Trails

Trail 925 between Swedish highway and Andrews Road (Gates are closed)

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 (WRT south)

Trail 27B

Trail 27C

Trail41S

Trail 41B

Trail 217

Trail 727

Trail 17N

Trail 7

Trail 27

Trail 3

Trail 5

Trail 41 (Watch for Logging)

Trail 541

Closed Trails

Trail 17S South of Lower Eau Claire Lake(Gates are Closed)

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

Trail 1
Trail 2
Trail 4 Very rough trail lots of ruts

Trail 6 Very rough trail lots of ruts
Trail 24
Trail 27/27A
Trail 35 (WRT)

Closed Trails

Trail 235 (Gates are Closed)

Caution Watch for Logging:
Logging operations with on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

Logging on the west end of Trail 6 is finished
Logging on Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P finished
Logging on Trail 4 east of Hwy F is finished.

NW Quadrant- OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail Groomed (watch for deer crossing trail between Moen Rd and BB)

Saunders Grade Groomed

Wrenshall Grade Groomed

Trail 0 Groomed

Trail 28 Groomed

4/41 From the Warming shack west Groomed

Trail 4 Groomed

Closed Trails

The Cross town connector from Tower Ave to East 2^nd Street (Gates closed and signed)

Osaugie/Tri County Trail from Loons Foot Boat Launch to Barkers Island (Gates Closed and signed)

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski Trails where Groomed Wednesday February 19th and are still covered in snow. The trails are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice,

Thank you to all the members of the Northwest Trails Association for the amazing work that you do to open and maintain over 300 miles of winter trails in Douglas County!

This report was prepared March 10th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

9182 East Hughes Ave.

Solon Springs, WI. 54873

Phone: (715) 378-2219

Fax: (715) 378-2807

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:www.douglascountywi.org

Effective immediately, trail 925 (Douglas County) from Andrews Road to Swedish Highway is closed due to high water. Gates are closed. The rest of the trails in Douglas County remain open at this time!

https://www.facebook.com/233900521842/posts/10157461178036843/?sfnsn=mo

DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/6/2020.

Douglas county received a little bit of snow yesterday and currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open. As temperatures start to warm up watch for trail closures in the update.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

We will provide updates as conditions change. Deer have been reported on trails so keep an eye out while traveling.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 5 Groomed

Trail 5A Groomed

Trail 930 Groomed

Trail 935 Groomed last week

Trail 835 Groomed last week

Trail 925 Groomed last week

Trail 9 Groomed north of Cummings Rd. (Caution: watch for logging North of Hwy M)

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 Groomed (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 Groomed (WRT south)

Trail 27B Groomed

Trail 27C Groomed

Trail41S Groomed

Trail 41B Groomed

Trail 217 Groomed

Trail 727 Groomed last week

Trail 17N Groomed last week

Trail 17S Trail 17S – Groomed last week, watch for logging and water crossing as it gets warmer. Closing soon. (South of Lower Eau Claire Lake)

Trail 7 Groomed last week

Trail 27 Groomed last week

Trail 3 Groomed last week

Trail 5 Groomed

Trail 41 WRT to the warming Shack Groomed last week(Watch for Logging)

Trail 541 Groomed

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

Trail 1 Groomed Mon
Trail 2 (TCC) Groomed Monday. Amnicon Falls to Brule. Groomed Thursday, Amnicon Falls to Superior.
Trail 4 Groomed Monday, Brule to Hawthorne. Groomed Tuesday, Hawthorne to the Warming Shack.
Trail 6 Groomed Monday.
Trail 24 Groomed Monday.
Trail 27/27A Groomed Tuesday.
Trail 35 (WRT) Groomed Wednesday.
Trail 235 Groomed Monday.

A couple inches of fresh snow on Thursday put a nice white layer on top.
A few scattered dirty spots were showing in a few places and logging areas before the new snow.
Some road routes are starting to burn off but most are good at the moment.
More high traffic areas have developed more icy corners.

Caution Watch for Logging:
Logging operations with truck traffic on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

Logging on the west end of Trail 6 is finished
Logging on Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P finished
Logging on Trail 4 east of Hwy F is finished.

NW Quadrant- OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail Groomed (watch for deer crossing trail between Moen Rd and BB)

Saunders Grade Groomed

Wrenshall Grade Groomed

Trail 0 Groomed

Trail 28 Groomed

The Cross town connector Groomed

4/41 From the Warming shack west Groomed

Trail 4 Groomed

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski Trails where Groomed Wednesday February 19th and are still covered in snow. The trails are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice,

This report was prepared March 6th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

9182 East Hughes Ave.

Solon Springs, WI. 54873

Phone: (715) 378-2219

Fax: (715) 378-2807

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:www.douglascountywi.org 

Trail Update:

Due to the extended forecast showing warm weather and potential rain/ snow for next week the Trails will close at 5:30 pm Tuesday March 3rd.

We expect to open approximately May 1st depending on the Spring we have. Thank you to all who came out and enjoyed the trails over the winter. We hope to see you all in the summer.

A reminder annual ATV/UTV Passes are Available for $75. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to purchase and recieve it in the mail. 

ALL Burnett County Winter Snowmobile and ATV/UTV trails will close at 11:59 p.m. tonight, Monday, March 2, 2020.

After consulting with the Burnett County Snow Trails Association, all trails will be closed at 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 2. With warmer temperatures this past weekend and in the forecast, the decision to close trails is to protect the trail base from damage on county, state, and privately owned lands and agricultural fields. It is important that we respect the landowners who graciously allow us to use their property. 

The MAJORITY of the Snowmobile and Winter ATV Trails are open but in poor condition. Trails are deteriorating quickly. Bare ground is starting to show in open areas. Please also watch for icy spots on the trails - read below for closed trails and important information.

The majority of the Snowmobile and Winter ATV Trails are open - HOWEVER, the portion of trail 119 south of trail 80 remains CLOSED.

PLEASE use caution when crossing swamps and lakes as some may not be frozen.

Some township ordinances allow for ATV/UTV use of the town roads 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.

NO OFF TRAIL USE IS ALLOWED Please stay on the trails. Much of our trail system is on private land, and we appreciate the easements granted by our generous land owners. It only takes one person to have the entire trail system shut down.

Caution: Groomers and trail maintenance vehicles may be on the trails at any time.

All snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs must be registered or licensed to ride on our trails.

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.

Town of Riverview:The Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club and the Red Arrow Snowmobile-ATV Club are sponsoring a Wisconsin DNR certified ATV Safety Course.The course will be held at the Town of Riverview Town Hall, 15471 Highway 32, Mountain, WI54149 (5 miles north of Mountain on Highway 32).The one (1) day class will meet on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.Student Handbooks will be mailed out 2 weeks prior to the class.Registration will close by Wednesday, April 8, 2020.This will allow sufficient time to mail out the Student Handbooks.

This is a one (1) day class, so students are expected to read the Student Handbook and complete the Chapter Review questions in advance of the actual class.This format was used at a class last year, and works exceptionally well as the students come prepared.

Anyone is welcome to attend the course with a recommended minimum age of 11-1/2.Anyone born after January 1, 1988 and at least 12 years old must have ATV certification to operate on public areas.These students who have not reached the age of 12 may not use the certificate to operate alone until they turn at least 12 years of age.Parents and adults are encouraged to enroll and participate.Fees for the course are $10.00 per student.The fee is waived if you, your parents, or your grandparents are members of either Hidden Bear Trail or Red Arrow clubs.

Students successfully completing the course will receive ATV safety graduate certificates.This is classroom only, there is no actual ATV operation.

Students must register online and also obtain a DNR customer number at gowild.wi.gov or a customer number can also be obtained at DNR service outlets or by calling 888-936-7463.

Class size will be limited to 35 participants.It is recommendedto register in advance of the April 8, 2020 deadline as these classes are normally full.Students with special needs will need to contact the instructor at least two weeks to request special accommodations. For information, please contact Brian Fitzpatrick at (715) 340-6262 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To learn more about either club, please visit our websites at:

hiddenbeartrailatvclub.com or redarrowtownsend.comor visit us on Facebook 

 Article by Nicole Aimone of Wiscnews.com

 The Sauk County Board of Supervisors has voted to expand off-road recreational vehicle routes along county highways.

The ordinance the board passed 26-4-1 at its Feb. 19 meeting will expand the routes, which were approved in the spring of 2019, to add 28 more routes for all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles to have access to highways.

The routes include parts of Highway 136 and Highway DL in Baraboo, parts of Highways K, H, V and S in Reedsburg, and Highways JJ and G in Spring Green.

There will also be additional routes on county highways in Fairfield, Honey Creek, Troy, Freedom, Ironton, Delton and Bear Creek.

The expansion of routes comes after ATV clubs throughout the county began requesting more use of highways for the recreational vehicles in 2018.

"There hasn't been one thing in the last eight years that I have received more phone calls about than four-wheeler trails," said Supervisor Brian Peper. "Thank you very much for everyone's support and enjoy our four-wheeler trails."

Last spring, the county's highway committee initially rejected the expansions, citing safety concerns and a legal loophole regarding drunken-driving offenses.

Click here to read the full article on Wiscnews.

​Originally posted at: https://www.wjfw.com/stories.html?sku=20200220182234&status=viewfull

Lake Tomahawk residents to consider ATV/UTV use on town roads in new survey​ 

LAKE TOMAHAWK - People in Lake Tomahawk could soon see ATVs and UTVs on town roads if a new survey convinces the town board.

Last week, the town board authorized that survey, asking residents their views regarding ATV/UTV use on all town roads.

Town Chairman George Demet said the Lake Towmhawk planning commission is still in the process of drafting the survey.

The discussion surrounding the issue began last December when the Lake Tomahawk ATV Club requested 2.6 miles of Lakewood Rd be opened to ATV/UTV traffic. The proposal would have connected existing trails for the Nokomis ATV Club and Lakeland ATV Club.

Demet said he does not support the measure citing four ATV/UTV deaths on town roads in Oneida County last year. After the survey is conducted, Demet said the town board does not have to adopt an ordinance in accordance with survey results.

In the county, more than 76 miles of town roads are open to ATVs and UTVs. 

The Oconto County Snowmobile Alliance (OCSA), which is made up of the nine snowmobile clubs in the county, is donating $5,000 to the local Ambulance Services and Rescue Squads that serve Oconto County snowmobile trails. Bagley-Brazeau Joyriders, Chase Sno-Chasers, Chute Pond Snowmobile Club, Gillett Sno & ATV Riders, Iron Snow Shoe Recreation Trails, Lena Snow Drifters, Oconto Falls Sno-Jokers, Paul Bunyan Riders, and Red Arrow Snowmobile ATV Club representatives will be presenting $500 donations to each of the ten Ambulance Services and Rescue Squads that respond to medical emergencies that occur on the 480 miles of snowmobile trails in Oconto County.

According to Oconto County Snowmobile Alliance President Dan Guendert, "Safety on the trails is of utmost concern to us. Our clubs work diligently to make sure there is proper signage on the trails to maximize rider safety and enjoyment. Trail grooming is also done to provide a smooth, safe riding surface. But, in spite of all precautions, accidents do happen- and we're proud to be able to support the agencies that respond to those situations. "

The nine snowmobile clubs in Oconto County work together as the OCSA to provide safe and well groomed trails for snowmobilers, as well as publishing the Oconto County snowmobile trail map. To learn more, please follow us on Facebook- Oconto County Snowmobile Alliance.

Greetings,

To the many partners of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), I am writing to announce the 2020 Grant Program Guidance for Stewardship Local Assistance Grants, Federal Land and Water Conservation Program grants, and Federal Recreational Trails Program is now available at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Stewardship/Grants/ApplyLUG.html.Applications for the following grants will be accepted through May 1, 2020:

• Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP)
• Urban Green Space (UGS) grants
• Urban Rivers (UR) grants
• Acquisition of Development Rights (ADR)

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Please note, Internet Explorer should be used to open the DNR application forms.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Grant Specialist or Pam Rood, DNR Grant Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pam Rood
Grant Manager, Bureau of Facilities and Lands

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

Hello WAVTA members!
We have a few updates for you.

First of all, an update about our STATE legislative changes. Our thanks to the many members who emailed, called and reached out to our state lawmakers, our large package of requested changes passed both houses this week

https://watva.org/index.php/about/upcoming-law-changes

We still have to wait for the governor to sign the bill before it becomes law, that process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days or thereabouts. Our bill passed on the last day of the session, for that we are very fortunate. We will be debriefing members at the upcoming annual meeting as well as at our regional rides and meetings this summer. Remember, part of this change increases maintenance rates WITHOUT RAISING ANY REGISTRATION FEES!

Below please read about a new FEDERAL law proposal, which we also use here in Wisconsin as part of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding program. This is separate from our state funding platform. The main issue with the current formula that funds this has to do with outdated gas tax usage formula. If this federal bill could get passed, it would bring more trail dollars into the RTP, again without increasing any fees.

Please see one of the ways your voice can be heard. You can also cal lor write your federal lawmaker, that's an option as well.
Bill H.R 5795: Increase Funding for Recreational Trails:
Recently Representatives Peter Welch (VT-1), John Curtis (UT-3), Angie Craig (MN-2), Michael Simpson (ID-2), Ann Kuster (NH-2), and Chris Stewart (UT-2) introduced the Recreational Trails Program Full Funding Act of 2020, H.R. 5797. The legislation requires the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide a revised estimate of the gas taxes paid by recreators and to update that amount at least every five years. The program is funded through taxes paid on gasoline used to fuel motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and other recreational activities. The RTP program is currently funded at $84 million annually, which is substantially less than the amount of taxes paid on fuel used by recreators.For more than a quarter-century the RTP has provided funding for recreational trail development and maintenance across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with more than 25,000 projects across the nation since its inception. "The Recreational Trails Program has created countless opportunities for motorized recreation and human-powered experiences," said Rep. Curtis. "This bill will ensure that future generations get to visit the great outdoors, while supporting local economies and jobs, especially throughout rural areas."

The legislation also establishes reporting of Financial Management Information System (FEMIS) Codes in order to provide additional transparency into projects funded and ensure that the principles of the 30% motorized, 30% non-motorized, and 40% mixed-use are being met. The FHWA will be allowed to keep up to $1.5 million annually to administer the program and maintain recreational trail-facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational uses. The FHWA will also develop a formula for distributing RTP funds whereby half of the total RTP funds are divided equally among the 50 states (and D.C.), and then the other half is apportioned to them based on the portion of off-highway gas tax paid by that state's users. Finally, the legislation provides for an immediate increase in RTP funding to the greater of either $250 million or the latest non-highway recreational fuel study as required by this legislation.

Take the RTP quiz here to test your knowledge and we urge you to write your member of Congress and ask them to support H.R. 5797. Upon introducing the bill, Reps. Welch and Curtis took a moment to discuss their passion for the great outdoors and why they introduced the Recreational Trails Program Funding Act.

The RTP is an ARRA top priority and is critical for the continued development and maintenance of trails across the country for motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

Click Here and Take Action
Annual Meeting Room Update:
We have had many calls and emails about the rooming situation in Steven's Point. Unfortunately rooms are hard to come by due to a state basketball tournament in town that we were unaware of. Our block at the Holiday Inn has already been filled. However we have been told that the other blocks at the hotel will be released on the 4th of March. So for those of you struggling to get rooms in Steven's Point, hotels that have blocks held for this tournament release them a month before the date of the event.
So hopefully starting he 4th of March the room situation will become less of an issue. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 2/18/2020

Douglas County received a couple inches of fresh snow Monday night.

Currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open and in excellent condition! Get out and Enjoy the Trails!

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

We will provide updates as conditions change. Deer have been reported on trails so keep an eye out while traveling.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trial 5 Groomed last week

Trial 5A Groomed last week

Trail 930 Groomed last week

Trail 935 Groomed last week

Trail 835 Groomed last week

Trial 925 Groomed last week

Trial 9 Groomed

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 (WRT south) Groomed

Trail 27B Groomed

Trail 27C Groomed last week

Trail41S Groomed

Trail 41B Groomed

Trail 217 Groomed

Trail 727 Groomed

Trail 17N Groomed

Trail 17S Groomed– Use caution on Creek crossings (South of Lower Eau Claire Lake)

Trail 7 Groomed last week

Trail 27 Groomed last week

Trail 3 Groomed

Trail 5 Groomed

Trail 41 WRT to the warming Shack Groomed(Watch for Logging)

Trail 541 Groomed

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

Trail 1 Groomed Monday Feb 17
Trail 2 (TCC) Groomed Brule to Superior Sunday/Monday Feb 16/17
Trail 4 Groomed Brule to Warming Shelter, Monday Feb 17
Trail 6 Groomed Monday Feb 17
Trail 24 Groomed Monday Feb 17
Trail 27/27A Groomed Sunday Feb 16
Trail 35 (WRT) Grooming Tuesday, Feb 18
Trail 235 Groomed Monday, Feb 17

Some high traffic areas have developed scattered icy corners.
Groomers are avoiding the logging job between Hwy D and Trail 24. Use Trail 6 and the South Shore Grade Rd
Caution Watch for Logging:
On the west end of Trail 6. Truck traffic only.
On Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P. Trucks traffic only.
Logging operations with truck traffic on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

NW Quadrant- OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail Groomed (watch for deer crossing trail between Moen Rd and BB)

Saunders Grade Groomed

Wrenshall Grade Groomed

Trail 0 Groomed

Trail 28 Groomed

The Cross town connector Groomed

4/41 From the Warming shack west Groomed

Trail 4 Groomed

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski Trails where Groomed Friday February 14^th. Ski Trails will be evaluated for condition and grooming later this week.

This report was prepared February 18th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

Currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open and in excellent condition! Get out and Enjoy the Trails!

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

We will provide updates as conditions change. Deer have been reported on trails so keep an eye out while traveling.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trial 5 Groomed

Trial 5A Groomed

Trail 930 Groomed

Trail 935 Groomed

Trail 835 Groomed

Trial 925 Groomed

Trial 9 Groomed

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 (WRT south) Groomed

Trail 27B Groomed

Trail 27C Groomed

Trail41S Groomed

Trail 41B Groomed

Trail 217 Groomed

Trail 727 Groomed

Trail 17N Groomed

Trail 17S Groomed– Use caution on Creek crossings (South of Lower Eau Claire Lake)

Trail 7 Groomed

Trail 27 Groomed

Trail 3 Groomed

Trail 5 Groomed

Trail 41 WRT to the warming Shack Groomed(Watch for Logging)

Trail 541 Groomed

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

Trail 1 Groomed Thursday, Feb 13.
Trail 2 (TCC) West end groomed Sunday evening. East end groomed Thursday Feb 13.
Trail 4 Groomed Brule to Warming Shelter, Thursday Feb 13.
Trail 6 Groomed Thursday Feb 13.
Trail 24 Groomed Thursday, Feb 13.
Trail 27/27A Groomed Thursday Feb 13
Trail 35 (WRT) Groomed Tuesday, Feb 11.
Trail 235 Groomed Monday, Feb 11.

Some high traffic areas have developed scattered icy corners.
Groomers are avoiding the logging job between Hwy D and Trail 24. Use Trail 6 and the South Shore Grade Rd
Caution Watch for Logging:
On the west end of Trail 6. Truck traffic only.
On Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P. Trucks traffic only.
Logging operations with truck traffic on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

NW Quadrant- OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail Groomed (watch for deer crossing trail between Moen Rd and BB)

Saunders Grade Groomed

Wrenshall Grade Groomed

Trail 0 Groomed

Trail 28 Groomed

The Cross town connector Groomed

4/41 From the Warming shack west Groomed

Trail 4 Groomed

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski Trails where Groomed Friday February 14^th. Ski Trails are in fair condition

This report was prepared February 14th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

9182 East Hughes Ave.

Solon Springs, WI. 54873

Phone: (715) 378-2219

Fax: (715) 378-2807

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:www.douglascountywi.org