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 

From: https://www.wjfw.com/stories.html?sku=20200213183532&status=viewfull

ONEIDA COUNTY - Last year, Wisconsin had 22 reported deaths involving recreational off-highway vehicles, often referred to as ATVs or UTVs. The Oneida County Sheriff's office says 18 of them likely involved alcohol.

Nearly 98% of the Oneida County roads are currently open for ATV/UTV use. Oneida County Deputy Sheriff Brian Keller says that's one of the main reasons they've noticed an increase in drunk riding.

Continue reading on the source page:

DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 2/11/2020

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

Please check the attached map for which trails are currently open. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property, so please verify that the trail you intend to use is open at this time.

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 last week

Trial 9 Groomed last week

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs) Groomed last week

Trail 35 (WRT south) Groomed

Trail 27B Groomed

Trail 27C Groomed

Trail41S Groomed

Trail 41B Groomed

Trail 217 Groomed

Trail 727 Groomed

Trail 17N Grooming tonight

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 except for the last ½ mile to the dam

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

Trail 1 Groomed Monday, Feb 10.
Trail 2 (TCC) Groomed Sunday/Monday, Feb 9/10.
Trail 4 Groomed Brule to Warming Shelter, Monday Feb 10.
Trail 6 Groomed Monday, Feb 10.
Trail 24 Groomed Monday, Feb 10.
Trail 27/27A Groomed Sunday, Feb 9.
Trail 35 (WRT) Grooming 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 January 24^th. Ski Trails were checked Friday February 7^th are still in good condition with a fresh dusting of snow..

This report was prepared February 11th, 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

DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 2/07/2020

Currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open. And getting a dusting of snow!

Please check the attached map for which trails are currently open. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property, so please verify that the trail you intend to use is open at this time.

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 so they can adjust their plans as needed to avoid the closed portion.

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) Groomed

Trail 35 (WRT 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 Not Groomed (Watch for uneven Trail Surface)

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

All Trails Are Open

All funded Brule River Riders trails have been groomed since the weekend.

Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24 has a large logging operation. Please use caution in this area. The logging area can be detoured around using Trail 6 and the South Shore Grade Road.

Caution Watch for logging:
On the west end of Trail 6.
On Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P.
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 January 24^th. Ski Trails were checked Friday February 7^th are still in good condition with a fresh dusting of snow..

This report was prepared February 7th, 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 

 ****There is a reroute on Trail 120 that will be in effect all season. The reroute is on the Northern section that eliminates the old 120 trail from FR 519 to the intersection of 120 and 121. Reroute takes you NW up FR519 to Sheep Ranch to FR522 then connects to 101. This eliminates a very bad part of the swamp.**** 

2/5/2020 Kennan/Catawba Driftsplitters. 

Trail 94 has been re-opened and is in very good shape except for the 2 miles of the trail where logging operation continues. All trails are being groomed twice a week and in very good condition. 

02/05/2020 Prentice Bushbenders Trail Report 

Our trails held up pretty well through the warm weather Sunday. They are icy now making them harder to groom. It will take a few passes and snowmobile traffic to make them great again. They are in overall good condition. Ride safe and have fun. 

2/4/2020 Eisenstein Bushwackers 

Groomed 80 south from Park falls to Fifield to 101 To 103 then to Sugar Bush firelane then back to 104, to Wintergreen Lake Area to 101 101 to Fifield. o 80 back to Park Falls groomed all 4 times and the swamp 6 times the moguls where really bad a ton of work excellent now enjoy from the Bush wackers 

2/3/2020 Eisenstein Bushwackers 

111 from Park Falls to 105 ,then 105 to 101,back 105 to 111 ,to 110 loop groomed Wojcieszak's area Then to 111 down to 103 then groomed Round Up Bar and grill area. back out 103 to 111 to Park Falls all double groomed , was frozen hard and groomed very hard all very good . 

2/5/2020 Fifield Sno Drovers 

The trails conditions in the Pike Lake area are from very good to excellent. The cold weather has firmed up the slush on the marked lake routes, but there is still slush if you leave the marked trails. The corridors such as 101/10 get very rough following heavy traffic and, while we have increased our grooming, we need new snow. There are no bare spots, but expect moguls between grooming runs. Trail 111/19 to the north is excellent as is trail 121, as these don't experience the heavy traffic. Trail 106/19 to Iron county is still not being groomed and isn't recommended as there is flowing water over the county line. 

2/5/2020 Northwoods 

Hi Riders Above freezing temperatures and a very busy snowmobile week end left the trails with some ruts and bumps. The groomer normally would have went around Solberg Lake on Sunday afternoon, but the temperatures were too high to do an effective grooming job, so we lost one afternoon and evening of grooming this week around Solberg. We are working to catch up and are back on our regular schedule. All in all, the trails are still Good, albeit a little choppy. I was out this morning on 112, 102 and part of 141 and still could move along pretty well. I expect after we catch up grooming they will be back in Very Good shape before the weekend. The logging operation just north of Solberg park on Trail 112 is completed. The trail/logging road has a few short bare spots but easily rideable. Some blacktop road crossings may be bare. Solberg Lake was slushy and watery on Sunday, but has froze up nicely. There are ruts in some spots, but if you take it easy, it's fine. Other than that we continue to be in Snowmobile Heaven. Ride Safe, Have Fun. 

1/29/2020 Elk River Pioneers 

Pioneer trails are now in excellent condition. They are groomed at least twice per week. Trail 82 into Sawyer County is now open and in very good condition. There might be wet areas on some trails. Do not try to go off of the main trail. The north entry and exit to Wilson Lake is closed until we get some colder weather. Use the trail 80 entry and exit on the south west end of Wilson Lake. There is a logging operation on trail 85. 

1/29/2020 Chaparrals 

All trails to the east and south of Phillips are in excellent condition. Be aware of wet areas in the system. Slow down and stay on the marked trail. Do not try to go off of the trails as the ground along the sides of most trails is not frozen. Reminder of the trail reroute on trail 161 along Musser Drive. All trails are groomed at least twice per week. 

1/29/2020 Lugerville Chaser 

Our trails are being groomed twice a week and are in good to excellent condition. A power company is still working on trail 90 there is Utility signs up so use caution

Honda unveiled two new Talon sport side-by-side models on the eve of Team Honda Talon Factory Racing's competition debut at King of the Hammers—the 2021 Talon 1000R FOX Live Valve and Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve. Important additions to the rapidly growing Talon family, the FOX Live Valve two-seat models transform the drive experience through intelligent electronic suspension that uses Honda's proprietary software to automatically adjust to terrain and driving situations, providing optimal handling performance and comfort in varying conditions.

Continue Reading...

​As a reference, the Talon 1000R is not legal in Wisconsin as it exceeds our 65" rule.

Currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open.

Please check the attached map for which trails are currently open. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property, so please verify that the trail you intend to use is open at this time.

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 so they can adjust their plans as needed to avoid the closed portion.

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) Grooming later this week

Trail 35 (WRT Groomed 27b south

Trail 27B Groomed

Trail 27C Groomed

Trail41S Groomed

Trail 41B Groomed

Trail 217 Groomed

Trail 727 Groomed

Trail 17N Groomed

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

Trail 7 Grooming later this week

Trail 27 Grooming later this week

Trail 3 Groomed

Trail 5 Groomed

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

Trail 541 Not Groomed (Watch for uneven Trail Surface)

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

All Trails Are Open

All funded Brule River Riders trails have been groomed since the weekend except 35 (WRT) and 235. Both trails are expected to be groomed shortly.

635 has been groomed twice and will be groomed on an as needed basis.

Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24 has a large logging operation that has turned a little nasty with the warm weather.

The logging area can be detoured around using Trail 6 and the South Shore Grade Road.

Caution Watch for logging:
On the west end of Trail 6.
On Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P.
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 Grooming tomorrow

Trail 0 Grooming tomorrow

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 January 24^th. Ski Trails will be reassessed and potentially groomed before the weekend.

This report was prepared February 4th, 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

Hello WAVTA members!
We have two updates for you.
Annual Meeting update:Registration is now open for the April workshops being hosted in Stevens Point. We're sharing the conference center with others in our motorized community so the rooms are filling fast (see instructions on page). Also know there are other hotels in the general area if the block is filled!

https://watva.org/index.php/about/2020-annual-meeting

Current ATV Legislation update:
Our omnibus legislative package has been voted out of the Senate Committee with a majority vote, the leadership in the Senate now determines when/if it will be heard on the Senate floor. On the Assembly side, this coming Tuesday (2/4/20) the Transportation Committee has tentatively scheduled an exec session to do the same for the Assembly bill.

Feel free to review and contact your state lawmaker, asking them to support it when the vote is brought forward.

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

We hope to see you in April, the workshops are coming together nicely, we're getting more vendors on board, the cost of the meals have been greatly reduced / subsidized, thanks to a number of dealers we'll be promoting soon.

The Friday evening setting is a casual reception this year, we've rented more of the conference rooms, it will be an opportunity to mingle with others in our motorized community as well as ATV UTV clubs from around the state.

Saturday morning starts early, we have a full day of educational workshops, be sure to bring as many from your club or area as possible in case you want to split up to take in the different sessions then compare notes later.

Saturday evening is our awards banquet and more socializing opportunities. We hope you can stay and help us recognize the champions of our sport!

For those staying for Sunday morning, we've found this setting to be a perfect time and opportunity to share ideas from the floor. The past few years we've found this Sunday morning session to be quite helpful to all in attendance.

Whether you make it for one day, two days or all three, we hope to see you in Stevens Point!

Register today:

https://watva.org/index.php/about/2020-annual-meeting 

Douglas County received a couple inches of snow this past weekend! Currently ALL of Douglas County trails are open and are in Great Condition and Groomed with a few exceptions.

Please check the attached map for which trails are currently open. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property, so please verify that the trail you intend to use is open at this time.

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 so they can adjust their plans as needed to avoid the closed portion.

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 Not Groomed
• Trail 835 Groomed
• Trial 925 Groomed
• Trial 9 Groomed

SE Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

• Trail 35 (WRT) Groomed
• Trail 35 (WRT 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 Not Groomed (Watch for uneven Trail Surface)

NE Quadrant – Open Trails

All Trails Are Open

All Trails have been groomed since the weekend.

Most trails have been re-groomed a second time since the weekend.
Trails are in very good to excellent condition with a good base.
The logging job between Hwy D and Trail 24 is addressing the wet corner between D and 24. This section will be bumpy but is passible just keep an eye out for the logging trucks.
Trail 235 has some large ice chunks through the Box Culvert under the freeway and is a little bumpy.

Caution Watch for logging:
On the west end of Trail 6.
On Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P.
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 January 24^th and are still in good condition.

This report was prepared January 31, 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 

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced his appointment of Marcy West of La Farge, Wisconsin to serve on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. 

​Want to learn more about the Natural Resources Board? Check out the following link: https://dnr.wi.gov/about/nrb/

Original source:  https://www.centralmaine.com/2020/01/27/large-off-road-vehicles-could-force-atv-trails-to-close/

The article above discusses how a wider ATV (or UTV) could be forcing land closures in central Maine.  When the wider UTV was introduced to Wisconsin, WATVA worked with county land managers to determine the 65" width. Based on those early discussions, land managers widened trails and gates to accommodate the 65". Over the past few years, WATVA leadership has talked with land managers and club leadership on the 65" rule. It would be not be in the states favor to increase that, as it would require extensive infrastructure changes on our trail system. 

Lately, there have been a few UTV models that have pushed beyond the 65" rule. Ensure that your machine does not exceed 65" before making a purchase or before heading out on the trail. There have been a few cases of registration paperwork being submitted to DNR that "fudge" registration details to hide the fact the machine is manufactured with a width greater than 65". If you fall into this category, you might receive a letter when it comes time to renew stating your machine isn't compliant and they will not accept any renewal registration for your machine.