DNR commissioner designates Con-Con ATV trails

[Dave]

DNR commissioner designates Con-Con ATV trails (2006-01-03)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Gene Merriam has designated 90 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails in or adjacent to state wildlife management areas (WMAs) in Aitkin, Beltrami and Marshall counties in northwestern Minnesota.

The designations are the result of 2002 legislation requiring the DNR to identify, designate and sign ATV trails on Consolidated Conservation Lands (Con-Con Lands) to ensure "reasonable access" for ATVs via existing travel routes. The ATV trail segments mostly follow existing trails, ditch banks or other corridors of disturbance, according to Mary Broten, DNR area Trails & Waterways supervisor in Thief River Falls.

The trail segments described in Commissioner Merriam's order have undergone a rigorous public review process. County work teams comprised of appointed area residents and DNR staff helped identify and select the trail segments.

"It is good to see this process completed," said John Williams, DNR Northwest Region assistant wildlife manager. "The final footprint of the trails incorporates elements of access, recreation and resource protection as required in the legislation."

The final Con-Con trail designations will become effective on Dec. 31, 2006. Many of the segments will be signed and ready to ride this spring; however, other trail segments will require a bridge or culvert before access is in place, according to Broten.

Maps and copies of the Official Notice and Commissioner's Orders will be available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.