Dave Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 2, 2006Media contact: Tom Danger, DNR Trails & Waterways manager,(651) 259-5616. DNR completes ATV study of North Shore TrailThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) todayreleased its study examining the feasibility of addingsummer season all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use to all orportions of the North Shore State Trail. ATV use iscurrently prohibited on all but six miles of this 146-milestate corridor trail, which is used primarily in winter forsnowmobiling. The study, which was requested by the Minnesota Legislaturein 2005, identifies those trail segments that arephysically capable of sustaining ATV use, either as is, orwith specified mitigation, modification or reroute. It alsoprovides cost estimates for projected modifications.The final report contains detailed data on the physicalcapacity of the trail to handle ATV traffic based on athorough, mile-by-mile corridor inspection and technicalanalysis. This analysis, conducted in coordination withcounty and federal land managers, describes surface waterand wetland issues, trail stabilization needs, potentialcorridor use conflicts and land ownership concerns. Itidentifies segments of the trail that would requirealteration, and the estimated costs for modificationsdeemed necessary to accommodate ATV travel withoutdisplacing current trail users. Trail modifications arealso intended to protect surface water quality byminimizing the potential for soil erosion and streamsedimentation.In addition, the report identifies a number ofadministrative and logistical issues that would need to beaddressed prior to authorizing ATV use of the trail. Theseinclude such things as updating corridor use and landowneragreements, environmental review, and the requiredamendment of the existing North Shore Trail master plan,which does not currently permit ATV use except for thesix-mile segment near Finland. Improved mapping, signing,increased maintenance and enforcement would also be neededto head off potential visitor conflicts or safety issuesstemming from the addition of summer-season ATV traffic.DNR Trails and Waterways Director Laurie Martinson thankedofficials from Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties, and theSuperior National Forest for their help with the study, and"for their strong commitment to cooperative management ofATV recreation on public lands along Minnesota's scenicNorth Shore."The "All-Terrain Vehicle Use on the North Shore StateTrail: A Feasibility Study" is available on the DNR Website at www.dnr.state.mn.us and at www.findthetrails.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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