OHV planning - DNR is seeking volunteers

ARMCA Members: 1/26/1999

Hi Gang,

Here is another invitation to get involved in the OHV planning process for state forests. Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I was out of town when my notice came. If you are interested, call Jack Olson ASAP at 218-828-2701, e-mail jack.olson@dnr.state.mn.us, or fax the nomination form at the bottom of the message to Jack at 218-828-2439.

If you know the woods and trails in one of these areas, I highly encourage you to get invloved. Based on my experience, and Dale & Rex Greenwald's experience on two different planning teams, this promises to be a very productive effort. The DNR people we have worked with are real sincere & willing to move forward & get a real trail system on the ground. They truly recognize that we are the experts on where the trails are, and where the trail opportunities are, and they do want to work with us.

Don't be scared off by the requirement for attending every meeting. I, and other people, have gotten by just fine by sending an ocasional substitute.

Regards,

Don

January 12, 1999

RE: Off Highway Vehicle Planning in Southern Cass, Crow Wing, and Wadena Counties

The Department of Natural Resources is preparing to develop an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) System Plan for State Forest lands in Southern Cass, Crow Wing, and Wadena counties. The OHV System Plan will be developed by a planning team consisting of DNR resource managers, OHV users, other public land managers, and interested individuals with a range of perspectives on recreational OHV use. Similar OHV plans are currently being developed for other areas across the state.

The rapid growth of OHV recreation in Minnesota has created a need to actively manage OHV use to address recreational demands, reduce conflicts among recreational users of state lands, and maintain environmental quality. The DNR is committed to working with the public to protect natural resources and provide a variety of quality recreational opportunities.

The OHV System Plan will include an assessment of OHV opportunities in the area, including a description of the OHV policies and classifications for public lands. Under the DNR's proposed classification, most roads and trails in State Forests in these counties would remain open to OHV use. Trails currently designated for non-motorized uses and some trails in environmentally sensitive areas would be signed to prohibit OHV use. The plan may identify scramble areas on state forest lands where off-trail use of OHVs would be allowed. Desirable additions to the OHV trail system will also be identified. The plan may also include suggestions for Grants-in-Aid trails and other facilities on other lands. Finally, the plan will estimate the overall cost of developing and maintaining the OHV system.

The DNR is seeking volunteers to participate on the OHV System Planning Team for Southern Cass, Crow Wing, and Wadena counties. Volunteers will be asked to commit to full and active participation in the planning process which is expected to be completed by mid 1999. The Planning Team will likely meet once every three to four weeks. Most meetings will be on weekday evenings from about 6:00 to 9:00 PM. There may be one or two daytime meetings, possibly on Saturday, to allow the Planning Team to conduct field trips. It is important that each volunteer participate in every meeting so that there is continuity in communication among stakeholders and the DNR. Volunteers will be reimbursed for mileage expenses.

You may nominate yourself or someone else (with their permission) to serve on the Planning Team by completing the enclosed nomination form. The nomination forms should be returned by January 25, 1999. Nominees must be willing to work with DNR employees and other interested individuals to develop a broadly acceptable and implementable OHV plan. Nominees must be capable of taking a broad view of OHV related issues - they will not just be representing specific interests or geographic areas. About ten people will be selected from the nominees to participate on the planning team.

If you have questions or need additional information about this OHV System Planning project contact me by phone (218-828-2701) or Email.

Sincerely,

Jack Olson
Natural Resources Planner

OHV System Planning Team Nomination
Southern Cass, Crow Wing, and Wadena Counties

Nominee

Address

City, State Zipcode

Phone Number(s)

Nominated by (if different than nominee)

Briefly describe nominee's interests, affiliations, and especially why they would be a valuable member of the OHV System Planning Team.

Questions or Comments: Email Don Youngdahl