DNR seeks public comments on Fort Ripley-Brainerd-Pine Center ATV trail proposal

[HD]

DNR seeks public comments on Fort Ripley-Brainerd-Pine Center ATV trail proposal
(Released April 5, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites public review and written comments on a proposal from Crow Wing County for funding of a 53-mile Grant-in-Aid (GIA) all-terrain vehicle (ATV) recreational trail within existing county and state road rights-of-way.


The DNR will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5.

ATV use of the entire corridor is already allowed by law. Bringing the trail into the GIA system would allow GIA funds to be used for maintenance, repair, safety improvements, monitoring and enforcement.

Crow Wing County would sponsor, operate, maintain and manage the trail in conjunction with three supporting ATV clubs: the Central Minnesota Wheelers ATV Association, the Pine Center Sportsman’s OHV Club, and the Central Lakes Riders OHV Club. The trail would link the Fort Ripley and Ripley Connection ATV trails with the Pine Center ATV Trail.

The majority of the trail would be routed in ditches along state and county roads, either in the ditch bottom or on a bench constructed into the side slope. The trail will use the road in-slope or shoulder as allowed by state law wherever necessary to avoid obstacles.

The trail is proposed by Crow Wing County to be open to Class I and Class II ATVs seasonally from May 1 to Nov. 1, subject to county review and approval. The trail will be closed as conditions warrant for safety considerations or to prevent erosion or damage.

A GIA snowmobile trail is located on portions of the route, and snowmobile use will continue from Dec. 1 to April 1.

Copies of the proposal are available on the DNR website, at the DNR Parks and Trails office, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd; and the Crow Wing County Land Services Building, 322 Laurel St., Suite 12, Brainerd.

Written comments on the proposal may be emailed to david.clute@state.mn.us,  faxed to 218-833-8668, or mailed to David Clute, assistant area supervisor, DNR Parks and Trails, 1601 Minnesota Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401.

For more information, or to request a print copy of the proposal, call Dave Clute at 218-833-8717 or the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.