10. PRSR 07-09-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Signs point way f ' ;[‘f t � AAA AOT � to limits on ATVs EN`TER EAfEA Marked routes to be the routine " ; MOTORIZED VERIOLEE i r� ,- PERMITTED By Tom Meersman Department of Natural Re ?' t ' Star Tribune Staff Writer sources (DNR) to begin a " `' multiyear trail marking pro m --• Visitors to some state for gram. Officials are required to '� F 1 < 4! ests will notice new trail signs analyze 53 state forests,and se- later this summer that tell ATV lect and mark an unspecified i;Z:3„,1). >� ' and other off-road enthusiasts number of driving trails in "'e'" where they may drive in the them by the end of 2006. , woods, and what areas are The action came after the closed. use of off-road vehicles,partic- Until now, recreational ularly ATVs in north-central Photo provided by DNR drivers could use virtually any Minnesota, provoked com- Anewlawsaysthestatemust of the estimated 7,000 miles of plaints about noise, traffic, begin a program to mark where trails in state forests. But in a safety and environmental ATVs are and aren't allowed. law that takes effect today, the damage. 2003 Legislature turned that Another provision of the law sage very clearly from the policy 180 degrees. Within a addresses a related concern:It House and the Senate," said few years, drivers will be al- gives local officials new au- DNR Assistant Commissioner lowed to ride`only on marked thority to prohibit ATV driving Brad Moore, referring to the • routes, and all other state for- in road ditches, provided they newlaw. est trails will be off limits. host public hearings about the To make that change, the closures. ATV continues on B8: new law directs the Minnesota "We heard the same mes- —Main points of new law.