jeepsr4ever
CONTACT: Lindsay Helgeson
(612) 798-7221
(800) 999-4859 ext.221
[email]lhelgeson@mediarelations.com[/email]
Urgent alert for all MN four wheel drive truck owners
You may be losing your right to use the trails in more than 50 state forests
The days of operating four wheel drive trucks in Minnesota state forests may soon be over. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), currently in the midst of an intensive trail designation process, has already announced plans to close 585 miles of trail in six forests to motorized use. If this trend continues, approximately 7,000 miles of trails could ultimately be lost to 4x4 Off Road Vehicle (ORV) operators.
These actions affect not only hunters and fisherman, but also nature enthusiasts, tourists, photographers and even families who use these trails to collect wild mushrooms and berries. Further, if this goes forward, it could negatively impact tourism dollars. It is made all the more puzzling because at the same time, for the first six forests the DNR is proposing the addition of approximately 130 miles for ATVs, and opening another 80 miles to off highway motorcycle use.
The frustration among ORV owners is growing. After more than a decade of hard work by volunteers committed to building a viable system of trails in the state forest system, and expenditures of more than $2.4 million (stemming from 1993 legislation), the DNR has dedicated only 11 miles of trails for 4x4 use in the entire state, located in the south half of the Foothills State Forest.
Public comment periods are currently underway about the trail designations for the first six state forests. Members of the public who are interested in preserving the rights of 4x4 vehicles to use public trails are encouraged to:
1. Telephone their state representative and senator, and ask them to support any pro-ORV legislation.. At this stage in the process, phone calls are far more effective than letters or e-mails. To find the name and phone number of your state representative, go to house.leg.state.mn.us/.To find the name and phone number of your state senator, go to senate.leg.state.mn.us/. Or, call 651-296-2146 (toll free 800-657-3550) to learn the name and phone number of either your state representative or senator.
2. Write a letter to the DNR stating your opinion about its plans for the first six forests. The Public Comment Period ends April 30th. Address letters to: DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155 or online via [email]info@dnr.state.mn.us[/email].
3. Attend one or more of the public hearings to show your support for truck trails in State Forests.
a. The Pillsbury State Forest Public Hearing is April 6th, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Pillager high School, 323 East Second Street South, Pillager, MN. Contact Jack Olson, 218-828-2701. Submit written comments for the official record, no later than April 30th, to [email]Pillsbury.stateforests@dnr.state.mn.us[/email].
b. The Foothills State Forest Public Hearing is April 12th, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Pine River-Backus High School, 400 N. Main St., Pine River, MN. Contact Jack Olson, 218-828-2701. Submit written comments for the official record, no later than April 30th, to [email]foothills.stateforests@dnr.state.mn.us[/email].
c. The Public Hearing for Nemaji, St. Croix, Chengwatana and General C.C. Andrews State Forests is April 14th, from 6-9 p.m. at Rutledge Community Center, 7369 Highway 61, Rutledge, MN. Contact Bill Johnson, 651-296-9220. Submit written comments for the official record, no later than April 30th, to [email]pinecounty.stateforests@dnr.state.mn.us[/email].
Media Note: For more information, including links to the individual bills mentioned in this release, or to set up an interview with a representative of the Minnesota Four Wheel Drive Association, contact Lindsay Helgeson, Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7221.
Topics of Discussion
¬? What are some misconceptions of the sport and its environmental impact?
¬? How much funding do off road vehicles contribute to the forest trail inventory?
¬? How long have off road vehicles been allowed in Minnesota State Forests?
¬? Can family cars be used to access the same areas now accessed with 4x4 vehicles?
¬? In contrast to 4x4s losing their access to state trails, how many miles are being designated in those same forests for ATVs and off-highway motorcycle trails?
