Review of 7/27/10 meeting notes typo, corrections in comments, addition of one set of comments

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1 CWC Comp Rec Plan Advisory Group Meeting Wednesday, August 25th at 6pm in Meeting Room 2 of the Land Services Building (322 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 56401) In attendance: Bill Keefe*, Tom Whitehead*, Paul Thiede*, Russell Heittola*, Rosemary Franzen*, Alan Steiff*, Larry Moses*, Bob Manning*, Brett Hardy*, Bryan Pike***, Kirk Titus***, Katie Fernholz**, Fred Kraklau, Mervin Eisel, Jared Feierabewd, Chip Borkenhagen, Rebecca Best, Roger Bentley, Margaret Boots, Renee Richardson, Jerry Fletcher, John Reynolds, Larry Wannebo, James Sehelbisig, Jerry Wolters, Arvid Sorvari, Duane Smedsrud, John Kruse, John & Sandi Porter, Bill Strassberg, Matt Hosupple, Lois Bourassa, Doris Holtz, Dave Carlson, Bob Korfe, Dustin Wroolie, Amy Wroolie, Kitty Johnson, Cheryl Young, Dick Young, Jackie Becker, Kevin Seely, Daniel Olmschenlt, Becky Eckelman, Mary Sather, Barbara Smude, Linda Lawrie, Alex Smude Jr., David Lubbers, Dave Clute, Todd Wood, Jerome Weirs, Tom Norman, Darrel Palmer, Richard Sergot, Larry Hammitt, Mary Campbell, Ethan Campbell, Clement Roden, Ly Lethell, Robert Bodine, Dale Carry, Jan Retka * - advisory group member, ** - project coordinator, *** - Land Services Department staff Agenda Welcome/Overview Presentation of Motorized summer trails Brainstorming ground rules Brainstorming of present and missing for motorized summer trails Summary of outcomes/next steps Update on Mississippi River Project Public Comment Next meeting September 28 th, Motorized winter trails Review of 7/27/10 meeting notes typo, corrections in comments, addition of one set of comments Presentation made by Bryan Pike, Crow Wing County Land Services Department regarding motorized summer trails. Presentation posted at: Brainstorming: Ground Rules for the Advisory Group 1 1 person speaks at a time All share ideas, everyone participates Questions welcome for clarification No one may criticize another Ideas may be reviewed for themes Feelings may be expressed Discussions are about positions not personalities Listen respectfully and sincerely try to understand others Ground Rules for Facilitator Make participants comfortable Share/enforce ground rules Communicate with each participant Act neutral Stay positive Allow thinking time Avoid lengthy comments, verbal rewards, leading or loaded questions, or know-itall tone

2 What is Present that supports Summer motorized Trails (e.g., what are you glad the county already has?) (includes comments from the Advisory Group and public input) meeting. 2 4 motorized trail systems permitted for motorized use (Emily/Outing trail, OHM trail, 2 designated GIA trails) Fort Ripley GIA 7 miles on CWC lands Pine Center GIA 11 miles Northern Lites OHM 6.5 miles Emily/Outing 5 miles Fort Ripley used pre-existing logging roads and has gates to prohibit travel in adjacent areas; includes road to boat launch/public access Pine Center utilized existing logging roads, also crosses state lands and includes minimum maintenance roads Emily trail ties to Moose River trail system OHM trail club has used trails in this area for 30+ years County lands are open to motorized use under the managed use classification Have GPS-d routes Partnering with clubs and local businesses to find fair and reasonable alternatives Opportunities for designating trails or creating new trails to expand trail system Concerns to develop and maintain a healthy trail system Family recreation opportunities Demand for trails High number of registered ATVs Existing logging/forest roads Mining roads Unmarked trails Large number of licensed ATVs in Crow Wing County o 7,835 registered in CWC as of June 30, 2010 o 9,109 statewide registrants report they ride mostly in CWC 1 1 The numbers reflect updates received after the August 25 th o Info collected at license purchasing OHM (off-highway motorcycles) separate license; info is also available for OHMs GIA funds to maintain existing trails Fort Ripley GIA Pine Center GIA OHM trail is not GIA Over-the-Hills is not GIA Money available in GIA system in general fund Role of DNR in GIA Publicly owned lands available for trails OHM club is interested in GIA trail in CWC existing land at landfill is not large enough to support longer trail/more use for a GIA application or for hosting events Not GIA at existing OHM trail to reduce attracting too many riders Expect to lose land due to landfill growth therefore looking to relocate There is a history of OHM trails at airport and on Potlatch lands in Riverton area: +/- 100 miles in the past Minimum length for GIA? For DNR? OHM Club would like loops from a central parking area that provide +/- 20 miles 3 to 4 loops, therefore, +/- 60 miles total trail GIA trails have to be worthy of driving to; a destination trail (e.g. Pine Center +/- 20 miles) Group of 30 trail ambassadors as volunteers to monitor trails Maybe more than 30? 173 in MN, 40 in CWC? Active clubs to work with county to help with trails Law enforcement in CWC to provide limited number of services (Sheriffs and COs) Parks and Trails committee process; adopted plan?

3 COs won t/can t patrol non-gia trails Conflicts/displaced recreation types due to motorized trails ATV trails/systems also available for hunting/hiking, other uses Also have areas closed to motorized uses Low to mixed public approval and support Laws regarding horse/atv interactions on trails Planning process to look at motorized rec. trails Commissioners willing to work with motorized trails (missing in past) Have trails currently, sufficient Glad to have land available for more designated trails County hired Dovetail for project working with all user groups Many miles out there today o e.g. Black Bear Area in north being used but not dedicated Healthy tourism area and visitors Motorized tourists spend money - e.g. Silverbay experience Have lodging, restaurants lack trails Welcome Center reported in inquires about where to ride No negative calls on Emily-Outing or OHM trail GIA vs. Non-GIA: GIA maintained by club; non-gia also maintained by club (fix potholes etc.) and county oversees; responds to complaints (land manager) Not a lot of calls on GIA trails DNR/U of M data from studies of impacts (also in Cass County) Uof M study showing economic impact to CWC Over-the-Hill maintains trails ditch repairs, signs, etc., hold fundraisers, volunteers donate Road authority checks ROW trail uses County supervises/checks work (no payments) County provided plastic culverts to improve trail drainage (club provided labor) Forest Road Inventory included mapping trails (most in northern area) o Identified trail widths o GPS-d, documented ATV routes ATVs keep trail overgrowth back (makes it possible to find trails for ATVs and other users) provides easier access to public lands License required for all ATV s o Not a trail pass Past county experience Riders aren t happy and others aren t either State forest lands classified managed north of highway 2 other areas limited some closed (e.g. Pillsbury State Forest) Cass County ATV trails Walker to Spider Lake: tarred approach and/or driveway crossings Businesses like Brother s Motorsports are located in CWC Enjoy the Pine Center ATV trails frequently. It s nice to have GIA trails that can be sustained Trail ambassadors saved Spider Lake trail Sufficient trail miles for the 15% (DNR survey number) of ATV owners who ride on public land ATV trespass in closed areas is driving out traditional users Gas tax survey analysis showing 15% of ATV owners ride on public land multi-use trails (ATV, OHV, snowmovile) Huge # of people that this is their main family recreation Over $200,000 in GIA available for trail ambassador program with just over $125,000 being applied for in 2010 Youth ATV safety classes (education) Opportunity for increased tourism Logging trail system County lands (not highways) for off-road travel No community support for trail along county roads 3

4 Existing ATV trails are not impacting many homes; affect as few residences as possible ATVs & other users don t mix very well 103,000 acres of county/public land Sufficient number of summer motorized ATV trails Limited number of hours for dedicated law enforcement for ATV trails Response of DNR officers to local safety concerns when time permits The rudiments of some planning for motorized trail issues What is Missing to support Summer Motorized Trails (e.g., what do you wish the county had?) (includes comments from the Advisory Group and public input) 4 OHM single track trails Comp. plan for county as to what county is going to offer ATV riders experience, number of miles, etc. Sufficient law enforcement, assigned officers and trained to patrol summer motorized ATV trails Designated trail system Designated GIA trails Trails connecting towns/cities with CWC (similar to snowmobile trails) Agreement to not add more summer motorized ATV trails Agreement to establish appropriate trail criteria for current summer motorized trails A commitment to move current trails to areas that are at least one mile away from local residence At what point are there enough designated trails and other areas are closed? Need managed/limited/closed designated system for trails (similar to DNR system) Funding Trail sustainability matrix criteria objective way to evaluate trail proposals to county, including monitoring enforcement More GIA trails would allow more CO and trail ambassador patrols COs can t check on complaints on non- GIA trails Agreement on enforcement Funding (e.g. Cass system of trail construction) Communication mechanism with counties surrounding CWC what are they doing for trails, highways, etc. Monitoring by trail ambassadors Best use of 100,000 acres missing a destination trail system Use of closed lands formerly used by motorized recreation (areas overgrown, etc.) Trail use in July Definitive way to measure public demand for use Use of snowmobile trails or portions of them by ATVs (limited by designation on private lands, wet in summer) ATVs use township/county roads, therefore they re also used by LMV (licensed motor vehicles) share-the-road Multi-use on trails mixing recreation types (horses/atvs; room for doing more) OHM/OHV can be designated together Data (e.g. law enforcement costs, economic benefits, compatibility issues, public nuisance, public safety, environmental impacts, whole idea of motorized rec., risks, accidents) County uses data to make decisions (e.g. experience in Maine with ATVs, bikes, horses) Relate data about motorized rec. to other forms of recreation (health benefits) Inter-county connections Action Staff consistency, plans, changes due to elections

5 5 More miles of trails that connect to food & lodging Designate 35 & 36 Open Cuyuna State Req area to motorized use A GIA trail at the Blackbear & Miller Lake area More GIA trails that give money to volunteers and DNR to maintain and monitor sustainable trails Look for best practices and lessons learned from other counties/states (e..g, Oregon) Studies need to be done in CWC Of the 10,000 registered ATVs how many are sitting unused? How many people would use a GIA trail? Need to look at Cass County approach to public working with County on trails and shared trail uses Information about ATV registration Information about DNR enforcement Are there any ordinances against creating trails on county land? We lack an ordinance prohibiting ATV/OHM damage to public property, county lands. A county board thinking of long term cost/benefits Data showing water quality leaving the watershed north of Cnty Rd 1 and the rutted ditches that flow into lakes and streams Definitions of damage Unfragmented forestland Closure of damage trails Limited classification Memorandum of Understanding with state that would allow conservation officer enforcement Data on costs of repairing damage and displaced tourism dollars Data on benefits of ATV trails Proven economic benefit Support from people who live here Policy on noise CWC limit ATVs to authorized ATV trails Improved parking for existing ATV trails Repair for damaged private and public land due to ATV abuse Who is in charge of trails? Clubs? County parks, road crew? County does not supervise ATV Trails wait for complaints Public awareness that if trails are available people will ride on them and that there are clubs that would be willing to maintain the trails to help alleviate expenses to tax payers If all trails were GIA they could be monitored through the trail ambassador program Peace, quiet, safety, quality of life, economic, environmental, safety studies that are done in CWC instead of depending on studies done somewhere else A balanced advisory board More loops in existing ATV trails More woods trails and not ditch trails Measures of the social impact of ATVs trails on residences GIA trail system that is county wide and connecting to surrounding county trails Commitment to follow CWC board approved Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan Lack of support by county board for sustainable recreation Policy commitment to leave a healthy environment for future generations Policy to support special interest motorized groups to purchase their own land where they can operate summer motorized vehicles in an environmental appropriate manner Policy to not turn over CWC public lands for management to a special interest group Policy of support and commitment to CWC local residents who reside near motorized trails that they will not be left with a dirtier, nosier, less safe and damaged environment to live in all year long due to motorized summer recreation vehicles

6 6 Policies stating that summer motorized trails are not compatible with green recreation Policy supporting green recreation in CWC as a high priority Very stiff penalties for the motorized recreational vehicle renegades and offenders Data on the high risks of summer motorized to property, environment, well being, compatibility with other nonmotorized recreation forms, excess ongoing taxpayer cost exposure, adverse affection to the way of life of area residents, limited economic potential, public nuisance issues, public safety issues, adverse environmental impacts Data on how motorized summer recreation may create a negative image of recreation for future generations (excess use of gas and oil for titillating experiences; encouraging an unhealthy form of recreation high impact and Priorities Action based on criteria, data, and comp. plan Designated trail system Define acceptable parameters for competing interests Plan to show the public and to get feedback Connect trails that are here OHM riding area Objective evaluation process for trail proposals Safety GIA has 7 step process/2 year review requirement Trail system connecting towns in county and trails in adjacent counties Local support CWC leaders use data-based decision making to result in healthy legacy for future generations (e.g., no new trails until supporting data) Reopen Cuyuna State Recreation Area to summer motorized use sedentary behavior; and adding little to no value to the CWC area positive green forms of recreation.) Data on the amount of public dollars spent on law enforcement and related emergency costs due to summer motorized issues as contrasted with other forms of recreation Data on the amount of public dollars spent annually on environmental damage due to ATV issues as contrasted to other forms of recreation Estimate or map of forest road system available to motorized use need to inventory Information about trail proximity to residences Numbers for trails like a road map so you always know where you are (like in WI) Designate the Blackbear/Miller Lake area as GIA Designate county 35 & 36 as a GIA trail Use suitability matrix method to classify acceptable recreation uses Limited classification Data about water quality impacts Data on costs of repairing damage and tourism dollars No more trails on roads No public money used Increase budget for trained officers to patrol current ATV trails Repair damage done by ATVs to habitat and private property Policy of no more ATV trails will be added to CWC Development of multi-use trails Take advantage of the potential tourism and economic impact that people travel from south of Brainerd to trails in neighboring counties or to the north versus stopping in CWC Missed GIA money

7 Jobs and industry that brings jobs Law enforcement Health care, social services Keep ATV trails (including GIA trails) away from residential homes Develop a GIA trails system in the Miller-Black Bear area on county and state land Connecting trail (ATV) from Fort Ripley to Pine Center trails North-South and East-West corridor trail system with connections to every city/town n the county Protecting the environment Don t close existing trails Public Comment L. Hamil Thanks to committee. Are we back to where we were? What is the mission of committee? K.Fernholz - The Crow Wing County Land Services Department initiated a project in October 2009 to develop a comprehensive recreation trails plan for county-managed public lands. The plan will address existing and proposed recreation trails that serve a full range of motorized and non-motorized uses, including ATV routes, equestrian trails, biking, hiking, dog-sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and other trail based recreation types. L. Smude Farmer: Complaints of riders in crops, what are the provisions for damage to livelihood? ATV riders at places during the day then they are gone where is the money? B. Smude Concerned about safety with farming equipment in spring, haying, harvesting and conflict with ATVs on trail and spooking cattle. They are noisy, I want a quiet country experience. C. Roden - Cars, pick-ups also noisy H. Brewer How do trails get incorporated in Mississippi River Plan? K. Fernholz: Miranda Anderson will speak next about the Mississippi River project. B. Strausner Brother s Motor Sports ATVs, motorcycles support business and 30 employees J. Reynolds Why isn t the county applying Clean Water Standards regarding runoff in ditches to lakes due to ruts? M. Eisle Question legitimacy of committee stacked with pro-motorized interests? K. Fernholz The committee is intended to represent diverse interests. Information about committee members is available at the project website. While the committee has a special role in the project, there are opportunities for public input through the questionnaire, participation in open meetings, written comments, and the eventual public hearings regarding the draft plan. The meeting notes include advisory group comments as well as public input. J. Rekta Why were areas closed? Should put trails on public lands not ROW and by highways. B. Hardy Airport expansion took trails, Cuyana Rec. Area closed, Potlatch land sold/leased, state designations also impacted trails in closed/limited areas 7

8 J. Porter The ATV Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) is a resource for the committee in planning, funding, etc. ATVAM works with agencies, clubs, etc. Active in funding, supporting trail ambassadors, youth training, rider considerations G. Larson Need more trails problems due to not enough trails. No complaints in club managed designated areas J. Cautriput Northern Lights Motorcycle Club member and spend money to attend events outside of the county (including out of state) D. Palmer Central Lake ATV Club: 1,000 members in CWC working since 2006 on trails. Studies, evaluations, etc. Need trail signage. Appreciate efforts need action. Conflicts relate to not having GIA trails. Trained/certified trail ambassadors cause majority of problems to go away through monitoring and reporting trail conditions, education, etc. M. Campbell Would like to see Cuyuna open to designated motorized recreation M. Sather Most important of all is trails need community support or won t have good trail Dustin Ruley: Need education e.g. DNR ambassadors program and youth ATV program, 3 rd classes in 2010, 30 to 40 kids in each, CO says youth incidents down tremendously due to education. Anyone born after 87 must participate in course. Good family recreation. Update on the Mississippi Riverfront Vision Plan Miranda Anderson - Project goal of increasing community connection to the river in the Brainerd-Baxter area - Vision process was supported by the Blandin Foundation and identified four key areas - More information is available at: Adjourn 8:04pm 8