Senate Marty-Rudd Bill Drastically Limits ATV Access to State Forests Will Hurt Development of ATV Tourism Potential
In a bill (Senate File 850) authored by Senator John Marty (Roseville) and Senator Carrie Ruud (Breezy Point) passed last week in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, access to state forest lands in Minnesota by ATV enthusiasts would be drastically reduced and eliminated in some state forests according to the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM).
Dustin Young, ATVAM president said, "The Marty-Ruud bill, while providing for a limited amount of ATV trail mileage, will be a defacto ban of ATVs use on state forest lands by October, 2005. In less than two and one-half years ATVers can expect their access to state forest lands to be drastically reduced and in some forests eliminated if the Marty-Ruud bill passes."
In addition, ditch riding is also prohibited by the state in SF 850 unless the road authority specifically permits it. Young also noted that this legislation would virtually kill any prospects of developing a comprehensive, designated ATV trail system that would bring tourism dollars to Northern Minnesota. "ATV recreational riding has the potential to be the next big tourism draw to Northern Minnesota. Unfortunately, Senate File 850 would stifle and kill what would be a big shot in the arm for Minnesota's economy."
Senate File 850 is on its way to the Senate floor for final action. The Minnesota House has language in the House Environment Finance Omnibus bill authored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth (House File 1077), chair of the Environment Policy Committee, which would continue to provide access to ATVers on state forest lands while allowing the DNR to properly manage ATV activity on a forest by forest basis. ATVAM strongly supports this legislation.
For more information on SF 850 contact ATVAM at www.atvam.org or call 1-800-HI-ATVAM or 763-503-1975. ATVAM strongly encourages all ATVers to contact their local legislators and ask them to fight against Senate File 850 and support House File 1077 in conference committee. Conference committee action should begin by May 7th.