ATVs, snowmobiles will be prohibited from going off-trail

Written by News of the North

Monday, October 05, 2009

State Senator Jim Holperin (D-Eagle River) said new legislation (Senate Bill 264) prohibiting motorized recreational vehicles from straying off marked trails and onto public land has been recommended for passage in the State Senate.

“Current law prohibits trespass by ATVs and snowmobiles and off-road vehicles on private land, but our statutes are silent regarding public land,” Holperin said. “Wisconsin law just kind of assumes that public land is available for any kind of use including motorized vehicles. That won’t be the case for long.”

Holperin said as ATV and snowmobile trail networks grow larger, it is critical to assure that motorized recreation vehicles stay on those trails. Changing state law to make most public land “off limits” except for designated trails will help accomplish that goal.

“It makes it difficult for law enforcement to keep ATVs and snowmobiles on marked trails when the law doesn’t prohibit straying off any of those trails which run across public land,” Holperin pointed out. “Senate Bill 264 will change things, and running those machines off-trail on public land will be considered trespass once the bill passes.”

He predicted passage by the Senate in late October and concurrence by the Assembly shortly thereafter.

Source: http://newsofthenorth.net/article/Government/State_and_national/ATVs_snowmobiles_will_be_prohibited_from_going_offtrail/26463

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“Once they chased our cow into a deep arroyo where it fell and broke its neck. I don't understand how anyone could think chasing livestock is fun.” As a result of the growing conflicts with off-roaders, the Gonzales family stopped their cattle ranching. It doesn't matter whether it is a plate or decal, what is important is that the identification is visible. The police could have tracked down the illegal riders if we had been able to photograph the IDs on their vehicles. I think that would have made them think twice before breaking the law.”

- Eleanor Gonzales, private property owner in Santé Fe County, NM