News Releases


DNR, Aitkin County agree to new ATV, OHM trail (2007-01-31)
Aitkin County commissioners today approved a grant agreement that will create a continuous trail, at least 70 miles in length, for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs). The county entered into the grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) following the county commission meeting.

Three proposals were reviewed and selected as finalists by the DNR: one from St. Louis County, and two joint applications from Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties and Aitkin and Itasca counties. The DNR selected the Aitkin-Itasca proposal because it best matched the established criteria, including land availability, level of readiness and public involvement process. Itasca County has an existing cooperative agreement with Aitkin County.

"Public participation is critical in this first step," explained DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. "The Aitkin-Itasca proposal identified several opportunities for public involvement, which was one of the criteria we looked at very closely."

Legislation passed in 2003 required the DNR to identify, design and develop a continuous trail at least 70 miles long. When complete, the Aitkin-Itasca proposal would create approximately 85 miles of recreational trail, and compliment the existing trail system in the area. The creation of the trail is in addition to the forest reclassification and recreational trail designation process currently underway in all 58 state forests.

"With the growth of motorized recreational vehicles, such as ATVs and OHMs, lawmakers saw an opportunity to enhance the economy of a group of local communities," said Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids. "I'd like to thank the DNR and Aitkin and Itasca counties for working together to increase recreational access in northern Minnesota."

Forrest Boe, DNR Division of Trails & Waterways director, said the first step is for the counties to recommend a trail location and design, and conduct an environmental review. There is nothing definite, as far as trail location is concerned, Boe explained. The public will have the opportunity to help design the trail and determine where it goes.

"This is an exciting opportunity," said Brian Napstad, county board chairperson. "We do have a variety of trails in the area, but nothing like this. People will now be able to park their vehicles at a variety of locations and have access to literally hundreds of miles of quality trails."

DNR Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Coordinator Ron Potter said the legislation requires trail placement on public land - county or state - that is suitable for the proposed activity.

An environmental assessment worksheet is also required which takes at least six months to compete, said Potter, who added there is a lot of work to be done before a new trail could be opened.

"Rural counties need positive developments like this to help maintain jobs, enhance tourism and sustain our economies," Napstad said. "Communities that act as trailheads or stops along the trail have the potential for real, sustainable, positive economic impacts.

"Once this trail is built and functioning, we also expect to see a reduction in enforcement actions and environmental issues as riders will have access to properly located, constructed and signed trails."