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killswitch_1 Admin 
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ST. CLOUD TIMES ARTICLE All-terrain vehicles have damaged St. Cloud's River Bluffs Regional Park as well as other undeveloped parks in the area. ATVs are prohibited at city and county parks. But their telltale signs — deep, muddy ruts on hillsides and bluffs — can be seen in several places at River Bluffs, the scenic Mississippi River park formerly known as Plum Creek. Park advocates say ATV users have ridden in the area for years, but the damage seemingly has intensified this summer. "It's far worse this year than it has ever been," said Jane Bennett of Sartell. County officials say they have seen sporadic but persistent ATV damage at other regional parks. Signs have been posted to ward off ATVs at Bend in the River Park south of Rice and Oak Savanna Land Preserve in Becker. St. Cloud park officials plan to post "No Motorized Vehicles" signs at River Bluffs as well as Neenah Creek Regional Park and Heritage Woods Preserve in hopes of preventing damage there, said Scott Zlotnik,assistant parks director. But park officials saypatrolling and enforcing the rules at sprawling, undeveloped parks is difficult, and just a few unruly ATV riders can cause a lot of damage. "Unfortunately, they destroy the park for everyone else," said William Mayland, Benton County's assistant development director. The debate about where off-road vehicles such as ATVs should be allowed has raged in Minnesota for several years. ATV supporters argue that most riders are responsible, and a few lawbreakers are giving theentire group a bad reputation. A new law took effect Aug. 1 that gives ATV riders freer rein in state forests in the northern part of the state, rather than confining them to a trail system designated for motorized vehicles. The new law only applies to the area north of U.S. Highway 2, which runs from Duluth northwest through Grand Rapids, Bemidji and Crookston to the NorthDakota border. River Bluffs St. Cloud acquired the land for River Bluffs in 2001. The 140-acre park includes steep bluffs and impressive views of the Mississippi, and is home to a variety of animals and migratory birds. Conservationists such as Bennett and Charlotte Stephens of St. Cloud worry that the ATVs are destroying vegetation that helps hold the banks in place and prevent erosion. The park's sandy soil is especially vulnerable to damage, they said. "As it wears away, then the trees and plants don't have their foundation," Stephens said. Sediment washes downhill into the river, carrying with it excess nutrients that pollute the waters, she said. The city recently completed a master plan for the park that calls for developing the southern end first, including a trail, parking area and river overlook. St. Cloud applied for but didn't receive a state grant to start developing the park. However, revenue from the city's sales tax could be used, Zlotnik said. City officials hope to start by late 2006 or early 2007, he said. Zlotnik noted that parts of River Bluffs park are designated by state law as a scenic river. That means ATV users aren't just violating city ordinances — they're also breaking state law, he said. Other parks Park directors in Benton and Sherburne counties say they have seen some limited ATV damage in parks. Stearns County reported only occasional problems. "It's a concern of ours," said Tim Edgeton, Sherburne County forester. County officials put additional signs and fences at Oak Savanna Land Preserve in Becker and used steel pipes to block ATVs on some county trails, Edgeton said. The county's park plan acknowledges a need for motorized-vehicle trails, but there are no immediate plans to build them, he said. Signs also were posted at Bend in the River Park to prevent ATVs from harming the fragile river banks, Maryland said. "That's a very sensitive area," he said. According to state rules, you may ride an all-terrain vehicle: ¦ On private land with the landowner's permission. ¦ On frozen public waters where you have legal access. ¦ On public lands open to ATVs. Check federal, state and local regulations for details. You may not ride: ¦ On the median of a four-lane highway, within the right-of-way of any interstate highway or on the right-of-way between opposing lanes of traffic. ¦ In most state parks, state recreation areas, wildlife management areas and state scientific and natural areas, except when posted. ¦ In any areas restricted by local ordinances. ¦ On state lands designated closed to motorized uses. ¦ On agricultural land without permission. Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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