ST. PAUL, Minn. – In Thursday’s hearing of the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee, Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) strongly opposed a legislative proposal that would fundamentally change the state’s approach to ATV trails and riders.
“I hear every day from families, small businesses, and communities that rely on our outdoor recreation, and this bill is not a small change but a fundamental change in how our access works across the Northland,” said Senator Hauschild. “This bill would add unnecessary bureaucracy and costs for our local governments and would completely upend a system that’s working. ATV riders in Northern Minnesota are not the problem, they respect the land and our good stewards of our natural resources, and they should not be punished. I strongly oppose this legislation.”
SF1245 would move Minnesota toward a designated trail system statewide, requiring routes to be formally mapped and signed in order to remain open. Many existing routes relied upon by residents and visitors could be lost over time due to the added complexity, cost, and lack of resources needed to maintain them.
Senator Hauschild’s Committee comments available here. The bill was laid over for consideration.
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Learn more about Sen. Hauschild.
