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ACCESS MANAGEMENT on the Douglas County Forest RESPONSIBLE motorized recreation starts with you. If you don’t know DON’T GO! 2010 The Douglas County Forestry Department welcomes you to enjoy the largest and one of the finest County Forests in the State of Wisconsin. More than 1,200 miles of roads and trails wind and loop through the 273,000 acre Forest and surrounding properties. If you are one of the many users who enjoys accessing the Forest for the multitude of uses it provides, you are not alone. The Douglas County Forest Access Management Plan has been adopted as the Department’s comprehensive approach to access management on the Douglas County Forest. The Plan was developed to provide users of the Forest a wide array of experiences, including those for both motorized and non-motorized pursuits. Plan objectives are as follows: • Ensuring sustainability of natural resources. • Providing a range of opportunities for all users. • Minimizing conflicts between users. • Ensuring public safety for all users. This guide is provided for informational purposes and is not intended as a complete listing of all rules and regulations. Rules and regulations contained in this brochure were current at the time of printing only. If you would like specific information on the most current regulations and laws, see Douglas County Land Recreation Ordinance #7.2 available by contacting the Forestry Department or at www.douglascountywi.org or for Wisconsin state laws go to www.legis.state.wi.us Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Ave., PO Box 211 Solon Springs, WI 54873 your responsible riding continues the privilege! FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS BROCHURE, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department. Photos courtesy of Katherine Khalar. © 2009, Douglas County Forestry Department. All rights reserved. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Hunting and Motorized Vehicles Finding a great place to hunt is often as challenging as the actual hunting itself. Douglas County hunters are fortunate that the search is not nearly as difficult as it is in many other Counties, where public land is rare. Using motorized vehicles while hunting on the Douglas County Forest is a privilege, and the responsibility is yours to maintain the high quality and beauty of your hunting area. Being respectful of the landscape and wildlife around you is key to ensuring the next year’s hunt, as well as that of future generations. Here are some guidelines and tips to remember while out on the hunt. How you can reduce motorized vehicle impacts during hunting season: Know the motorized vehicle use regulations before you go hunting. Respect road and area closures. Stay on existing roads or trails. Do not contribute to resource damage, habitat destruction and user conflict by operating cross- country or creating new travelways for others to follow. Avoid the use of motorized vehicles in wet areas or during wet conditions. Even when roads and trails may be open for motorized vehicle use, motorized vehicles can still cause considerable damage which can lead to future closures. Don't widen roads and trails by forcing your vehicle out and around obstacles. Limit motorized vehicle use in and around other hunters’ hunting locations. Be considerate and respectful of other hunters' desires for quiet and minimal disruption. When operating a motorized vehicle on an open road, to increase your chances of hunting success and cause less disturbance to other hunters around you, access your hunting area before shooting hours and then return midday or after hunting hours. Remember using motorized vehicles for the purpose of hunting is a privilege! Frequently Asked Questions Reporting Violations year-round and Countywide, careless operators of motorized vehicles are illegally operating on the Douglas County Forest where fragile resources are being damaged, public safety is being threatened, and other user experiences are being disrupted. These behaviors rob law- abiding users of riding opportunities, conflict with non-motorized enthusiasts, and jeopardize future privileges. Diligent citizens reporting illegal activities has increased the effectiveness of the County’s ability to protect the Forest resources and user experiences. With your help, we can further reduce illegal motorized vehicle operation and target those individuals who have no regard for the law. • Calling the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at (715) 394-4432 • Calling the Douglas County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 • Faxing a report to (715) 378-2807 • Emailing a report to [EMAIL REDACTED] • Mailing or delivering a report to the Forestry Department office at 9182 East Hughes Avenue, P.O. Box 211, Solon Springs, WI 54873. violations can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by: ALL vIOLATIONS CAN BE REPORTED ANONyMOUSLy. Together, we can stop illegal motorized vehicle use. It’s time to say “Enough is Enough”! Make the call. TREAD Frequently Asked Questions Safety First! — Remember you are responsible for your own safety. Road and trail use has inherent risks and you may encounter a variety of unexpected and/or dangerous conditions. It is your responsibility to be informed and take necessary precautions. Make a good impression! — Remember, careless operation of your motorized vehicle can cause damage and may result in more road and trail closures. Allow for future use of the Forest by obeying all laws and by leaving it better than you found it. The actions you take when riding will affect how others view the sport. Q I am a non-motorized enthusiast and would like to hunt in an area of the Forest where I can avoid ATV’s. Where can I do this? A Although not completely non-motorized, the Low Motorized Areas will provide you the best opportunity for a walk-in non-motorized experience (see the three area classification system map). Q I am an avid trapper during the winter months and would like to use my snowmobile off-trail to access remote areas of the Forest to trap. Is it legal to do this? A No. All cross-country motorized travel is prohibited at any time of year for any purpose. However, for the purpose of trapping beavers whose activities are threatening Forest infrastructure, individuals can request an exemplary permit. All permits are considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis and are highly regulated. The following are simple things, but they can go a long way toward reducing the impact of motorized vehicle use on the Douglas County Forest. They will protect our natural resources and improve the experiences of all users. Following these simple guidelines will reduce the need for more stringent regulations and help retain the access opportunities that currently exist. T Travel only where you and your vehicle are permitted; stay on designated routes. Never blaze your own trail. R Respect the rights of hikers and other non-motorized outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the Forest. E Educate yourself and others in your group by obtaining maps and lists of regulations. Check for annual updates and changes before you go. A Avoid streams, lake shores, wetlands, sensitive resources, steep grades, wildlife, and heavily rutted roads and trails. D Drive and travel responsibly and in a courteous manner to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to continuing enjoying the privilege of recreating on Douglas County Forest lands. Spread the word…TREAD Tree Stands — Tree stand and ground blind use in the Forest is regulated by County Ordinance 7.2. Hunters are asked to know the rules before installing any stands or blinds. Camping — All persons (including hunters) wishing to camp on the Forest are required to obtain a Recreational Use – Special Camping Permit from the Department. For further information on these and other Forest regulations, please visit www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department. The impression you leave lasts a lifetime… By law, all persons wishing to cut, harvest, collect, gather, or remove any of the following products or items from Douglas County Forest lands for personal, commercial or cultural use are required to obtain a permit authorizing the collection in a specific area: Additional Forest Rules Firewood Christmas Trees Fir Boughs Birch Stems and/or Branches Birch Bark Pine/Spruce Cones Any Other Miscellaneous Products of Plant Origin Any Mineral (sand, gravel, rock) Archaeological Artifact or Historical Article Permits may be obtained from the Forestry Department. For more information about the Douglas County Forest or to obtain a copy of the Access Management Plan visit our website at www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department at: Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Avenue, P.O. Box 211 Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone (715) 378-2219 • Fax (715) 378-2807 [EMAIL REDACTED] The information in this brochure applies only to Douglas County Forest lands. Individuals are asked to contact appropriate land owners for access management policies, including those for motorized vehicle use, on all lands under other ownerships. State of Wisconsin DNR (888) 936-7463 State of Minnesota DNR (218) 485-5410 National Park Service (715) 483-3284 Washburn County Forestry Department (715) 635-4490 Bayfield County Forestry Department (800) 472-6338 Sawyer County Forestry Department (715) 634-4839 Burnett County Forestry Department (715) 349-2157 Wausau-Mosinee Paper Corporation (715) 378-2244 Plum Creek Timber Company (715) 453-6992 See the Official E-Directory posted at www.douglascountywi.org for local Douglas County township and village contacts. A No. When a road or trail is closed to motorized uses, it is closed regardless of conditions. Q I have a Polaris Ranger utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) and recently purchased a golf cart for my kids. We would like to use them on the County Forest. Where can we do this? A Registered UTV’s can be operated on any developed road or trail that is open to ATV use including the Summer ATV and Winter snowmobile and ATV trail networks. Since the golf cart cannot be officially licensed or registered by the State of Wisconsin as a highway or recreational vehicle, operating it is prohibited in all areas of the Forest. For further information on the Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) program, please contact the WDNR at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. Q My family and I are planning to stay at Lucius Woods County Park Campground this summer and would like to bring our ATV’s with us. Can we use them to travel around the park and access the Summer ATV trail system from our campsite? A No. It is prohibited to operate an ATV in any County Park unless it’s on a designated Summer ATV trail. You would have to trailer your ATV’s from your campsite to a trailhead parking area that provides access to the Summer ATV trail system and unload there. Q My friends and I would like to use our motorized dirt bikes on the Forest. Where can we do this? A The only area of the Forest that is open to dirt bike use is the Straight Arrow OHM Trail network in the Summit Township. Use of all other off- highway that are not legal for public highway use is prohibited in all other areas of the Forest. Please contact the Department for further information on the Straight Arrow OHM Trail. Q Due to the openness and rolling terrain of the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area (Bird Sanctuary), the area is very attractive for cross- country snowmobile riding. Can I do this activity? A No. It is prohibited to operate a snowmobile anywhere on the property. The area is managed and regulated by the WDNR. All questions should be addressed to the WDNR Douglas County Wildlife Management Area Property Manager at WDNR Service Center, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 or (715) 395-6912. Q I am looking for an off road “play area” or “scramble area” to operate my ATV in and challenge my skills. Does Douglas County provide any such area on the Forest? A No. Individuals seeking this type of experience should look into the opportunities available at the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area in the City of Gilbert, St. Louis County, MN (218) 748- 2207, Embarrass River ATV Park in the Village of Tigerton, Shawano County, WI (800) 235-8528, Dyracuse Mound Recreational Area in the Town of Rome, Jefferson County, WI (715) 325-8014, or the ATV Intensive Use Areas in the Clark County Forest, Clark County, WI (715) 743-5140. Printer will drop in FSC label here. Q There is a road with no sign or road blockage device installed that I would like to drive down with my ATV. Can I do this? A Yes. As long as there is no restrictive sign or road blockage device installed. Users are asked to assess current conditions at all times and avoid causing erosion, rutting, or damage to trees. Such actions will lead to future closures. Q There is a road with an earth berm but no closed sign. Can I go around the berm with my ATV and use the road? A No. Any road or trail having a road blockage device installed and no sign is closed to all motor vehicle use. Q I would like to drive my pickup truck down a winter snowmobile trail in the fall. Can I do this? A Only if the trail is specifically signed as open to Highway Vehicle use during that time. Most winter snowmobile trails are closed to highway vehicle use year-round. Q I read on a sign that I can only use the trail with my snowmobile after the official winter trail opening date. How do I know when this date occurs? A Official summer and winter trail opening and closing dates vary from year to year depending on a variety of conditions. Please call the 24/7 trail hotline at [PHONE REDACTED] for official dates for the current year. Q I would like to ride my horse in the Forest. Where can I do this? A You can ride your horse on any developed road or trail in the Forest. Roads closed to motorized uses with signs or road blockage devices are open to horse travel. However, riding horses cross- country (off a developed road or trail surface) is prohibited. Q I found a well established ATV trail that appears to never have been a developed road. Can I use this trail with my ATV? A Contact the Department to confirm the location and permitted use of the trail. Many illegally constructed or established trails are located throughout the Forest. These types of trails were never approved or constructed by the Department as developed roads. Use of these illegal trails is prohibited. Q I am a resident of the State of Minnesota and would like to use my ATV on the Forest to trail ride on the Summer ATV trail network and possibly hunt this fall. Do I need any permits? A Yes. You will need to purchase a non-resident trail pass if you plan to ride on any of the Summer ATV or Winter snowmobile and ATV trail networks. Please contact the WDNR for a list of authorized sales locations in the area. If you plan to ride your ATV on the Forest anywhere other than on the Summer ATV or Winter snowmobile and ATV trail networks you will not need a non- resident trail pass, however, without a non-resident trail pass, your ATV must have a valid registration from your home State of primary residence to legally operate. Q I observed somebody operating an ATV down a closed trail. How can I report the violation? A Record any pertinent information such as license plate number, registration number, color, make, model, date, time of day, physical description of individual, etc. and contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department or the Douglas County Forestry Department to report the violation. Q I am aware that a particular road is closed to motorized vehicle use due to the risk of wetland and soil damage. If the ground is frozen sufficient enough to support my truck or ATV without causing rutting can I use either on the road? What’s New in 2010 Utility-Terrain Vehicles (UTV’s), also known as lightweight utility vehicles or side-by-sides, are now permitted for use on all ATV trails managed by the Douglas County Forestry Department. Douglas County has adopted the State of Wisconsin’s UTV law, including UTV definition and registration requirements. For further information on the new law and UTV pilot program please contact the WDNR at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. For further information on regulated UTV use in the Douglas County Forest please contact the Forestry Department. Q I would like to use my ATV during hunting season to access my hunting area. How can I do that? A You can operate your ATV on any developed road or trail that is open or signed open for ATV use during the intended time. Q I would like to use my ATV to retrieve a deer I harvested. Is it legal for me to do this? A You can operate your ATV on any developed road or trail that is open or signed open for ATV use during the intended time. However, you cannot travel off the developed road or trail surface to the deer’s location (all cross-country motorized travel is prohibited). You must transport the carcass to the road or trail by non-motorized means before transporting it with your ATV. Q I enjoy bear hunting with hounds and also own a Kawasaki Mule utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) that I have registered as a UTV with the State of Wisconsin. Can I use my UTV to run my bait locations and also to drop and pick-up my dogs? A Yes.You can operate your UTV on any developed road or trail that is open to ATV use (cross-country travel is prohibited). In the event any road or trail is only open to highway vehicle use and closed to ATV use, it is also closed to UTV use. In regards to use designations in the Forest, a UTV is considered an ATV for all intensive purposes. Q I want to drive my ATV to my treestand location. There is no road or trail to that location. Can I use my ATV off-trail to get there? A No. You can use your ATV to get as close as possible on a developed road or trail that is open or signed open for ATV use during the intended time, but you will have to walk the remaining distance. Q I own property that adjoins County Forest land. I have multiple trails on my property I use as ATV trails. Can I access the County land with my ATV through my property? A No. Constructing or establishing a road or trail on County land to access an area of the Forest or to connect with another road or trail is prohibited. Use of any illegally constructed or established road or trail is further prohibited. Q I am planning to hunt on the Forest this fall and found a location I would like to establish a deer or bear bait. Can I use my ATV on a closed road or off- trail to access and bait the location? A No. You can use your ATV to get as close as possible on a developed road or trail that is open or signed open for ATV use during the intended time, but you will have to walk the remaining distance. Q I enjoy walking in behind a gated road and hunting in a remote area of the Forest. Other hunters have been going around the gate with ATV’s and traveling down the road. Is this legal and can I use my ATV to do the same? A No. Those individuals that are going around the gate with an ATV or who are found operating on any section of a closed road are in violation of the law. You are encouraged to report the violations to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department or the Douglas County Forestry Department. Be responsible or be further regulated…it’s your choice! L ---PAGE BREAK--- ACCESS Why access is a concern When people access the Forest, whether by foot, horseback, motorized vehicle or other method, the forest floor, wetland, stream, or other natural area is impacted to varying degrees. Steadily increasing motorized recreation, particularly ATV use, has sparked user conflicts with non-motorized or silent- sport recreationists and also has become a natural resource protection issue. Concerns include soil erosion, noise pollution, wildlife harassment, user conflicts, hazardous substance spills, spread of exotic and invasive plant species, littering/dumping, and elimination or damage to sensitive habitats and ecosystems. Three area classification system The Access Management Plan designates the following mapped classification system for managing motorized recreational access across the Forest. Each area has its own set of established conditions, objectives and open road density goals used for management. Users can expect the low motorized areas to have the least amount of motorized access opportunities and the high motorized areas to have the greatest. Motor vehicle terminology Motor vehicles that are permitted on the Douglas County Forest are classified as a Highway Vehicle (HV), All -Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV), Snow-mobile, or Off-Highway Use of all other forms of motor vehicles which cannot be officially licensed or registered by the State of Wisconsin as a highway or recreational vehicle (including dune buggies, golf carts, go karts, amphibious vehicles, etc.) are currently prohibited in all areas of the Forest. Signage Users can expect to see signs installed throughout the Forest designating permitted (open) and prohibited (closed) motorized uses on specific roads and trails. Signs are specific to different road and trail types, however, not all roads and trails will have a sign installed. Private Property — Many general roads accessing the Forest and recreational trails managed by the Forestry Department extend on to or cross private property. This guide and all associated rules and regulations apply to Douglas County Forest lands ONLy. you should know where you are at all times and ask landowner permission before using any private property. Respect Private Property! Ask First. Example of environmental damage. Highway Vehicle ATV & UTV Snowmobile Foot travel is permitted on all roads, trails, and areas of the Forest. All vehicles that cannot be officially licensed or registered by the State of Wisconsin as a highway or recreational vehicle (including dune buggies, golf carts, go karts, amphibious vehicles, etc.) are currently prohibited in all areas of the Forest. This excludes some off-highway (i.e. dirt bikes, mini bikes, etc.) which are permitted to operate on the Straight Arrow OHM Trail (for further information please see the Off-Highway Trails information included in this brochure). It is prohibited to operate any unregistered or unlicensed motor vehicle, highway vehicle, off-highway vehicle, ATv, UTv, OHM, or snowmobile which can be officially licensed or registered by the State of Wisconsin as a legal highway or recreational vehicle. Motorized travel on any permanently, temporarily, or seasonally closed road or trail is prohibited. Cross-country motorized travel is prohibited for any purpose. It is prohibited to remove, alter, damage, manipulate, modify, or otherwise circumvent any sign, gate, rock, berm, or other device placed by the County. It is prohibited to post, install, construct, place, or relocate any sign, gate, rock, berm, or other blockage device or otherwise modify the intended use designation of any road, trail, or area. It is prohibited to construct, alter, re-route, or otherwise change existing roads or trails. The use of illegally established, located or constructed trails is prohibited. It is prohibited to operate a motor vehicle, highway vehicle, off- highway vehicle, ATv, UTv, OHM, or snowmobile in any sand, gravel, or other natural material pit. It is prohibited to block in any manner a road or trail which obstructs access by others. It is prohibited to operate a motorized vehicle with studded tires (excluding snowmobiles). Cross-country equestrian (horses) or mountain bike travel is prohibited for any purpose. Equestrian (horses), mountain bike, dogsled, cross-country ski, ski- joring, and snowshoe travel are permitted on all roads and trails unless a specific road or trail is otherwise designated or posted closed to a particular use. In any County Park or in the facility area of the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area (Bird Sanctuary clubhouse, stables, corral, etc.) it is prohibited to operate a highway vehicle off of a developed road or parking area and operate an off-highway vehicle, ATv, UTv, OHM, or snowmobile (excluding designated Summer ATv or Winter Snowmobile trails). A permit for persons with disabilities to access otherwise closed roads or trails with a motor vehicle may be issued under certain conditions. For details contact the Forestry Department. General Douglas County Rules & Regulations Douglas County Wildlife Management Area Regulations Summer ATV Trails & Winter Snowmobile/ ATV Trails PLEASE ObSERVE ALL DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL, ROAD, AND MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS. In general, you MAY operate a Highway Vehicle, ATV, UTV, or Snowmobile: On developed roads or trails posted with signs specifically permitting the seasonal use of designated motor vehicle types. All travel must be confined to those portions of the developed road or trail surface. On developed roads or trails that have NO restrictive sign, gate, berm, barricade, or other blockage device installed. All travel must be confined to those portions of the developed road or trail surface. NOTE: Open roads are not guaranteed passable at all times. Ride at your own risk. Use your best judgment – if it’s wet don’t ride! In general, you MAY NOT operate a Highway Vehicle, ATV, UTV, or Snowmobile: On developed roads or trails that have a gate, berm, barricade, or other blockage device installed. On developed roads or trails posted with signs prohibiting the use of specific motor vehicle types. On illegally constructed, established or located roads or trails. Please contact the Forestry Department to confirm the location and permitted uses of any road or trail in question. Off any developed road or trail surface. Such action constitutes cross-country travel. In any area restricted by County Ordinance. Know where you are riding! Cross-Country Travel is Prohibited – You may not operate a highway vehicle, ATV, UTV, OHM, or snowmobile for cross-country travel (off a developed road or trail surface) at any time for any purpose. This includes but is not limited to the following; for hunting area access, placing bait, game retrieval, trapping access, access to the Forest from private property, exploring, and/or trail connecting. NOTICE – Local townships, villages and other roadway authorities may further regulate the operation of ATV’s, UTV’s, OHM’s, snowmobiles, and other motor vehicles under their jurisdiction. Check with the appropriate unit of government for additional regulations. Neighboring Burnett, Washburn and Bayfield Counties as well as the State of Minnesota all regulate motor vehicle use on public lands. Be sure to check with the managing agency before riding. Penalties — If you or your motorized vehicle is found to be in violation of County Ordinance, you can face civil penalty. Civil citations start at $150 and range up to $500. Fines for second or subsequent violations are increased. In addition, restitution for any damages you cause may be pursued by civil action in circuit court. Users who violate any laws related to motorized vehicle operation on the Forest risk further restrictions being applied to all users and reduced motorized access opportunities in the future. Remember, your privilege to ride depends on you! State Regulations — All State of Wisconsin regulations pertaining to the use of a motor vehicle, highway vehicle, off-highway vehicle, ATv, UTv, OHM, or snowmobile apply on the Douglas County Forest. In addition, the following State trails and wildlife area are regulated by State law: the Gandy Dancer Trail, the Saunders Grade Trail, the Wild Rivers Trail, and the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area, commonly called the “Bird Sanctuary”. For further information or a complete listing of all State regulations, please contact your local WDNR office. Please observe all State of Wisconsin trail, road, and motor vehicle laws. The 4,000 acre Douglas County Wildlife Management Area, commonly called the “Bird Sanctuary”, is located west of Highway 53 between the towns of Solon Springs and Gordon along County Highway M. The property contains a mix of land ownership between the WDNR and the County. However, management of this property is under the authority of the WDNR and County rules and regulations outlined in this brochure may or may not apply. General Rules and Regulations (as provide by the WDNR): It is prohibited to operate any ATv, UTv, or snowmobile on the property. Riders on horse back and those on horse drawn vehicles may travel on the “Dog Trail and Horse Trail” trail network as posted with signs designating permitted horse travel. Legally licensed Highway vehicles may operate on developed roads or trails that have no restrictive sign, gate, or berm installed. Report all violations to 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-[PHONE REDACTED]). For further information or a complete listing of all Douglas County Wildlife Management Area rules and regulations, please contact the WDNR Douglas County Wildlife Management Area Property Manager at WDNR Service Center, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 or (715) 395-6912. Douglas County offers some of the best snowmobile and ATV trail riding opportunities in Wisconsin. Close to 100 miles of summer ATV and over 300 miles of winter snowmobile and ATV trails are available to users. Trail maps are updated annually and are available at the Douglas County Forestry Department, Superior-Douglas County Convention and Visitors Bureau 1-[PHONE REDACTED], at many local businesses throughout the County, and online at www.douglascountywi.org. Summer ATV trails typically open in late May and close in mid-March. Winter snowmobile and ATV trails typically open in mid-December and close in mid-March. Exact trail opening and closing dates vary by year depending on weather and ground conditions. Opening and closing dates for specific trail segments can also vary due to easement and landowner access agreements as well as weather and ground conditions. For up-to-date trail information including opening and closing dates, please call the 24/7 Douglas County trail hotline at (715) 378-4528 or contact the Forestry Department directly. Please observe all Douglas County and State of Wisconsin ATV and snowmobile laws. Take care not to trespass on surrounding private property. To others, you represent all riders. Operate your vehicle in a safe and courteous manner and stay on designated trails and routes. Off-Highway Trails Off-highway that are not legal for public highway use (i.e. dirt bikes, mini bikes, etc.) are ONLY permitted to operate on the Straight Arrow OHM Trail and are prohibited on all other road and trail types and in all other areas of the Forest. that are legal for public highway use (i.e. street bikes, enduros, etc.) are permitted to operate on the Straight Arrow OHM Trail and are classified as Highway Vehicles on all other road and trail types and in all other areas of the Forest. The Straight Arrow OHM Trail is a unique off-highway system located in the northwestern region of the Forest in the Summit Township. Officially established in 2009, approximately 5 miles of looped trail meander through a variety of terrain types and directly connect with more than 20 miles of OHM trail in Minnesota’s Nemadji State Forest. Designed primarily as a single track OHM trail, there are a few short connecting segments of old forest roads and trails. Use of all other types of motorized vehicles on these trails is prohibited. The trail is maintained and signed by the Straight Arrow OHM Club. Douglas County rules and regulations for trail use on the Wisconsin portion may or may not match those of Minnesota. Users are asked to know the current rules for each land management authority and know where they are riding at all times. Watch for this symbol indicating permitted off-highway use on the Straight Arrow OHM Trail: For further information on those portions of the trail in Wisconsin, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department. For further information or a complete listing of all Nemadji State Forest rules and regulations, please contact the State of Minnesota DNR Moose Lake State Park at 4252 County Road 137, Moose Lake, MN 55767 or (218) 485-5410. 24/7 Trail Hotline (715) 378-4528 Get opening dates, closing dates, conditions, and other updates anytime. Highway Vehicle (HV)– Any motorized vehicle which is or can be licensed by the State of Wisconsin for use on public highways or is intended to be licensed for such use (ex. passenger car, truck or street legal All -Terrain Vehicle (ATV) –Unless otherwise defined in §340.01(2g) of the Wisconsin Statutes; An engine-driven device which has a net weight of 900 pounds or less, which has a width of 48 inches or less, which is equipped with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and which is designed to travel on 3 or more low-pressure tires. A low-pressure tire is a tire which has a minimum width of 6 inches, which is designed to be mounted on a rim with a maximum diameter of 12 inches and which is designed to be inflated with an operating pressure not to exceed 6 pounds per square inch as recommended by the manufacturer. Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) –Unless otherwise defined in §23.33(11p) of the Wisconsin Statutes;a motor driven device, other than a golf cart or low-speed vehicle, that is designed to be used primarily off of a highway and that has, and was originally manufactured with, all of the following; a gross weight of more than 900 pounds but not more than 1,999 pounds, four or more low-pressure tires, a cargo box or dump box, a steering wheel, a tail light, a brake light, two headlights, a width of not more than 65 inches, seats for at least 2 occupants (all of which seating is designed not to be straddled), a system of seat belts (or a similar system for restraining each occupant of the device in the event of an accident), and a system of structural members designed to reduce the likelihood that an occupant would be crushed as the result of a rollover of the device. For purposes of the access management signage scheme, UTV use designations are represented by the same symbol as ATV use designations. Snowmobile– Unless otherwise defined in §340.01(58a) of the Wisconsin Statutes;An engine-driven vehicle that is manufactured solely for snowmobiling, that has an endless belt tread and sled-type runners, or skis, to be used in contact with snow. Off-Highway (OHM)– Any motorized vehicle intended for traveling on two wheels having a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and having handlebars for steering control. may be legal for public highway use and still considered to be an OHM if used for off-highway operation on designated OHM trails in the Forest. Watch for the following symbols indicating PERMITTED motorized uses: Highway Vehicle ATV & UTV Snowmobile Watch for the following symbols indicating PROHIBITED motorized uses: Examples of signs you might see are: Maps within this publication are for reference purposes only and are not guaranteed to be without error. They are not intended to be used for the legal determination of land ownership. Please contact the Douglas County Clerk’s Office at (715) 395-1341, Douglas County Planning and Zoning Office (715) 395-1380, or the Forestry Department to purchase a copy of the most current Douglas County Plat Book.