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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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ATV issue again hits controversy CROW WING COUNTY BOARD Senior Reporter Few things can raise a crowd at a Crow Wing County Board meeting more than the subject of all-terrain vehicle trails.
And Tuesday was no exception.
The land department was asking the board to consider supporting the concept for an ATV trail from Brainerd to Emily and facilitate grant-in-aid funding for the proposed project that would trigger DNR involvement. The county's past consideration of ATV recreation areas, such as an ATV park in the Cuyuna Range, has previously been a subject of controversy.
Tuesday's proposal took on even greater significance as it was learned part of a potential trail system may be encroaching on a protected burial mound and village site known as the Black Bear site. In an e-mail to the county, Scott Anfinson, state archeologist, said both sites are protected by state law.
Consideration for support of the trail system was removed almost as soon as it appeared on the agenda as the county learned a public petition was filed with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board seeking an environmental assessment worksheet for the proposed project.
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Gary and Nancy Savage rode on their all-terrain vehicle Saturday on Crow Wing County Highway 3 south of Merrifield. Crow Wing County commissioners Tuesday tabled discussion on a proposed ATV trail from Brainerd to Emily, but heard from those for and against the trail. American Indian Movement members expressed concern for the protection of a burial mound and former village site as the proposed trail goes through the Trommald area. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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That filing put any action on the county board's part on hold until a decision is made on whether an environmental assessment worksheet is needed. The issue is expected to go back before the board in two weeks. With a large crowd gathered for the meeting, commissioners welcomed public comments.
Brainerd attorney Patti Aanes spoke on behalf of concerned residents saying whether the debate is now or in the future, she requested the board refrain from supporting a concept without specifics.
Laura Ukura-Leir, Ironton, spoke of the historic nature and existing legal protections of the site - between the Mississippi River and Black Bear Lake - and the duty to protect those areas for the future.
"These mounds are part of our history, part of our culture, it's very important to us that we preserve them - it's also part of the history of this area that also needs to be preserved," said Frank Burton of Rice and director of the American Indian Movement in St. Cloud. "Our ancestors are buried there and it is protected by law."
"We're not against the trail. We're against where it is going right now," said Steve Blake of AIM in the Twin Cities. Blake said when he and others were at the site for Memorial Day services Monday there were several ATV riders ready to go through the area until they were asked to go around. Blake said as a native people they would not go to anyone's cemetery with an ATV because they have respect. "We ask that you have respect for our people as well."
The Cuyuna Country Heritage Society Board of Crosby sent a letter to commissioners expressing concerns of placing a trail for motorized vehicles in an area of historical significance.
Trail system applicant Darrel Palmer, Central Lakes Riders Club in Nisswa, said the trail would allow riders to connect to trail systems in Aitkin and Itasca counties. In his application, Palmer said the trail route would use forest roads, township roads, county roads and be along Highway 6 for a short time as it enters Emily.
Tuesday Palmer said ATV riders do not want to cross sacred burial grounds. Palmer said he was bothered the heritage issues had not been brought to his attention earlier. Bringing the issue forward at this point seemed a bit of grandstanding, Palmer said, adding there is latitude for trail routes and an EAW was expected. Palmer also spoke of the success of the ATV ambassadors program where trained riders work to educate other riders about trail laws and inappropriate behavior.
Not everyone was convinced any trail was needed. Those opposed, including township government representatives in the area, spoke of concerns for noise pollution, environmental damage, rutting and erosion, off-trail riding, the difficulty of enforcement and increased safety and security issues.
Larry Wannebo, Manhattan Beach, said the vast majority of registered ATV riders in Crow Wing County are satisfied driving on their own private property. Wannebo said the demand for a trail system is not nearly as big as people think it is.
Palmer said one of the reasons people drive on private property is there isn't a trail system to use.
Roger Bentley, Crosby, a four-wheeling enthusiast, spoke in favor of the trail saying the trails have been open to the public for years.
John Reynolds, Merrifield, said in his miles of hiking the damage he sees on Crow Wing County land is disgraceful.
"I'm here to support the trail system," said Larry Hammill, Irondale Township. "It's good income for the community and, if nobody is for that, I'm 70 years old, I've had one knee replaced and the other one is going to have to be replaced. If I can't have some place to ride, I guess I can just sit at home and waste away."
Hammill said disabled people are taken on trail rides as outings and there is no reason for the trail to run through improper places, but the discussion has to be started to find a proper route and open options for funding.
Commissioner Doug Houge, who represents the area, said there are no concept routes that are etched in stone.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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