2504 - RECREATION - TRAILS, OFF-ROAD VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILE AFFAIRS
Issued July 1, 1977

Commission Policy No. 2504 Dated:  January 1, 1977

RECREATION - TRAILS, OFF-ROAD VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILEAFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT LETTER NO. 204, OCTOBER 17, 1973, REFERRED TO THIS MATTER BUT WAS RESCINDED BY DIRECTOR'S MEMO DATED JULY 22, 1976, WHICH IS NOW IN EFFECT.

Expanding interests in trail activities have placed increasing pressures on State lands.  Various divisions have been responding individually by providing trails on the land they manage.  The Forestry Division, in particular, has developed extensive trails for motorized and non-motorized use.  Recent legislation dealing with hiking, horseback trails, snowmobiling, off-road vehicles, non-motorized transportation trails and abandoned railroad rights-of-way, has broadened and complicated the trails situation.  It has created a need 1) for improved planning and coordination of trail activities within the Department; 2) for better liaison with other governmental agencies that provide trails; and 3) to improve public understanding of State's trails programs and facilities.

The Department shall continue to serve the public interest for recreational trails by expanding, as possible, its facilities on State lands; and by providing the leadership in planning and coordinating State-wide trails systems for each of the major trails sports.  Planning and coordination shall be concentrated in a single division.  The Department shall provide and encourage multiple use trails and minimize conflicts among trail users, and other recreationists.  The Department shall consider that a fully developed trails system would be comprised of a variety of trails and use areas, owned and managed by both private concerns, and governmental agencies.

1.         The Department shall solicit public input on trails matters by consulting with appropriate citizens' advisory councils, conducting public meetings, and disseminating planning material for review.

2.         The Department shall plan and coordinate trails programs and related matters among involved State agencies, appropriate federal agencies, regional and local government, user groups.

This policy and referenced procedure replaces Department Letter No. 204 dated October 17, 1973.

Procedure No. 2504.4.