Resolution to Authorize Participation in the State of Wisconsin Motorized Recreation Grant Programs for Snowmobile Trails, ATV/UTV Trails and Off-Highway Motorcycle Events

BACKGROUND: Sauk County annually participates in maintaining, acquiring, insuring and developing lands for public motorized trail and event use and these public motorized trails and events are eligible for grant funds through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These programs fund 100% of the cost for the acquisition, development, insurance and maintenance of public trails and events. Funding for the programs comes from registration fees, a portion of tax on gasoline and user fees. Grant applications must be submitted by the local governing body to the DNR.

The development, maintenance, grooming and event planning of the snowmobile, all-terrain vehicles/utility task vehicles (ATV/UTV) and off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trails is managed through contracts with the Association of Sauk County Snowmobile Clubs, Sauk Ridge Runners, Inc. and Driftless Dual Sport Riders, attached as Appendix A, Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively.

There are currently 215.5 miles of funded snowmobile trail in Sauk County, funded at $300 per mile, with the grant program totaling $64,650. Currently, there are approximately 0.59 miles of ATV/UTV trail in Sauk County, funded at $800 per mile for summer use and $300 per mile for winter use, with the grant program totaling $649. There are no designated OHM trails in Sauk County, however, the OHM club annually hosts a riding event at an estimated cost of $1,925.

The Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department (LRE) is primarily responsible for the financial administration of the grant programs. Other responsibilities include trail inspections, maintaining and updated contract with each club or association, applying for grant funding and verifying that all written and verbal permission from all landowners is obtained. Sauk County’s existing liability insurance policy protects Sauk County’s interest in providing snowmobile, ATV/UTV and OHM trails and events.