In This Issue
All-terrain track chairs are available to state park and recreation area visitors with disabilities, expanding access to more parks and trails throughout the state.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding its all-terrain track chair program, bringing 10 more of the adaptive mobility devices to eight new locations. The DNR launched the program in 2022 with five track chairs. After this latest program expansion, DNR will have 23 track chairs available across the state.
The electric powered chairs enable visitors to explore trails and other areas within state parks and recreation areas that can’t be accessed using a regular wheelchair or may not otherwise be accessible to visitors with mobility limitations.
This track chair program expansion is funded by the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative. Get Out MORE is a historic, one-time investment of $150 million to help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whichever outdoor experience they choose. The initiative includes $35.4 million for more than 100 access and accessibility projects throughout the state, including $1 million for adaptive equipment such as track chairs, accessible hunting blinds, and supporting infrastructure.
“We’re thrilled to expand the track chair program and open up even more of Minnesota’s incredible outdoor spaces to people of all abilities,” said DNR Parks and Trails Division Director Ann Pierce. “The research is clear, spending time in nature provides significant health and wellness benefits to people. Providing adaptive equipment like the all-terrain track chairs brings valuable outdoor experiences to more Minnesotans and visitors.”
Ten additional all-terrain track chairs will be available for visitors this spring, with some being available in May, and the rest available in June. The additional 10 track chairs will be located at:
- Fort Snelling State Park (adding a second track chair to this park)
- Jay Cooke State Park
- Lake Shetek State Park
- Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
- Moose Lake State Park
- Northwest region parks (one shared track chair for Big Bog State Recreation Area and Hayes Lake, Lake Bronson and Zippel Bay state parks)
- Rice Lake State Park
- William O’Brien State Park (two chairs will be available at this location)
To ensure a track chair is available when they visit, people can make a reservation at mndnr.gov/reservations. There is no cost or proof of disability required to use an all-terrain track chair. Visitors will need a state park vehicle permit. Minnesota residents who qualify for disability parking can get a reduced rate year-round vehicle permit for $12. To learn more, visit the DNR’s state park permit website.
For more information, including a full list of all state parks and recreation areas offering adaptive equipment and direct links to make reservations at each site, visit the DNR’s track chair webpage.
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The approaching walleye fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Most anglers and boaters in Minnesota take the clean, drain, dispose steps for invasive species prevention every time they leave a lake or river. DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said prevention takes action by anglers and boaters, watercraft inspectors and enforcement, and partnerships with governments and organizations.
“Minnesota is nationally recognized for its AIS prevention successes and that’s due in large part to the powerful partnership model we have in place in the state,” said Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “We’re grateful for the partnerships with nonprofits, local governments, the University of Minnesota, and lake associations that are essential to helping prevent the spread of AIS and keeping our lakes clean and healthy.”
DNR Invasive Species Program Supervisor Kelly Pennington said people need to take prevention steps whether an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector is present or not.
“All anglers and boaters in Minnesota are required to take three simple steps: clean, drain, dispose,” Pennington said. “It’s not only the best way to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, but it’s also the law in Minnesota.”
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
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Clean watercraft, trailers and gear to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
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Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
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Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
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Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
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Decontaminate watercraft, trailers and gear – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination webpage of the DNR website.
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Spray watercraft, trailers and gear with high-pressure water or rinse with water.
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Dry watercraft, trailers and gear for at least five days before using in another water body.
The DNR appreciates the efforts and collaboration of everyone engaged in aquatic invasive species prevention and management, including Wildlife Forever, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee, the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, lake service providers and other outdoor recreation businesses, lake associations, recreation and hobbyist groups, tribal natural resource managers.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they have found an invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species webpage of the DNR website.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments on proposed off-highway vehicle trail projects submitted through the state’s grant-in-aid program. The OHV GIA program is a cost-share partnership between the DNR, local government sponsors and local clubs. The program funds maintenance and development of trails for all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles.
The following proposals are open for public comment:
City of Roseau Connector: The city of Roseau Parks and Recreation Department is requesting GIA funding for a 10.4-mile trail system. The proposed route would connect to the Great Northern Connection Veterans Memorial Trail, which links Roseau and Warroad.
City of Wolf Lake Connector: The city of Wolf Lake is proposing a 6-mile ATV trail, which includes a 3-mile segment along both sides of the Highway 38 treadway in Becker County. The trail would connect the city to existing OHV trails in the Smoky Hills State Forest.
Chisholm Easterly Connector: This 4-mile route proposed by the city of Chisholm in St. Louis County is designed to direct ATV traffic east of the Dunwoody Pit, reducing overlap with mountain biking trails near the Redhead system. The route is already open to ATV use but is not currently enrolled in the GIA program.
Moose River Connector: This proposal by Aitkin County includes 10.1 miles of trail connecting the North Soo Line near the Moose River Connector by Shovel Lake to Hill City. The proposed trail would utilize existing forest roads, county roads and OHV trails, and cross lands managed by the Aitkin County Land Department and the Minnesota DNR.
AlanDale OHM Trails: Kanabec County and the Norsemen Motorcycle Club are requesting GIA funding for the AlanDale OHM trail system. The proposed 23.9-mile trail includes 4.7 miles of existing OHV trail not currently in the GIA program and 19.2 miles of new trail across public lands in Kanabec and Aitkin counties.
The DNR will accept written comments on these proposals until 4:30 p.m. Friday,
May 30. Comments may be submitted:
- Via email to Molly Lou Pintok at [email protected] (please indicate the name of the proposed trail(s) being commented on in the subject line and email body)
- Via mail to Molly Lou Pintok, Principal Planner, Minnesota DNR, Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
A map of the proposed trail segments can be found at the DNR’s OHV trail plans and proposals webpage. For more information, call Molly Lou Pintok, 651-259-5095.
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With winter in the rearview mirror, the summer off-highway vehicle riding season is getting underway. Many of Minnesota’s more than 3,000 miles of trails for all types of OHVs and rider skill levels are now open for use.
Before heading out to the trails, remember these key points:
Know before you go. Some trails may open later than normal due to late spring thaw, flooding, and trail maintenance work. Check the OHV Trail Closures web page (mndnr.gov/closures) before leaving home. Download maps to a smartphone before heading out to know your location utilizing Avenza. Remember to stay on signed and mapped trails.
Be safety certified. Riders born after July 1, 1987, are required to complete online ATV safety training before riding an ATV on trails. People under age 16 must complete the hands-on component of ATV safety training in addition to the online training. Online safety training for off-highway motorcycle operators under 16 is required before operating on OHM trails. Off-road vehicles may be operated only by individuals ages 16 and older. The Department of Natural Resources and its network of volunteer instructors offers training courses open to everyone. Find information online about upcoming recreational vehicle safety trainings.
Be registered. OHV registration is legally required when riding on state and grant-in-aid trails, and those registration fees support trail construction, trail maintenance and OHV safety. For more information, visit the OHV registrations web page.
Help out. Most trails in Minnesota are built and maintained by clubs and funded through the GIA program. Consider joining a club to help maintain one of these trails.
For riders who are interested in trying the trails but aren’t ready to commit to OHV registration, there are two upcoming no-registration events:
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May 17: For off-road vehicles at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area near Gilbert, Minn.
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June 14-15: For ATVs statewide.
For information on where to ride, regulations and safety training, visit the OHV program website.
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