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Minnesota Bill Would Ban Most Snowmobile & ATV Use on County & Township Roads

On Thursday, Minnesota lawmakers introduced legislation to restrict off-road vehicle use on public lands, requiring tribal approval for trails crossing ceded territory; Sen. Jen McEwen, DFL-Duluth, said the bill clarifies rules to protect state wetlands.
The proposal bans off-road vehicle use on county roads, ditches, and state forest land within 200 feet of water, allocating $1.4 million to decommission trails and install signage.
Craig Hall, president of the Northwoods Trail Rider Snowmobile Club, warns the measure could hinder rural tourism, cautioning, "This will start a slow death on a lot of economic impact to the area."
Republican State Representative Jim Joy of Hawley argues the proposal will fail because The House is split, and the bill has been laid over as authors acknowledge it requires further revisions.
Legislation would allow 50 county petitioners to demand state investigations into trail closures based on environmental concerns, permitting citizens to sue for shutdowns even if the Department of Natural Resources opposes the action.

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Proposed ATV bill sparks debate in Minnesota

ST. PAUL — A proposed bill to tighten ATV trail rules is sparking debate in Minnesota. The bill would add new restrictions and requirements for where off-road vehicles can ride, including tribal approval in some areas. Supporters say the bill would better protect land and water, but critics argue it takes a one-size-fits-all approach that could limit access and hurt rural communities. The bill's author, Sen. Jen McEwen, DFL-Duluth, said the leg…

22 hours ago·Cherokee County, United States

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