Got Trails?

I've had the following exchange with Mark Jacobs, Aitkin Cty Land Commissioner. Nice guy, shoot him an email if you have time!

Aitkin County Land Department Staff:
Please consider changing the designation of the Soo Line ATV trail to one which also allows off-highway motorcycles. This former railroad grade with it's wide treadway and stable foundation seems to lend itself to more use than just ATV's. A multi-use designation would allow families with several types of off highway vehicles to utilize the trail together to enjoy scenic Aitkin County, encourage more visitors with tourism dollars, and could even prove to be an efficient, unique way to cross the largely undeveloped portions of Aitkin County.
Thank you for your time,
Neumie

His response:

Neumie:

Allowing OHM use on the Soo Line would require a Soo Line ordinance change; ideally in every County. My plan is to bring this issue up next year in preparation for the 2009 season. The 70-Mile trail project uses the Soo Line trails as its “backbone” so it would make sense to open it to OHM’s.

Keep in mind though that “dirt-bikes” have a stigma with a large segment of the public (noise, wild kids popping wheelies, doughnuts in the trail, etc.) so I’m guessing that there will be some opposition. I’d appreciate any info from the OHM community on how they aren’t as noisy, etc. It would help my sales job! Bottom line… I tend to agree, but it will take County board action to change the current situation.

Thanks,
Mark Jacobs
Land Commissioner
Aitkin County Land Department

And my response:

Mark,

Thank you for your prompt response. Proposing a change in ordinance to allow OHM's is a great idea. Please educate me on the other counties this trail system resides in and I will take this opportunity to contact them as well.

I'm excited for the 70-Mile Trail project, it sounds like a nice way to get people onto designated trails.

I can't argue that there aren't people out on "dirt-bikes" that will disregard other people's interests (safety, noise, etc); however, I would argue that there is another community of people who use OHM's to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Most of these riders wear helmets for their own safety, have a higher amount of rider skill due to the nature of the machines they ride, and tend not to be toting coolers of beer on their luggage racks.

Perhaps there is another source of information about OHM ridership and user trends? I recently rode designated trails in the Nemadji State Forest near Moose Lake and the DNR Trails and Waterways staff there could possibly provide some insight into how OHM use is working in their area if you are interested.

Thanks again for your time,
Neumie