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SF 137

C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail Master Plan all-terrain vehicle use update appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Grant Hauschild

SF 137 appropriates funds to update the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail master plan to allow all-terrain vehicle use on the currently non-motorized recreation corridor.

Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy
#motorvehicles-motorcycles #snowmobiles #andatv's #parksandtrails
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 137

Legislative bill overview

SF 137 appropriates funding to update the master plan for the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail to accommodate all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use. The bill would enable planning and infrastructure changes to integrate ATVs into what is currently primarily a hiking and biking trail along Minnesota's North Shore.

Why is this important

The North Shore State Trail is a popular recreational corridor that currently serves non-motorized users. This bill represents a potential shift in trail management philosophy and could affect how limited trail resources are allocated among different user groups. The outcome will influence whether the trail remains primarily non-motorized or becomes a mixed-use corridor.

Potential points of contention

  • User conflict and safety: Mixing ATVs with pedestrians and cyclists raises concerns about trail safety, noise, and degraded experience for non-motorized users who currently dominate the trail
  • Environmental impact: ATV use can increase trail erosion, damage sensitive ecosystems, and affect wildlife habitat along the environmentally significant North Shore corridor
  • Trail maintenance costs: Motorized vehicle use typically requires more frequent and expensive trail maintenance and may necessitate trail widening or reconstruction
  • Establishing precedent: Approval could signal openness to motorized recreation on other state trails, potentially reshaping Minnesota's trail system management

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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