Public Works committee directs staff to draft DNR resolution to consider ATV/UTV access on White River Trail

Staff explained the process required to change the White River Trail's designation because it is a state asset: master‑planning by the DNR, design considerations, and potential revisions to the county's MOU for maintenance. Staff said the trail is wide enough for ATVs/UTVs but raised public‑safety concerns—especially where users wear earbuds or the trail includes equestrian users—and recommended against pursuing ATV designation unless directed by the committee: "...the staff does not recommend we, pursue ATVs on White River Trail. But you direct us otherwise, we will write a resolution to DNR," staff said.

Members debated tradeoffs. One committee member said many trails in other counties accommodate ATVs without being ruined; another expressed concern about passability and user conflicts. The snowmobile alliance representative explained current funding: approximately $300 per mile for snowmobile designation and that opening the trail year‑round to ATV/UTV could increase that to roughly $900 per mile—raising potential county receipts from roughly $3,500 to about $11,000 for the trail length given in discussion.

Following debate, a motion to pursue development of a DNR resolution for ATV/UTV consideration was made, seconded and approved by voice vote (recorded ayes and one opposition). The chair instructed staff to send the proposal back to Parks Committee for reconsideration and later bring a resolution to both committees for final approval.