The state Natural Resources Board is set to weigh in on a proposal for an ATV route through the Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area near Rhinelander.
The Nokomis ATV club has requested ATV access on 3/4 mile of state-owned trail that’s currently only open to foot traffic and snowmobiles in winter.
The ATV trail would also extend south on county forest property for another 3/4 mile.
DNR Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Holtz explains that a feasibility study found the proposal to be workable, providing a few conditions are met.
“There were a couple of sensitive areas, wetland areas, where the trail might have to be re-routed. And it would be up to the Department to rehabilitate those sensitive stretches to natural cover. But the study did find that for the majority of the trail, it would be possible convert it into [an ATV] trail.”
The Nokomis ATV Club would be responsible for building and maintaining the trail.
Holtz says the DNR received significant public feedback both for and against the plan.
Board members will review the DNR feasibility study and all the public comments.
The Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area is located about 10 miles west of Rhinelander. It’s often used for hunting, and does allow motorized travel on other access roads in the area.
The Natural Resources board meets in Madison Wednesday, and the meeting is available live via webcast.
