Board Allows ATVs In State’s Largest Forest

All terrain vehicles will be allowed for the first time in Wisconsin’s largest state forest. The state Natural Resources Board voted 7-0 Wednesday to designate up to 205 miles of trails for A-T-V and ultra terrain vehicle use in the Northern Highland/American Legion State Forest in the Rhinelander region of far northern Wisconsin. It was part of an overall recreation plan that includes more biking and off road motorcycle trails, plus more modern camping areas. Supporters say A-T-Vs and U-T-Vs continue to be more popular, and many communities at the forest now allow them on roads — but some who like “silent sports” such as biking and hiking don’t want the noise. A D-N-R spokesman says the Northern Highland forest will not get A-T-V usage until next spring, and the trail openings would be gradual.