Forwarded by Jane Clark

Here is an issue that naturalists will be facing more and more.

Larry A. Stone
23312 295th St.
Elkader, IA 52043
(319) 245-1517
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ATVs ALONG THE TURKEY

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has proposed developing a park for
all-terrain vehicles (aka off-highway vehicles or four-wheelers) on parts
of a 400-acre tract that borders the Turkey River for about two miles
downstream from the Highway 13 bridge near Elkader.
Money to buy the land would come from a $200,000 Federal Recreational
Trails grant, along with $35,000 from ATV registrations administered by the
DNR.

The Northeast Iowa Action Trail Riders, an ATV club based in Dubuque, has
volunteered to operate the park.

There already has been considerable local controversy, and a public meeting
is planned for the Elkader area.  The DNR also is seeking input on the
proposal.

Some issues are:
Noise impacts on Turkey River canoeists, on users of the county-owned Pony
Hollow Trail across the river, on residents of Elkader, and on adjoining
landowners.
Erosion and damage to the land.  The DNR has proposed trails that avoid
many sensitive areas, such as a steep bluff with rare plants.  But is that
adequate to protect the resource?

ATV owners say they need more legal places to ride.  Should one place be
here?  Will this reduce problems of illegal riding and damage elsewhere?
Economics.  The Clayton County Supervisors have endorsed the ATV park as
good for the county.  Will ATV riders bring money – or drive away tourists
seeking scenery and solitude?

Please make your feelings known to:
Arnie Sohn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone (515) 281-5814
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Larry Stone would appreciate copies of your correspondence.

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