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 [log in to unmask] 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 [log in to unmask] Larry Stone would appreciate copies of your correspondence. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT to [log in to unmask]