uman Powered Trails, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is:  “To develop and maintain first class sustainable and environmentally correct, human-powered, shared use trails for the La Crosse, WI region."

Home News IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED!
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED! PDF Print E-mail
Written by Gene Roberts   
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 13:03
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If you haven't read the information from Gene (below) or taken it seriously, you may want to... This sign has been posted on an HPT built trail! And that is just the start!

This is a real threat to trail use and trail building on land that YOU paid for, with your State and City tax money.

We need your help!
Get involved, write letters, donate and join HPT today!

The Department of Natural Resources is in the process of developing Administrative Rule NR 52 which establishes a process for the department to restrict nature-based outdoor activities considered for participation on lands purchased with funds from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship. This rule will have significant ramifications on the Human Powered Trails and the future development of trails in the State of Wisconsin.

HPT believes that bicycling should be identified as one of the nature-based outdoor activities defined by statute and Administrative Rule NR 51. The DNR is accepting public comments regarding the NR 52 proposal. Members of HPT leadership have attended public sessions to address our concerns and opinion. What are needed are comments to be submitted from the cycling community addressing our opinion that cycling be added to the list of allowable nature-based outdoor activities and opposition to NR 52.
Time is running out! Public comments will only be accepted through October 30, 2009

Comments may be submitted via U.S. mail or electronically to:
Douglas Haag
Bureau of Facilities and Lands
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I have attached the NR 52 public notice, a copy of supportive comments and a sample letter with suggested language addressing the opinion of HPT. Please act today to ensure that the lands purchased with your tax dollars are open to use by cyclists across the state of Wisconsin.


PUBLIC NOTICE.PDF
SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS.PDF
SAMPLE LETTER.PDF
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Glenn said:

81
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Why was IMBERM marked as a closed trail? That's not part of the quarry. smilies/angry.gif
 
Sun - Nov 01, 09
Votes: +0

mdotta1976 said:

79
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The verbiage used on the signage is a little off putting.
If the intent is to upset and cause anger it is a resounding success.
 
Mon - Nov 02, 09
Votes: +0

Looper said:

430
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I missed the deadline for the public comments. Will it do any good to send in comments now?

Could someone from the leadership board respond with what the outcome was and what this likely means for HPT?

Thanks
 
Wed - Nov 04, 09
Votes: +0

mdotta1976 said:

79
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The main problem that I've seen over the years is a failure to properly establish land boundaries. On several occasions trails have been built onto land which later turned out to be off limits to trails, private property, or has a limited use. Normally the first step of a construction project is to determine the property the construction can be done on. This is done by a professional land surveyor who is licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where the construction project will take place. I've yet to see an actual survey performed on the lands where HPT wants to build trails. GPS is often used but this is not sufficiently accurate when time, effort, and other people's money is at stake.

Being a licensed professional engineer part of my job is to point out poor or dangerous engineering practices and report them. This is essential to the public safety. While this is not a life safety issue the lack of a proper survey is poor practice which will result in significant problems and potential legal issues.

I am thus unable to participate without proper surveys being performed on the land where a trail might be built. This means hiring a licensed professional land surveyor and providing signed and sealed survey documentation.

Hopefully the land owners and managers will be able to accomplish this.

Matt Dotta, PE
 
Thu - Nov 05, 09
Votes: +0

emski said:

259
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Human Powered Trails: Great job with the Blufflands Enduro race! Even after repeating the trails 5 or 6 times I still found new lines, jumps and challenges. Great work Staff & Volunteers!!

But what a bummer to follow up this event with trail closures brought on by some state-level legal definitions. i have emailed my sentiments on to the Bureau of Facilities and Lands along with the sample letter. HPT, great job on making this process easy. Fellow bikers please make your voice heard by contacting the Bureau. Especially if you're a Wisconsin tax payer - this is our land too!!
 
Mon - Nov 09, 09
Votes: +0

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