With the approaching Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of summer, many people will be tuning up their bicycles, getting out their rollerblades and oiling their saddles in preparation for heading out to one of Wisconsin’s many state trails.
Wisconsin State Park officials are reminding people who intend to venture out to Wisconsin’s state trails this summer that another thing they should have is a 2008 State Trail Pass.
The Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required to bicycle, in-line skate, horseback ride, motorcycle or in the winter, cross-country ski on designated state trails. Pedestrians and those under the age of 16 do not need a trail pass. State trails where the pass is required have signs indicating the pass is required and are listed in the Wisconsin State Park System Visitor’s Guide.
There are self-registration stations or offices where people may purchase the $20 annual or $4 daily trail pass at trailheads. In addition, trail passes are available at all DNR service centers and state park and forest contact stations, and many local businesses such as bike stores and service stations located near trails sell the passes. Passes may also be purchased on-line [www.wiparks.net] or via credit card order (608-266-2181).
Wisconsin is considered a pioneer and leader in the development of trails, with 42 linear State Trails totaling more than 1,700 miles, according to Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, there are hundreds of more miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks and forests.
Funds from the sale of trail passes are used by the State Parks Program for maintenance and management, according to Peter Biermeier, chief of external relations, planning and trails for the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation.
A recent study of state park system enforcement policies found that a significant number of trail users required to have a trail pass did not have one when they were encountered by trail officials.
“Basically we found that compliance with the requirement to purchase the trail pass before using the trail was not good, especially compared to activities such as fishing or hunting, where most people would never consider undertaking the activity before they purchase their license,” Biermeier says.
A new volunteer trail ambassador program will also be launched this year – volunteers will sell trail passes along State Trails and offer other basic assistance to trail users. The trail ambassador program is being piloted this year on the Military Ridge State Trail. The program is being coordinated through state trail friends groups. People who are interested in the program should contact their local state trail friends group through the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Web site www.fwsp.org.
“The revenue lost from people using the trails without purchasing a trail pass means there are fewer funds available for trail maintenance and improvement, and for developing new trails. By purchasing their trail pass, users are helping keep the Wisconsin State Trail systems one of the preeminent systems in the nation,” Biermeier says.
“At $20 for year around access and $4 for a daily pass to some of Wisconsin’s best trails, the state trail pass is a recreation bargain,” Biermeier notes. “It is our goal to ensure that people’s experiences on state trails are positive and high quality. In an effort to better understand and meet the needs of our users, we have implemented an on-line survey that we encourage trail pass users to fill out.” A link to the survey is posted at www.wiparks.net.
Failure to purchase a pass before using the trail will result in a $5 surcharge on top of the trail pass fee if someone without a needed pass is encountered by a ranger or park manager on the trail. Deliberately avoiding a self registration station or not stopping to show trail officials a pass can result in a citation.
A trail pass is required for each person using the trail and is not transferable. So for instance, two people riding a tandem bicycle would both need a trail pass.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 is National Trails Day. No trail fee is required on National Trails Day.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brigit Brown - (608) 266-2183