Minnesota Trails Assistance Program All-Terrain Vehicle Off-Highway Motorcycle Off-Road Vehicle Instruction Manual

Revised 8/18/2006

SECTION 3:

REVISIONS TO APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLANS

This OHV Plan documents the outcome of a collaborative public planning process. Major changes should not be made to this plan, or to other approved management plans (e.g., State Park or State Trail Plans), without engaging stakeholders. Proposed changes meeting any of the following criteria must be approved through the formal plan amendment process outlined below:

1. 
   The proposed change alters the basic mission, vision, goals or management objectives as previously defined for the management unit, or;
   
2. 
   The proposal would result in a major increase or decrease in recreational use opportunities, or;
   
3. 
   The proposal involves changing the current classification of State Forest lands with respect to OHV use.
   

1. 
   Proposed plan amendments should be developed in conjunction with stakeholders and then be reviewed, first at the Area Level, then by the Regional Management Team. Significant changes should be presented at public information meetings or ‘open houses’ to solicit comment. When conditions warrant exception to standard Departmental policies or practices, the reasons for this proposed deviation should be clearly explained.
   
2. 
   The Regional Management Team’s recommended amendments to the plan will be submitted for DNR Central Office review.
   
3. 
   Policy or procedural differences will be resolved by the DNR Commissioner's Office.
   
4. 
   An Environmental Assessment Worksheet must be prepared for projects resulting in permanent physical encroachment on areas deemed ‘Natural Areas’ by MN Rules 4410.4300, Sub. 30, including State Trail Corridors, where this encroachment is inconsistent with the management plan for that recreational facility or unit.
   
5. 
   Finally, written plan amendment(s), bearing the Commissioner’s signature, are officially appended to the approved management plan.
   

1. 
   Cover letter describing project and benefits to the public.
   

2. 
   Two (2) copies of the new trail project proposal form with original signatures.
   

3. 
   Map of the proposed trail or trail system. (If you need assistance, contact the Area T&W Supervisor.)
   

I. Two (2) original copies of the trail alignment map. Map format will be U. S .G. S. topographic sheets, 1:24,000 scale

II. The map must identify the locations of wetland crossings, bridges, rest areas, and parking areas.

3. The map must identify connections or relationships to other trails or trail systems, if any.

1. 
   Trail user organizations must submit application forms to the sponsor, including the following:
   

A. One (1) copy of the application form with original signatures.

4. 
   Map of the trail or trail system as it presently exists.
   

I. One (1) copy of a trail alignment map. Map format will be U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) topographic sheets; scale 1:24,000.

II. The map must identify locations of wetlands, stream crossings, bridges, rest areas, and parking areas.

III. The map must identify connections or relationships to other trails or trail systems, if any.

22. 
    The map must identify any areas of major maintenance work (i.e., trail widening, corner realignments, etc.)