Parks committee discusses ATV trail, tours Novitiate site

Development of a potential ATV trail system in Shawano County is still in the early stages, but how far the idea gets will likely hinge on the support of property owners along the proposed route, according to members of a county committee.

The Shawano County Highway and Parks Committee discussed the proposal Tuesday before taking a tour of the Novitiate property in the town of Richmond, which could become part of the trail system if the current vision goes forward.

The proposed trail system would connect the Embarrass River ATV Park and Campground in Tigerton with Oconto County’s trail system.

Along with tying in the Novitiate property, the trial system would cut across Shawano County using easements from the American Transmission Company’s power line project.

The Highway Committee heard a report Tuesday from County Planner Melinda Barlow, who said a list of “commonly asked questions” was being drafted to address any property owner concerns and explain the rationale behind developing the trail system.

The county has been working on the proposal with the Happy Trails ATV Club, which has been pushing for a trail system for several years.

Proponents say there are many ATV enthusiasts who live in Shawano County and a trail system would also be a boon to the economy, drawing visitors from elsewhere.

The Shawano County Planning and Development Department will hold an informational meeting Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. on the proposed trail system — mainly for the benefit of property owners that have land with an ATC easement.

Barlow said the possibility of a trail using ATC easements has already been discussed with ATC.

“They are not opposed to it as long as the property owners are in agreement with it,” she said.

Barlow said there are DNR funds available for land acquisition and property development for ATV use and for ATV trail maintenance.

Parks committee discusses ATV trail, tours Novitiate site

Development of a potential ATV trail system in Shawano County is still in the early stages, but how far the idea gets will likely hinge on the support of property owners along the proposed route, according to members of a county committee.

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