Madison - Wisconsin officials are in the planning stages of constructing a major park for motorized recreational vehicles, likely in the southern part of the state.

The Department of Natural Resources said the park might be as large as 1,000 acres and would cost up to $8 million to cover land acquisition and development.

Officials briefed the Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, and afterward, an official said the DNR might need another two years to develop a plan.

The agency has been evaluating the need for a park since at least 2006. Since then, the DNR has looked at other parks in the Midwest and discussed options with groups.

The chief selling point for a new park is the growing popularity of all-terrain vehicles, off-road trucks and off-road motorcycles that need dedicated space.

Dan Schuller, director of state parks, said there are several models Wisconsin could pursue.

The agency could run the park itself, or it could leave management to a nonprofit group. ATV registrations have grown by more than 240%, according to the DNR.

The agency said a daily ticket would cost about $25 or $30. A park would include picnic areas and camping.

Statewide, the DNR said, 1,954 miles of motorized trails have been established for summer use, which is considered small for the number of ATV users in the state.

- Quads, hailing from Grand Marsh Observatory atop Elk Castle Hill