Lightweight utility vehicle test program ends

DNR to report results to legislature by January 2010

A program to test the use of lightweight utility vehicles on all-terrain vehicle trails and routes in five northern counties officially ends Sept. 30, 2009.

The pilot program was passed as part of the 2007-09 Wisconsin State Budget which named the DNR as program administrator. The Department of Natural Resources will submit a report to the Legislature regarding the overall results of the program. The report is due to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2010.

The five counties in the program are Florence, Sawyer, Marinette, Lincoln and Washburn. Lightweight utility vehicles, or LUVs, also are commonly referred to as "side by sides" or "utility vehicles."

“It's important for the public to know as of Oct. 1, 2009, it will be illegal to operate these vehicles on ATV trails and routes within the five test counties,” said Gary Eddy, DNR ATV Administrator. "The public will have to wait until the DNR report is submitted. And that the Legislature has time to review that report and decide where they want to go from there. Any updates to the program will be posted on the Light Utility Vehicle Program page of the DNR Web.

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