UTV UPDATE AS OF APRIL 29, 2010

Marinette County, as well as Florence, Forest and Oconto counties are participating in the 2nd phase of the UTV program. UTV's must register with the DNR and properly display the registration stickers. In Marinette County, UTV's may be registered at the DNR Service Center in Peshtigo or during regular business hours at the Northwoods Bar located at W10707 Benson Lake Road, 715-759-5981. A 2-year registration is $30. For more information please contact the DNR at 1-888-936-7463 or see http://dnr.wi.gov/contact/

Statewide riding opportunities, an explanation of the law, UTV definition, and the history of the UTV bill can be found at www.wiutv.org Counties participating in the program may have restrictions in place so it is best to check with an area before riding. The site shows a map of the state and where UTV's are permitted. The WATVA site, www.watva.org,  has a link to the site, top of the page, click on "UTV Program".


The state bill to extend and expand the UTV program in Wisconsin was recently signed into law. The bill provides for a 2nd pilot program to go state wide, ending in 2012 when a UTV permanent program will go into place provided there are no problems during the 2nd test phase. During this 2nd phase, use of UTV's on designated all-terrain vehicle routes and trails will include all Wisconsin counties. However, municipalities may adpot a resolution to opt out of the program. Marinette County will again participate in the test program. The DNR will administer the UTV pilot and a proper DNR registration sticker will need to be purchased and displayed. Thanks to WATVA, the legislators and club members who worked so hard to get this approved quickly!

To summerize: The UTV (Side by Side) Phase 1 test program expired on September 30, 2009. On March 15th, an extension to the test program (Phase 2) was signed into law. This extension will be in effect until June 30, 2012. A permanent program will then go into place providing that there are no major problems with the Pahse 2 test. During Phase 2, all  UTV's will need to register with the DNR and dispaly a registeration sticker. A 2-year registration will cost $30.