BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI

North Country This Week

CANTON — A South Colton resident has voiced numerous concerns about the county’s multi-use trail system in the Colton and South Colton area.

Rebecca Allen, a self described outdoor enthusiast who enjoys canoeing, hiking and fishing, raised numerous concerns during the county legislature’s full board meeting on May 1.

Allen said when she originally moved to the area years ago, she was excited for the numerous outdoor opportunities, including those brought by the trail system.

“When I first moved out there I was aware there was going to be a multi-use trail, which I was quite honestly excited about at the time,” she said.

Allen acknowledged that she knew the trails would be used heavily by ATV enthusiasts, saying she was also “happy about that as well.”

As time has gone on however, Allen said she has seen a change in the habits of riders on the system, including significant increases in garbage being left behind, both on and off trail, as well as people seemingly knowingly riding off the trails.

In some cases, Allen said she has seen tracks near many of the waterfalls in the area.

“I don’t know how they got back there but they did manage somehow,” she told legislators.

Allen also spoke to two instances during which she was almost struck near her home by speeding ATV riders.

“I have been passed when I myself was driving 60 mph, I was not aware ATVs could drive that fast,” she said.

Allen said she has been waiting for things to slowly improve, attributing the current issues to a “COVID response” that led to an increase in trail use, however it does not appear to be improving.

Allen noted confusion about public access roads and the trail system have also made it difficult for all parties involved, including law enforcement and ATV riders alike.

“There’s shared confusion with riders and homeowners,” she said.

Allen said despite the confusion, there are clear instances where riders are knowingly riding off trail, including at excess speed on narrow trails that have blind curves and hills.

“Non-ATV riders don’t use those trails, it’s dangerous,” she said.

Allen also cited studies from the Minnesota Department of Tourism that suggest the use of motorized vehicles on multi-use trails intended for use by hikers, skiers and bikers as well has led to decreased use. In turn, recreational revenue also declines as a result of increased use by motorized vehicles.

“There’s good evidence that shows where there are motorized trails, there is a displacement of hikers and other people who use those trails,” she said.

Allen said in many cases the displaced parties take their recreational funds out of the area.

“When I hear the argument ‘this is good for the local economy,’ maybe not. I will tell you we no longer go to the local restaurant because it’s so typically filled with ATV traffic,” she said.

Allen suggested the multi-use trail board incorporate homeowners into the board to assist in future planning to ensure all parties involved are represented.

A new map that clarifies the trails ATV riders can use might also be beneficial, she said.

“We’ve had snowmobilers stop and ask us for directions when we are on the trails, they get confused all the time,” she said.

Clearer signage may also assist in ensuring ATV riders and snowmobilers can more easily navigate the trail system, Allen said.

Above all, Allen said it comes down to proper enforcement of the laws to ensure everyone’s safety.

Allen suggested implementing a moratorium on the development of new trails in the system until the impacts on endangered species, homeowner properties and the local economy can be properly studied.