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Wisconsin State Trails Council

The State Trails Council (STC) was created by statute 15.347(16) [exit DNR] in 1989. The council provides advice and consultation to the Department of Natural Resources on the planning, acquisition, development and management of trails in Wisconsin. The council represents trail users in Wisconsin, which includes more than half of the state's residents. The council is also responsible for providing counsel in administering Federal Recreational Trails Program funds. The council serves as Wisconsin's state recreational trail advisory committee for the Recreational Trails Program, necessary for Wisconsin to participate in the program.

The council is an independent forum for finding solutions to trail problems for both motorized and nonmotorized groups and is a statewide advocate for public/private cooperation in funding and management of trail systems. Wisconsin is a national leader in creating partnerships that provide for state ownership coupled with county management of trails.

Meeting Schedule

Meeting minutes, members and more information

See below for meeting minutes, council members and more information about the State Trails Council.

Council members

Detailed membership list [PDF]

Voting member positionsFilled by
Off-highway motorcyclesBryan Much (Chair)
Hiking/walking/backpackingKen Neitzke (Vice-chair)
Off-road vehiclesRandy Harden
SnowmobilingHolly Tomlanovich
4-wheel drive vehiclesRebecca Vaughn Larcheid
Nonmotorized water trailsSteve Falter
EquestrianKricket Jewett
Cross-country skiingBen Popp
Off-road bicycles/mountain bikesMike Repyak
Accessibility/Adaptive RecreationLacey Heward
Bicycle touring/rail trail bicycling/road bicyclingKen Bates
Non-voting, advisory member positionsFilled by
Wisconsin Department of TransportationBob Fasick

Appointments to the Council

The State Trails Council is comprised of 11 voting members appointed by the governor to four-year terms who engage in one or more of the various recreational uses of trails. Non-voting council members are selected to the council as needed. All council members must be knowledgeable in various recreational uses of trails and serve as an advocate for trails. The structure of the council is based on recommendations made to it in 2010 [PDF] and is biennially reviewed by the council.

Members of the State Trails Council may represent the STC on issues upon endorsement of the council, usually as a result of a discussion of the council as a whole.

How to apply to the State Trails Council

The public may apply for an open seat on the council. If you would like to apply to be recommended for appointment to the council, please fill out the State Trails Council application.

Public participation

Public comment. The public may submit comments in writing to the State Trails Council at any time. Council members may be contacted directly. Comments may also be submitted to the department for distribution to the State Trails Council. Additionally, public comment will be taken in person at the end of each face-to-face (non-teleconference) meeting.

Public appearance. (Speaking on specific items that are on the current council agenda for consideration). Public appearances are made after an agenda item has been presented by the council. Council members may wish to discuss the content of their appearance presentation with citizens. Requests for public appearance for an agenda item may be made regardless of whether the meeting is face to face or is being held via teleconference. So that accommodations may be made, requests for public appearance must be submitted at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled meeting. Public appearance requests may only be made for a specific agenda item.

Bringing an issue to the council for consideration. The public may make a request for an appearance to bring an issue to the council. Requests should be made to the council chairperson no later than 10 calendar days prior to the meetings and should outline the reasons for the request including the subject matter to be discussed and recommendations to be made. Those requesting an appearance will be requested to provide council members with copies of written materials to be presented or a written statement of a position.

  • Issues may be submitted via email to the State Trails Council. Please include your name, contact information, description of the issue and the action requested of the council.

Attendees who require assistance to participate in State Trails Council meetings should contact the council at least seven days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

State Trails Council resolutions

Dec. 8, 2011

Oct. 28, 2011

Jan. 12, 2009

July 11, 2008

July 13, 2007

April 11, 2007

July 14, 2006

May 2, 2006

Oct. 10, 2005

April 18, 2005

February 2005

Oct. 11, 2004

July 12, 2004

Oct. 13, 2003

April 7, 2003

July 15, 2002

State Trails Council meeting minutes

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