Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Planners would cut motorized access to forest

PARK FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Forest planners want to close motorized access to more than half of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The plan would cut the number of miles open to cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs from 4,657 to 2,080. People would be able to walk or ski on the restricted roads to reach the deep forest, but they wouldn't be able to drive there.

John Schnorr, executive director of the Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association, said he doesn't know if hunters or anglers realize how the plan would affect their recreation.

The changes would go into effect in January. The public has 30 days to comment on the plan.

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