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Multiuse Badger State Trail put to the test The Badger Trail from its inception was intended to be a multiuse trail. The Natural Resources Board formally approved the trail's master plan in February 2006. "Trail-use guidelines were the culmination of a two-year process of public input," said Steve Johnston, the DNR Green County parks supervisor who manages the Badger State Trail. "We got opinions from local municipalities, special interest groups and private individuals before drafting the user guidelines and compiling the plan." The master plan states, "The primary recreational activities intended for this trail are pedestrian-bicyclist-based uses." However, other uses, most notably motorized snowmobiles and ATVs in the winter, are also part of the recreation plan. While happy with the multiuse setup, Johnston is quick to acknowledge that it's impossible to please all groups. "Every group wants its special use promoted. We can't please everyone all the time. The bottom line is the way we have it allows for no overlap: Bikers won't be on the trail when it's being used by snowmobiles and ATVs." One person pleased with the current plan is Friends of the Badger State Trail President Craig Schmidt. He said the friends group has tried to promote the trail for all users. "We're doing all we can to please everyone." Schmidt added, "When we designed our patch, we wanted it to be a friendly logo representing all user groups, not just the bikers, snowmobilers or ATV'ers." One of the group's immediate goals is to increase membership from the current 55. Sharon Kaminecki, a friends group member and owner of the Earth Rider bike shop adjacent to the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead, envisions a trail explorers program that would promote use of the Badger State Trail by people who wish to stay fit, be active, and enjoy nature. She hopes that more silent sport enthusiasts will buy into the idea and join the friends group. "We need more bicyclists to get involved," Kaminecki said, pointing out that most current members are advocates for motorized use who want greater access to the trail. Current motorized-user rules are very detailed. Snowmobiling is allowed from Sun Valley Parkway near Paoli to the Illinois state line only when there is adequate snow cover and a groomed base. The Stewart Tunnel is closed to snowmobiles. ATV use is only allowed from December 1 to March 15 between Monroe and Monticello when the trail surface is frozen solid and does not have sufficient snow cover to permit snowmobiling. Last winter was the first year these rules were in place. After two more years, the winter ATV use will be reviewed. In addition to facilitating multiple use of the trail and seeking new members, the friends group wants to increase signage to include interpretive historical and wildlife markers. Committees have begun work on these projects, Schmidt said. Johnston has found the friends' support to be invaluable. "They've been great, a really supportive group," he said. Schmidt said the group will help coordinate trail grooming in the winter and promote responsible use. Johnston agreed, pointing out that the master plan was written to minimize conflicts among all users. "The master plan also allows for equestrian use," Johnston said, "but this is barely in the planning stage." If allowed, equestrian use would require a combination of private trail easements and the siting of parking areas. Unfortunately, some trail damage has already occurred from unauthorized horse use. "You have to remember a horse and rider can weigh around 1,300 pounds. All that weight is concentrated on four hooves," Johnston said. Overall, Johnston is pleased with trail use and sees a bright future as more people discover its charms and close proximity to Madison. – Joe Brady
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