Commissioner of natural resources required to consider decommissioning a road or trail designated for off-highway vehicle use; land, water quality, aquatic life, and wildlife protected from effects of using motorized recreational trails; environmental assessment worksheet required to construct or expand off-highway vehicle trails; rulemaking required; and money appropriated.

Summary

This bill in Minnesota requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to think about closing off-road trails for recreational vehicles, like ATVs, if they are harming the environment. It aims to protect the land, water quality, aquatic life, and wildlife from the negative impacts of motorized recreational trails. The bill also requires an environmental assessment before building or expanding these trails, and mandates new rules to be created. Additionally, the bill allocates funds to support these efforts. Overall, the bill is focused on ensuring that off-highway vehicle trails are managed in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and wildlife.