Governor's Wisconsin State Trails Council

  • Subscribe to Trail News to receive e-mails about upcoming STC meetings and other trail news.

Next Meeting

  • Wednesday, April 11, 2012
    Madison, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

STC Information

State Trails Council Overview

The State Trails Council (STC) was created by statute 15.347(16) [exit DNR] in 1989. The STC provides advice and consultation to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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 (RTP) [exit DNR] funds. The STC serves as Wisconsin's state recreational trail advisory committee for RTP, necessary for Wisconsin to participate in the program.

The STC is an independent forum for finding solutions to trail problems for both motorized and non-motorized 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.

Appointments to the State Trails Council

The State Trails Council is composed of nine 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 STC as needed. All council members must be knowledgeable in various recreational uses of trails and serve as an advocate for trails.

State Trails Council Members


Voting Member Positions Filled By   Non-Voting Member Positions Filled By
Off-Road Vehicles (ATVs) Randy Harden (Chair)   Off-Highway Motorcycles Bryan Much
Equestrian Ken Carpenter   Off-Road Bicycles/Mountain Bikes Harold Schmidt
Bicycling Robbie Webber (Vice-Chair)   Boards and Small Wheels James White
Snowmobiling Doug Johnson      
Non-Motorized Water Trails Phil Johnsrud      
Tourism/Business Skip Maletzke (Secretary)      
Cross-Country Skiing Mike McFadzen      
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles Luana Schneider      
Hiking/Walking Dave Phillips      

Detailed Membership List [PDF]

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 STC, please fill out the STC application.

State Trails Council Application [PDF] You can print off and mail in to the address on the application.

STC Position Description [PDF]
STC Application Process [PDF]

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 STC 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 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 e-mail 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 department at least seven days prior to the scheduled meeting date; E-mail: Wisconsin State Trails, Phone: (608) 267-7487.

Meeting Schedule

  • Friday, January 13, 2012 - Via Telephone Conference. 10 a.m. - Noon. (Public participation at 101 S. Webster St. (GEF 2), Madison; and 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander).
  • Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - Madison. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Monday, July 9, 2012 - Via Telephone Conference. 10 a.m. - Noon. (Public participation at 101 S. Webster St. (GEF 2), Madison; and 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander).
  • Friday, October 26, 2012 - Green Bay area. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

State Trails Council Information

 

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Trails, (608) 267-7487.

Last Revised: Monday January 23 2012