ATVs in Presque Isle – The People Have Spoken

Presque Isle, Boulder Junction, Winchester and Manitowish Waters ALL Said NO to ATV’s

The recently completed survey of voters, property owners and businesses in Presque Isle compares favorably with recent surveys conducted in Boulder Junction, Winchester and Manitowish Waters.

                   Presque Isle                 Boulder Junction         Winchester        Manitowish Waters

NO ATVs     911 (56.4%)         978 (55%)           278 (52%)      755 (67.2%)

YES ATVs    703 (43.6%)        800 (45%)           224 (42%)      368 (32.7%)

Background:  This past June, the Presque Isle Town Board passed an ordinance 

2-1 allowing ATV/UTVs on all Town Roads.  This occurred without any input from the community, the ordinance was never reviewed by the Town’s Ordinance Committee and no member of the community had a chance to read the Ordinance in advance of the vote.  

This action by two Town Board members caused an uproar in the community and spurred the organization of the Last Wilderness Alliance (LWA), an organization formed “to conserve, enhance and protect natural resources and support the economic viability of the north lakeland region”.

These same two Town Board members refused the invitation from LWA for the Town to participate in a survey of all Presque Isle voters, property owners and business owners to determine what the feeling is in the community about ATV/UTV’s on town roads.

Consequently, LWA conducted a single question survey:  Do you support ATV/UTV’s on Presque Isle Town Roads?  Survey ballots were sent to all registered voters, property owners and business owners and anonymously returned to the independent accounting firm of Peterson & Metz, Minocqua, where they were returned, validated and tabulated by them.

A few of the many comments that were received:

·      There are so many other ways to attract business to the area that are in keeping with the motto “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness!”

·      I work in local restaurants and raised my family here.  I want my town to be peaceful - a place for hunting and fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.  Utility vehicles have a good purpose but not on our roads.

·      The action by the Town Board was disrespectful to the voters and property owners.

·      Totally opposed to ATV’s on public roads.  Why wasn’t community surveyed before change was made.

·      Can't we keep even a small sliver of Northern WI pristine?

·      I think the contention that allowing ATV/UTV’s in Presque Isle will help the economy is flawed.

·      ATV/UTV’s are off-road vehicles and should not be allowed on roads.  

On Sept. 28, The Vilas County Board will take up an amendment to Chapter 26 – Motorized Vehicles and Routes Ordinance.  This Ordinance will open up all County Roads in Presque Isle to ATV/UTV traffic in spite of this proposed amendment requiring the Vilas County Highway Commissioner to “review all proposed routes and identify any maintenance concerns, safety concerns and signage concerns.”  If this Ordinance is approved, the County Board will ignore the need for such a study in Presque Isle but require this review for all future requests to open county roads to ATV’s.  Does this make sense to you? Contact Vilas County Clerk Dave Alleman daalle@vilascountywi.gov.