Governor's Wisconsin State Trails Council

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

The council 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 comprised of eleven 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 council as needed. All council members must be knowledgeable in various recreational uses of trails and serve as an advocate for trails.

Members of the State Trails Council may represent the STC on issues upon endorsement of the council, usually as a result of a discussion of the council as a whole.

State Trails Council members

Detailed membership list [PDF]

Voting member positions	Filled by
Bicycling	Robbie Webber (Chair)
Off-highway motorcycles	Bryan Much (Vice-chair)
Tourism/business	Skip Maletzke (Secretary)
Equestrian	Ken Carpenter
Off-road vehicles	Randy Harden
Snowmobiling	Doug Johnson
Non-motorized water trails	Phil Johnsrud
Cross-country skiing	Mike McFadzen
Hiking/walking	Dave Phillips
4-wheel drive vehicles	Luana Schneider
Non-voting member positions	Filled by
Off-road bicycles/mountain bikes	Harold Schmidt
Boards and small wheels	James White

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 council, please fill out the State Trails Council application.

• State Trails Council application [PDF] You can print off and mail in to the address on the application.
• Council position description [PDF]
• 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 council 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 email to the State Trails Council. Please include your name, contact information, description of the issue, and the action requested of the council.

2013 Meeting schedule

• Monday, January 14, 2013 (Teleconference)
• Thursday, April 25, 2013 - Room 330 SW, State Capitol Building, Madison
• Monday, July 15, 2013 - (Teleconference), 101 S Webster Street, Room 613, Madison, WI 53703; and Rhinelander DNR Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501, 10 a.m. - noon.
• Friday, November 8, 2013 - Sparta, Location to be determined, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.