Governor's Wisconsin State Trails Council

• Accomplishments
• Meetings
• Members

The State Trails Council (STC) was created by statute 15.347(16) [exit DNR] in 1989. The nine-member council, appointed by the governor to four-year terms, must be knowledgeable in various recreational uses of trails.

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. In 2003, more than $1.1 million in RTP monies were distributed to trails throughout the state. The STC serves as Wisconsin's state recreational trail advisory committee for RTP, necessary for Wisconsin to participate in the program.

Meeting Schedule for 2008

Minutes of Previous Meetings

• Friday, October 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, Greenbush Recreation Area Shelter, about 3 miles south of the town of Greenbush/State Highway 23 along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.

You can subscribe to the trail news electronic distribution list to receive e-mails from DNR about upcoming STC meetings and other trail news.

Accomplishments

• Developed the tool used to award National Recreational Trails program (RTP) funding.
• Played an integral role in the development of the Wisconsin Strategic Trails Plan and State Trails Network Plan. These plans provide a futuristic blueprint of how current and future trails will inter-connect to ensure a stable and reliable trail system for tourism and recreation.
• Supports federal legislation that will provide funding for the acquisition, development and enhancement of state trails.
• 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.
• Independent forum for finding solutions to trail problems for both motorized and non-motorized groups. This includes master planning, the Kettle Moraine Mountain Biking Plan, trail etiquette standards, and trails design standards.

State Trails Council Members

• David W. Phillips, Madison, (hiking/walking), chair
• Randy Harden, Sheboygan, (off-road vehicles), vice-chair
• Ken Carpenter, Fort Atkinson, (equestrian), secretary
• Tom Huber, Madison, (Department of Transportation)
• Jim Joque, Mosinee, (representing users with disabilities)
• Mike McFadzen, Plymouth, (cross-country skiing)
• Thomas Thornton, Grand View, (snowmobile)
• Robbie Webber, Madison, (bicycling)

STC Members' Profiles
Detailed Membership List [PDF 12KB]

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