ATV's at BC

[flea]

I saw 3 blue ATVs driving around in Battle Creek. About 10 days ago on a Friday about 8pm they came down the paved path from Upper Afton and then went up the big switchback hill and out into the woods. They went around the ski trails tearing up corners and uphills. I had my phone with but couldn't get thru to anyone at Ramsey Parks. Several people walking on the paved path also witnessed this we were all pretty incredulous.
Now it looks like in the last few days either they or other 4 wheelers have been out on the big open hill and meadow along 61, going up and down and flattening native plants.
If you witness any of these clowns call the Ramsey County Sheriff. If you have a camera and hear them coming get their photo or a registration number if possible.

I did e-mail Ramsey parks and here is the reply, please note the Sheriffs number, I have it stored in my phone now! Bill Q

(from Ramsey Parks)
Thank you for your e-mail. If you see this type of incident in the park
again, please call the Ramsey County Sheriff's Dispatcher at 651-484-3366.
I would think photos of the offenders would be helpful to the Sheriff's
Deputies.

Cheryl Johnson
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation
2015 North Van Dyke Street
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-748-2500
FAX 651-748-2508
cheryl.johnson@co.ramsey.mn.us

[Dr. Guitar]

What about paintballers? Call the same number?

[Summerinside]

I was out there and they really tore the place up. :embarass: The climb through the switchbacks is usually one of the highlights of the whole ride and it looks like they just drove their ATVs up and down the hill and tore it all up pretty well. Would it be possible to get some fences around the park? At least something that would be deer & MTB/hiker friendly without letting ATVs through?

[halls]

I thought last week i heard an ATV out at Battle. When I reached the top of the ski hills it sounded as though they were heading down towards Lower Afton. I'am going to BC today. I'll bring the cell phone with.

[berrywise]

I was talking to Troy when we were out there about it and on the hill we were at it sure seems like it was more than ATV's out there. The tracks up and down the hill also seem to include truck tracks.

The trail didn't sustain any damage but the grass is all flattened up and down the whole hill. Hopefully karma will rear its head and snap the guy's truck axle so he has to abandon his vehicle out there.

[KleinCrazy]

I was talking to Troy when we were out there about it and on the hill we were at it sure seems like it was more than ATV's out there. The tracks up and down the hill also seem to include truck tracks.

The trail didn't sustain any damage but the grass is all flattened up and down the whole hill. Hopefully karma will rear its head and snap the guy's truck axle so he has to abandon his vehicle out there.
The truck traffic might be something the park is doing, seeding, fertilizer, weeding, who knows, I would call John Moriarty for more info before jumping to comnclusions.

James

[Magic]

No James, these truck marks up and down the hill are from vandel's. The whole hillside is covered with them. The county wouldn't drive over all the native plants and flowers that they have restored on the hillside. I hope it's a one time deal.

[KleinCrazy]

No James, these truck marks up and down the hill are from vandel's. The whole hillside is covered with them. The county wouldn't drive over all the native plants and flowers that they have restored on the hillside. I hope it's a one time deal.
Are you sure?

The City of Inver Grove went in and mowed about 40 of the 60 acres that they had planted at Harmon to help promote the spread and germination of the first seeds produced.

Are the tracks evenly spaced and regular? are the plants mowed at all?

I am just trying to get a positive feeling out of what I am hoping was not a case of vandalism.

James

[Brick]

Are the tracks evenly spaced and regular? are the plants mowed at all?

I am just trying to get a positive feeling out of what I am hoping was not a case of vandalism.

From what I saw last week, if it hasn't gotten worse it looked something like this:

1. Multiple runs made up and down the hill-face at irregular intervals (4 or 5?)
2. No obvious cutting or mowing
3. Tire marks seemed too wide for ATV (which could almost climb the switchback), looked like a truck to me.

It didn't look right for something that the County would have done.

Maybe we have multiple problems??

Calling or e-mailing John Moriarity would be a good first step regardless.....if it's legit he would know.

[flea]

I heard there are 200,000 atv's in wisconsin now. anyone who has recently ridden or will be riding the chequamegon race course, going down into martells pothole there is a good example of what hi torque atvs can do to a snowmobile trail in a matter of weeks.

[halls]

I rode Battle Creek friday afternoon. When I reached the climb by Hwy. 61, I couldn't believe all the tracks all over the face of the hill. They continued on at the top also. It didn't seem like a pattern at all , just random tracks. The trails didn't appear to suffer any damage....not yet anyway. I think this has been going on for a little while and could happen to other trails. I believe signs at Battle Creek and other trails informing people of the fines for such activity could help .

[jeffgude]

I was there today, agree its not ATVs. Looks more like a high-clearance jeep or something. Somebody spent a lot of time there, drove on almost every square foot of the switchback hill and the meadow at the top. Maybe the county could bury some 4 x 4 posts at random spots on the hill with about 2 feet above ground, covered by weeds...maybe if these guys tear off a few differentials they will stay out of there.


If that isn't bad enough, as I pulled into the community center lot to ride there was a guy sweeping broken glass out of his Saab. Somebody smashed his window and stole a duffel bag - this was at 2:00 in the afternoon on a Sunday!

[John Moriarty]

The tracks going up and down the hill at Pt. Douglas Rd. switchback and the field to the south are from a contractor doing weed control for the Parks Dept. We are trying to control several weeds (crown vetch, bird's foot trefoil, and black locust). The spraying will not effect the prairie grass or most of the prairie wildflowers.

ATV use in the park is illegal. If you observe ATV's please contact the Sheriff at 651-484-3366. If you can get the registration numbers from the ATVs that would be a great help.

If you have any other concerns about the park or trails feel free to email me.

John Moriarty
Natural Resources Manager
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Dept.

[homebrewbiker]

If that isn't bad enough, as I pulled into the community center lot to ride there was a guy sweeping broken glass out of his Saab. Somebody smashed his window and stole a duffel bag - this was at 2:00 in the afternoon on a Sunday!
I know this has been a problem in the past. Last time I was at Battle Creek I just parked in one of the neighborhoods by the park. I asked a few people in the parking lot if they had experienced problems like these and they said it had been OK. You really hate to see things like this happen.

[Magic]

Good call James, I owe you a " your right, I'm wrong". The tracks on the hill just don't look like they were put there with any rime or reason. So I'll take my " I told you so".:)

[halls]

Well that's good news . i'd like to see these guys at work. They must have a good job, getting to be out doors . The trails didn't get touched one bit and are in good shape. Weeds be gone! I have to admit , i was thinking crop circles for awhile. :banana: :kiss: :shocked: :scream: :alien:

[FSSS]

They must have a good job, getting to be out doors .
The only problem is that then you associate being outdoors with work. Build trails for your job and building trails looses some of the fun.

[halls]

Yeah , that's a good point. I'd like to see those folks going up and down the hills though. It's got to be better than boring meetings and bad morning coffee!!:banana: