Question 1

What are the Musky Riders asking the Town of Boulder Junction to do?

Accepted Answer

The Musky Riders are requesting access to specific Town roads and Town property to provide connections to the regional ATV/UTV trail and route system, access to isolated businesses, and residential access to approved ATV/UTV roads and routes where appropriate. The request is intended to supplement the Vilas County highways already open to ATV/UTV traffic and potential connections approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Question 2

Are the Musky Riders asking that all Boulder Junction Town roads be opened to ATV/UTV traffic?

Accepted Answer

No. The Musky Riders are not requesting that all Town roads be opened. The request involves specific roads or road segments for identified purposes, including regional trail connectivity, access to isolated businesses and residential access where appropriate.

Opening one Town road does not automatically open another.

Question 3

Why is each Town road being considered individually?

Accepted Answer

Different roads may serve different purposes. A road may provide a connection to the regional trail system, access to an existing County route, access to an isolated business, or residential access.

Each road must be considered individually because its location, use and connection to the larger system are different.

Question 4

Who decides whether a Boulder Junction Town road is opened to ATV/UTV use?

Accepted Answer

The Boulder Junction Town Board has authority over ATV/UTV route designations on Town roads, subject to Wisconsin law. The Musky Riders may provide information and recommendations, but the Town Board makes the decision and is responsible for adopting any required ordinance.

Question 5

What is the Musky Riders' role in the decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

The Musky Riders provide information about ATV/UTV operation, safety, education, potential routes and regional trail connectivity. The club may make recommendations and answer questions.

Decisions concerning Boulder Junction Town roads are made by the Town Board. Decisions concerning roads and trails within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest are made by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Question 6

Was a public hearing held regarding the current request?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Town of Boulder Junction held a public hearing on September 29, 2026, to receive information from the club and public input concerning the proposed ATV/UTV connections. No action was scheduled to be taken at the hearing.

Question 7

What is the difference between an ATV/UTV route and an ATV/UTV trail?

Accepted Answer

An ATV/UTV route generally uses an existing highway or roadway that has been legally designated for ATV/UTV operation. An ATV/UTV trail is a designated off-road corridor.

The terms are not interchangeable. Riders must follow the laws, regulations and signs applicable to the particular road, route or trail they are using.

Question 8

Are ATV/UTVs currently permitted on Vilas County highways?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vilas County opened its County highways to ATV/UTV traffic year-round in 2025, except County highways within the Town of Lac du Flambeau. Applicable County highways passing through Boulder Junction are therefore currently available for legal ATV/UTV travel.

Question 9

If County highways are already open, why are additional connections being considered?

Accepted Answer

County highways provide transportation corridors but do not necessarily connect riders to the regional trail system, residences, businesses or approved State Forest routes.

Selected Town and DNR road connections can provide links between these locations. One purpose of identifying alternative connections is to reduce the need for riders to travel longer distances on paved County highways where another authorized connection is available.

Question 10

Does opening a County highway automatically open the Town roads or State Forest roads connected to it?

Accepted Answer

No. County highways, Town roads and DNR forest roads are controlled by different governmental entities.

Vilas County's decision to open County highways did not automatically open Boulder Junction Town roads or DNR forest roads. Similarly, opening a Town road does not automatically open a connecting DNR road, and DNR approval of a forest road does not automatically open a connecting Town road.

Each road must be legally authorized by the governmental entity having jurisdiction over it.

Question 11

Can an ATV/UTV operator travel on any road once he or she reaches an approved route?

Accepted Answer

No. Operators must remain on roads, trails, routes and other areas where ATV/UTV operation is legally permitted. An adjoining road is not automatically open simply because it connects with an approved ATV/UTV route.

Question 12

What is meant by regional trail connectivity?

Accepted Answer

Regional connectivity means connecting Boulder Junction with the legally designated ATV/UTV route and trail network in Vilas County and neighboring areas.

Regional connectivity does not mean unrestricted ATV/UTV travel. Riders must remain on legally authorized roads, routes and trails throughout the system.

Question 13

Are all snowmobile trails automatically open to ATV/UTV traffic?

Accepted Answer

No. A snowmobile trail is not automatically an ATV/UTV trail. ATV/UTV operation is permitted only where that use has specifically been authorized.

Question 14

Would all State Forest roads be opened to ATV/UTV use?

Accepted Answer

No. ATV/UTV use within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest would be limited to specific roads and trails approved and opened by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through its property-planning process.

Roads not designated and opened for ATV/UTV use remain closed to ATV/UTV traffic.

Question 15

Who determines which State Forest roads can be used by ATV/UTVs?

Accepted Answer

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The DNR determines which roads and trails may be designated for ATV/UTV use through its planning and approval processes.

Neither the Town of Boulder Junction nor the Musky Riders can independently open a DNR forest road.

Question 16

Does a road appearing as a planned ATV/UTV route on a DNR map mean it is open?

Accepted Answer

No. A planned route is not necessarily an open route. Riders must consult current DNR information and follow posted signs to determine whether a particular road or trail is legally open.

Question 17

Would the proposal create ATV/UTV trails through previously undisturbed forest?

Accepted Answer

The State Forest connections being considered primarily involve existing DNR forest roads rather than unrestricted cross-country travel through the forest. These roads are part of an established and mapped transportation network used in the long-term management of the State Forest.

Any new construction, road modification or vegetation removal on State Forest property would be subject to DNR review and approval.

Question 18

Why do these forest roads already exist?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest contains an established road network used for long-term silvicultural and forest-management activities and other authorized purposes. Forest roads provide access needed for timber management, forest protection and other property-management activities.

Depending upon the individual road and applicable regulations, existing roads may also accommodate authorized motor vehicles, forestry equipment, horses, bicycles, pedestrians and other users.

Question 19

Would trees have to be cut down to create the proposed routes?

Accepted Answer

Use of an existing forest road does not, by itself, require clearing a new corridor through the forest.

If vegetation removal, road modification or other work were necessary for a particular route, that work would be subject to DNR review and approval.

Question 20

Can ATV/UTVs leave a designated forest road and travel through the woods?

Accepted Answer

No. Designation of a forest road as an ATV/UTV route does not authorize unrestricted cross-country travel. Operators must remain on roads, trails and areas where ATV/UTV use is legally authorized.

Question 21

What about soil compaction from ATV/UTV traffic?

Accepted Answer

The State Forest roads being considered are existing road surfaces rather than previously undisturbed forest soils. They are part of an established road network developed for forest management and other authorized activities.

The DNR determines whether an individual forest road is appropriate for ATV/UTV use and may establish restrictions or close routes when conditions warrant. Designation of an existing road for ATV/UTV use does not authorize travel onto the surrounding forest floor.

Question 22

Are the forest roads being considered currently unused?

Accepted Answer

No. The State Forest contains established forest roads used for forestry, property management and other authorized activities. Depending upon the individual road, authorized users may already include motor vehicles, forestry equipment, horses, bicycles, pedestrians and others.

Designation for ATV/UTV use adds another authorized use to an existing road. It does not, by itself, create a road where none previously existed.

Question 23

Can ATV/UTVs transport invasive species?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mud, seeds, plant material and other organisms can be carried on ATV/UTV tires, wheel wells, undercarriages and other parts of the machine.

Operators should inspect and clean their machines before moving between recreational areas and remove mud, seeds and plant material that could transport invasive species.

Question 24

Are invasive species transported only by motorized recreational vehicles?

Accepted Answer

No. Invasive species can be transported by many forms of outdoor recreation and land use. Seeds, soil and plant material can be carried on ATV/UTV tires and undercarriages, bicycle tires, hiking boots, clothing, horses, pets, motor vehicles, boats, trailers, forestry equipment and other recreational or work equipment.

The Wisconsin DNR identifies hikers, bicyclists, ATV riders and other recreational users as potential pathways for the movement of invasive species and recommends cleaning clothing, footwear, bicycles, ATVs and other equipment before moving between recreational areas.

Research has also documented seed transport by both hiking and bicycling. The potential movement of invasive species is therefore not limited to motorized recreation.

Question 25

What can ATV/UTV riders and other forest users do to reduce the spread of invasive species?

Accepted Answer

All forest users should inspect and clean footwear, clothing, vehicles, bicycles, horses and recreational equipment before moving between locations. Mud, seeds and plant material should be removed and properly disposed of.

Users should also remain on designated roads and trails and follow Wisconsin DNR invasive-species prevention practices.

Question 26

Who evaluates environmental effects of proposed ATV/UTV routes within the State Forest?

Accepted Answer

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The DNR determines which roads and trails may be designated for ATV/UTV use through its planning and approval processes.

Neither the Town of Boulder Junction nor the Musky Riders can independently open a DNR forest road.

The Musky Riders may request or recommend a connection, but the DNR determines whether use of a particular State Forest road is appropriate.

Question 27

Is ATV/UTV safety education required in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin requires ATV/UTV safety certification for many operators. Generally, operators born on or after January 1, 1988 who meet applicable age requirements must complete an approved ATV/UTV safety certification course before operating on public ATV/UTV trails and areas.

Additional age, supervision and operating restrictions apply to younger operators.

Question 28

Does the Musky Riders ATV/UTV Club provide safety education and certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Musky Riders provide Wisconsin state-approved ATV/UTV safety and certification classes multiple times each year.

These classes provide instruction in safe ATV/UTV operation and allow eligible participants to obtain Wisconsin ATV/UTV safety certification.

Question 29

What is taught in an ATV/UTV safety certification class?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin DNR-approved safety education includes instruction concerning applicable laws and regulations, ethics, personal safety and proper ATV/UTV operation.

Question 30

Are there special requirements for youth ATV/UTV operators?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wisconsin has specific age, safety-certification, supervision and vehicle requirements for younger operators. Parents and youth operators should consult current Wisconsin DNR regulations before operating on public trails, routes or riding areas.

Question 31

How can someone learn when the next Musky Riders safety class will be offered?

Accepted Answer

The Musky Riders announce upcoming Wisconsin state-approved safety and certification classes through the club's normal communication channels.

Question 32

Do ATVs and UTVs have to be registered?

Accepted Answer

ATVs and UTVs operated on Wisconsin's public ATV/UTV system are subject to Wisconsin registration or applicable nonresident requirements. Vehicles must meet Wisconsin's legal definition of an ATV or UTV to qualify for registration and legal operation on the public system.

Wisconsin public-use ATV/UTV registration is generally issued for a two-year period.

Question 33

Does an ATV or UTV need a license plate in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

A Wisconsin ATV or UTV registered for public use must display a rear registration plate. This is an ATV/UTV registration plate rather than the conventional motor-vehicle license plate issued for cars and trucks.

The plate displays the ATV/UTV's Wisconsin registration number and must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The owner provides the physical plate in accordance with Wisconsin DNR specifications; the DNR does not issue the physical plate.

Question 34

Are registration stickers also required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to the rear registration plate, a Wisconsin ATV or UTV registered for public use must display the DNR-issued registration decals.

The DNR issues two decals displaying the vehicle's registration number. One decal is displayed on each side of the ATV or UTV, forward of the operator and in a location where it is clearly visible.

The registration number displayed on the rear plate corresponds with the number shown on the DNR registration decals.

Question 35

Are nonresident ATV/UTV registration requirements different?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nonresident operators may be subject to Wisconsin nonresident trail-pass requirements rather than Wisconsin resident public-use registration. The requirements depend upon where the ATV/UTV is registered and whether it is kept in Wisconsin.

Nonresident riders should verify current Wisconsin DNR registration and trail-pass requirements before operating in Wisconsin.

Question 36

Are seat belts required in UTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Effective June 1, 2026, Wisconsin law requires UTV operators and passengers to wear the vehicle's seat belts.

Question 37

Are helmets required?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin law requires helmets for certain younger ATV/UTV operators and passengers. The Wisconsin DNR recommends helmet use for all ATV/UTV riders regardless of age.

Question 38

Can any off-road vehicle use an ATV/UTV trail or route?

Accepted Answer

No. A vehicle must meet applicable Wisconsin requirements. Golf carts, go-carts, off-road motorcycles and other vehicles do not automatically qualify as ATVs or UTVs simply because they are capable of off-road travel.

Question 39

Do ATV/UTV operators have to obey traffic laws on public roads?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ATV/UTV operators using authorized public roads and routes must comply with applicable Wisconsin laws, local ordinances, traffic-control signs and ATV/UTV-specific operating requirements.

Question 40

What is the ATV/UTV speed limit on Vilas County highways?

Accepted Answer

Vilas County identifies a maximum ATV/UTV speed of 35 mph on County highways. Operators must also comply with any lower posted or otherwise applicable speed restriction.

Question 41

How must ATV/UTVs travel on Vilas County highways?

Accepted Answer

Vilas County directs ATV/UTV operators to ride single file, stay to the right, travel in the direction of traffic and remain on the paved portion of the roadway.

Question 42

Can someone operate an ATV/UTV while impaired?

Accepted Answer

No. Wisconsin law prohibits impaired ATV/UTV operation. Operators are subject to Wisconsin laws concerning alcohol and controlled substances.

Question 43

How does a rider know whether a Boulder Junction road or State Forest road is open?

Accepted Answer

Riders should use current official maps and follow posted signs. A road should not be assumed to be open simply because it connects with another ATV/UTV route or appears on an older map.

Question 44

Who is responsible for knowing whether a route is legal?

Accepted Answer

The ATV/UTV operator is responsible for knowing where operation is permitted and following applicable laws, ordinances, route restrictions and signs.

Question 45

Where can riders obtain current Wisconsin ATV/UTV regulations and safety information?

Accepted Answer

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The DNR determines which roads and trails may be designated for ATV/UTV use through its planning and approval processes.

Neither the Town of Boulder Junction nor the Musky Riders can independently open a DNR forest road.

Question 46

Where can riders find current Vilas County ATV/UTV information?

Accepted Answer

Vilas County provides current ATV/UTV trail and route information, County highway regulations and seasonal information. Riders should also check applicable municipal regulations when traveling on Town roads.

Question 47

Where can I learn more about the Musky Riders ATV/UTV Club?

Accepted Answer

Information about Musky Riders activities, meetings, Wisconsin state-approved safety and certification classes, trail and route information, and current projects is available through the Musky Riders ATV/UTV Club's website and club communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

BOULDER JUNCTION AND THE CURRENT REQUEST

ROADS, ROUTES AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

NORTHERN HIGHLAND-AMERICAN LEGION STATE FOREST

ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS

SAFETY AND EDUCATION

REGISTRATION, EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

MAPS, SIGNS AND CURRENT INFORMATION

OFFICIAL INFORMATION