Wood County Supervisor advocates for expanded ATV access on county roads

The Adams County Board meeting held on March 19, 2025, focused primarily on the discussion surrounding the regulation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) on county roads. The meeting featured Scott Brame, a Wood County Supervisor and former Adams County Sheriff's Deputy, who advocated for the opening of more county roads to ATV and UTV traffic.

Brame began by sharing his background in ATV advocacy, noting that he had been involved in the establishment of ATV routes in Wood County. He highlighted the economic impact of ATVs in Wisconsin, citing that they generated $4.2 billion and supported 26,000 jobs. He expressed concern that current regulations limited ATV access to county roads, forcing riders to take longer routes instead of direct paths.

Brame reported that in Wood County, they had successfully opened numerous county roads to ATVs without any fatalities or significant accidents over the past seven years. He argued that the safety record of ATVs has improved significantly since the 1990s, and he urged the Adams County Board to consider similar measures. He pointed out that many county roads in Adams County have low traffic counts, suggesting that they could safely accommodate ATVs.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the safety of UTVs on poorly maintained roads. Board members expressed worries that tourists unfamiliar with the area might struggle to navigate roads with potholes and inconsistencies, especially when following UTVs that can handle rough terrain better than standard vehicles. The need for proper signage and awareness was emphasized to ensure the safety of all road users.

Brame responded to these concerns by stating that UTVs are equipped with safety features and that their presence on the roads should not pose a greater risk than other vehicles, such as motorcycles or farm machinery, which are already allowed. He also mentioned that enforcement of insurance requirements for ATV riders is similar to that for other vehicles.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the condition of county roads, particularly those that are in disrepair, such as County Z. Board members acknowledged the importance of addressing road maintenance alongside the potential expansion of ATV routes.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing debate over balancing recreational access with public safety and road conditions in Adams County. Further discussions and evaluations of the proposed changes to ATV regulations are expected in future meetings.