Goodhue County temporarily lowers trail insurance requirement to $1 million for current snowmobile season

Goodhue County commissioners voted to modify the county’s seasonal agreements with snowmobile clubs to accept current club liability insurance limits of $1,000,000 for the remainder of the 2024–25 snowmobile season.

County staff reported a discrepancy between the contract language the county had used—which required $1.5 million per-incident liability—and the clubs’ existing policies, which provide $1,000,000 per claim. Staff said the extra $500,000 of coverage would cost each club about $700–$800, a total countywide estimate in the low thousands (staff cited roughly $4,800 total for all clubs). Commissioners discussed the limited remaining weeks in the season, exposure and whether the county could split the additional cost. Legal and risk staff noted that Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) would not cover county liability arising from state indemnification clauses, making the outcome of any litigation uncertain.

After discussion about exposure and ongoing talks with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and MnDOT, one commissioner moved to approve the seasonal contracts with the $1,000,000 liability limit for this season only; another commissioner seconded the motion and it passed by voice vote. The board noted staff would continue negotiations with state agencies and revisit the requirement for future seasons.

County staff also raised an ancillary issue involving limited-use permits (LUPs) for the Cannon Valley Trail and the correct contracting parties; staff said some LUPs may have been signed by entities that do not own the property and that this should be reviewed.