Committee approves gates for Kelly Fire Lane, converts Gobler Lake Road to ATV/snowmobile trail

Rhinelander, Wis. — The Oneida County Forestry, Land & Recreation Committee on April 14 voted to install operational gates on Kelly Fire Lane and to convert Gobler Lake Road into a snowmobile/ATV trail after hearing concerns about vandalism, maintenance costs and public safety.

Forestry Director Nemec told the committee that both roads had been abandoned by the towns and that department staff had blocked access points, but “people have been going through the blockades, cutting cables, running over barrels, etc.,” creating ongoing maintenance and vandalism issues. Nemec said Kelly Fire Lane is a useful management corridor but that three large culverts in the road are failing and he estimated a replacement cost of roughly $100,000.

The committee discussed three options Nemec outlined: close the roads to the general public; reclassify them as trail-only for snowmobile/ATV use; or add them to the County Forest Road inventory, which would preserve public vehicle access but carry the greatest maintenance expense. Little Rice ATV Club President Jim Kocher and member Larry Hammond offered limited club support — including grading help and equipment — to help manage short-term conditions.

Committee member Ives initially moved to adopt Kelly Fire Lane into the County Forest Road inventory, then rescinded that motion. Chair Robert Almekinder moved instead to install gates that can be opened or closed as needed, keep the road accessible to hunters and ATV users for now, and have the Little Rice ATV Club grade the road twice this year while the department monitors conditions and returns with a final recommendation in July. The motion, seconded by Schultz, passed on a unanimous voice vote.

For Gobler Lake Road, committee members agreed that the road’s narrow, winding geometry makes it better suited as a managed recreational corridor. Motion by Briggs, seconded by Ives, approved gating and repurposing the road for snowmobile and ATV use only; members discussed signage, gate installation logistics and potential ATV program funding.

The committee did not commit to undertaking the full culvert replacements on Kelly Fire Lane at this meeting and said any future decision to add roads to the County Forest Road inventory will include a staff recommendation on funding and scheduling. The department will bring back a formal recommendation to the committee in July.

The decisions came during regular committee business in the County Board Room. The meeting record states all motions on these items carried unanimously.