Section 51.75. Grant contracts or grant agreements.

  Grant contracts or grant agreements between the department and sponsors for state trail acquisition and management shall, in addition to the requirements in subch. II , require the sponsor to:

(1)  Acquire the lands for a trail, where applicable.

(2)  Specify which uses shall be permitted.

(3)  Construct, maintain, operate and repair as necessary a recreational trail for the purpose of horseback riding, bicycling, cross-country skiing, hiking or other compatible uses as authorized by the department.

(4)  Prohibit hunting on the state trail unless specifically authorized by the department.

(5)  Keep the state trail open for public use after completion of the land acquisition and development. If the state trail ever ceases to be used for state trail purposes, then all rights shall revert to the department without necessity of reentry or legal judgment. The department has no obligation to develop and operate the trail and all permanent improvements made to the trail by the sponsor or its agent shall become the property of the department.

(6)  Open the state trail to the general public, subject to reasonable rules and regulations, as the managing cooperator deems necessary for the management and operation of the state trail and as approved in writing by the department.

(7)  Develop the state trail to conform with department state trail standards (department Manual Code 2540.5) or other reasonable standards as approved by the department.

(8)  Assume the responsibility for all fencing, signing and similar activities which are related to the development, maintenance and operation of the state trail.

(9)  Prepare all necessary plans, specifications and environmental reports, including citizen participation, for the state trail, and submit them to the department for written approval prior to the commencement of any development or improvement. Any changes of use or development of the state trail shall be performed in accordance with general plans submitted to and approved by the department.

(10)  Provide the necessary maintenance including but not limited to, grading, landscaping and controlling vegetative growth on the state trail and any parking areas or use areas to keep the property in a good state of useability and sightliness.

(11)  Provide or arrange for the necessary enforcement and security of the state trail to ensure efficient, safe use, and to preserve and protect public health, safety and welfare.

(12)  Provide liability insurance if requested by the department.

(13)  If the trail is also a part of the Ice Age Trail or the North Country Trail and it qualifies for certification as a component of a national scenic trail, the managing cooperator shall, upon completion of the trail development, and where feasible, apply to the U.S. national park service for certification as a component of the Ice Age national scenic trail, or North Country national scenic trail and sign the trail accordingly.

(14)  Permit the department to inspect the trail to ensure compliance with the provisions of the contract.

Cr. Register, October, 1990, No. 418 , eff. 11-1-90; emerg. am. (intro.), (5) and (13), eff. 9-1-00; CR 00-135 : am. (intro.), (5) and (13), Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01; CR 10-127 : am. (title), (intro.), (2), (5), (13) Register February 2012 No. 674 , eff. 3-1-12.