Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-67.7
Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 13, December 25, 2024
Rule 571-67.7 - Control of trail use(1) Use of trails may be temporarily limited or suspended by the area manager when use or any natural event has created conditions that will cause the trail to degrade if further use is allowed. Guidelines may include, but are not limited to, the following considerations:a. Precipitation events (e.g., rain, thaws, or flooding that, based on the soils and topography, would present a problem for resource protection or public safety if the trail were to remain open).b. Special events (e.g., events that are large, involve concessionaires, or would otherwise require a special event permit as described in 571-subrule 61.7(16) and would interfere with the safety or enjoyment of other trail users).c. Ecosystem management activities (e.g., scheduled harvests, timber stand improvement, planting, or controlled burns that would temporarily disrupt trail use).d. Trail construction or repair.e. Off-trail use (e.g., vehicle or animal use that has created damage off the actual trail which affects the trail and needs to be corrected).f. Conflicts between trail users.g. Trail damage/erosion (e.g., overuse, use at the wrong time, or unauthorized vehicle use).(2) The area manager shall limit or suspend use of a trail by posting signs at appropriate trailheads and by posting notices in conspicuous locations within the area.(3) Upon suspension or limitation of trail use, the area manager shall take prompt and reasonable steps to correct the conditions that led to suspension or limitation. When, in the area manager's judgment, such conditions have been corrected, normal use of the trail may resume.(4) No trail shall be permanently closed to public use without approval of the director. Recommendations for permanent closure shall be made to the division administrator by the area manager. The division administrator shall prepare a report documenting reasons for closure and provide the report and recommendation to the director. At the request of six or more persons, the director shall direct that a public informational meeting be held in the vicinity of the area to inform the public of the planned closure and to receive public comments. A summary of the public comments made at the meeting shall be presented to the natural resource commission for review. The commission may uphold or reverse the director's decision and shall consider both public comments and staff recommendations before taking action.Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-67.7