CHAPTER 67DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF RECREATION TRAILSON STATE FORESTS, PARKS, PRESERVES AND RECREATION AREAS57167.1(456A, 461A) Applicability. This chapter is applicable to all state-owned parks, recreation areas, forests and preserves under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources, except those areas under management by a local government entity.57167.2(456A, 461A) Definitions.
"All-terrain vehicle" means a motorized flotation-tire vehicle with not less than three low-pressure tires, but not more than six low-pressure tires, or a two-wheeled off-road motorcycle, that is limited in engine displacement to less than 800 cubic centimeters and in total dry weight to less than 850 pounds and that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control and any other vehicle registered under Iowa Code chapter 321I.
"Area" means any park, recreation area, forest, or preserve under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources.
"Department" means the department of natural resources (DNR).
"Director" means the director of the department of natural resources or designee.
"Division administrator" means the division administrator of the DNR division responsible for managing the area in question.
"Equestrian" means a horserider or a person who is horseback riding.
"Equestrian hunting permit, which may include an annual permit, application" means an application by a hunter wishing to ride off trail to hunt in an area. This application shall include the dates and area and provide a contact number in case of conflicts or questions. Applications will be evaluated for potential user conflicts and the potential for the need to obtain a special event permit pursuant to 571—subrule 61.7(16).
"Horse" means any equine animal, including horses, mules, burros, donkeys, and all llamas or alpacalike animals.
"Snowmobile" means a motorized vehicle weighing less than 1,000 pounds which uses sled-type runners or skis, endless belt-type tread, or any combination of runners, skis, or tread, and is designed for travel on snow or ice and any vehicle registered under Iowa Code chapter 321G.
57167.3(456A, 461A) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish guidelines for developing and properly managing the use of recreation trails on state parks, recreation areas, forests and preserves.57167.4(456A, 461A) Establishment of trails. Establishment and designation of recreation trails shall not be undertaken until after a plan showing the basic design, location and designated use for any such trail has been prepared. The director shall approve all trail plans for areas, and trails shall follow only those routes designated on the plan.57167.5(456A, 461A) Designation of recreation trails. All trails shall be designated by the department. Designation shall include an assignment of the use or uses for which each trail is intended. Uses shall be classified as follows: foot traffic, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, bicycling and multiple-use trails. The intended uses of trails shall be described on signs at appropriate locations within the area, in informational brochures about the area, or on posted notice at the area’s headquarters.57167.6(456A, 461A) Guidelines for trail location. No new trail shall be designated or constructed:- On any slope where erosion will occur unless measures are taken to permanently control erosion. The measures may include, but not be limited to: water bars, steps, vegetative or crushed stone surfacing and terraces;
- Through rare or sensitive plant communities, except for trails intended for interpretive purposes and designed for foot traffic only;
- In locations where wildlife management practices are being carried out that would be negatively affected by trail activity;
- To pass over archaeological sites or adversely affect known archaeological sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or known sites not yet evaluated;
- Where past trail use has resulted in erosion or other environmental damage that would be exacerbated by continued trail use;
- So as to allow travel through a river, stream or wetland or waterway except at designated crossings.