A new recreation access restriction bill is moving fast through the Minnesota Legislature is Senate File 1245 (SF 1245), which was introduced by Senate Environment Committee Chair Foung Hawj. This bill poses one of the most far-reaching threats to motorized recreation access in the state’s history. Minnesota is a leader in the recreation industry and if this bill passes it will completely demolish the future of outdoor recreation in Minnesota.
If passed as written, SF 1245 would dramatically restrict or eliminate snowmobile, ATV, and motorized vehicle use across Minnesota’s state forest lands, fundamentally reshaping how residents and visitors can access the outdoors. These lands consist of 4.2 million acres! While on the surface this bill appears to be aimed at eliminating access for a single user group, closing trails and roads restricts everybody. Those who want to access Minnesota’s state forests will be one lawsuit away from losing access for hunting, fishing, camping, photography, sight seeing, exploring, wildlife viewing, etc. Although there is speculation that snowmobiles could be exempt from the rule, that is not explicitly stated in the legislation. If we know anything it’s that once the anti-access groups start, they don’t stop and they come for every modality and user. No user group is safe under this legislation. Any assurances or promises made by the legislators that aren’t codified into the bill are empty assurances and unenforceable in court where most of the work to close these trails will be done. If you use roads to access Minnesota state forests your use is at risk.
Minnesota has built one of the most robust and well-managed motorized trail systems in the country. For decades, the state has worked in partnership with he Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local groups, clubs and landowners. This bill undermines decades of work, trust and good faith. ATV and snowmobiling has built a culture of responsible recreation, and economic development. That’s about to all be undone.
What SF 1245 Would Do
SF 1245 introduces sweeping mandates that would severely restrict motorized access, including:
- Mandating DNR review for closure of all existing trails and roads in state forests
- Banning new trails, reroutes, or expansions
- Prohibiting trails within 200 feet of any water body (with no exception for frozen conditions)
- Banning all water crossings, even when waterways are frozen
- Allowing small petition groups to trigger trail closure investigations
- 50 county residents can target local trails
- 150 metro-area signers can trigger statewide reviews
- Allowing lawsuits against trails based on environmental claims, even if the DNR disagrees
- Restricting ATV and snowmobile use on roads and ditches unless part of a mapped system
Taken together, these provisions would create a pathway to systematically dismantle Minnesota’s trail network. The litigation incentives for anti-access groups to endlessly sue the state, fill their pockets, and close access to all forms of recreation are massive. This primary beneficiary of this legislation will be environmental lawyers.
1. It Will Undermine Real Land Management
Minnesota’s DNR already manages trails using environmental review, public input, and ongoing monitoring. SF 1245 replaces that system with:
- Open-ended petitions
- Broad litigation authority
- Mandatory reviews regardless of merit
This invites constant challenges and political pressure rather than relying on professional land managers and science.
2. It Creates a De Facto Ban on Motorized Access
While the bill does not explicitly say “ban all snowmobiles and ATVs,” the cumulative effect of its provisions would:
- Shut down existing trails over time
- Prevent new or improved routes
- Eliminate key connectors and crossings
Without connectivity, trail systems are essentially dismantled. The result is effectively a statewide loss of access.
3. It Harms People with Disabilities
Motorized access is essential for many individuals who cannot hike or travel long distances on foot.
Snowmobiles and ATVs provide access to:
- Hunting areas
- Fishing spots
- Backcountry recreation
4. It Threatens Minnesota’s Outdoor Economy
Motorized recreation fuels rural economies:
- Resorts and lodges
- Restaurants and bars
- Gas stations and repair shops
- Local dealerships
- Trail clubs and tourism groups
Snowmobilers and ATV riders bring billions in economic impact annually. Limiting access will reduce visitation, shorten seasons, and hit small towns the hardest.
Take Action
SF 1245 is moving quickly through the legislative process. If you value access, responsible recreation, and the communities that depend on it, now is the time to speak up.
Contact the Minnesota legislators leading this cause and urge them to:
Oppose SF 1245 and protect access for all users!
