Purpose

• Update the C.J. Ramstad–North Shore State Trail Master Plan to allow for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on portions of the trail that lie within Cook and Lake Counties. The bill funds this update and sets a reporting requirement.

Key Provisions

• Appropriation: Provides an appropriation of 25,000 (fiscal year 2026) from the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund to the commissioner of natural resources to update the Master Plan.
• Geographic scope: The ATV use would be allowed on portions of the trail that are located in Cook County and Lake County, once the master plan is updated.
• Reporting requirement: By February 1, 2026, the commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over environment policy and finance about the modifications made to the master plan under this section.

Significant Changes to Law

• Creates a targeted change to the Master Plan for the C.J. Ramstad–North Shore State Trail by authorizing ATV use on specific segments in Cook and Lake Counties, as identified through the updated plan.
• Establishes a formal funding source and a formal reporting obligation tied to the master plan update.

Process & Timeline

• Procedural notes: The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, Adoption of Report, and then rereferred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The section details indicate an intent to move through the standard legislative process with potential funding and oversight considerations.

Fiscal Context

• Funding source: All-terrain vehicle account within the natural resources fund.
• Amount: 25,000 in fiscal year 2026 to support the master plan update.

What This Means in Practice

• If enacted, the department would update the master plan to designate fault lines for ATV access on the specified portions of the trail, after which ATV use would be permissible according to the updated plan.
• The state would receive a定-timed report detailing the changes to the master plan, enabling legislative oversight of the update.

Relevant Terms all-terrain vehicle, ATV, all-terrain vehicle account, natural resources fund, C.J. Ramstad–North Shore State Trail Master Plan, master plan update, Cook County, Lake County, Commissioner of Natural Resources, fiscal year 2026, reporting requirement, chairs, ranking minority members, environment policy and finance, Ways and Means.