Subdivision 1. Restrictions. A person may not intentionally operate an off-highway vehicle:

(1) on a trail on public land that is designated or signed for nonmotorized use only;

(2) on restricted areas within public lands that are posted or where gates or other clearly visible structures are placed to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle access;

(3) except as specifically authorized by law or rule adopted by the commissioner, in unfrozen public waters, as defined in section 103G.005; in a state park; in a scientific and natural area; or in a wildlife management area; or

(4) in a calcareous fen, as identified by the commissioner.

Subd. 2. Wetland disturbance. A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle in a manner to:

(1) indicate a willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property;

(2) carelessly upset the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland; or

(3) impact a wetland or public waters wetland in excess of the amounts authorized in section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, unless:

(i) sequencing of the impact is followed according to section 103G.222, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and the impact is repaired under section 103G.2242, and rules adopted pursuant to that section; or

(ii) the activity is exempt under section 103G.2241.

Subd. 3. Private land access. The commissioner may grant up to a ten-year permit to exempt a private landowner or leaseholder from this section when the only reasonable access to a permit applicant's land is across state land.

History: 2003 c 128 art 1 s 19; 2004 c 255 s 6