The term designation is frequently used in Minnesota politics by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to confuse citizens and even very well-meaning others regarding ATV, dirt-bike motorcycle and four-wheel drive truck routes. Designation suggests a valid process for selecting routes to which these machines would be restricted and a plan for keeping them there. Understandably, most Minneostans would agree that "designating" routes for these machines is a good idea. Sadly, what most Minnesotans do not understand is that designation produces none of these benefits, but is simply and most concretely a mechanism for transfering gas-tax funds to motorized clubs.
designation defined :
1. "The actual effect of [ATV] trail designation is to transfer [gas-tax] funds from the state to local clubs.", Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Moosewalk/Mooserun Environmental Assessment Worksheet, 2001
2. the actual effect of designation of ATV, dirt-bike motorcycle and four-wheel drive truck routes is not public and environmental review, a requirement to stay on routes, adequate enforcement, restoration of damaged land , Department of Natural Resources Cloquet Valley State Forest ATV Plan
3.
ATV Route Designation: Gas-tax pork for ATV clubs
