ATVAM News - August 18, 2018 Newsletter of the ATV Association of Minnesota (Est. 1983)

Transcription

1 ATVAM News - August 18, 2018 Newsletter of the ATV Association of Minnesota (Est. 1983) -Send your comments, club news, photos and article ideas to: dvhalsey@gmail.com. -Forward this to club partners and business sponsors if they aren't ATVAM members already. -ATVAM members should be receiving this newsletter and MN OffRoad magazine. Let us know if you're not. -Please note: Send member renewals to new mailing address: ATVAM, PO Box 300, Stacy, MN E-newsletters are now archived on atvam.org to refer back to on topics. In This e-newsletter: -Register Today For The Ride & Rally -Wilderness Wheelers Open New ATV Trail -Roseau & Lake Of The Woods Sportsmans Club Re-Opens Trail -"Free Wheelin Weekend" Highlights New ATV Trails -A Fun Run & A Ride To Honor Heroes -Yamaha Grant Helps Club Improve Popular Trail Destination -When You Just Gotta Go -Fun Club Rides & Work Days Coming Up -Invite Friends & Family To Join ATVAM Day Countdown!

2 Register Today And Make Plans For The Fall Ride & Rally

3 Wilderness Wheelers Opens ATV/OHM Trail Connecting Bigfork To Balsam From left, George Radke, president, ATV Association of Minnesota; Rollie Lund, Wilderness Wheelers; Sara Thompson, forest recreation specialist, Itasca County Land Department; Jim Deeg, trail coordinator for Wilderness Wheelers, and Ron Danielson, president Wilderness Wheelers.. off highway motorcycle enthusiasts a diverse experience. From an article in BusinessNorth.com: "It's a mission driven trail that has been built here," said Kacie Stanek, assistant area supervisor of the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. The mission, shared across agencies and users, is to connect communities. The new 32 mile long B & B Connection ATV/OHM Trail starts in Bigfork and accesses at its southern end the Balsam and Little Moose trails. It's a trail that goes through pine, aspen, gravel outcrops - and a lot of woods, said Wilderness Wheelers President Ron Danielson, giving all terrain vehicle and The trail was officially opened with a well attended ribbon cutting on Aug. 11, followed by a meal and guided ride. The ceremony included comments by club, DNR, Itasca County, the state ATV association and industry speakers. Originally started 30 years ago, the project moved forward slowly. There were wetlands and easements over private property and industrial forestlands to negotiate, explained Danielson. When the county passed a new statute allowing ATV travel on county roads, it made it much easier to connect trail sections. The trail crosses Highway 7 five times. Itasca County Commissioner Terry Snyder pointed out that the new trail creates recreational opportunities for all ages, not just for a small group. For example as we age, he said, our physical abilities change. But we can still get into an ATV and go. At the same time, the trail helps boost traffic at local businesses. Stanek echoed the economic importance of bringing people to the area for destination trail riding. There are 69,000 registered OHVs in the state, a recreational asset that

4 brings $9 million to the economy of the areas where riders travel, she explained. There is also another spinoff: passing along a love of the outdoors that results in an appreciation and investment in natural resources. Itasca County Forest Recreational Specialist Sara Thompson, who helped with the trail development, pointed out the importance of funding. Monies for the B&B Connection were received from Itasca County Trails Task Force, a federal recreation grant, DNR grant-in-aid, Yamaha Outdoor Initiative, Polaris Foundation and local business charitable gambling grants. The project also included many volunteer hours. Ron Potter, representing the Polaris Foundation, noted all the hard work that goes into building a trail. He described Ride Command, a feature that pulls data from trails all over the country, allowing riders to access ATV trail information. It includes an app which allows riders to track themselves and others in a group on a trail. There is now an ATV trail "system" in the state, said George Radke of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATV MN). Gradually the ends of route segments are drawing together on the state map. ATVs have gone mainstream, he pointed out, and are part of the environment - a way of life. But there is a lot of political watchdog activity and legislative visits needed to ensure a future for the sport. Radke also urged the club to add features to the trail where possible. "Minnesotans love water, mud, rocks, climbs," he said. "Don't lose track of using ATVs the way they are meant to be used." Speakers also talked about Len Hardy, whose recent loss touched the local ATV community, as an active promoter of trail opportunities. After the successful completion of the B&B Connection trail, the club has its eyes on another project: the Wilderness Trail that will provide a westward branch between the B&B trail and Marcell, then west to Riley's near Bowstring. Grand Re-Opening Of Bernard-Orchard Trail

5 From Roseau & Lake Of The Woods Sportsmans Club: Saturday, August 4th was the Grand Reopening and Celebration of the Bernard- Orchard Trail! Thanks to the North Star Trail Alliance and Minnesota DNR for all your efforts! This was made possible and lead by none other than our Club's Grant-in-Aid Manager, Myles Hogenson! members! Without you, there is no Club! Thanks to all of those behind the scenes too as well as YOU our Thanks so much also to Penny Turgeon-Kimble and her entire crew of over 150 riders yesterday who participated in the 13th Femme Fatale Ride who joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony and for taking the pictures! Please come out and ride this trail, it's awesome! "Free Wheelin' Weekend" Highlights New ATV Trails

6 From the Minnesota DNR: ATV riders can ride Minnesota trails for free on 'No Registration Weekend'. All-terrain vehicle users registered for private or agricultural use can explore both the old and new trails without cost Sept. 7 to 9. Typically they would pay the registration fee ($60 for three years) to ride the public trails. Minnesota has 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails available to ATV users. The state also has more than 200 miles of new trails that were completed this year. Out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota ATV trails that weekend as well, without the need for a nonresident trail pass ($30 annually). This is the fifth year that Minnesota is providing ATV riders with free access during "No Registration Weekend." The date was pushed back from June so new trails could be completed, including the 159-mile route connecting communities in northwestern Itasca County, as well as a trail connecting Balsam and Bigfork. "The September weekend gives us a great opportunity to introduce a wide variety of state and grant-in-aid trails across Minnesota," said Mary Straka, off-highway vehicle (OHV) program consultant for the Parks and Trails Division at the DNR. "There are a large number of privately registered ATVs across the state. During the No Registration Weekend, ATV owners can check out the public trails for free." Minnesota's two newest trails are: The Alvwood to Squaw Lake trail, which makes a 159-mile scenic tour through Bowstring State Forest and the Chippewa National Forest. Enjoy the many communities along the route. The trail is provided by Itasca County and the Alvwood- Squaw Lake ATV Club. The Bigfork to Balsam (B&B) 33-mile trail is full of diverse northern landscapes. It connects to the Little Moose ATV Trail off Co. Road 336. Other recreational favorites include these: The Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre OHV park in Gilbert with 36 miles of scenic trails for riders of all abilities.

7 The 100-mile trail system in Nemadji State Forest, which connects to the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Gandy Dancer Trail. The 29-mile Spider Lake trail system in Foot Hills State Forest, where riders will curve around lakes and ponds, go up and down a variety of hills, and view overlooks from the ridges throughout the forest. The 200-mile Northwoods Regional Trail System in Aitkin and Itasca counties, where riders will use the Soo Line Trail to connect to local communities and trail loops. Safety training is recommended for everyone that operates an ATV. It is required for ATV riders born after July 1, Children under age 18 must wear a DOT-certified helmet. Children age 16 and under must fit the ATV they are operating and be able to properly reach and control the handlebars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the ATV. Trail maps, updates on trail conditions, Youth ATV Safety training and other OHV information can be found online at A Fun Run:

8 And A Ride To Honor Heroes:

9 Yamaha Grant Helps Improve Popular ATV Trail Destination From Voyageur Country ATV: Voyageur Country ATV is pleased to announce it has received a Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant of $6,500 to improve the Vermilion Falls Picnic Site - a popular destination for ATV riders. This grant is being used to create additional picnic spurs, improve parking safety, purchase picnic tables and trash receptacles, and

10 clear brush. Six brand new picnic sites with brand new picnic tables are now available for public use. Voyageur Country ATV is collaborating with the US Forest Service to complete this project. Pictured here are officials from the US Forest Service with Club members. From L to R: Club president Brad Sokoloski, Koreen Sokoloski, District Ranger Lee Stewart, Forest Supervisor Connie Cummins, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Meg Roessing, Club Members Mark Anderson, and Bruce Beste. A ribbon cutting took place to kick off the use of this improved Picnic Site on Saturday July 14th. Approximately 75 people attended this ceremony and enjoyed a Walleye Fish Fry courtesy of Nelson's Resort and Crane Lake Voyageur Days. The Club is grateful to Yamaha for making this project possible. The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is a proactive, grassroots program supported by Yamaha motorsports dealers and customers nationwide promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas. For more information about Yamaha's Outdoor Access Initiative, go to: Long Trail Ride Got You Pooped Out? From the Carlton County Riders: Sometimes out on the trail, you gotta GO! Now you can. We will have these out till the end of October. Enjoy!

11 Fun ATVAM & ATVAM Club Events Coming Up

12 From the Woodtick Wheelers: Our first annual Women's Demo and Ride, held August 11th in Remer, was a huge success and everyone had a great time (even the men!). We enjoyed the Remer Harvest Festival Parade, Swamp Meet, Demos about winching (thank you Doug from Lakes Area Powersports), tie down straps, loading an ATV, connecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, and proper use of a fire extinguisher. The women took a scavenger hunt on the Soo Line Trail and the final event was a pot luck dinner with great food and Woodtick fellowship. Send your club schedule for rides and work days to: dvhalsey@gmail.com Many ATVAM members do not belong to an ATV club and are looking for one to join, ride with and build trails. -Next ATVAM Board Meeting - Call in and be part of the action Tuesday, August 21, 6:30 pm conference call. Watch for to club leaders with callin directions. All ATVAM clubs have one spot on the board to participate. -ATVAM Region 2 All-Club Meeting August 23 --The fourth Thursday each month, at Mountain Iron Community Center, 7 pm.

13 Registration Is Now Open: ATVAM Fall Ride & Rally September 21-23, 2018 Hosted by White Pine Riders. Event headquarters/banquet/auction: Mlaskoch Farm, County Road 41, Willow River, MN Donations and sponsorships can be sent to: ATVAM, c/o KC, PO Box 832, Isle, MN For more details, visit atvam.org Region 1 Club Rides & Work Days: Bemidji Northwoods Riders September 9 - Club ride open to public. Leaves at 10 am from Schummer's Backwoods Bar & Grill. See club's Facebook page for details. Roseau / LOW Sportsmans Club September ATV Fun Run, Meet at 9 am at Carps Pit Rec Area, $25 registration includes lunch. Details at club Facebook page. Runestone Off-road ATV Riders (ROAR) August 25 - Participant at Youth Outdoor Activity Day, Alexandria. Club gives families demo rides in Side-by-Sides, one of 40 different outdoor activities for kids. See the event video at To help the club at the event, visit for contact info. Timberland Dirt Devils October 6 - Paul Bunyan Powersports Expo, at Stompin' Grounds Campground & Lodge. Demo rides, drawings, vendors. Details at: * * * * * * * * * * Region 2: Finland Snowmobile/ATV Club September 22-3rd Annual ATV Poker Run, Finland, MN 9 am, The Clair Nelson Center. Details at club Facebook page. Rapids Riders ATV Club September 29 - Club ride, UPM/Blandin Trail to Hill City. Details and sign-up for all rides at club website: * * * * * * * * * *

14 Region 3: Over The Hills Gang September 8 -- Ladies Only Ride, leaves at 10 am from Village Inn, Outing. Details at club Facebook page. RSVP to for lunch details. Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club August 25 - Club Ride on the Blind Lake Trail. Meet at parking lot on Soo Line North Trail at Swatara, 9 am. Bring sack lunch and beverage. Learn more at * * * * * * * * * * * Region 4: Prairie OffRoaders OHV Club September rd Annual Off-Road Rally, Appleton Area OHV Park. Mud runs, obstacle courses and much more. Free admission. Details at club Facebook page. * * * * * * * * * * * Region 5: Please submit for next newsletter. * * * * * * * * * * * Region 6: Please submit for next newsletter. More Outhouse Humor:

15 We saw this poster inside an outhouse, located next to a pole barn where an ATV club in central Minnesota holds its meetings ATV MINNESOTA: Building Fun & Sustainable ATV Trails For The Riding Public. Invite friends and family to join today! See the mailing label on MN OffRoad magazine for the renewal date of your ATVAM membership. Be sure to include your address on renewal form to receive ATVAM e- newsletters. And send renewals to ATVAM's new mailing address: PO Box 300, Stacy, MN Belonging to ATVAM, you join thousands of riders throughout the state, have fun, and help ensure the future of ATV riding in Minnesota.

16 As a family or individual member for just $20 you receive: -A subscription to Minnesota OffRoad magazine (6 issues per year) -Twice monthly newsletter by with the latest news and information -Membership card and bumper sticker -Invitation to events, including our Legislative Summit and Vision Meeting in the spring, and the ATVAM Fall Ride & Rally, as well as general membership meetings -Discounts with many of our business members -A full-time lobbyist at the State Capitol, helping create pro-atv legislation, and moving forward important bills that help provide funding for new trail systems As a business member for $75 you receive: All of the above, plus: -Your business name, address, phone number, and website listed in each issue of the MN OffRoad magazine and on our website -Discounts on advertising in MN OffRoad magazine -An official ATVAM membership certificate for display in your business To join, contact ATVAM or call (800) ATVAM Follow us for all the latest news! ATVAM, PO Box 300, Stacy, MN SafeUnsubscribe ervin@kleinschmidts.com Forward this Update Profile About our service provider Sent by atvamoffice@atvam.org in collaboration with Try it free today