ATVAM News - May 13, 2018 Newsletter of the ATV Association of Minnesota (Est. 1983) Send us your comments, club news, photos and article ideas. Email them to: dvhalsey@gmail.com. Forward this email 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 55079 E-newsletters are now archived on atvam.org to refer back to on topics. In This e-newsletter: -ATVAM Clubs Are Kicking It In High Gear - A Photo Essay -Closing A Trail: Anger Or Opportunity? -Know Before You Go - Some Trails Still Closed -Neither Snow Nor Mud Stops A Great Trails Workshop -35th Anniversary Ride & Roast -Second Call For ATV Simulator Volunteers -Club Rides & Work Days Coming Up Trails Are Opening And ATVAM Clubs
Are Kicking It In High Gear (Be sure to thank them for all their hard work) Carlton County Riders: Building ramps for ATV Safety Training Classes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Morrison County 4-Wheeler Club: Repairing bridges. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Club volunteers running the ATV Simulator at the Legacy 10th Anniversary events. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voyageur Country ATV: Enjoying the first club ride of the year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROAR: Holding a ride to give back to the community.(club donated 315 pounds of food and $130 cash to the Douglas County Outreach Food Shelf, Alexandria) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Traxx ATV Club: Cleaning the highway. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clubs promoting safe, responsible riding. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woodtick Wheelers: Holding spring meeting/pancake breakfast, partnering with Sheriff's Dept on Search & Rescue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many clubs are designing cool license plates for members, some with their club logo and the new ATVAM logo. Images courtesy of Lone Rock Trophy (wisconsinatvplates.com) To have one created for your club contact Tom Johnson (tom@lonerocktrophy.com) Closing A Trail: Anger Or Opportunity?
By Perry May, ATVAM 2nd Vice-President For every Trail Manager there comes a time when off-trail travel is observed, the trail is damaged due to irresponsible riders, or from a rider type you did not plan for. What to do? Anger is typically the first emotion that takes place, maybe some cussing, then disappointment, then unplanned actions such as more signs, more barriers, and eventually trail closure. The trail that you and your volunteers designed and maintain for responsible riders has been compromised by a few irresponsible riders. The trail reopens, the rider behavior does not change, and the angry cycle begins again. If any of you have attended a Great Trails Workshop, you might ask yourself, "WWDDD" / What Would Dick Dufourd Do? Dick is an OHV Consultant specializing in off-highway vehicle (OHV) management, and author of the "Great Trails Resource Guide Book" in association with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). I have attended two of the last three Great Trails Workshop held in Minnesota. As a former student, I can hear Dick say, "With every Action there is a Reaction," and with this situation Anger = Opportunity. Now is the time to walk your trail in the impacted area and ask yourself why the rider behavior is not changing, while looking for opportunities that will positively change the behavior. The three key elements for Great Trails are: -Provide for the riders' needs -Design for sustainability -Develop an effective Operations and Management Program
Providing for the Riders' Needs. What does this mean? If the rider is looking for mud or other potential high-impact activities, does a Trail Manager give it to them? Not necessarily. It means that the manager evaluates the site to determine what experiences can be reasonably and sustainably provided. During a recent weekend on the Emily/Outing ATV Trail, a group of riders decided to form their own mud pit in the middle of the trail, making the trail impassable to the average rider and resulting in trail closure. The previous 10 days, this trail location was dry, and the trail system did not offer a dedicated, yet managed, mud area for this type of rider: "The Mudder." The section of trail that was impacted, travelled through a low area, holding water from the winter snow melt. It provided the perfect spot for the high-fun factor opportunity the riders were looking for. Was this a site chosen by the Trail Manager for mudders? No. And, unfortunately, this was not a site that could sustain or be managed for this type of riding experience. A theory that has been validated in numerous trail projects is: "When riders find what they want ON trail, they will not look for it OFF trail." Trail Managers play an important role in providing the overall trail riding experience. Unmanaged OHV recreation can lead to user-created trails, unacceptable resource impacts, poor recreation experiences, conflict with other stakeholders or other recreationists, antagonistic community and media relations, and litigation. Our challenge as Trail Managers is to take anger and transform it into an opportunity. Evaluate all the different types of riders that use your trails, and the possible sites which can provide the various high-quality recreational experience they are looking for. You may just find that your bad-behavior riders become compliance riders. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's going to take time, money and hard work to re-open that trail. More on this unfortunate, rider-caused trail closure, from the Over The Hills Gang ATV Club Facebook Page:
The Over the Hills Gang ATV Club in coordination with MN DNR Parks & Trails, and the Counties of Cass and Crow Wing, have decided to close a section of the Emily /Outing ATV "B" Trail. The section of trail affected in this closure is north of the intersection of the "AB" /"B" trail continuing on to the Cass County Line. (See image attached). As many of you know early season soil conditions are vulnerable to damage, especially from ATV Riders looking to take water on a trail and make-it into a personal mud pit. What was passable early Saturday morning 5/5/18 turned into impassable trail conditions in the late afternoon. We understand that any closure will be viewed as a negative, however, repairs and improvements are needed on this section of trail to ensure future use. The reopening of this trail will be determined on how quickly we can get fill and heavy equipment into the damaged area. All updates will be posted on the MN DNR Website under OHV Trail Closures. Spring Road weight restrictions are in affect, so we may be delayed for a bit until fill can be brought to the site. Look for postings on the need for volunteers to rehab this trail section in the coming week. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Perry May, President, Over the Hills Gang ATV Club --------------------------------------------------------------- Editor's Note: Some riders have responded to this closure, wondering what's wrong with a little mud on trails. Mud is good. But it has to be in the right place for all the reasons listed above. In the right place, mud pits can be built and approved for public trail systems, with a bypass around them. There is one at the Axtell Technical Riding Area near McGregor. Get involved. Help your local club meet the needs of all kinds of ATV riders, and create a positive future for ATV riding in Minnesota. Know Before You Go! Some ATV Trails & Forest Roads Are Still Closed.
Before you head out, always check out the status of Minnesota's ATV trails and State Forest roads on the DNR website, at this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/closures.html Neither Snow Nor Mud Can Delay A Great Trails Workshop By Jack Terrell, NOHVCC Project Manager Reprinted from the NOHVCC Newsletter A week before the scheduled Great Trails Workshop, the trail system near Onamia, Minnesota, was under 12 inches of snow. The All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) secured a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to fund the workshop and contracted with NOHVCC to conduct the workshop April 26-28. Luckily the snow melted, but the trails turned to mud. So, field sessions were conducted on foot. Approximately forty OHV enthusiasts, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources managers and staff, and staff of three local counties participated in the 3-day workshop.
In addition to the core curriculum of a NOHVCC Great Trails Workshop, sessions included Minnesota-specific wetlands regulations, identification, delineation, permitting, mitigation, and approved construction techniques for wetlands crossings. The field sessions included on-the-ground application of subjects covered in the classroom sessions, and trail layout and design exercises. Attendees commented that the field sessions provided practical knowledge and experience that they could apply to their trail systems. This Great Trails Workshop was preceded by a one-day OHV Recreation Management Workshop on April 24, 2018 at the same location. NOHVCC partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct the workshop which was developed for upper level program managers. The two dozen attendees included managers and staff from DNR Divisions including Parks & Trails, Lands & Minerals, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Enforcement, and Ecological & Water Resources. The workshop was successful in expanding attendees' knowledge of OHV recreation management and emphasized the importance of coordinating the activities of all DNR Divisions in support of sustainable trail systems.
NOHVCC provided sessions on: -4Es of OHV Management: Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Evaluation -Key steps for success: planning, design, implementation, maintenance and management -Four aspects of sustainability -Development of Trail Management Objectives (TMOs) DNR staff provided information on trail project funding, Grant-In-Aid Trail Review Process, permitting, environmental review steps, and a case history of a trail design and location project. Thanks to Perry May for organizing this year's Great Trails Workshop, applying for the grant and making it a success. And thanks to NOHVCC, all the presenters, and the DNR staff and ATVAM club members who attended. And for all you procrastinators: 120 Riders Have Pre-Registered. But You Can Register Right At The Event.
The ATVAM Ride & Roast is Saturday, May 19, 2018, at McQuoid's Inn, located in Isle, Minnesota, and right next to the Soo Line South ATV Trail. The cost to attend is $15 per person (includes a great dinner), youth ages 10 and under are free. The schedule is loose to allow people to enjoy the trails. Register today at atvam.org... Or right at the event. Here's the schedule created by the 35th Ride Organizing Team: 7:30 am - Pancake breakfast at McQuoid's, hosted by the Isle Fire Department 10 am - President's Ride, led by ATVAM president George Radke and past presidents. George has been the president since 2010. Previous presidents served from 2 to 4 years. George holds the record at 8 years. with sides, beverage and dessert. (Included with your registration) 4pm - Pig and turkey roast dinner, Make It A Weekend Ride...Reserve Your Lodging Today! Mention ATVAM when making your reservation at McQuoid's to get a special price (note: event discount may require a 2-day minimum). The Isle, MN, Chamber of Commerce website lists additional resorts and campgrounds in the area. Some are located so you can ride right to the trails. Others are not. So be sure to ask. Here is a direct link to the chamber website. Tap on "members" to see lodging options: http://www.islechamberofcommerce.org/
Register today at atvam.org. More volunteers needed at the event. (Contact Ken Irish: ironrider@comcast.net) Thanks to Ken for spearheading this event and to all the organizers and volunteers. See you at the Ride & Roast! Second Call: Volunteers Wanted To Run ATV Simulator At Legacy 10-Year Celebrations Paul Purman, Legacy Program Consultant with Minnesota DNR Parks & Trails, has reserved the ATV simulator to be at a series of public events celebrating the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. He is looking for a couple volunteers at each event to help run the simulator, showing attendees one of the great efforts MN DNR photo the DNR and ATV clubs participate in to educate the riding pubic on safe, responsible riding. Some of the events were held recently, and the simulator was a big hit with those attending. Locations and dates where volunteers are needed to run ATV simulator: Rochester - Saturday, May 19, 2018 -- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at 125 LIVE. Itasca State Park - Saturday, June 2, 2018 -- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Duluth - Wednesday, June 27, 2018 -- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center Your help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Paul Purman at least one week in advance. Phone: 651-259-5643 Email: paul.purman@state.mn.us
Additional celebrations are also planned (without the simulator). Each event has family-friendly activities to engage and inspire people to get involved with their parks and trails, and to learn about the opportunities the Legacy Amendment offers. For more information, visit http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2018/01/18/outdoor-events-for-familiescelebrate-10th-anniversary-of-legacy-amendment/ Here Are ATVAM & ATVAM Club Events Coming Up. 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 May 15, 6:30 conference call. Watch for email with call-in directions. All ATVAM clubs have one spot on the board to participate. Like many ATVAM clubs, the North Woods Quads held a trail cleanup day in early May, this one on the Hill City ATV Trail, which they say will officially open May 19th. That trail has had extensive weather damage for the past 2 years. Thanks to all their hard-working volunteers for keeping that trail open for the riding public. Ride & Rally - September 21-23, 2018 -ATVAM 35th Anniversary Ride & Roast May 19, McQuoids Resort, Isle, MN. Details and registration at atvam.org. President's ride starts at 10 am. Pig and turkey roast starts at 4 pm. $15.00 per person, kids 10 and under are free. -Save the Date: ATVAM Fall
Hosted by White Pine Riders. Event headquarters/banquet/auction: Mlaskoch Farm, 21185 County Road 41, Willow River, MN 55795. Donations and sponsorships can be sent to: ATVAM, c/o KC, PO Box 832, Isle, MN 56342. For more details, visit atvam.org. ------------------------------------------- Region 1 Club Rides & Work Days: Bemidji Northwoods Riders OHV Club May 20 - South Trail System Cleanup, 10:30, Backwoods Bar & Grill More details on club's Facebook page and website at: https://northwoodsriders.com Roseau/Lake Of The Woods Sportsman Club May 19 - Trail Clean Up Details on club Facebook page. Runestone Off-Road ATV Riders (ROAR) May 26-28 - Camp-n-Ride, Wisconsin trail June 3 - Family Day Picnic Ride, Alexandria area June 16-17 - Dads & Dirt Camp-n-Ride, Round River ATV Trail Details at www.roaratv.com * * * * * * * * * * Region 2: ATVAM Region 2 All-Club Meeting May 24 --The fourth Thursday each month, at Mountain Iron Community Center, 7 pm. Northwoods Quads ATV Club May 19 - Charity Ride in honor of Jim Bray. 9 am at Harry's Bar, Hill City. Proceeds to ACS Hope Lodge. Details at club's Facebook page High Lifter Quadna Mud Nationals June 8-10, Quadna Mountain Park, Hill City Reserved camping is now open. North Woods Quads partners on this event. More details on the club's Facebook page, and at the High Lifter website at: http://www.mudnatevents.com/ Babbitt ATV/Snowmobile Club May 26th - K9 Taconite Wheeler Ride, 10 am, Babbitt, MN. Ride the 40 mile Jackpot Loop. Fundraiser for Babbitt's new K9 "Taconite" $25 registration covers ride and meal. Details: Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/quadcitiesatvclub/
* * * * * * * * * * Region 3: Mille Lacs Drift Skippers Snowmobile/ATV Club July 21 - "ATVs Ride Mille Lacs", 8 am - 5 pm Drift Skippers Clubhouse, 600 4th Avenue S., Isle, MN 56342 Guided trips available. Details at http://millelacsdriftskippers.org/ Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club June 2 - Nat. Trails Day / Club Ride: Hackensack To Foothills/Spider Lake. Meet on 1st Street by City Park at 9 am, plenty of trailer parking. June 16 - Club Ride - Round River ATV Trails. Meet at Stompin' Grounds at 9 am. Ride trail system. Have lunch afterwards in the Lodge (great burgers). Details at www.woodtickwheelers.com Over The Hills Gang ATV Club June 2-16th Annual Pork-n-Ride, Granny's Bar & Grill Details at club Facebook page * * * * * * * * * * * Region 4: Please submit for next newsletter. * * * * * * * * * * * Region 5: South Metro ATV Club May 18-20 -- Club Ride at Spider Lake ATV Trail June 22-24th -- Club Ride at Hayward WI - (Wisconsin trail pass required) July 21-22nd -- Club Ride at Hill City Trail Details: www.southmetroatv.com * * * * * * * * * * * Region 6: Please submit for next newsletter.
It Will Look Good On You! Thanks For Supporting ATVAM And Helping Protect The Ride. 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 email address on renewal form to receive ATVAM e- newsletters. And send renewals to ATVAM's new mailing address: PO Box 300, Stacy, MN 55079 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Belonging to ATVAM, you join thousands of riders throughout the state, have fun, and help ensure the future of ATV riding in Minnesota. 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 email 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) 442-8826. ATVAM Follow us for all the latest news! ATVAM, PO Box 300, Stacy, MN 55079 SafeUnsubscribe ervin@kleinschmidts.com Forward this email Update Profile About our service provider Sent by atvamoffice@atvam.org in collaboration with Try it free today