National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Newsletter

February 2010 issue

Nominate Your Trail Project for an Achievement Award
By Jack Terrell

Have you been involved with a motorized trail project or educational program that has been funded by the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)?

Congratulations to all of you that answered "Yes".

You spent untold hours conceiving the project, doing all the upfront work required to submit a successful grant application, made all the arrangements to manage and execute the project, and then completed all the documentation required to close out the project. Upon completion you and your organization had a real sense of accomplishment because you had contributed to improved recreational opportunities for fellow riders and the general public. Beyond that, what recognition did you receive for all your efforts?...... Read more


Mixed Fundraising
By Karen Umphress

People tend to do the same things in the same situations. One of the ways this can be seen is in our ideas for fundraising. For OHV trails and clubs, the most common forms of fundraising are OHV types of events such as trail rides, poker runs, competition events, etc. For community groups, fund raising often takes the form of selling items (candy bars, candles, etc); wrapping presents during Christmas, pancake breakfasts, etc. It is almost as if different types of groups have different fundraising genres. But the Twin City Trail Riders Dirt Bike Club in Minnesota combined the fundraising genres...... Read more


(ARRA) Applauds Public Lands Enforcement Legislation
By Jack Terrell

Washington, D.C., February 10, 2010 - Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) strongly supports H.R. 4589 and S. 2999, legislation introduced Representative John Salazar (D-CO) and Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), which would create a consistent set of fines and penalties among all federal land agencies. "Enhanced law enforcement and stiffer penalties for those who disobey the rules of proper land use will ensure that America's public lands can remain open to those Americans desiring to recreate in a responsible manner, "Larry E. Smith, Executive Director of ARRA……. Read more


Building Your Club's Membership
B y Russ Ehnes

Many people will tell you that if you try to sell something at too low of a price, people won't think it's worth much and won't buy it. While that may make sense in the world of selling widgets, it may not be the case in the OHV advocacy world. A case in point is the Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association decision a few years back to offer free one-year "complimentary" memberships to perspective new members…………Read more


2010 NOHVCC Conference Preview
B y Jack Terrell

Have you marked your calendar to reserve August 26-29 for the 2010 NAOPM and NOHVCC Conferences?
If not, go to the conference page to get an early preview of what you can expect in Great Falls, MT.
We are in the preliminary planning stages for the conference, but we can tell you that the NAOPM Conference will begin on Thursday, August 26th. It will include morning conference sessions in Great Falls and afternoon field sessions at Bull Run Guest Ranch. The field sessions will include equipment demonstrations and trail construction workshops. The NOHVCC Conference will begin Thursday evening with a n orientation for new partners and associate partners followed by a reception/dinner for NOHVCC and NAOPM attendees…... Read more


Off-Road Wildflower Viewing
B y Karen Umphress

If you ask most people, including many of the Off-Highway Vehicle Program Managers, they would tell you that people who use Off-Road (ORV) or 4x4 Vehicles do so for the challenge of the experience. However, these 'most people' either forget or don't know that many of the people who use ORVs do so as a way to get into nature.
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area seems to understand this, though. They are currently offering wildflower tours..….……. Read more

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, as a national body of OHV recreation enthusiasts, develops and provides a wide spectrum of programs, materials and information, or "tools", to individuals, clubs, associations and agencies in order to further a positive future for responsible OHV recreation.