On September 22, 2008, Forest Supervisor Jeanne Higgins issued her Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Forest-Wide Travel Management Project.  As a result, in 2009 the Forest Service released their first Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF).

The updated map, the 2010 MVUM, lists Forest Road 55552 (the Pipeline) as closed starting March 14th and re-opening on May 1st.

The purpose of the MVUM, which encompasses the entire CNNF, is only to designate which roads and trails are available for public motor vehicle use, and are therefore included on the MVUM.  The MVUM represents both the results of public suggestions and Forest Service evaluations to add or remove roads from the motorized use inventory.  The outcome is a designated network of roads and trails available for public motorized use in 2010.

Public comment is solicited and available during the 30-day comment period prior to the Forest Supervisor's decision (usually in early fall).

WOHVA works closely with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest on the MVUM and other projects.  We urge all motorized recreationists to adhere to the restrictions of the MVUM.  Please refrain from using the Pipeline after March 13th.  Remember, "Respected access is open access."

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) has added another tool to assist members and supporters in learning about the issues that affect them.

In an age of information overload, it's difficult to filter out the chaff and focus on just one issue.  And when that issue is recreational access -- it's even harder to tolerate the misinformation and bias!

BRC's Recreation News provides a snapshot of breaking news on rereation and public lands issues.  They break it down by state, link to the story, and, when the mood strikes, they even offer some BRC commentary.

Each day BRC's Public Lands Department staff scans the World Wide Web and the different media outlets in order to bring you the information that matters to you.  They do this to help you protect the roads, trails, and areas that are important to you!

The BRC's Recreation News is the place to stay on top of the issues.

To subscribe, just go to http://wwwsharetrails.org/subscribe, and fill out the appropriate information.  The under "Please select the mailing lists you would like to be subscribed to:" select "BRC's Recreation News" from the list of check boxes and then click "Subscribe".

You must sign-up to receive BRC's Recreation Nes even if you're already on the BRC Action Alert list.

WOHVA is proud to have served on the advisory team to assist in working out the bugs while this project was in the beta stage.  I think you'll find the BRC's Recreation News to be an extremely valuable daily source of information on what's new in recreational access nationwide.

The destruction of natural resources by off-road vehicles and fires caused by carelessness has prompted legislation that could result in stronger penalties for those responsible.

U.S. Senator Mark Udall and Representative John Salazar, both Colorado Democrats, have introduced legislation designed to deter damage to natural resources caused by illegal or reckless activities.

The proposed legislation would amend the 1976 Federal Lands Policy and Management Act to allow the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to impose fines up to $100,000 and up to 12 months in jail or both.

The legislation would establish that any reckless use of fire on public lands would be punishable by fines of no less than $500.  Federal law currently prevents the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from assessing a fine greater than $1000 - even if the damage from the violation cots thousands more to repair.

Udall & Salazar stated that the increased fines, along with the authorization to apply the funds to restore damaged land, will allow the Interior (BLM) and Agriculture (Forest Service) departments to repair damaged wildlife habitat, replant wetland vegetation, revegetate scarred lands and repair trails.

Jodi Zwieg passed on to a better place on January 20th.  Jodi was the wife of Paul Zwieg.  Both have been long time WOHVA members and volunteers.  With Jodi walking through the gates, Heaven becomes an even better place.

WOHVA has established memorial fund.  All funds collected will be donated to the American Cancer Society in Jodi's name.  Your memorial should be made payable to WOHVA and mailed to:  Jodi Zwieg Memorial,  C/O WOHVA, P.O. Box 1865, Fond du Lac, WI  54936-1865.  All memorials must be received by February 15th, 2010.

With the current economic conditions, families everywhere are struggling.  Here in Wisconsin, it's no different.  Families and individuals have been forced (through no fault of their own) to tighten their budgets.  Things that we had always been able to afford are becoming luxuries that we are forced to do without.  Often times it's a charitable organization or perhaps an advocacy group who has their financial support curtailed because of these economic conditions. 

There are still numerous ways to have a $1,000,000 impact on Badger State OHV recreational opportunities without writing out a check.  Consider assisting WOHVA by selling "The WOHVA $1000 Limited Raffle" tickets.  All WOHVA members have received a small supply of tickets to sell.  But, that doesn't mean you need to stop selling tickets after your 5 are sold!  Contact Rick Felbab (WOHVA's Limited Raffle Chair) for additional tickets.  All proceeds directly fund trail access!  Tickets are available for $5 each.  Prizes range from $50 gas cards to a $1000 U.S. Savings Bond.  Only 1000 tickets will be sold.  To purchase tickets see a WOHVA member or contact WOHVA.

Or, perhaps you're ready to become a WOHVA Volunteer!  WOHVA is always looking for individuals to join the WOHVA Board of Directors.  For information contact Dan Bergin (WOHVA Nominations Chair).

WOHVA is also looking for individuals to become WOHVA Trail Guides, Jeep Jamboree USA Trail Guides and Trail Coordinators for the Mole Lake Trails Program.  If you're interested, contact WOHVA.

Volunteers ROCK!  And, volunteering is the best way to have a Million Dollar Impact without writing a check!

January is a time of new beginnings.  A time for saying goodbye to the old year and embracing what we hope will be a wonderful year in 2010!  Whether you're the type that makes New Year's resolutions or not, now is a great time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in this country and explore what we can all do to help assure those freedoms for our children and grandchildren.

Americans are the freest people on earth, and that's due in no small part our involvement in the political process.  2010 is an election year and as OHV enthusiasts, that fact must not escape us!

As the New Year dawns, how can we all work together to make sure that our right to recreate in a responsible motorized fashion is not infringed upon?  Here are a few suggestions.

Stay Engaged Now is no time to let your interest and participation in protecting your right the recreate responsibly lapse.  If your membership in WOHVA is about to expire, renew immediately!  Maybe 2010 is the year that you finally become a BlueRibbon Coalition member too.

Perhaps this is the year that you purchase a couple extra WOHVA 1000 Limited Raffle tickets (they make excellent stocking stuffers).

Tell A Friend  Better yet, involve a friend.  If you haven't in the past, this would be a great year to introduce a friend to OHV recreation.  Bring them along with you on a trail ride or perhaps bring them with you when you attend the 3rd Annual Great Northern Trail Ride.  I guarantee that you'll both be glad you did. 

While you're at it, bring a friend along to the 6th Annual Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association OHV Enthusiasts Workshops.  This an outstanding opportunity to learn valuable information from land managers and access experts!  You'll both walk away with renewed skills allowing you and your friend to become more powerful advocates for promoting OHV recreational opportunities here in the Badger State.

Get To Work  Because of the cavernous political divide in our country and Wisconsin, the 2010 midterm elections are likely to be hotly contested.  This makes your vote for pro-motorized recreation candidates even more important!

Find out about the candidates in the political races in your area.  Learn where your representatives stand on the issues of a Wisconsin 4WD & OHM sticker/registration program, motorized recreation, wilderness areas, and other issues of vital importance to OHV recreation.  Volunteer time, money or whatever you can to support the candidates that support you and your right to motorized access of public lands.

No matter your level of engagement in years past, 2010 is the year that you can get involved and not just be a casual observer.  The hardest part is taking that first step.

The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association(WOHVA) is pleased to welcome Tom Wood as our first Crimson Club Member!  Tom is the owner of Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts, a long time WOHVA Platinum Level Sponsor.  Tom manufactures the absolute best quality 4x4 drive shafts available anywhere.  

WOHVA recently introduced our Crimson Club Membership for those OHV enthusiasts who recognize the progress that WOHVA has made, are excited about WOHVA's proactive approach to furthering OHV recreation opportunities here in the Badger State, share our mission and goals, and would like to increase their financial commitment to WOHVA and Wisconsin OHV recreation.

WOHVA would like to personally thank Tom for showing his faith in WOHVA, by stepping up and writing a check becoming the first individual to join WOHVA's Crimson Club.  Thanks Tom!

For several weeks, I have been kicking around the idea for writing a post like the following.  A post alerting OHV enthusiasts to a threat that I believe faces us and all OHV enthusiasts.  Recently, an email with the following letter came across my computer.  Had a drafted the post I was planning to, it would closely resemble what you are about to read.  I share it with you by permission of my friend Bob DeVore who is the President of Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association.

Dear OHV Enthusiast,

As a GLFWDA Member or simply a posting member of the www.glfwda.org website, I have sent this to you because I value your opinion.  I have sent this seperately to a number of people and the time has come for me to extend the opportunity to you as well.  For it is through our collective efforts we will be successful in moving our sport forward.

I hold the title President=Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association and Event Director=The HUMMER Club, Inc.  In truth, the titles have very little to do with who I am.  The fact that I am still on this given earth is a gift from GOD; don't question it; don't challenge it, you can't win.

We are under attack from an enemy that is hard to identify; our sport; our desire for recreation; our desire of man and machine over mother earth is at risk.  If you are unaware of the attacks from those that would deny the opportunity for those of us that desire to take our families into the natural wonders that are afforded us by living in this Great United States of America, you may not be able to fully appreciate my passion, my need, to defend our right, our families right to enjoy the freedoms our soldiers both men and women fight and defend each day on both domestic and foreign soils.

I am frustrated because I wore our country's uniform to defend the rights of those that would deny me and my family the rights provided through our Declaration of Independence, "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  My children carry on the tradition set in place by my grandfather.  I do not intend to offend anyone whether themselves and/or their children if they chose not to wear a uniform.  For it truly takes all kinds to truly represent and defend that for which we believe in.  It is through diversity of all mankind that we will be successful.  We all have a purpose in life; mine obviously being spared is to serve others.

My question to you is, "What are you going to do about the threats to our sport?"

Whether you visit: Americans from Responsible Recreational Access

                           BlueRibbon Coalition  

                           Tread Lightly!

                           United Four Wheel Drive Associations

                           Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association

                           American Motorcycle Association

                           National Off Road Association

The message is the same; our right of recreational public land use is being threatened at every turn.

You may consider me crazy, off-kilter, whatever, I don't really care.  The real question is whether or not you care enough to make a difference, realizing you can make a difference for your sport, your family's sport, by creating a relationship with your elected representatives via e-mail or telephone.  If you choose to do nothing, so be it.  If you choose to do what you can and not simply depend on others to defend your rights, your family's rights, to enjoy what this Great Country has to offer; Welcome, for you are not alone and I, for one, welcome your company.

Get involved, visit the websites listed.  You don't have to be a scholar; you simply have to be able to express your desires and your family's desires.

I do realize there is so much more I should say, or could say.  But, it is not my intention to provide all that is going through my mind, nor is it my intension to provide all of the answers (for I don't have them).  It is my intention to help identify those that will stand beside me to help fight and defend our personal right and the right of our families to fully enjoy what this Great Country; the United States of America has to offer.

You needn't respond to this e-mail one way or another.  If you want to make a difference, don't tell me; contact your representatives (Senatorial Website, Congressional Website and National Conference of State Legislators).

While Bob's letter conveys my thoughts almost exactly, I would also encourage you to follow the advice of our friend Del Albright.  Del promotes OHV enthusiasts to, "Join and advocate."  "Join as many national, regional and state organizations that are fighting to assure your access to OHV recreation opportunities as you can afford to."  "Advocate, urge others to join you in your fight for motorized recreation."  And remember, there is a word used to refer to individuals who do not get involved and stand up for their rights.  That word is victims!

To encourage members & visitors to visit WOHVA.com, WOHVA will hold a monthly drawing from email submitted.  Each month one lucky OHV enthusiast will be chosen at random and receive a special gift from WOHVA.

WOHVA encourages all OHV enthusiasts to visit our website on a regular basis learn what's new at WOHVA and to become updated on current state, regional & national contemporary issues of concern and interest to motorized recreationists. 

Simply visit our Forums to learn more!

The U.S. Forest Service announced it will develop another planning Rule and it's starting to smell like another Roadless Rule.  Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture announced in a recent speech, that the Obama administration "offers an opportunity for a new vision, a vision that will both guide the policies and the approach that the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service towards forest conservation."

Vilsack's message also focused on "restoration."  WOHVA's concern is that restoration often means further limitation on OHV recreation and needless contraints on practical & proven forest land management techniques!

It's time again to remind your elected representatives that you don't support legislation which restricts your right to OHV recreational opportunities.  As always, be polite when corresponding with your county, state and national representatives.  Remind them that you are watching how they vote and will remember their votes at election time!  

On Wednesday, September 2nd the Trail Guides from the Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association lead over 250 vehicles and 500 individuals into the history books! 

As part of a week long celebration to honor the 40th Anniversary of the Brush Run 101 at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway in Crandon, Wisconsin, WOHVA Trail Guides lead a group of OHM's, ATV's, ROV's and 4WD's on the original 25 1/4 mile loop.  The group left the Forest County Fair Grounds and headed east into the depths of some or Forest Counties thickest and most beautiful woodlands.  The trail group of vehicles extended for over 1/2 mile! 

WOHVA worked closely with our contacts and partners in Forest County for nearly one year to assure this event was a success.  Along the way WOHVA worked with and/or secured Memo's of Understanding from 10 landowners, 5 recreational organizations, 6 local governmental agencies and 4 different law enforcement agencies.  WOHVA would like to thank all these individuals and groups for helping make this event a reality.

In observance of the 40th anniversary of short course off-road racing in the U.S. and Crandon, this was just one of numerous special events leading up to the TORC races over Labor Day weekend.  This "Ride with the Champions" far exceeded participant estimates prior to the event.  WOHVA was expecting to lead a group of 200 individuals into the woods and on Wednesday morning realized that we would be responsible for nearly 3 times that number. 

The group traversed trails for a few hours and then broke for a free picnic provided by the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway.  After lunch, the group continued the trail ride eventually returning to the Forest County Fair Grounds in Crandon around 3:15pm.

Race sponsor Monster Energy Drink was on hand to provide participants with free product.  The event was covered by several off-road publications as well as local news coverage from both Crandon & Rhinelander.

A special thank you goes out an outstanding group of WOHVA Trail Guides, which included:  John & Toni Lewins, Cotty Barrett, Dan Bergin, Nate Kussmann, Ron & Robin Entringer, Mile & Linda Fields, Duke Entringer, Richard Entringer, Rick Felbab and Sparky Leikip.  Without their participation and help WOHVA could not have succeeded with this event!

On Sunday of the weekend, WOHVA volunteers attended and assisted at the raceway.  This group of volunteers received passes into the races, parking passes and food vouchers in exchange for a couple of hours work.  Those assisting our partners at the Forest County Chamber of Commerce by working shifts in the "Ticket Booth on the Hill" included the following:  Tim & Jayne Duenkel, Mike & Linda Fields, Ron & Robin Entringer, Dave & Deb Groshek, John Lewins, David Allen, Duke Entringer, Sparky Leikip, Rick & Sherry Felbab and Richard Entringer. 

WOHVA Volunteer's ROCK!

We're all familiar with the Tread Lightly! approach to responsible OHV recreation.  We carry certified WOHVA spill kits with us.  We have the Tread Lightly! Pledge on the dash or with us on our OHV.  We support and promote that image.  We're making huge strides in promoting and encouraging others to "Respect the Environment" and "Leave It Better Than You Found It."  Hats off to all those OHV'ers that have taken the Pledge to heart!

However, as important as promoting environmental responsibility is, many OHV enthusiasts have yet to discover all the rewards of responsible OHV recreation.

Environmental safety is extremely important and I don't in any way want to slight that importance.  But, by far the most important thing to remember when you're on the trail recreating is personal safety.  Not just your own well-being, the safety of others as well!

When you drive your ATV, OHM, 4WD or whatever type of OHV you happen to be recreating on, you're responsible for that piece of equipment.  You have more at stake then yourself.  You're responsible for the others around you.  Passengers, fellow OHV recreationists and observers can be impacted by your actions.

We (as OHV enthusiasts) have a comfort level with addressing environmental issues.  We've been constantly reminded of their importance.  We recognize that wetlands are off limits and have no problem reminding our fellow OHV enthusiasts of this fact.  That's awesome!

But, what about the child riding in the pick-up without a seat belt or safety seat?  The ATC rider you pass without a helmet?  The Jeep that has no business on the trail or road because of safety and noise issues?  What about the rider who's drinking or operating his/her vehicle in a reckless manner?  How's your comfort level with addressing those issues?

When was the last time you reported things like this to the Law Enforcement Officer on the National Forest, State Forest, State, County or Local Park?  OK, so you're not comfortable being a narc.  What about viewing it as being and doing the responsible thing?  When did you attend a WOHVA/UFWDA Volunteer Trail Patrol Workshop or WATVA's Trail Patrol Ambassador Program?  These programs are both designed to assist you in addressing these types of problems as well as keeping yourself and others safe.

I've heard people say, "You can't expect people to do too much too soon.  You need to give them small quantities of information or they'll become overwhelmed, bored and you'll lose them."  I've heard some state, that they were "tired of acting responsible, being pro-active and only wanted to ride."  And yes, I've even heard some say, "What a terrible accident.  It's just tragic.  It could have been avoided.  He was so young...just a kid.  What about his wife and family?".

Safety isn't easy!  It takes work and effort 24/7.  But, going to the funeral of a friend isn't easy either.  It's even harder when "it could have been avoided."

Here's how you can pick-up a FREE 6-Pack on WOHVA!

The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association (WOHVA) realizes just how hard the current economic conditions have been on hard working American families like yours.  It's not easy for those whom have lost jobs or had their hours drastically reduced.  The current recession has forced many employers to reduce or even eliminate valuable employee benefits.  Well, WOHVA is here to help!

WOHVA would like to do our part to help out hard working Wisconsin OHV enthusiasts that, through no fault of their own, find it more and more difficult to make ends meet.  Our approach is to offer those OHV enthusiasts a FREE six-pack!

Starting July 1st, you can pick-up your FREE WOHVA 6-pack! 

Our six-pack is a FREE six month membership to WOHVA.  This membership comes with all the rights and privileges of WOHVA membership.  No strings attached!  Simply print and complete a WOHVA Individual Membership Application.  Write "FREE 6-Pack Offer" on the line next to "Total Member Dues", mail and you'll be an Official WOHVA Individual Member (please allow 4 weeks for processing). 

If you're committed to supporting WOHVA, but are currently just waiting for the new dues year to arrive (January 1st), you can also take advantage of this offer.  WOHVA will extend your WOHVA Individual Membership through December 31st, 2010 if you attach the $25 WOHVA Individual Membership fee to your application.

This is your chance to step forward and become involved with the premier OHV organization in the Badger State at absolutely no cost to you.  However, if you're feeling guilty about taking advantage of our generosity, WOHVA will happily accept your donation.  Just note the amount of your contribution on the "Donation" line of the application.  Or perhaps, use the money that you would have spent to join WOHVA and apply it to wards joining the BlueRibbon Coalition (also available on the WOHVA Application Form).

There aren't too many things in life that are free, so make sure to take advantage of this limited time offer!

"Remember, join and advocate (that's) the two most important things that you can do!" - Del Albright (April, 2009)

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving responsible recreational access to public lands and waters.  They are fighting to keep your land open for use, whether your recreate on a mountain bike, snowmobile, motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV, 4WD, horse or in your hiking boots.

Today, the BRC is a respected national recreation group that represents over 10,000 individual members and 1200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide.  If you've attended one of WOHVA's Annual OHV Enthusiasts Workshops, chances are you've met either Del Albright, Stacie Albright or Greg Mumm.  All three are from the BRC and have become familiar sights at WOHVA's spring event!

Two outstanding ways to get involved and help this organization work for you are currently available!  Have you heard about their associate membership program?  If you are a WOHVA member (or any other club or organization that is already a member of the BRC), they are offering a special associate membership.  An associate membership costs $15 for one year if you reside in the USA or $25 if you're outside the USA.

The associate membership entitles you to your own copy of the BlueRibbon Magazine delivered directly to your home.  Also, as an associate member you have voting rights and a membership card.  Click here to learn more about this great offer.

If you don't have the money to invest in assuring the future of recreational access, you can support the BRC by having your name added to the members they represent by trying out their Give a BRC Three Ride.  This is a great way to get a FREE three month membership to the BRC.

"Remember, join and advocate (that's) the two most important things that you can do!"  -  Del Albright (April, 2009)

If OHV's lead to limitless environmental destruction, why didn't we all grow up to be environmental terrorists?  Why didn't the abundant presence of numerous motorized recreational vehicles awaken in us a dark side, ignite a sleeping evil in our hearts, give lethal expression to our adolescent stress and turn an entire generation into the killers of Mother Nature?

Many claim a multitude of answers, a complex theorem mired in many shades of gray.  But, few can lay the blame on legal, responsible motorized recreational opportunities - except those engaged in organized opposition to motorized recreation.  And, of course, they're given additional ammunition to wage their battles every time an irresponsible OHV'er enters and damages a wetland, operating his/her OHV while being impaired, not wearing or adhering to safety standards, or otherwise operating their OHV in an irresponsible and /or illegal manner.

And, there is a difference between illegal and irresponsible!  You can give OHV recreation a black-eye without ending up in court.  On can argue that a pick-up truck covered in mud, parked in front of the neighborhood grocery store is more damaging to our image then when a single renegade is arrested having his/her vehicle extracted from the local wetland area.  But, that's a topic for another post.

When my father came home from his tour of duty in Europe, his only real choice for an OHV was a Jeep.  The Jeep was a vehicle he was familiar with having come to know it well while serving in the U.S. Army.  Shortly thereafter came the motorcycle.  Both vehicles found favor with adventurers who wished to explore areas not available to the family car.

Then, in the late 60's to early 70's, came an explosion of new vehicles (by numerous manufacturers) designed to allow people to gain access to areas not easily accessible.  Snowmobiles, mini-bikes, ATC's, ATV's, dirt bikes, hover crafts and UTV's all increased our desire and expanded our abilities to explore America's back country.

At the June 28th, 2006 meeting of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB), Bill Morrissey, then the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Director of the Bureau of Parks stated that "ATV & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) ownership has increased significantly in the last few years.  Nearly 300,000 ATV are registered in Wisconsin.  Survey data from the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) indicate that 23.4% of Wisconsin's adult population (nearly 1,000,000 people) participates in off-road recreation with an ATV.  Almost 18% (over 725,000 individuals) operate 4-Wheel Drive vehicles off-road.  Off-rod motorcycling is enjoyed by 241,900 citizens of Wisconsin.  A study published by the USDA shows OHV use to be one of the fastest growing outdoor activities."

In addition to reports from their own staff at the DNR, the NRB also heard from Ron Potter of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who reported that the Gilbert OHV Park in Gilbert, Minnesota, "has helped with trespass problems" in unauthorized areas around the state.

So, why didn't we all grow up to be environmental terrorists and lead to the ruination of the environment?  Perhaps it's because OHV enthusiasts are the exact opposite of that!  OHV recreational enthusiasts are environmentalists.  Responsible OHV'ers avoid wetlands.  We follow the rules, but even further, we do what's right, not just what's legal.  It's not the fear of paying a huge fine that keeps us from damaging wetlands and wild life.  What keeps responsible riders on the trail is the love we all share for the environment and the desire to pass this respect on to our sons and daughters.

Recreating in a responsible fashion on/in the motorized recreational vehicle of your choice does more to positively enhance the image of OHV recreation then a few irresponsible renegades could ever do to negatively impact our image and future recreational opportunities.

Remember to Tread Lightly!