As this trail riding season comes to a close on the Mole Lake Indian Reservation, WOHVA would like to thank all those who made this yet another successful and safe season for OHV trail riding events at Mole Lake.

We'd like to start by thanking the members of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community at Mole Lake.  Without their continued endorsement, OHV enthusiasts would not have access to these nearly 4000 acres of timber land.  Additionally, WOHVA would like to acknowledge our appreciation to the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Tribal Council and Forestry Department.  Thanks to their continued support, WOHVA has just signed a two-year Memo of Understanding which assures continued access through 2012.

Our thanks also go out to the employee's and staff at the Mole Lake Lodge & Conference Center, along with the staff of the Mole Lake Casino.  This new, luxurious facility served as the host site for three WOHVA events in 2010.  These folks provided us with excellent accommodation, outstanding food and great service!

This year, WOHVA held two trail riding events at Mole Lake.  We'd like to thank all the participants at the 15th Annual Northwoods - Mole Lake Jeep Jamboree USA and the 3rd Annual Great Northern Trail Ride.  Along with the participants, WOHVA would like to thank our outstanding WOHVA Trail Guides and all the helpers who made these events incredibly successful!

Finally, WOHVA would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our volunteers!  VOLUNTEERS ROCK!  Without the commitment from our legion of volunteers WOHVA would not exist!  Without all of your hard work and sacrifice, we could not look towards 2011 with optimism.  Indeed, because of your efforts, there is much to be optimistic about for next year.  THANKS!

Lastly, just because the trail season at Mole Lake is winding down, doesn't mean that the year is over for WOHVA.  We've still got plenty going on and numerous opportunities for you to get involved.  Some of the outstanding offerings WOHVA has scheduled for the remainder of this year are:

• Brush Run Off-Road Race Weekend Ticket Booth Sales - Crandon, Wisconsin (Sunday, September 5th)   + Every year WOHVA Volunteers assist with these races.  As a thank you WOHVA Volunteers receive free race admission, parking, t-shirts and food.
• WOHVA Board of Directors September Bi-Monthly Meeting - Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (Wednesday, September 8th)   + Every-other-month the WOHVA Board convenes to conduct Association business and be updated on current WOHVA projects and OHV issues.  ALL WOHVA members are welcome and encouraged to attend!
• WOHVA Fall Pipeline Trail Day - Lakewood, Wisconsin (Saturday, September 25th)   + Twice each year, WOHVA hosts a trail workday on the Pipeline 4X4 Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.  All OHV enthusiasts are encouraged to participate.  Lunch provided by WOHVA to all volunteers.
• WOHVA/Mole Lake Trail Coordinators Meeting - Lakewood, Wisconsin (Saturday, October 9th)   + The Trail Coordinators will meet to discuss the past trail season and begin planning for the upcoming year.  If you're interested in becoming a Trail Coordinator contact WOHVA at info@wohva.com.
• Field & Forest OHM Event - West Bend, Wisconsin (Sunday, October 17th)   + WOHVA Volunteers provide lunch for event participants at this annual motorcycle ride.
• WOHVA Fall '10 Trails Meeting - Fredonia, Wisconsin (Saturday, October 23rd)   + This free informational meeting is open to WOHVA Trail Guides and all OHV enthusiasts and is an outstanding source for accurate information on contemporary access and trail issues here in he Badger State.
• WOHVA Trail Guides Party - Fredonia, Wisconsin (Saturday, October 23rd)   + This annual get together is open to 15th Annual Northwoods - Mole Lake Jeep Jamboree USA and 3rd Annual Great Northern Trail Ride, WOHVA 2010 Trail Guides.
• WOHVA Board of Directors September Bi-Monthly Meeting - Oshkosh, Wisconsin (Wednesday, November 10th)   + Every-other-month the WOHVA Board convenes to conduct Association business and be updated on current WOHVA projects and OHV issues.  ALL WOHVA members are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Again, a warm and heartfelt THANK YOU from WOHVA to all our Volunteers!

WOHVA VOLUNTEERS ROCK!

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of revamping their website.  They are eager to know your opinions about their new design.  To view the new site visit the following page--http://dnr.wi.gov/redesign/survey/--to learn more about thei proposed changes to the DNR website.  Then follow the link on the right-hand side of the page (Take a tour...DNR's New Website) to explore the new site.  

Note:  The DNR is not seeking feedback on content.  They are seeking your input on the graphic design and ease of navigating the design to find the topic/information you're looking for.

After you've spent a few minutes exploring the page design, feel free to complete the confidential survey at http://doa.wi.gov/DNRSurveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=7201nl7

  It just sounds like a plan that every Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiast should wrap their arms around and embrace.  Here's what you need to know prior t getting that warm, fuzzy feeling down deep.

  On April 16, 2010 President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically reshape the U.S. Government's conservation policy.  The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate with the Department of Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a program to promote conservation and out recreation.

  According to Obama's Memorandum, the goals of the Initiative shall be to:

1)  Reconnect American's, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts including:

• promoting community-based recreation and conservation, including local parks, greenways, beaches, and waterways
• advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation
• supporting existing programs and projects that educate and engage Americans in our history, culture, and natural bounty.

2)  Build upon State, local, private, and tribal priorities for the conservation of land, water, wildlife, historic, and cultural resources, creating corridors and connectivity across these outdoor spaces, and for enhancing neighborhood parks,

3)  and Determine how the Federal Government can best advance those priorities through public private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.

4)  Use science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations.

The Memorandum directs the EPA, CEQ, USDA, and DOI to work with various agencies of the federal government to "identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals." 

  There is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the conservation/anti-access community whatever is on their latest wish list.  WOHVA has always encouraged and stressed that decisions affecting local forests (National Forests and BLM Lands) should be made locally and with participation from the local stakeholders. 

  WOHVA is encouraging our members to advocate for motorized recreation.  You can easily comment and let your opinions known as follows:

1)  The USDA has an online "idea generator."  There are many good ideas that you can "vote" for and you can even submit your own!

2)  The DOI has a "tell your story" webpage.  If you enjoy OHV recreation with your family and friends, please consider taking a minute to author your own personal anecdote on their website.

3)  Finally, call your congressional representatives!  This is an election year.  Your Congressman and Senator are never more interested in your thoughts then when they are seeking re-election.  Remind them that it is their responsibility to provide oversight and represent you (their constituents) - especially when public access to public lands is the issue.  You can easily find your Congressional contacts and how to get a message to him/her at the BRC's Rapid Response webpage.

Our partners at the Sokaogon Chippewa invite all WOHVA members to "come discover the many opportunities for fun and adventure as we visit four Native American nations across the state.  The Lac du Flambeau and Sokaogon Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa plus the Stockbridge Munsee Mohicans and the Menominee Nation, all invite you to visit, learn and have fun."

The May 29th & 30th episode of Discover Wisconsin will report on Wisconsin's Native Americans.  This episode will include a report on activities on the Mole Lake Indian Reservation (Sokaogon Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa).  Featured during the segment will be WOVA trail riding events (Great Northern Trail Ride & Northwoods - Mole Lake Jeep Jamboree USA).  The update will include footage from past WOHVA events.

Se sure to watch the entire program, as WOHVA has been informed that we will be recognized in the credits at the end of the program.

Episodes of Discover Wisconsin run in different time slots across the Badger State.  Visit the Discover Wisconsin Station Guide for your local listings.

Volunteers ROCK!  WOHVA's success in developing environmentally friendly trail riding opportunities in Mole Lake is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our members and volunteers.  For a listing of Mole Lake Trail Days and other WOHVA volunteer opportunities see our 2010 WOHVA Schedule of Events.

The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association (WOHVA), in conjunction with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service, is pleased to announce that our annual spring trail workday on the Pipeline 4X4 Challenge Area in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is scheduled for May 15th, 2010.  The Pipeline is located approximately 6 miles east of Lakewood, Wisconsin on the far eastern section of the Nicolet portion of the Forest.

Volunteers are asked to assemble at the BP Gas Station (on Highway 32) in Lakewood, Wisconsin for the 9:00am departure to the trail area.  As always, WOHVA will provide volunteers with trash bags and a lunch on the trail.

To facilitate food arrangements, please contact WOHVA if you plan to participate.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is doing a research study to ascertain the number of badgers in the Badger State.  The American Badger, Taxidea taxus is found in the western and central United States, northern Mexico and central Canada. They are also found throughout southwestern British Columbia. This animal prefers dry open areas with deep soils that are easy to dig, such as prairie regions. 

Over the past several years, WOHVA members have uncovered numerous badger dens (many times going ignored by trail enthusiats).  UW-Milwaukee would "love" to have our help, especially in the more remote areas (where only WOHVA members trail ride!).

Basically, when you see a fresh badger burrow (or the animal itself), make note of the location.  Take careful note of the animal's location.  Note the location (GPS are the best, makes it easier for UWM to find them). UWM researchers should be able to travel up to the location within a day or two.  If you don't have access to a GPS when you're on the trail, you can also note the specific location on a map.  Please forward all "Badger Contacts" to WOHVA at info@wohva.com.  WOHVA will then relay the information to UWM.  

Thanks for your help!  This type of relationship between WOHVA and educational institutions is important in promoting our cause and reinforcing our creditability as a responsible recreational organization.

As you surf the assorted websites and their respective forums, one cannot help but notice that a long time destination for Wisconsin OHV enthusiasts has been closed to motorized recreation.  While this is a blow to OHV offerings in the Badger State, it should come as no surprise to anyone who has visited the area in the last decade.

In the aftermath of closures, often comes a tirade of finger-pointing and accusations.  Emotions run high and we often think with our hearts and not our heads.  One of my favourite quotes is "love is the most traumatic of all human emotions because of our insistence on blending memories with desires."  We all enjoy (love) motorized recreation.  That's why we spend large sums of money purchasing vehicles and maintaining those vehicles, when we could have easily purchased a bicycle or snowshoes. 

As a result of this passion, we're emotionally traumatized by such land closures. Often, as a result, we don't think through all the facts.  Or, we simply hear what we want to hear.  We accept as unconditional truth, statements and accusations made by our friends or peers.  We forget that these individuals are just a passionate and emotional as ourselves; and thus also just as prone to finger-pointing without gathering or knowing all the facts. 

It's easy to cast the blame on the DNR.  It's easy to accuse the DNR of closing the area.  If the recent OHV Enthusiasts Workshops reinforced anything, it's that the DNR simply enforces the rules.  Rules and regulations which all land owners and recreationists (especially motorized recreationists) need to become familiar with. 

It's easy to accuse WOHVA for the closure.  If somehow, WOHVA would have only waived our magic wand, we could have kept this OHV venue open. After all, WOHVA has a history of working with land managers/owners.  We have regular and open communications with the Forest Service, DNR, Native American Tribes, Counties and other owners of large parcels of public & private lands.  So it must be WOHVA's fault.  The fact of the matter is that WOHVA made numerous offers to assist the land owners and the environmental agency involved.  None of the parties took avantage of our offer(s).  The old saying, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" often rings all too true in this situation. 

In fact, with this closure (and indeed most closures) the list of who's at fault for the closure is almost endless.  However, we should all start by placing our own individual names at the top of that list.  No one person or entity can honestly admit that they did everything they could to avoid the need for this closure.  If indeed you think that you did, you're simply fooling yourself. 

The McCaslin example reinforces the importance of partnerships between land owners/land managers, environmental agencies and the OHV community.  It should serve as a reminder that we must do everything possible to keep lands open. 

It should further serve to remind all OHV enthusiasts that if you simply wait to see who steps up to work and fight in support of your motorized recreation opportunities, they will continue to simply disappear.  It should be crystal clear that it is up to you to support OHV recreation by supporting those groups that are working for you and your sport! 

Respected Access is Open Access!

Over the past several years, WOHVA has been working to have a sticker program(s) for 4-Wheel Drives & OHM's introduced here in the Badger State.  One of the reasons that extensive trail systems exist for ATV's & snowmobiles is because these two groups have a source of funding via their respective registration programs.

WOHVA began by soliciting support (via a short survey card) from OHV enthusiasts and the general public.  You may have seen and filled out this survey.  It was printed on a white postcard and asked a few simple questions.

Through a series of meetings with Wisconsin governmental agencies, land managers, other motorized recreation groups, as well as organizations and governmental groups from outside of Wisconsin, WOHVA began to formulate a draft proposal of legislation which would establish the aforementioned funding source.

Early last year, WOHVA contacted every organized 4WD and OHM Club/Organization in Wisconsin (this was the first of three contacts mailed to every Wisconsin Club in 2009) and urged their support of this project.  Our request was simple.  WOHVA asked each group to please submit a letter of endorsement for the concept of an OHV Registration/Sticker Program.  Each entity was encouraged to draft a short letter supporting such a program.  WOHVA included a "DRAFT" comment letter which the entity could use as a guideline or format for said letter.

The purpose of this endorsement letter was to gather commitments of support for such a program.  WOHVA has and will continue to attach these letters of support to documents when requesting support from the Wisconsin State Legislature, the Governor and various State and County Agencies.  

If you are a member of: 4x4 Forever; Badgerland 4WD Club; Extreme Offroaders; or MCJAG Off-Road Club; congratulations!  Your club has expressed their commitment to OHV recreation by forwarding a letter of endorsement for such a funding program.  As a member of one of these clubs you should be getting regular quarterly updates on our progress.  If not, ask your club president to share that information with you.

If your club is not on the above list, please take the necessary corrective action.  Ask your club president and/or board of directors why your club has not yet endorsed this project.  Make sure they realize how important a funding source is to OHV recreation!  Then have them forward your letter.  You can find the "DRAFT" sample letter on the WOHVA Website.

If your club leaders report that they did not receive this letter, please ask them to visit our website and download the attached file (it contains both the "Draft" sample letter and the original club contact letter.  Even better, you could bring these materials to your next club meeting and urge your club president to follow the simple instructions to assure that your club takes a stand in support of motorized recreation in Wisconsin. 

It is essential that OHV enthusiasts stand together in support of a registration/sticker program.  Such a program would lend added credibility to 4WD & OHM recreation as valid, responsible trail user groups.  Additionally, as mentioned earlier, such a program would also serve as a funding source for 4WD & OHM trail projects. 

Lastly, the WOHVA survey cards we mentioned earlier.  Every club in the state was provided a supply of 50 survey cards on two different occasions.  If you have not seen such a survey or it has never been mentioned at your club meetings, please ask your club president where the survey cards are and how he/she plans to provide them to your members.  This survey is a very quick and simple way to show your individual support for an OHV sticker program and also an OHV recreational park.

If you or your club would like any of the information or materials previously listed feel free to contact WOHVA at:  WOHVA, P.O. Box 1865, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1865; or info@wohva.com; or (715) 490-5463.

The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association (WOHVA) previously alerted our members about the current U.S. Forest Service (USFS) effort to rewrite the national forest system land management planning rule.  The USFA has created a calendar of local/regional roundtable meetings to provide interested stakeholders the opportunity to meet with local/regional and federal administrators.  The purpose of these meetings is to gather ideas and input from the stakeholders that use our National Forests.

Updates coming from the first of these meetings make it clear that the USFS must continue to hear messages from motorized recreationists.  WOHVA encourages everyone who is available to attend their local/regional meeting.  If you can attend, a suggested list of highly effective talking points can be found at http://cs.wohva.com/forums/t/1361.aspx

Continued involvement from motorized recreationists is critical to a well-balanced and inclusive planning rule.  We should all be aware of how restrictive access to our National Forests has become for motorized recreation enthusiasts (just pick-up a MVUM at your nearest Forest Service Office to be reminded).  If you are interested in attending a local/regional meeting near you and representing the voice of the motorized recreation community to the USFS, the official list of meetings can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.

The planning rule process seems to be ongoing, so as always WOHVA will strive to keep you informed with future updates.

The 6th Annual Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association OHV Enthusiasts Workshops & Membership Meeting was held this past weekend.  This three day event was packed with personal and environmental safety awareness educational offerings!  If you attended any or all of the weekend's activities, you know that you are a more informed and safer motorized recreation enthusiast for having attended! 

Thanks to all our speakers/presenters, but special thanks to those OHV enthusiasts whom attended!  You guys and gals (and kids) all ROCK!

WOHVA will post a more complete update on this event at a later date.  This week, WOHVA is busy traveling to an assortment of meetings including the Lake States Resources Alliance Bi-Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, The Wisconsin Governors State Trails Council Meeting and a special meeting of the WOHVA Board of Directors.  Check back next week for the complete update!

The deadline to register for the Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association 6th Annual OHV Workshops & Membership Meeting is growing near.  Remember, all registrations must be received by April 1st.

WOHVA has an outstanding line-up of presenters speaking on contemporary issues.  They include Legal vs. Responsible OHV Use by Robert Rosenberger of the Wisconsin DNR, State Motorized Recreation Area by the Wisconsin DNR, Recreational Trails Grant Applications by Wisconsin DNR, 2010 Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) by Chequamegon-Nicolet Nation Forest, Trail Guide Skills by Ih8mud.com, Sustainable Trail Development by NOHVCC, CPR & Wilderness First Aid by the West Bend Fire Department, WOHVA will be introducing our own Wisconsin Trail Patrol Program and WOHVA will be drawing the winning names in our Annual WOHVA 1000 Raffle.

In addition, WOHVA is working on a special announcement in conjunction with our partners at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest!

All this plus great food and great prizes!  See ya at Mole Lake!!!

Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced a series of events to provide opportunities for public discussion on the development of a new Forest Service Land and Resource Management Planning Rule (Rule).  The Forest Service will host a national science forum, three national roundtables and nine regional roundtables.  Providing multiple opportunities for public participation ties directly to President Obama's call for open government that is transparent, participatory and collaborative, and illustrates Forest Service commitment to engage the public in the development of a new planning rule.

"We encourage broad participation in the creation of our new planning rule," said Tidwell.  "Through collaboration we will be able to better address the current and future needs of the National Forest System such as restoration, protecting watersheds, addressing climate change, sustaining local economies, improving collaboration, and working across landscapes." 

Following the meetings, notes will be posted on the planning rule website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule, to allow further feedback.  Summaries of the presentations and discussions in the science forum and roundtables, along with the individual comments received during the 60-day formal comment period on the Notice of Intent, will be used to develop the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement.

The regional roundtable for the Eastern Region (Region 9) will be held in Chicago, IL during the week of April 28th.

The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association would like to remind people that the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest annual spring closure that prohibits ATV, OHM, horse and mountain bike use on Forest trails will be in effect between March 15th through April 30th, 2010.  View the press release for attentional details.

For restrictions and closures effecting 4WD vehicles see the Forest MVUM.