(Photo credits: Don Amador and Marc Hildesheim)
EV Technologies and Innovation Headline the NOHVCC Conference
The 2024 NOHVCC Annual Conference was once again a success due to the support of Polaris Industries, Right Rider Access Fund, and other sponsors. Their contributions were instrumental and invaluable in making this year’s conference a unique and memorable experience for all attendees. The conference, focusing on innovation and collaboration, has set a new benchmark for the off-highway vehicle industry, paving the way for future advancements and partnerships.
The conference started with a mobile workshop. Participants were transported to the Polaris Wyoming facility where much of the research and testing for their off-highway vehicles takes place. Polaris provided an overview of their EV technologies and a pathway to the future. Thereafter, attendees were assigned into breakout groups, where they interacted with the Polaris engineers and discussed specific topics about building OHVs.
These topics included machine sound, tire technologies, and power-to-weight ratios, with in-depth discussions and hands-on demonstrations. Participants also enjoyed an address from Tony Kinsman, Polaris CTO & VP of Off-Road Engineering, and remarks from U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, a champion of the outdoor recreation community.
The conference sessions included a welcome from NOHVCC President Bryan Much, a comprehensive Recreational Trails Program update from Christopher Douwes of the Federal Highway Administration, a detailed look at the Canadian Quad Council ATV Safety Month social media campaign, an insightful update from Mike Passo, Executive Director of American Trails, and a thorough discussion of the Maine trails Inspection process, provided attendees with the latest insights and developments. The later sessions covered important topics such as OHV education, working with legislatures, maintaining a healthy OHV organization, and participating in planning, ensuring that all participants were well-informed and up-to-date with the industry’s progress.
The second day of the conference included remarks from Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the MIC/SVIA/ROHVA, Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Duane Taylor, Director of Safe and Responsible Use Programs and Don Amador, Western States representative with MIC/SVIA/ROHVA provided an update on the OHV industry. Other sessions included comments from Commissioner Paul McDonald, St. Louis County Commissioner, on the successes of the MN Joint Powers Board when working with ATV trails in Minnesota, Donner Pass Trail restoration in Colorado, and the MN Trail Permitting Process.
The 2025 NOHVCC Conference will be held in Bend, OR, on October 9-11.
Arizona Establishes Office of Outdoor Recreation
In early October, Arizona became the 24th state to establish an office of outdoor recreation. The Arizona Office of Tourism and Arizona State Parks and Trails spent several months making the office a reality. The office will focus on Environmental Conservation and stewardship, education and workforce development, economic development, exercise, health and wellness, equity, access, and inclusion. It will receive support and coordination from the Office of Tourism.
“Arizona is known as a destination with amazing outdoor recreation options,” said Neil Large, the new program administrator. “We want people to understand that outdoor recreation benefits the state’s economy, job market, and rural communities. Our goal is to expand the reach of our outdoor-related grants program, tell Arizona’s unique story, and entice more people to build memories in the outdoors.” The office will continue receiving support and coordination from the Arizona Office of Tourism to further its efforts and highlight Arizona’s $11.7 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Maine’s $30M Trail Ballot Initiative
In May of this year, Governor Janet Mills signed a bill into law that placed a $30 million bond on the November ballot to repair and enhance trails across Maine. If Maine voters approve the ballot question, the measure (LD 1156) would make $30 million in grants available to help Maine nonprofits, municipalities, and qualified entities within state government to improve motorized, non-motorized, and multi-use trails. Question 4 will provide Maine’s outdoor recreation, conservation, and economic development communities with financial resources to fund, repair, and expand all trails statewide.
Under the initiative, the Bureau of Parks and Lands will be responsible for administering the $30 million over four years. This will be done through a competitive grant process, with $7.5 million available each year. Towns, organizations, and clubs will be able to apply for these grants to fund their trail projects. The initiative will provide equal access for all types of trail projects. This includes projects for motorized trail use, non-motorized uses such as hiking and biking, and multi-use trails that cater to a variety of outdoor activities. This broad scope ensures that all types of trail users will benefit from the funding. Under this initiative, the Bureau of Parks and Lands will fund and support the design, maintenance, and construction of trails, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and sustainable design standards. This ensures that Maine’s natural resources are used responsibly and for the benefit of all. By leveraging the $30 million with other public and private funding sources, Maine can significantly amplify the impact of this initiative. This potential for growth is inspiring for the future of trail projects in Maine.
Recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Activity
- Kanab, Utah — Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has announced that the Calf Creek Recreation Site reopened on Saturday, September 28, 2024, following nearly three months of extensive construction improvements. Minor construction activities will continue through the upcoming weeks. Overall, the project aims to improve visitor experiences for years to come through several site improvements, which this year includes campground renovation, new shade shelters, new retaining walls along the creek and water play area, and repair of the campground swinging pedestrian bridge.
- Moab, Utah — BLM announced a 30-day public scoping period for a proposed environmental assessment that would analyze non-motorized mountain bike trails within the Moab Field Office to allow for Class 1 e-bike use. The Moab Field Office includes over 190 miles of non-motorized mountain bike trails. The public scoping period will assist the field office in determining on which, if any, existing designated mountain bike trails Class 1 e-bikes should or should not be allowed. The scoping period began on October 1 and will conclude on November 1. The BLM strives to provide a variety of opportunities for all public land users, enhance trail accessibility and connectivity, and address the growing popularity of e-bikes on natural surface trails. Public scoping will aid the BLM in addressing these desires and specifically what trails would be most appropriate for Class 1 e-bike use. A list of non-motorized mountain bike trails being considered can be found on the project planning page at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2034672/510.
- Grand Junction, Colorado— The BLM Grand Junction Field Office restricted access to the Third Flats Trailhead and Bangs Canyon Trailhead located off Little Park Road southwest of Grand Junction October 7-11 to maintain trailhead access roads and parking lots. Access to both trailheads were blocked for all uses at Little Park Road, as well as at the Tabeguache Trail entrance on the south-bound side of U.S. Highway 141 during the maintenance period.
- Roseburg, Oregon – The BLM has lifted the emergency closure associated with the No Man Fire. This includes BLM road(s) 24-1-25 and 24-1-25.1 from the junction with BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) East to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 25 on lands administered by the BLM, Roseburg District. This notice rescinds the emergency closure of BLM-administered public lands in the Swiftwater Field Office, Douglas County, issued on September 25, 2024, associated with the No Man Fire. This order went into effect at on October 11, 2024.
- Bedford, Oregon – Thanks to widespread rain and cooler temperatures, the BLM Medford District officials reduced public use restrictions on BLM-managed lands in southern Oregon. On October 17, 2024, BLM-managed lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties moved to a low fire danger level.