ATVAM News - April 24, 2019 Newsletter of the ATV Association of Minnesota (Est. 1983)

"Your Voice for ATV Recreation In Minnesota"

-Send your comments, club news, photos and article ideas 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: -May 1 Opener May Be Delayed -"Take Root" In Rushford -Destination Polaris Features Voyageur Country Trails

-Help Get ATVs Access To Some Campgrounds -Fishing Launch Nearly Full At Ride & Roast -Awarding Excellence -Suffer From OHV Acronym Confusion? -Fun ATV Club Rides Coming Up -Invite Friends To Join ATVAM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 1st Opener May Be Delayed For Some ATV Trails

Early-April snow, slow spring thaw and late-April rain may push back the opening dates for some State ATV Trails and Forest Roads on state and federal public lands. Before you head out, always check the Minnesota DNR website for both Trail Closures and Forest Road Closures. The list can change daily, as determined by DNR field staff. See the full list at this website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/trailconditions .

For roads and trails on federal lands, check with the district offices of the Chippewa and Superior National Forests.

"Take Root" In Rushford

(Promoting more trails in southern MN)

By Perry May, ATVAM 1st VP Accepting an invitation from Bluff Country ATV Club, ATVAM Executive Board members and ATVAM Region 5 Directors attended an April 6th meeting in Rushford, to listen to the Club's vision for a "Rim Trail" in the Rushford, Peterson, and Rushford Village area of southeast Minnesota. The meeting included a presentation from Jennifer Hengel, Executive Director,

Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce, describing this awesome area that the destructive glaciers of thousands of years ago left alone. Hengel stated, "We ask organizations like ATVAM to Take Root" in the valley, referring to the Root River that flows through the valley, and helping support the roots needed for this trail vision to grow.

Visiting Rushford for the first time, one will notice the impressive bluffs of limestone outcroppings towering hundreds of feet above the valley floor, that were carved into the earth through melting glacial ice dams. The surrounding forests are linked into the watershed of the Root River, that is home to the most unique flora and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Wildlife such as deer, turkey, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, hundreds of different bird species, and reptiles such as

rattle snakes and lizards find a home in Bluff Country. The Rim Trail Vision is the design and construction of an approximately 40-mile natural-surface trail, for multi-use recreational users, including ATVs, that would form a giant loop on the top of the Bluff's from Rushford to Peterson. The trail would be designed for the recreational rider, to learn about the geologic forces that formed this area and to observe the natural beauty of the river, forests, flora and wildlife that live within. The trail would lead to a number of interpretive sites and overlooks to accomplish this vision, along with picnic areas for relaxation.

ATVAM's Strategic Trail Vision is to have many different types of trails that attract different types of ATV riders. This is a very sensitive natural area and would not be a fit for a challenge type of trail. This trail vision is truly unique in looking at ATV recreational riding to experience Bluff Country, and coming away educated on this hidden Minnesota gem. Many thanks to Bluff Country President Allen Kirchhof, and Rim Trail presenter Vern Bunke, for

opening our eyes to this awesome vision. ATVAM Region 5 Director Mike Halvorson, will be the main contact exchanging information between the ATVAM Executive Board and the Club as the trail development process moves forward. Hoping this vision can become reality.

'Destination Polaris' Episode Features Voyageur Country Trails

(Link to teaser video below)

Thinking about attending the ATVAM Ride & Rally this fall in Crane Lake? This week's episode of Destination Polaris will give you a taste of the great rides you can look forward to during that event, scheduled for Sept 20-22. The popular TV show will feature

the Voyageur Country ATV club and its scenic trail system in northern Minnesota. It will be shown on Fox Sports Networks on Sunday, April 28, at 11:00 am and 4:30 pm.

You can watch the premier showing with other ATV enthusiasts. The club is having a viewing party of the 4:30 show at the Trails End Resort in Buyck. Here is a link to a short teaser video of the show: https://vimeo.com/331304785

Watch Destination Polaris this coming Sunday...then register for the ATVAM Ride & Rally, which is expected to be one of the largest ever, at atvam.org . And be sure to reserve your lodging or campground spot early, because word on the trail is this is going to be a very well attended event.

Get all the details at: http://www.voyageurcountryatv.com/

With Your Help, More Campgrounds May Be Accessed By ATVs

(Every comment counts! And no, this proposal will not create a slippery slope allowing ATVs in major State Parks,

as stated by some in opposition)

Please take a minute to send a short, positive comment in

favor of these proposals... In The Land O' Lakes & Crow Wing State Forests: The DNR is seeking comments to allow OHV access to the Clint Converse and Greer Lake Forest Recreation Areas (campgrounds) in

the Land O' Lakes State Forest and Crow Wing State Forest, respectively. Comments may be addressed to Wade Miller, Parks and Trails Area Supervisor and emailed to wade.miller@state.mn.us or mailed to Wade Miller, area supervisor, Parks and Trails Division, Minnesota DNR, 1601 Minnesota Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 PM on May 7. The DNR held a public meeting on April 23 at the City of Fifty Lakes Community Center. More information can be found in the DNR's news release and on the DNR's website. If you have any questions, please contact Wade Miller at 218-203-4447. ------------------------ And In The George Washington State Forest: The DNR is seeking comments on a proposal to revise the requirements governing off-highway vehicle access to certain areas of the Togo Forest Recreation Area in the George Washington State Forest in northeastern

Itasca County. Currently, OHVs must be trailered in and out of the forest recreation area. This proposal will allow campers to unload their OHVs at the campsites within the forest recreation area and access the recreational trails within the state forest, including the Thistledew ATV Trail. OHV access to the recreational trails will be

limited to existing roadways and campsites. The DNR will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. May 3. Comments may be submitted: -Via email to: guy.lunz@state.mn.us. -Via mail to: Guy Lunz, area supervisor, Parks and Trails Division, Minnesota DNR, 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

The DNR held a public meeting on Thursday, April 18 at the Side Lake Community Center, 7485 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake. Meeting participants were able to discuss the proposal with DNR representatives and submit comments. For information, visit mndnr.gov/input/mgmtplans/ohv/plans or call Guy Lunz, 218-328-8984.

Mille Lacs Launch Almost Full For ATVAM Ride & Roast.

Reserve Your

Fishing Pole

Today. Maybe we should have called it the ATVAM "Reel & Ride & Roast." As of today, 24 people have signed up for the Friday evening fishing launch on Mille Lacs Lake.

Which leaves 6 spots left for those interested in "pulling lip" on a walleye or two. Saturday's Ride Is Approaching 100 Registered! This year's fun spring event is Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, 2019, at McQuoid's Inn, located in Isle, Minnesota, and right next to the Soo Line South ATV Trail. With lots of great trail riding, food and camaraderie. Register today at: http://atvam.org/ Here is the schedule:

-Friday, May 17 -- Fishing launch on Mille Lacs Lake, 6-10 pm, $25, limited to 30 people. Includes fishing gear and bait. Must have 2019 fishing license. -Saturday, May 18 -- Isle Fire Department hosts pancake breakfast at 7:30 am. Guided ATV rides start at 10 am. A pig and turkey roast dinner with side dishes at 5 pm. $15.00 per adult, kids 10 years of age and under are free. Please bring canned goods! As a community outreach, we are collecting canned goods for the Isle food shelf.

Make It A Weekend Ride...Reserve Your Lodging Today! McQuoid's Inn is offering discounts on rooms. Mention ATVAM to get 10% off for one night and 15% for two nights. 320-676-3535 or 800-862-3535 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/ We need your help to fund this event! Please send donations by April 30th to the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota office, at PO Box 300, Stacy, MN, 55079 and mark it Ride & Roast. Business Members who donate are promoted at the event and given free exhibit space if desired. Questions? Contact Ken Irish, committee chair: 651-470-2601 or ironrider@comcast.net

Awarding Excellence

The "Friend of the AMA" award is presented to one or more in the motorcycling community, including clubs, companies, sponsors and/or partners that have strongly supported the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) mission and programs. This year, 5 people were recognized. Among them are Tom and Karen Umphress, long-time advocates for all types of motorized recreation in Minnesota. Congratulations from your friends and fellow pro-trail advocates at ATVAM! From the April issue of American Motorcyclist: Tom and Karen Umphress have been active riders and advocates for the riding community in Minnesota since the late 1990s, working with other on-road motorcycle organizations, such as ABATE of Minnesota and the Christian Motorcycle Association. Karen also worked for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council from 2008 to 2017. The couple became AMA State Chapter Coordinators for Minnesota in 2018, volunteering to support AMA recreational riding activity and promote the fun of motorcycling.

Do you suffer from OHV Acronym Confusion?

By Perry May, ATVAM 1st VP

If you are one of the many who are confused about what to call your off-road machine, you're not alone. Acronyms such as OHV, ORV, ATV, UTV, OHM and SXS can result in this confused state.

In Minnesota, the term Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) includes All-Terrain Vehicles, (ATVs), Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs), and Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). Within OHV regulations, the term Off-Road Motorcycle (OHM) is the easiest to describe as machines that travel on two-wheels, have a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator, and have handlebars for steering control. Minnesota classifies All-Terrain Vehicles in two categories: Class I ATV width 50 inches or less, and Class II ATV width greater than 50 inches but not more than 65 inches. The width of an ATV is measured from the outside of tire rim to outside of tire rim. To be classified as an ATV in Minnesota, your machine also needs to have a dry weight less than 2,000 lbs. Dry weight is normally the vehicle without fluids. For sake of clarity, we are not going to talk to the number or type, of tires allowed, and the low-pressure tire or non-pneumatic requirements that also fit into a Minnesota ATV definition. We will leave this to a future article after the great folks in ATVAM and the Minnesota DNR help clarify the law.

If you modify your ATV so that it has tracks, purchase rims and tires that push out beyond the 65-inch Class II ATV maximum width, or add accessories that bring your machine over 2,000 lbs. dry weight, you are now an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV). You cannot travel on trails designed and opened only for Class I or II ATVs. Many ORVs are licensed for highway use. An ORV licensed for highway use that is also operated on designated public ORV use areas or trails, must have both the regular vehicle license and DNR ORV registration.

This is all nonsense to some, because some say, "I don't own an ATV, I have a side-by-side (SxS) or a UTV." The side-by-side definition is simply a description of an

off-road vehicle in which two people sit beside each other. You have a steering wheel, pedals, and a gear shift just like a vehicle. In Minnesota, a side-by-side is an ATV if it is 50 to 65 inches in width, and it is less than 2,000 lbs. A side-by-side may also be a Utility Task Vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). This is where it gets confusing. A side-by-side can be an ATV, and it can also be a UTV, but not all UTVs can be ATVs. Got it?

As described in the Minnesota Low-Power Vehicle Laws, a UTV has four wheels, up to 1,200 cc engine, and 1,800 to 2,600 lbs. dry weight. Bottom line is, if your side- by-side is over 2,000 lbs. dry weight, and over 65 inches in width, you are not an ATV and cannot ride on trails designated only for Class I or II ATV's. Minnesota is not alone in providing this OHV definition confusion. Outside Minnesota borders you

may find acronyms used in other states such as APV, ROV, OHRV and ORVA. As you can see, there is a need for a national definition among Manufactures, Dealers, State Governments and OHV Rider Associations. Not to worry. There are three Minnesota OHV Associations that recognize this issue and support a national level definition for Off-Highway Vehicles, along with designing and developing trails for each off-highway vehicle type. For ATV riders, it's the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM). For ORV riders, it's the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA). And for OHM

riders, it's the Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA). It is highly recommended to join one or more of these groups. Responsible Riding starts with being informed. Don't let the OHV alphabet soup get in your way of knowing what the Minnesota Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations are,

whatever and wherever you ride.

Fun ATVAM & ATV 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 Is May 21st -- Call in and be part of the action. Next board conference call is May 21st at 5:30pm. Watch for email to club leaders with call-in directions. All ATVAM clubs have one spot on the board to participate and vote. -ATVAM Region 2 All-Club Meeting April 25th --The fourth Thursday each month, at Mountain Iron Community Center, 7 pm. -ATVAM Region 3 All-Club Meeting - Help build a Region 3 Master Trail Plan! April 27th -- 9am - 1:15pm, Ironton Legion, 232 4th Street, Ironton, MN 56455 Hosted by Cuyuna Iron Range Riders, Over the Hills Gang and Central Lakes ATV Club. Lunch with be provided, there is no cost to attend. Contact Perry May: ptmdmay@comcast.net or Ken Irish: ironrider@comcast.net -ATVAM Ride & Roast - Register now & support with club donations. May 17-18, McQuoid's Inn, Isle, MN. Fishing launch, pancake breakfast, guided rides, dinner. Full details in article above. Registration at atvam.org . -Fun ATVAM Volunteer Opportunity At Truck Races ATVAM Is Partnering With ERX Motor Park! July 10th - 14th, 2019 Volunteer To Help At A July Truck Race. Get a free weekend pass, free camping, T-shirt, lunch the day you help & more. More details, time slots available and registration at atvam.org . -Save the Date: ATVAM Fall Ride & Rally - September 20-22, 2019 Hosted by Voyageur Country ATV club. Crane Lake, MN. Reserve lodging now! For more details and registration, visit atvam.org . -------------------------------------------

Region 1 Club Rides & Work Days: Please submit for next newsletter. * * * * * * * * * *

New this year: ATVAM members can volunteer to help with parking and security at the ERX Motor Park. Details below and at atvam.org

Region 2: Carlton County Riders Club -- Vintage ATV Ride May 11 -- 10am-6pm, Doc's Bar and Grill, 34427 Majestic Pine Dr, Sturgeon Lake, MN. Ride to General CC Andrews Trail. Hope to see pre-2000 machines but all are welcome. Details at club Facebook page. Rapids Riders ATV Club -- Club Ride June 15 -- 9 am to 3 pm, Balsam to Bigfork. Meet at 9am at the Balsam Store on Highway 7. Ride the Little Moose Trail and the B&B Trails to Bigfork for lunch & return. Contact Dave Andrews if you plan to attend: dajr62@yahoo.com or 218-327-2177. Details at club website: https://www.rratv.org/ Voyageur Country ATV -- Spring Ride April 27th -- 11am, Melgeorge's Elephant Lake Lodge & Resort, 6376 County Road 180, Orr, MN. Fund-raiser at local gravel pit with BBQ lunch and same-day gun raffle. More details at club Facebook page. Sunday, May 5 -- Echo-Ely Ride. Meet 10am at Echo Trail Tavern, depart 11am for trip down the Echo Trail to Ely. North Woods Quads:

White Pine Riders ATV Club:

* * * * * * * * * *

Region 3:

Central Lakes ATV Club Wednesday Club Ride: May 8, 6pm, Fort Ripley, meet at community center. Saturday Club Ride: May 25, 10am, Miller Black Bear Trail, meet at Section 6 Mine Pit Road. Details at club's Facebook page. Over The Hills Gang ATV Club:

Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club May 4 -- Spring Meeting & Pancake Breakfast, 9-11 am, The Hub, 1st Street S., Hackensack. Club ride after to Foot Hills State Forest Trail, if open. Watch for details at https://www.woodtickwheelers.com/ * * * * * * * * * * *

Region 4: Please submit for next newsletter. * * * * * * * * * * *

Region 5: SouthEast MN ATV Club -- Trail Work Day May 4 -- 9 am. Meet and Lee and Tammy Potter's house. Trail work in hopes of opening May 11. If bad weather, backup day is May 11. Contact Lee Potter: 507-689-2039 South Metro ATV Club April 27th -- Club Ride at General CC Andrews Trail, departure at 10am Details: www.southmetroatv.com

* * * * * * * * * * *

Region 6:

Please submit for next newsletter.

ATV MINNESOTA

"Your Voice To

Ride" Dedicated Volunteers Building Fun & Sustainable ATV Trails For The Riding Public.

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