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NHOHVA Update Archive
Grass Drags
10/6/06 New Durham Valley ATV Club donates
to food pantry 9/26/06 Volunteer trail work continues
into the fall 9/26/06 ATV Master Plan Contract Approved
9/1/06
NHOHVA trains volunteers for trail
patrol from the
Federal Safety Staff Sides with
ATVA on Proper
The All-Terrain Vehicle Association
has earned a major victory in its effort to convince
federal safety experts that young riders should be
allowed to ride ATVs that are the proper size for
the child's body size.
-more-
Welcome new board member
6/3/06
See what NHOVHA's Safety Committee has
been up to. 5/13/06
ATV Clubs Prepare for the new season
5/8/06
New Trails Bureau Chief
4/19/06
Please join me in
congratulating Chris with this promotion!
Congratulations to two of NHOHVA's finest 4/18/06
New Vice President
3/12/06
Support MOOSE RACING
3/8/06 Franconia Notch Ride
3/6/06 Tri-State Sportsman Expo and ATV
Safety class 2/16/06 Jericho
Lake ATV Park 12/10/05 Berlin
Planning Process 12/7/05
ATV's in White Mt. National
Forest
11/27/05
BERLIN LAND
PURCHASE APPROVED!
11/16/05 Berlin 11/2/05 New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association Monthly Report - February 2005New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.nhohva.org
"Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association Monthly Report - January 2005New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.nhohva.orgSorry for the late and short monthly report. There is much going on but nothing new to report. I do want everyone to be aware of the current legislative status. I promise that February's report will contain much more information.
http://www.nhohva.org/news/2005lsr.pdf The final text of the bills has not been released yet, but by judging from some of the titles there are some good bills and some bad ones. Our lobbyist, Curtis Barry from the Dupont Group will keep us up to date regarding what we need to be worried about. We will know more details shortly. "Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"
New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association Monthly Report - December 2004New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.nhohva.org
* Legislative Update - 2004 promises to be a very active year in the legislature for off-highway vehicle users. The NHOHVA legislative committee is busy determining priorities for legislation that we will seek. On the other side, the anti-ATV movement has submitted legislation "relative to environmental considerations when establishing ATV trails". More information on this group can be found at www.atvfreenh.com (know your enemy). The group is organized and effective. ATV users must be well organized also in order to educate legislators and advocate for your ability to use ATVs. In everything we do, our consistent message MUST be: we advocate safe, responsible and sound use of Off-Highway vehicles. We'll likely keep our legislative efforts to one pro-active measure and then be on the defensive for the legislations mentioned and any others that might arise. I can't stress enough how important it is for legislators to hear from constituents like you. We'll let you know who needs to be contacted and when, but please be prepared. Have a safe and joyous Christmas season! * Curtis J. Barry * The Dupont Group * On behalf of NHOHVA * White Mountain National Forest- Please take the time to write to the White Mountain National Forest regarding inclusion of the "Case by Case basis" for allowing ATV and trail bike trails in the Forest. Get your comments in before December 17. 2004: * Forest Plan Review White Mountain National Forest 719 Main Street Laconia, NH 03246 A second copy should go to as it seems many of our comments and involvement has been lost or never recorded:
Randy Moore, Regional Forester 310 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 580 Milwaukee, WI 53203
Be specific in your comments. State your local club is willing to volunteer to develop the trail and maintain it and if possible what region of the forest you would like to see a trail. State your community has need for economic input form summer recreational use. State that your club supports responsible use and the New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association. State how your club is willing to apply for NH Grant in Aid program for money to support the trail you want to steward. State how your club is willing to educate users in the Forest with direct contact through Trail Patrol. State any relevant facts that support your request for access. Comments have to be solution oriented not just I want this. Attached is a PDF file with a comment sheet that should assist your commenting effort. We have been told that the ATV community is not involved in this process -- are we? Without your comments we are not. * Snowmobile and ATV Show- NHOHVA has had a great month for safety awareness. We got our new safety awareness trailer lettered and had it on display at the 2004 Snowmobile and ATV show at Rockingham Park. Our body mechanics safety stage was debuted at the show as well. The stage was a great success with the children and parents that attended the show. We estimated that over 200 children tried out the stage and learned proper body mechanics. The stage currently works tilting the display in two axis, up hill and off camber to one side. With more sponsors we hope to have all four axis working by spring. Thanks to the Snow Slickers for allowing us to set up at the show and all the volunteers that came out to help out with the display and our booth. * Committees- We set up the following committees at our fall meeting. The first committee meetings will be held shortly. There is still time to be involved. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these committees, or just sitting in and observing contact secretary@hohva.org for more information. * Legislative Committee (need volunteers from Grafton, Carroll and Coos counties) * Public Relations Committee, includes networking, newsletter and website * Insurance Committee * Education Committee, includes safety and trail patrol * Fund Raising Committee, includes events and memberships "Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"
New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association Monthly Report - November 2004New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.nhohva.org
Fall Meeting - The fall meeting at the Indian Head Resort was our most successful ever. Our message to the members at large was clear and precise - give us your goals, support us with volunteers and we will deliver. Our history proved we have achieved many good things in the past, our new lobbyist talked to reflect that we are moving forward in a very positive way for the future. To continue our forward movement we need volunteers for the following committees. Without volunteers these items will not happen.
Our
Legislative Future -
Our new lobbyist, Berlin Trails - The "NH Bureau of Trails" has announced that they are in the preliminary stages of purchasing land for a large ATV riding area outside of Berlin, NH. This area, which could be as large as 7,200 acres would be purchased through our registration money. This has the potential to be the premier riding area in the north east, complete with a campground, access to business districts and varied terrain. This is a very exciting project that NHOHVA will keep a close eye on. This project is possible because of the "Land Purchase Account" created a few years ago. For two years our registration money has been building up in this account at an accelerated rate because of a last minute amendment that NHOHVA created a few years ago. This amendment insured that unused grant in aid money was not lost, but instead rolled over into the land purchase account.
White Mountain National Forest - The Forest Supervisor has made the recommendation for Alternative 2 to the forest revision plan. This alternative would BAN all ATV and trail bike use in the forest for the next 15 years. According to Supervisor Wagner, the social issues and lack of community support were huge factors in his decision. The only means to alter this decision is through public written comments from a sufficiently large number of individuals and communities. A single letter from the Association is just that – one letter. Every member of every club, every ATV/trail bike user and every community affected needs to write a personal letter to the Forest supervisor requesting the inclusion of ATV/trail bike summer use. Your letter needs to be specific in requesting a “case by case basis” as CURRENTLY exists to be continued in any Alternative adopted. Your letter must be postmarked before December 17, 2004 (Address below). Your taking the fifteen minutes to jot down your support for ATV/trail bike use WILL make the difference; not doing it will also make the difference! If there isn’t sufficient documentation for support of our use the decision will stand. Forest Planner White Mountain National Forest 719 N Main St Laconia, NH 03246.
NH Snowmobile and ATV Show - Join NHOHVA November 5th, 6th & 7th at the New Hampshire Snowmobile & ATV Show at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. There will be Snowmobile & ATV Dealers, organization and vendors. NHOHVA will also debut their safety display stage. For more information visit http://www.nhohva.org/snowshow2004.pdf
"Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"
New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association Monthly Report - October 2004New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.nhohva.org
www.NHOHVA.org -- 1-888-847-1964 * Lobbyist - Our Board of Directors is very excited to announce the progress we have made toward hiring a lobbying firm to address our legislative initiatives. By the date of our Fall Meeting we expect have funded and entered into contract with the Dupont Group to represent us in the next legislative session. The Dupont Group is one of the top lobbyist firms in the state and we feel lucky to have them working with us. * Fall Meeting - The Fall Meeting is scheduled for October 23rd at the Indian Head Resort in Lincoln NH. This is a very important meeting and we need all clubs to be in attendance. Topics will include this years legislation, future goals and association - club relations. Also, with any luck you will be able to meet our new lobbyist. * Schedule: * 10:00 - 12:00 Trail Administers Meeting * 1:00 - 4:00 NHOHVA Fall Meeting * 6:00 Special ride and BBQ for meeting attendees. Details will be given at the meeting. * RSVP by Oct 19th for meeting and ride to secretary@nhohva.org or by calling 1-888-847-1964 ext. 5 * New Trails in Canaan NH - There may be a new trail system opening in Canaan NH. The landowner also plans to have an event area and camp ground. The landowner has entered into agreement with the NH Bureau of Trails. The trails will be laid out this fall with trail construction starting in the spring. We need a group of volunteers to assist in making this project a reality and to assist this very generous landowner. The best way to assist is with a new club in the area. A club could address both the short and long term issues. Contact NHOHVA if interested in helping out, we plan on having a workshop this winter.
"Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – August 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Fall Meeting - The GSATVA fall meeting has been scheduled for October 23rd. The location is yet to be determined but we are planning on somewhere in the Lincoln NH area. We had another rough year in 2004 with many set backs and trail closures. If we are going to turn the tide we need to work together and unite our goals. We will release the agenda for this meeting in a few weeks but for now all I can say is that we need every club to be represented at this meeting. Clubs officials, start making plans to attend now! Club members, start telling your club leaders that you want them at this meeting! · Name Change - The board of directors has voted to change the name of this organization to the "NH Off Highway Vehicle Association" (NHOHVA). The reason for the change is to be consistent with other state associations and to distinguish ourselves better from the clubs in NH. The change will take place once all the necessary paper work with the IRS has been completed. Contrary to rumors that may be going around, we are still represent only ATV's and trail bikes. We do not represent trucks or jeeps and there has never been any discussion to do so. · 2nd Annual Ammonoosuc Valley Poker Run - Saturday, September 18, 2004 10:00am-4:00pm. Hosted by Ammonoosuc Valley ATV Club and the White Mountain ATV Club to benefit GSATVA. Ammonoosuc Valley Recreational Trail between Littleton, N.H. and Woodsville, N.H. Starting points will be located in Littleton, Lisbon, and Woodsville. Parking will be available at these locations. (Other trails will be available for riding also.) $5.00 per hand or five hands for $20.00 50/50 tickets will be available-$1.00 or 6 for $5.00. Lunch and snacks will be available at the Bath Picnic Area. Look for the signs! Discount camping is available for this event at the Twin River Campground (603) 747-3640. For more info contact Brenda Goodbout at (603) 745-2495 or bjgood@adelphia.net or Bob Watson at (603) 838-8932 or bob.watson@adelphia.net · Phone Number Change - GSATVA has changed our phone number. The new toll free number is 1-888-847-1964. In the future this new phone service will allow us to have mailboxes setup for different topics such as safety courses or riding areas. This will allow us to serve the public better. · Forest Service Policy on OHV use in National Forests - The Forest Service has released a draft policy on OHV use in National Forests. The proposal requires administrators to designate trails for OHV use in a consistent manner, nationwide. The report also calls for the Forest Service to work with groups including OHV enthusiasts to identify routes offering the best opportunities for OHV use while still meeting its responsibility to protect the environment. It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the White Mountain National Forest here in NH. The full report can be read at http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2004/releases/07/off-highway-vehicle.shtml · NH State Trails Plan - The draft of the State Trails Plan has been released. This report concentrates mainly on abandoned state owned rail corridors throughout the state. The report includes information on which state department owns and manages each corridor and includes comments taken from public hearings held earlier this summer. The report can be viewed at www.rizzo.com/nh_state_trails_plan.htm
"Ride as if everyone is watching...Talk as if everyone is listening"
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – June 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – May 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Lyndeborough - We have finally heard back from the Supreme Court. They have overruled the Superior Courts decision, saying the state law is not comprehensive enough to override local planning boards. This means that towns do have the right to put trails belonging to the state system through the planning board. This can only be fixed legislatively. We will work to do this next year. This court decision does effect snowmobiles as well, however they were able to amend a bill in the Senate which excludes them from the court decision.
Spring Fling - Last month we held our Spring Fling event at the Cheshire Fairgrounds. The weather was great and overall the event was a huge success. We had over 400 ATV's and trail bikes register for the trail ride and the Off Road Challenge. As with any first time event there is always room for improvement. We are looking for suggestions and comments. Also, thanks to all those who volunteered and make this event possible. We also did a mandatory sound check before allowing riders on the trail. OHRV's were only allowed to participate if they met the legal limit of 96db. We had to turn away a few riders because their aftermarket exhaust were too load. We believe this is an important step towards keeping trails open.
Annual Meeting - We held our annual meeting during the Spring Fling. Attendance was low, we believe because of the location of the meeting. For the fall we intend on returning to the Lincoln NH area, as that is a more central location. Members present at the meeting had valuable Q&A sessions with Chris Gamache from the Bureau of Trails and Representative Royce, chairmen of the Resource Recreation and Development Committee.
Legislation - SB517, our Club Development Bill did not make it through the House. We are looking to find our own funding sources to meet the goals of this bill, as we still believe this is vital to our long term growth and success. HB1166 relative to selectmen approving use of class VI roads has passed both the house and Senate. SB347 relative to conduct after an OHRV accident has passed both the house and Senate. SB347 relative to who is liable for environmental damage by OHRV users passed both the House and Senate. SB343 relative to where OHRV's can load and unload along side a road and requiring permission to be on public land was moved into HB1401 and passed. SB343 also contained an amendment about fixing a clerical error regarding distance a trail can be from a well head. This Senate did not pass the amendment and decided against fixing the error at this time. Check our website to see a complete update on all legislation.
Rail Trails - The state is looking for input on which rail trails would be valuable for ATV use. We need to give them specific information. Which sections of which rail trails would provide valuable links for existing or potential trail systems? Let us know what your needs are in your local area.
OHRV Safety - Last month GSATVA and the NH Fish & Game held a safety instructor training course. Over 20 new people were certified to teach wheeled OHRV safety courses. GSATVA also had an ATV Safety Booth at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Family Health Fair in Manchester. At this event we unveiled our new pivoting ATV display that simulates the movements an ATV goes through while riding down the trail. We were able to demonstrate the proper body mechanics necessary while riding an ATV. The display showed that OHRV's are a fun family sport, however proper equipment and training are necessary. The display fit in well with the Health Fair.
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – April 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Spring Fling - April 24th - 25th is the "GSATVA Spring Fling" held in conjunction with the "Spring Into Summer Recreational Show" at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Keene NH. Gates open at 10:00am. Enjoy trail riding and our Off Road Challenge. Admission is $6 per person to enter the show and $5 per ATV. For more details visit www.gsatva.org
Annual Meeting - Our annual meeting and elections will be held Sunday April 25th at the Spring Fling. The meeting starts at 10:30am. We will be discussing the future direction the association for the next several years. We will also have seminars and other resources that will be valuable to the clubs. Make sure your club is represented at this meeting!
RTP Grant Selection - The "Recreational Trails Program" are federal grants for trail building. The grants are selected by a sub committee of the "Statewide Trails Advisory Committee" (STAC). Through legislation last year, GSATVA gained a seat on STAC. This year GSATVA had a representative on the sub committee selecting the grants. We got to see first hand how the grant selection process works. This information may be valuable for clubs who wish to apply for grants with this program.
Legislation - At this time, our Club Development bill is in the House RR&D Committee. We should know more about this bill in the coming weeks. SB349, the criteria bill about fixing a clerical error regarding distance from a well head has been sent to interim study by the Senate for more evaluation. However, an amendment was proposed to SB343 which would do the same as SB349 did. This amendment received a lot of support from state officials and representatives who worked on the original bill two years ago. We will know more in a few weeks. Without this clerical error fixed, it will be difficult if not impossible to construct trails on state lands.
NOHVCC Conference - Last month, through grants and donations GSATVA Executive Director Richard Goudarzi and President Chris Ward attended the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) Annual Conference in Portland Oregon. We made many contacts and learned the issues that other states face. This is valuable information that we intend to share with the clubs. Also, we were certified as Tread Lightly master trainers. GSATVA will be offering a course in the coming months where we can certify you in Tread Lightly.
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – March 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Economic Impact Survey - We are worthy of attention -- $318 MILLION dollars a year of worthiness. That's right, our Economic Impact Survey conducted by Plymouth State University is complete and what we now have is real data to show that our sport is a financial gain to this state! The work was completed under a grant we received from the Motorcycle Industry Council and our Association volunteer's efforts. The complete report is available for download on our website. Spread this word to your clubs friends and elected officials. We pay our own way, we build our own trails, we patrol our own trails and we are here to stay!
Legislation - We continue to keep an eye on legislation that would effect us. Next month's report should be more noteworthy as not much has changed over the past couple weeks. We would however ask that everyone contact their local representatives and senators and ask them to support SB517 which is our club development bill. We believe this bill to be very important towards our long term future. This bill will voted on by the Senate shortly and then move onto the house. SB 349 -- revision of criteria (400 foot verses 4,000) was voted to Interim Study 3-2. Senator Flanders spoke very strongly in our behalf, but the committee was strongly divided with Senator Below from Lebanon taking the lead against the correction.
Rail Trails - GSATVA has a seat on the State Trails Plan Advisory Committee which is creating a statewide trail plan for bicycles and pedestrians. The main focus of this report will be on abandoned rail trails. The committee wants to know from us which abandoned railroads we would like to see opened to summer time ATV and Trail bike use. Again, this is not a plan for us, but the research they do with regards to abandoned railroad beds will be very valuable to us. Contact GSATVA President Chris Ward by email at president@gsatva.org to discuss this further.
Spring Fling & Annual Meeting - Mark your calendar's for April 24 - 25. GSATVA's Spring Fling will be a part of the "Spring into Summer Recreational Show" held at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Keene NH. This will feature an Off Road Challenge consisting of a drag strip, mud pit, rough terrain and other obstacles. There will also be 20+ miles of trail riding on the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail. In addition there will be a safety seminar and a obstacle course for kids. Sunday morning the 25th will be our Annual Meeting where we will outline the goals of the association for the next year along with holding elections. Details about this event can be found on our website or by calling 603-883-1188. We are currently looking for volunteers to help run the events. We promise a three hour work shift and you will receive free admission!
NOHVCC Conference - This month, through grants and donations GSATVA Executive Director Richard Gourdarzi and President Chris Ward will be attending the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) Annual Conference in Portland Oregon. Our goal in attending this conference is to make better contacts with the national organizations such as AMA/ATVA, Blue Ribbon, Tread Lightly, The Motor Cycle Industry Council, etc... We need to show these groups the issues we are facing here in NH so they can offer their support. We will also have an opportunity to meet with our counterparts from other states to exchange ideas on what is and is not working throughout the country. This will be a very valuable trip, and we will come back with a lot of information that NH clubs may utilize.
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – February 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Legislation - In the past month GSATVA Executive Director Richard Goudarzi has testified for the following bills. In support of SB517 to allow club development grants to ATV clubs and the association. In support of HB1257 to increase penalties for DUI violation if there is a minor onboard a car, boat or OHRV. Also attended the hearing in support of SB349 about fixing the clerical error in the Course and Fine Filter criteria. At this time we do not need assistance from our members, but check our website often as we may need your help to contact your representatives.
NETRA Banquet - GSATVA attended the New England Trail Rider Association (NETRA) yearly banquet. NETRA is mainly a competitive trail bike organization and has been the largest single contributor to the Legal Defense Fund. Our lawyer, Noah Mandell was the guest speaker at their event. NETRA is an outstanding organization that has been around for more than thirty years. We look forward to continuing and furthering our relationship with them.
Lyndeborough - Oral arguments before the NH Supreme Court are scheduled for February 11th at 1:00pm Concord. We are pleased that the Supreme Court is hearing this case so soon. We can now expect a decision within the next couple months. Volunteers are needed to solicit donations from dealers and manufacturers. It would be a shame to have gone this far and then have to give in because of a lack of funding.
NH Trails Plan - The 5 year ATV and Trail bike trail study conducted by Woodlot Alternatives has been completed. The Bureau of Trails was mandated to create this plan by HB1273 two years ago. This plan inventory's all the wheeled OHRV trails in the state and recommends where new trails should be located. The complete 75 page report is available on our website. We have only done a preliminary review of the report. We have several significant areas of concern. If you have time to review the report get back to us with your comments. We will be compiling a list of concerns and delivering them to the state.
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – January 2004 New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Economic Impact Survey - GSATVA has contracted the Institute for New Hampshire Studies at Plymouth State University to do an economic impact survey of ATV's and trail bikes in New Hampshire. The finishing touches are being put on the report now and we should be able to release it's findings within the next month. This report will help give credibility to our sport, showing that we are an important part of the New Hampshire economy.
Safety Education - GSATVA has been working with Fish & Game on safety issues by representing the wheeled community at their Safety Awareness Committee Meetings for the last couple months . We have been working on such projects as trail side rhyme signs and placemats for restaurants. We are looking for a club or an individual to coordinate the efforts needed to make these rhyme signs a reality for the wheeled community. If anyone is interested please contact Chris Oliverio at 603-785-4240 or at vice-president@gsatva.org
Legal Defense Fund - There have been many large contributions to the Legal Defense Fund over the last month. Check out our "Wall of Champions" and our website to see what clubs, organizations and dealers are supporting our ongoing legal battles!
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
Granite State ATV Association - Monthly Update – December 2003New Hampshire's voice for ATV's and Trail Bikes - www.gsatva.org
Lyndeborough vs. Boisvert - This case has gone to the NH Supreme Court. GSATVA's lawyer is currently working on submitting our pleadings. There may not be a decision for several months. A full history of the case can be found on our website.
White Mt. National Forest - Representatives from GSATVA, Bureau of Trails, The White Mt. ATV Club and the Ammonoosuc Valley ATV Club meet with the Supervisor of the White Mt. National Forest,Tom Wagner and members of his staff. Discussed at this meeting were the need for summer use OHRV trails in the national forest.We were able to express our needs and to make all aware that this would be a combined effort to benefit us all. This was a very positive meeting with great input from all. The national forest is finalizing their new forest plan and we hope our input will be included.
Legislation - The 2004 legislation session will have many bills related to OHRV's. The final wording of these bills is not yet available. Our website will have a summary of all the bills when they become available. GSATVA is working on a bill of our own who's goal is to stimulate club growth and educate riders. Details will be available soon.
Ride as if everyone is watching... Talk as if everyone is listening.
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Moose
has donated materials to NHOHVA for use at events and
meetings. This is well appreciated. Please
give them your support and visit