Wisconsintrials.org Forums

FYI;

This was posted on the Adventure Rider web site in answer to a question about WOHVA and WOHMA.

Dave Schigoda

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Questions:

Can someone explain to me what the WOHVA and WOHMA organizations are?
How do they relate to each other?
Why would I want to join one or the other?
Any websites where I can get more info?
Did I miss any questions?

Wayne

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Answer from Alex Bub:
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 9:34 AM
Subject: [WTR] Re: Explain WOHVA and WOHMA

WOHVA is the Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association.
It was started about 5 years ago by former members of the Wisconsin 4 Wheel Drive Association. They were not seeing a lot of activity to develop OHV trails in the state for 4x4 vehicles and thought they could be more proactive and make a difference if they started new. They have a long term vision of becoming an umbrella organization in Wisconsin that would represent all forms of OHV use; 4x4 trucks, OHM, and ATVs. They have invited OHM clubs to join their ranks of 4x4 clubs in the state and a number of them have. See www.WOHVA.com WOHVA is one of the most active OHV groups in the state regarding proposing new legislation to get representation for 4x4 and OHM on the State Trails Council (Bill AB600) as well as currently rewriting the ATV registration program for 4x4 and OHM use. The goal is to obtain funds for new 4x4/Jeep and OHM trails, safety training, enforcement officers, trail maintenance, and other OHV projects. In my opinion they have been very effective and should be supported in their work. They have also successfully negotiated agreements with Indian Tribes to start trail development on tribal property, a really great economic development for the tribes and a potentially large increase in riding opportunities for OHV users. This organization gets things done.

WOHMA is the Wisconsin Off-Highway Motorcycle Association. The concept of having an OHM association that presents to the state agencies a distinct voice of the off-road motorcyclist has been discussed for the last 50 years. I was approached by the USFS, WFS, NOHVCC, Blue Ribbon Coalition, DNR, and many of the OHM clubs in the state to be the point person to start WOHMA and develop the dirt rider's voice here. As the State NOHVCC representative I took up that challenge last year. I have been in contact with all 27 OHM clubs in the state, who have all agreed in principle to join a state association. I also presented the idea at this past years AMA awards banquet in Wisconsin Dells.

The association will have a representative from all joining clubs plus the AMA District 16 and WOTA. We will also solicit business memberships to support the effort. It will not be an individual type membership group; individuals can be part of it by joining a club. We will elect a board made up of club representatives. WOHMA will be political in nature so will be set up as a 501C(4) which allows lobbying. WOHMA has been working hand in hand with WOHVA on all of these issues (I am the President of WOHMA and I'm on the WOHVA board as their Education Chairman). WOHMA through myself and our current appointed board of directors have been attending state meetings and representing OHM riders interests. We have helped with AB600, are part of the team writing the new 4x4 and OHM registration program, have helped clubs measure property line noise levels and have testified in court on their behalf. We were at the Jackson County Council meeting along with the Jackson County Trail Riders, WOHVA, and WATVA to help retain the use of their trails for OHM users. We presented in front of the State Trails Council along with WOHVA on pushing for more trails. This April we are helping the Racine OHV club measure property line noise in their fight with the County to retain riding on their property.

Both WOHVA and WOHMA are now working very closely with WATVA on many other OHV issues. The goal is to have a united effort in the state to address issues of importance to us all regardless of what we ride. 

WOHMA is arranging to have the NOHVCC national facilitators come to Wisconsin this September to hold a "Starting a State Association Workshop", which will allow all of the OHM clubs to get together face to face for the first time. Our getting the WOHMA name out there, working with clubs on noise issues, helping submit legislation and working to submit a vehicle registration program are all part of an effort to show the clubs we are already working for them and that they should join in the effort and help support the association as it gets officially established.

Getting all of the varied OHV interests in the state to work together is the goal. I expect WOHMA to affiliate with WOHVA and work hand in hand on the issues. Membership in both is great. WOHVA has both club and individual memberships. WOHMA will not have individual memberships, we want to keep it focused as an association representing the OHM clubs interests and more political in nature. I also want to see WOHMA affiliate with WATVA and work to address issues of concern to both groups.

WOHMA has no web site at this time, we will address that at the September workshop.

Alex Bub
NOHVCC Wisconsin State Representative
WOHVA Education Chairman
WOHMA President

FYI - From Alex Bub, Dave
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Bryan Much put together a good summary of what transpired at the meeting on AB600 this morning in Madison, held by the Wisconsin Committee on Rural Economic Development.

Some comments really got the committees attention. Having only 7 miles of Jeep trails in Wisconsin, most Jeepers/4x4 drivers trailer their rides out of state to Moab, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, etc. Same with many OHM riders, with only 50 miles of single track we go to Hatfield McCoy, ride the CCC trails in Michigan, etc. The point made was this was all money being spent out of state that Wisconsin is loosing. Money spent on motels, food, gas, camping, vehicle registration, are all going out of state while we have land available here but no trails to accommodate us. That hit home with this council, which is concerned about promoting economic development here in our home state.

Alex
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From: wisconservationtrailriders@googlegroups.com [mailto:wisconservationtrailriders@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bryan Much
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 2:03 PM
To: wisconservationtrailriders@googlegroups.com
Subject: [WTR] Hearing on AB600/SB514 Today

Went to the hearing on AB 600 this morning.  Modest turnout.  WOHVA and some 4WD people were there.  Alex Bub was there from WOHMA.  John Newton attended from WIDSR.

The expected points were made in support of adding a off-highway motorcycle rep and a 4WD rep to the nine member council.  Many good points made about why we need to expand OHM and 4WD trails.

A couple of antis spoke against the change.

The only anti arguments that seemed to stick concerned the issue of what other groups will want a representative if this bill passes.

Questions from the committee indicated some concern about creating more structure versus making the current structure work.  There were some comments indicating that some members of the committee thought that the council needed to be more inclusive and more responsive to our interests.

From a management and organizational behavior stand point, the leaning toward making the current council structure work makes a lot of sense.  It doesn't ensure that we get the representation that we would prefer.  There were some comments about the council making more use of "sub-committees" with participants from outside groups developing input and initiatives.  This will be good for us.

If this bill is dead, don't be discouraged.  The process and examination will probably lead to a council more inclusive and more responsive to our needs.

After the meeting I was able to pull the State Trails Administer aside to talk with John Newton and I to get a better understanding of RTP funds and John's initiative to get a single track trail established in Marinette County.  Without going into a lot of details we confirmed that grants, labor, some equipment use, money from fundraisers, and the like can be used as the matching funds against RTP money.  We also confirmed that RTP money is there as a contribution to sustain a trail in Marinette County.  Alex was there when we talked a little about a safety training program and a potential source of funds.

All in all it was a good hearing with a lot of quality information and wisdom in the comments and discussions.

Hopefully others will be along to add their comments about the hearing as well.

SB514, which allows for a pilot program to put LUVs on the trails pretty much went through as a no brainer.
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I am forwarding this from Alex Bub. 

Dave
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FYI

For those riding dirt bikes in Jackson County;

Street legal dual-sport riders can ride all the ATV and single track trails.

Non-street legal dirt bikes can only use those ATV connector routes that get you to the single track OHM trails. I expect that those will be properly marked.

Non-street legal dirt bikes may not go on the rest of the ATV trails and follow them to a town and then turn around and go back. 

Alex Bub
NOHVCC Wisconsin State Representative
WOHVA Education Chairman
WOHMA President
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From: Jon Schweitzer [mailto:jon.schweitzer@centurytel.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 8:00 AM
To: Bub, Alex
Subject: Questions

Alex:

Off-road motorcycles will only be allowed access to the portion of the ATV trails where the single track trails are located. They will NOT be allowed on the remainder of the ATV trail system.

Thanks

Jon Schweitzer - Asst. Administrator
Jackson County Forestry and Parks Department
W9790 Airport Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Tel. (715) 284-8475
Fax (715) 284-8425

An update from the WOHVA annual convention, from Alex Bub - [Lengthy, yet interesting and informative]

Dave

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WOHMA Board, OHM clubs, and OHM enthusiasts;

I attended the annual WOHVA convention at the Wabeno Indian casino this past weekend and would like to give the OHM riders a summary of activities. Some of you will undoubtedly hear from your own club contacts as we had a few OHM club representatives also attend some of the proceedings.

First, we had the pleasure of attending Terry Lee Cooks (AMA Grass Roots Manager) “Riding into Political Action” workshop. Thank you to those who could get off on a Friday to attend, the time was well spent. The audience consisted of both 4X4 and OHM enthusiasts, about 2 dozen total. From the OHM side we had John Newton (President, Wisconsin Dual-Sport Riders) and Tom Chase (President, WisConservation Trail Riders) plus me and a few others who ride on 2 wheels and represented other clubs. All of the OHM riders there are very involved in fighting for more single track trails for all of you. Thanks for attending, guys.

 

Terry gave an inspired presentation and left us all with more knowledge on how to make a difference when dealing with government agencies plus those interests and groups that oppose our views. A lot of time was spent on how to address the issues, how to build up relationships with legislators and their staff, how bills are written and how they go the approval process, how to get involved in the political process, how party politics really work, helping with the campaigns of friendly legislators, dealing with officials, personal meetings with them, how to deliver your message properly, attending public meetings and giving testimony, using the press to your advantage, and other important issues and solutions.

 

Just a note: This September WOHMA has asked NOHVCC to come to Wisconsin on a Saturday to hold their “Starting a State Association Workshop”; all of the OHM clubs in the state will be invited to attend and help get WOHMA officially off the ground. Terry Lee has offered to come back and give the AMA’s seminar on political action to a wider OHM audience. You will be receiving more information shortly after we pin down the actual workshop date.

 

Saturday we had a presentation by Dale Simon, DNR Wetlands biologist, who gave an update on what activities are allowed and what are not regarding wetlands. Dale is a past MX rider and trail rider. While he now keeps his OHV use to 4x4’s he does understand the desires of the OHV users for a bit of fun in the mud. For those who want to cross a stream on a trail system he mentioned there is a “Ford” permit available for $50 per year from the DNR. They do prefer rock bases at stream crossings if trail designers don’t want to go to the expense of using bridges. This type of permit is necessary if you are crossing any sort of navigable water. His definition is its navigable if in a 12 foot canoe (which draws 2 inches of water) he can navigate the stream at least once a year. This applies to public waters, if you have a dug out private pond its exempt. Check further with the DNR if you have any questions. His big concern was to not have any OHV destroying stream beds, river banks, or wetlands.   

 

His main issue was with mud bogs in wetlands. He showed an aerial view of someone who ran a “public invited” mud bog and literally destroyed the area for many years to come. There were heavy fines in this case; the promoter was caught because he advertised heavily in public papers about the event and drew the attention of concerned citizens plus the DNR. Dale did discuss how to properly build a mud bog area that was acceptable and did not pollute the streams; one recommendation for a public mud bog was to build it on higher ground and away from any running water; then invite the local fire department to come in and fill it from their water truck.

 

John Schnorr (CEO WOHVA) gave an update on AB600. It was approved by vote in the House committee and sent to the Senate. The legislative session ran out before it could be approved. It will be resubmitted Jan 2008 when the new legislative session starts. These things take time, be patient.

 

Joan Marburger is the USFS TMR (Travel Management Rule) Project Coordinator for the Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest. A quick note; The USFS at the Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest defines an ATV to include off-road motorcycles as well. Therefore any trail open to ATVs in the National Forest in Wisconsin is open to dirt bikes, both street and non-street legal.  This does not carry over to State Forests or County Forests, their definition of an ATV means 4 wheels.

 

The environmental assessment of the TMR for the Chequamegon / Nicolet is due to be completed around April 2008. The study will be released to the public and public comment meetings scheduled for spring 2008. Public comments and concerns will be taken and a decision notice by the USFS will be published summer of 2008.

The MVUM (Motor Vehicle User Map) that shows all the approved rails will be published by winter of 2009.

 

How many miles of trails there are in the Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest is a disputed point. Depending on what you include the number is anywhere between 16,000 and 7000. Most roads being closed are either 2-track natural roads that require high clearance vehicles or some old logging roads. No ATV (& OHM) trails are being closed. If my notes are correct there are 300 miles of existing ATV trails and all of them are well marked.

 

There are three options currently under discussion in the TMR

No action, 4600 miles of trails will remain open (this is highly unlikely, the USFS is not staffed to support this number of miles)
Keep open 2073 miles of trails (current proposal by the USFS)
Keep open 2138 miles of trails in response to past public comments received
 

These are the three options being considered at this time, more public comments will be solicited in the spring 2008 public meetings. Please attend one of them or else comment by e-mail when the meetings are announced.

 

A few more notes. Back when the original TMR public meetings were held around 2003-4, the USFS only received a total of 17 public comments. They included WOHVA, WATVA, and some non-motorized groups and activists. Not one OHM rider or organization commented, so the USFS assumed our needs were being met or we were not interested in single track trails. This is a great real world example of what happens when we do not get involved and expect the other guy to do it.  This is one of the reason WOHMA is being started and why we are working close with WOHVA and WATVA, who have both been active on the issues.

 

I did ask Joan if there is a possibility to gain single track OHM trail in the future and the answer was yes. We can work with the USFS and request to put in single track in areas they consider appropriate. The process is very detailed but it can be done. There is an annual update process and we will be approaching the USFS to work together on new single track OHM trails.

 

New trails could be added every year IF we request and work with the USFS to get them approved.  Again, the process is detailed and will take time.

 

To receive copies of the TMR on CD please write to:

USDA Forest Service

Attn: TMR EA

1170 4th Ave South

Park Falls, WI 54552

 

Or call or e-mail:

Joan Marburger

715-762-5178

jmarburger@fs.fed.us

To request a CD

 

Go to this web address for information on the TMR

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/rec/tmr/index.html

 

On Sunday I gave a presentation on building sustainable trails, after which we had a trail building exercise using props WOHVA now has. Three teams built a trail system on their separate tables and were then critiqued by myself and Jim Maze, WOHVA Trail Coordinator for the Mole Lake Reservation project. A great way to practice what they had just learned.

 

Other items;

 

John Schnorr has joined the newly formed BRC National Land Use Advisory Council. As things develop with this council he will keep us informed.

 

The video “Our Trails in Trouble” was shown to the audience.

 

The Saturday lunch was with our legislators; Representative Jeff Mursau and a representative from Congressman Steve Kagen’s office joined us and were given plaques in appreciation of the work they and others did in introducing and supporting bill AB600. 

 

The WOHVA 2009 Convention date is April 17-19 and will be at the Mole Lake Indian Casino, near the new trails system we are working on. We had a number of OHM clubs participate this year and work side by side with the 4x4 clubs. We would like to see more clubs from both activities join in next year. ATV riders are also welcome; Mole Lake will have trails for you as well. An FYI, WATVA is copied on these correspondences and we are committed to working hand in hand with them on issues of mutual interest. 

 

Alex Bub

WOHMA President

WOHVA Education Chairman

NOHVCC Wisconsin State Representative

Your comments are requested - send to the DNR (see below).
Dave
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From Alex Bub:

I agree with Randy, asking for all Motorized Sports to be included as a “Nature Based Outdoor Recreation” and be eligible for grants from this program is very important. Please go to the DNR web site and make comments, and if possible attend one of the public meetings coming up. The Waukesha meeting is tomorrow evening.
 
These short notice meetings sure feel like someone is trying to sneak something through.

Alex Bub

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We realize this is VERY short notice; we just received ourselves late last week and spoke about it’s importance this past weekend at the WATVA annual meeting in Stevens Point. Please take the time to attend or submit a written comment on this very important rule. 

It is Imperative that Motorized Sports be designated as the 5th "Nature-Based Outdoor Recreation" to qualify or be considered for Stewardship funding. Time is short, so attend the public hearings or comment today!

Upcoming Public Hearings on Access to Stewardship Lands

The recently reauthorized Stewardship Program includes a provision requiring that all lands purchased with Stewardship funds be open to hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and other nature-based outdoor recreation. It may not always be possible or desirable to accommodate all five of these uses on every Stewardship property, and the new program allows for exceptions to full public access. These exceptions must now be defined by Administrative Rule. The purpose of the listening sessions is to help the Natural Resources Board identify criteria to determine when any of these activities may be restricted or limited and to provide input on how to accommodate multiple recreational users. 

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Information on the new stewardship access rule and related materials, as well as an on-line public comment form, will be available beginning April 1 on the DNR web site at www.dnr.wi.gov .

In addition to input taken at the meetings and through the web site, written comments can be mailed to Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921 telephone (608) 267-7420, email: Laurie.Ross@Wisconsin.gov The deadline for all written comments is Friday, April 18, 2008.

FYI
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From: AMA - Government Relations Dept [mailto:rwood@ama-cycle.org]
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 2:23 PM
To: Bub, Alex
Subject: US Forest Service Travel Management Survey – Have Your Voice Heard
 
Attention: Off-Road Riding AMA and ATVA Members
 
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) has teamed up with the AMA/ATVA and several other national motorized recreation groups to develop a survey designed to gain a better understanding of how the US Forest Service's travel management rule is being implemented on the National Forest lands you access with your off-highway motorcycle or ATV.

If you're an off-road rider please click here Travel Management Survey  to take the survey. Even if you're not familiar with the US Forest Service's travel management rule your input will still be useful.

Background

The US Forest Service finalized its Travel Management Rule in November 2005. The rule requires each Forest to designate roads, trails and areas open to OHV use and to publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) indicating those decisions. After the MVUM is published, any use of OHVs on routes or areas not identified on the map will be illegal. While there was no deadline for Forests to publish an MVUM in the rule, the Forest Service Chief directed Forests to complete work on travel management by December 2009. Virtually every Forest in the nation is currently implementing the rule.

Rider participation in the travel management process is critical. The AMA encourages all OHV enthusiasts to be involved in the travel management process.

The survey was developed and is being distributed through a partnership of ARRA, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, AMA/ATVA, BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and the United Four Wheel Drive Associations.