ATV’s: Hot topic in Minnesota.

Everyone, Our Minnesota papers have began again, ATV’s Both the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune have run Pro/Con articles. Mostly concerning land issues of Minnesota and how the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is handling the situation. There will be no break now until these two papers have completed sending the negative message to the voters about ATV’s and Minnesota land. Just a small FYI, Minnesota is home to Polaris and Artic Cat, and with the sales going through the roof, the sport is really going to take a spotlight this year, making owners and buyers the bad people for using ATV’s. Recently our DNR has been requested by many organized clubs and citizens to make more trails. DNR wants to accommodate the sport with more trails with help from these clubs and others. Currently only about 600 miles of real trails exist with some others not really identified as official. The current trails are getting crowded and are going to have a hard time to accommodate or hold most of the future ATV’ers , in turn making criminals out of a lot of trail users if the issue of more and improved trail system for the masses are not addressed now. Others who felt they were not informed such as the Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation (MRR) are interrupting the advance planning and movement by the DNR on the trail issues, violations to their right to know what the DNR is doing. They have now run to the papers to warn the masses about the bad side of the sport and the haphazard DNR. What a mess about to unfold. Who’s right and who’s wrong is just the beginning of the issues. The papers are going to have a hay day with this topic all year long. They’ll be waiting with an open front page for what lay ahead in our state and the ATV riding debate.

First, check out the "http://www.atvam.org" web site. This is where I began to hear about the Minnesota issues and also has some helpful information about the sport of ATVing. Join and be informed. Blue Ribbon is also a good source "http://www.sharetrails.org/"

Check out both of the following articles. Sorry I did not link everything in each paper, but here are two worth a look. Do a search when you get there. I also saw some positive articles, so it’s not all bad news.

"http://webserv0.startribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisSlug=RON04&date=04-Feb-2001&word=atv"

"http://www.pioneerplanet.com/columnists/docs/NISKANEN/docs/021770.htm"

Third, For the Minnesota rider, or even our Wisconsin and Dakota riders, check out the upcoming meeting going to be held by the DNR. I don’t believe this is a justice rally, I think they (DNR) is really there to get everyone on the same sheet of music and get some work done. Somehow get representation there so we don’t go unnoticed with the efforts of the DNR. Trails are an issue for a lot of user’s, we as ATV riders are only a small fraction of the voices needing to be heard at only about 130K registered quads.

"http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trails_and_waterways/on_shared_ground/"

In closing I have to cover my rear with a few closing comments. Hey I think there is a place for the MRR. Gramps and Gram did not buy a cabin on lake loony to hear the quads take over their dream cabin, nor does Johnny-4-wheels go up north to hear the red-feathered spotted crowgoose mate. The DNR is not going to turn Minnesota into Grand Central 500, and it’s not in the best interest to turn it into footpaths for everyone for that matter. There’s enough State for everyone. Grab a political representative at any level of government, put them on a quad for a ride and show them what it’s about,,,,riding. Feedback Please.

I couldn't agree more... please checkout our topic in the Polaris forum..made by Thor..we often post there or at Honda to get more coverage.
Ride safe..