"For OHV riders to enjoy our public lands and designated trails, they must also obey trail rules and practice good riding ethics. Educating riders to act responsibly and be good stewards is very important to help ensure riding opportunities in the future" - Rob Dingman
The Wayne National Forest, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) have joined forces to help ensure that off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders have a safe and enjoyable experience when they ride the Wayne's 121-mile motorized trail system.
Forest Supervisor Jo Reyer, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman and AMA Board Chairman Stan Simpson gathered at the Wayne National Forest headquarters on Friday, April 17, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pledging to work together to promote the Wayne's new strategy for safe and legal motorized trail use, which will benefit both trail riders and the national forest.
Also in attendance were Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6), Cindy Cunningham, Field Representative for Congressman Zach Space (OH-18) and Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce.
"This is a great opportunity for us at the Wayne National Forest to tap into the expertise of the AMA and ATVA, not only to help provide safe and enjoyable trail riding, but also educate riders about protecting natural resources and caring for the land," Reyer said.
The Forest Service's partnership with the 300,000 member-based AMA/ATVA, headquartered in Pickerington, Ohio, will promote responsible OHV use and expand communication and cooperation within all levels of the OHV community.
Dingman noted that the AMA and the ATVA have a long history of working with officials of the Wayne National Forest, which encompasses 241,000 acres in 12 counties of southeastern Ohio.
"For OHV riders to enjoy our public lands and designated trails, they must also obey trail rules and practice good riding ethics. Educating riders to act responsibly and be good stewards is very important to help ensure riding opportunities in the future, and that's where we can help." Dingman said.
Some of the collaborative projects through the partnership include developing and disseminating relevant OHV information to the public regarding trail rules, such as staying on designated trails, riding vehicles no more than fifty-inches wide, and wearing proper safety gear when riding.
