TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENROLLMENT INTO THE TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 3 PROVEN SUCCESS Z Z TRAINED VOLUNTEERS The Ride Smart program under the NOHVIS Group has 795 active trail ambassadors as of 12/31/2014. PROVEN HISTORY The Ride Smart program has been administered by the NOHVIS Group Inc. We have a long history of successful accomplishments and will continue to serve Wisconsin s residents and guests. Z Z LASTING PARTNERSHIPS The Ride Smart program under the NOHVIS Group has formed partnerships with the US Forest Service, WI DNR, WI DOT, various county agencies and many local organizations. ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE The Ride Smart program continues to expand and adapt to changing industry trends. Our leadership team reviews the program annually and receives feedback from our volunteers and riders on how we can improve the program.
4 THE NOHVIS GROUP INC. IMAGE IS EVERYTHING The leadership team of the nationally acclaimed NOHVIS Group would like to share some of our successful accomplishments, working in partnership with the Wisconsin ATV UTV Association and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This success story starts with the anchor of the program, our uniquely structured and professionally implemented Trail Patrol Ambassador network of dedicated volunteers. NOHVIS Group professionals provide quality administrative and management duties, which in turn provides the volunteer corps with a meaningful and worthwhile experience while interacting with the ATV UTV riding public. Our trained volunteers are very visible, serving as positive role models for others to follow. Trail Patrol Ambassadors provide an invaluable community service, providing the ATV UTV world with real life, personal contacts while providing educational opportunities with riders out on the public trail systems. As important as the Trail Ambassador s role is, our overall program is more than just implementing the Trail Patrol portion. Our NOHVIS Group core team works alongside many different entities and agencies, always striving to develop a positive direction for the ATV UTV sport. Together with our many private and public working relationships, we promote safe and responsible riding while serving as strong leaders for the sport and industry.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 5 ABOUT NOHVIS PROGRAM OVERVIEW - The NOHVIS Group Inc. was formed with a specific goal to implement a strategic plan that reduces ATV injury and fatal incidents, to address complaints from the general public, reduce violations on and off the trail, to help ease the workload of the various state agencies, to help sustain ecosystems and our natural resources, and to protect the safety of riders and the general public while providing quality, outdoor recreational riding opportunities. The NOHVIS Group program has three specific levels of involvement: Ride Smart To increase the participation level of enthusiasts in safe and responsible riding habits through various and repeated educational methods of training and educational networking strategies. Get Involved To get riders aware of and involved in the grassroots organizations that provide for local trail networks and all that is involved to maintain and sustain them. NOHVIS GOALS - Section A: Promote the public operation of allterrain vehicles in a manner that is safe and responsible and in such a way that it does not harm the environment, conflict with the laws, rules and policies that relate to the operation of all-terrain vehicles. Section B: Provide support to all-terrain vehicle clubs. Section C: Collect all-terrain vehicle operation data related to trail operation. Section D: Locate, recruit and train additional allterrain vehicle instructors. Section E: Increase participation by current and future all-terrain vehicle operators and owners involved in the program. Section F: Recruit, train and provide support to a corps of volunteer Trail Ambassadors that will assist in providing instruction on the safe and responsible operation of all-terrain vehicles to the public. Tell Others The proper kind of publicity and momentum continually attracts new volunteers and leaders. People want to be part of a winning team, therefore our public relations work is always focused that direction. Recruiting new volunteers into our version of an ATV community watch program, via the Trail Patrol Ambassador, is never ending and always evolving.
6 THE PROGRAM Outdoor recreation is a vast resource that many American s participate in every year. The trail systems that allow access to these wonderful outdoor resources enable our citizens to enjoy the great outdoors. Access to the great outdoors can be done in various ways, however one of the major systems in place throughout the United States is that of recreational trails. These trails are generally maintained by the men and women volunteers of locally organized clubs. The Trail Ambassador program is one tool that these clubs can utilize in their toolbox to help protect and maintain the trails in which they ride (and in some cases, have responsibility for). Often times a land managing agency such as a county, township or state agency will contract with the local clubs to maintain the trail as part of a usage agreement. The Trail Ambassador program brings creditability and accountability to these agreements. Our training program can help club volunteers become better advocates for trail preservation and community outreach. Our leadership structure ensures the current generation of dedicated volunteers has the tools to bring in, train and help mold the future generations of individuals. The Trail Ambassador teaches these clubs and individuals responsible recreational practices. The skills learned from our training program allow the Trail Ambassador to perform such duties as: Report illegal activity Report trail maintenance issues Report invasive plant species Conduct community outreach programs Conduct safety courses for the general public Promote a positive image for their sport Collect survey data to further improve the sport The Trail Ambassador program worked for Wisconsin on the ATV and UTV program for the last 15 years. With support from our partners, the Trail Ambassador program constantly analyzes the activities and policies of the program for ways to improve itself. The leadership of the Trail Ambassador program is always looking at improving our program in hopes of improving the recreations that the Trail Ambassador program is part of.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 7 MAIN PROGRAM GOALS Z Z INCREASE CLUB PARTICIPATION Local clubs are the heart of any outdoor recreation system. The Trail Ambassador program encourages participation in local clubs. BE A PRESENCE ON THE TRAILS The Trail Ambassador program has a proud presence on the trail systems it serves. The presence of our volunteers helps reassure the general public that there is a group that is watching over them and the trail system they enjoy using. Z Z INCREASE SAFETY FOR OTHER USERS From reporting dangerous conditions on the trail system to talking with riders about how to enjoy their sport while taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves are one of many duties of a Trail Ambassador. ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY EVENTS Outdoor recreation often involves community events. These events help raise funds to continue to operate and perhaps expand the current trail system. The Trail Ambassadors have the tools to help at these key community events.
8 HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM The NOHVIS Group Inc. was awarded the first Safety Enhancement Grant in 2002 as part of a newly formed partnership between the NOHVIS Group and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Our goals were laid out in a budget implementation plan, or BIP. Over the years, NOHVIS has followed the BIP while making the required reports back to the DNR. As the program grew from an initial core of volunteers, we have since logged over 48,000 hours by dedicated Trail Ambassadors to enhance the safety of the ATV UTV recreation. The programs leadership is broken down into four regions in Wisconsin. Each region has one or two regional coordinators. Our regional coordinators serve as a liaison between local level club efforts and state level management. The regional coordinators also conduct their trail ambassador certification classes. Over the years the NOHVIS Group Inc has helped establish many local clubs around Wisconsin. The increase of local clubs has directly impacted local communities and has aided in the development of local trails and routes. While economic stimulus was not part of the original plan, our NOHVIS Group work, in partnership with local clubs, has resulted in large increases of trail miles across the state. Local trail communities have realized an improved economic impact as a direct result of these trail developments. The new clubs established throughout Wisconsin have had start up assistance and input from our regional coordinators. This support system ensures that safety and positive image are always a main focus of their clubs. Clubs around the state have also engaged in the DNR ATV Safety course by volunteering their time to help teach safe riding practices. We feel these efforts have helped change the mindset of riders to be more aware of how to safely and responsibly operate an ATV or UTV on our trail systems. Another benefactor of the grant is how the NOHVIS Group and WATVA have changed the way our sport is now being portrayed as mainstream. One of the most effective and successful events the two organizations initiated each year is the VIP Ride. This annual ride is geared to allow land managers, lawmakers, tourism officials and other decision makers to experience what our riders enjoy all year long. The VIP Ride has built lasting partnerships as well as new working relationships between NOHVIS, the Wisconsin ATV UTV Association and many different people within multiple agencies, different kinds of businesses and tourism commerce in general. NOHVIS works closely with other grassroots organizations in an effort to be more uniform and consistent whenever possible. These efforts help streamline various processes designed to better manage each kind of outdoor recreation. Another great example of how the NOHVIS Group spreads the word of safety and positive image is by managing an ATV / UTV village at the annual Outdoor Youth Expo. Over the years of the expo s existence, we have helped educate the youth of Wisconsin on key safety points. We look forward to continuing our work that serves to better the ATV UTV community environment here in Wisconsin. The Safety Enhancement Grant is funded solely by ATV SEG account dollars. There are no GPR tax dollars being used. By utilizing ATV Conservation Fund SEG dollars, the program is self-funded by the large and still growing ATV community. The NOHVIS Group Inc.is a professional, grassroots organization established to systematically arrange and implement all the needed and necessary components to direct the sport in a positive direction. Consistency, integrity, and professionalism in all that we do to represent our state s ATV UTV enthusiasts is a mainstay of our continuing efforts. The Safety Enhancement Grant is the stable funding vehicle that provides for the ATV community, by the ATV community!
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 9
LEADERSHIP INFORMATION The leadership and organizational structure of the program.
LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATION
12 LEADERSHIP OVERVIEW The leadership of the Trail Ambassador program leadership starts at the NOHVIS Group Inc, a Wisconsin registered 501 (c)4 not-for-profit organization. The leadership of the NOHVIS Group Inc. has been involved with the offhighway vehicle recreation efforts since the early 1980 s. The NOHVIS Group Inc. Leadership is committed to performing the following tasks for the Trail Ambassador program: Positive image promotion for off-highway recreation Growth and expansion of the Trail Ambassador volunteer core Growth and development of local clubs within the states the Trail Ambassador program is in place Continual development of the Trail Ambassador program to improve the services of the Trail Ambassador for the public, core volunteers, government agencies and commercial partners Working with local, state and federal law makers on topics and issues that pertain to offhighway recreations In 2016, the leadership structure was changed for the program. The new structure utilizes a chain of command commonly found within volunteer fire services. This chain of command structure will help encourage club involvement, increase safety for Trail Ambassadors and can easily integrate within current club structures. ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW The definitions of the organizational units for the Trail Ambassador program are as follows: National Program - Oversight of the entire program as a whole Division - A single division is defined as a statewide area focusing on one recreation. An example would be the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Division of Trail Ambassadors, or the Michigan Division of Equestrian Trail Ambassadors WISCONSIN ATV/UTV NATIONAL PROGRAM DIVISION Regions - Within each divisions are regions, based on geographic area of demand of the program Clubs - The heart of the Trail Ambassador program, clubs are organizations that dedicate themselves to promoting positive image of their recreation SOUTHWEST NORTHWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST REGION CLUB
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 13 CHAIN OF COMMAND Leadership is a critical aspect to the Trail Ambassador program. Proper leadership and a chain of command enhances participation within the organizations and creates an accountability system that improves the image of the program. The chain of command for the Trail Ambassador program is listed in a chart below. Descriptions of each command position is available after this page. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (NATIONAL) ASSISTANT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (NATIONAL) DIVISIONAL COORDINATOR (STATE) TELECOMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS REGIONAL COORDINATOR (STATE) CLUB COORDINATOR REGIONAL COORDINATOR (STATE) CLUB COORDINATOR REGIONAL COORDINATOR (STATE) CLUB COORDINATOR CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR SENIOR CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR SENIOR CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR SENIOR CADET CADET CADET
RANKS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR PROGRAM ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR DIVISIONAL COORDINATOR REGIONAL COORDINATOR CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR CLUB COORDINATOR SENIOR AMBASSADOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS CADET
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE The following information offers the different roles that an individual may participate in.
16 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR The Program Administrator provides administrative direction and leadership for all of the Trail Ambassador program functions, operations and personnel through the supervision of staff and a review of their activities. Responsibilities include: Trail Ambassador Program development and review Policy / law / legislation development and review Public relation tasks Public outreach event coordination PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Communications liaison for federal, state and local agencies Participate in trail inspections Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skills Strong written and spoken communication skills Strong computer & digital media skills Flexible schedule Minimum of ten years of non-profit organization leadership experience Pass a criminal background check The Program Administrator is staffed at the corporate offices of the NOHVIS Group Inc.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 17 PROGRAM ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR Under the direction of hte Program Administrator, the Program Assistant Administrator provides administrative direction and leadership for all of the Trail Ambassador program functions, operations and personnel through the supervision of staff and a review of their activities. In the absence of the Program Administrator, the Program Assistant Administrator shall perform ALL applicable duties of the Program Administrator in a sufficient manner until the Program Administrator is available. Responsibilities include: Trail Ambassador Program development and review Policy / law / legislation development and review PROGRAM ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR Public relation tasks Public outreach event coordination Communications liaison for federal, state and local agencies Participate in trail inspections Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skills Strong written and spoken communication skills Strong computer & digital media skills Flexible schedule Minimum of ten years of non-profit organization leadership experience Pass a criminal background check The Program Assistant Administrator is staffed at the corporate offices of the NOHVIS Group Inc.
18 DIVISIONAL COORDINATOR Each state has one divisional coordinator per recreation (ATV, Snowmobile, Hiking, Equine, Motorcycle, etc.). The divisional coordinator is tasked with the following duties: Establish regions within the state based on demand of local club involvement Coordinate statewide recruitment efforts Coordinate statewide public outreach programs Coordinate with Regional Coordinators on regional training efforts DIVISIONAL COORDINATOR Coordinate with Regional Coordinators on regional club startup efforts Coordinate with Regional Coordinators on patrol topics & tactics Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skins Strong written and spoken communication skills Strong computer & digital media skills Flexible schedule Minimum of ten years of non-profit organization leadership experience Pass a criminal background check The Program Administrator is staffed at the corporate offices of the NOHVIS Group Inc.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 19 REGIONAL COORDINATOR Within each state and recreation group are Regional Coordinators. This position serves as a regional liaison to statewide operations. Duties of the Regional Coordinator include: Attend local club functions Coordinate new training of Trail Ambassadors Coordinate Trail Ambassador refresher courses Encourage club involvement with patrolling local trail and route systems Attend local government meetings on topics that involve club operations REGIONAL COORDINATOR Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skins Strong written and spoken communication skills Strong computer & digital media skills Flexible schedule Minimum of five years of non-profit organization leadership experience Pass a criminal background check The Program Administrator is staffed at the corporate offices of the NOHVIS Group Inc.
20 CLUB COORDINATOR A main focus point for the Trail Ambassador program is local club involvement. This includes coordinating club activities, training and communicating with regional, divisional and national leadership. This role also includes communication with local, state, federal and business entities that impact any trails the club patrols on. The Club Coordinator is tasked with the operations of the Trail Ambassador program at the club leadership level. These tasks are as follows: Communicate with regional, state and national Trail Ambassador leadership on progress and updates of club functions, policies, needs and concerns Ensure the proper paperwork is being submitted by the Trail Ambassadors CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR Ensure the proper paperwork is being submitted for the club Communicate the individual needs of Trail Ambassadors to regional, state and national leadership Develop local, state and federal partnerships with land managers, law makers, tourism and law enforcement agencies Develop and / or adapt a club wide training program for Trail Ambassadors Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skins Strong written and spoken communication skills Computer skills Approved by club leaders Pass a criminal background check The club coordinator position is an annual commitment and must be approved by the club leadership and the program home office.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 21 CLUB ASSISTANT COORDINATOR Under direction of the Club Coordinator, the Club Assistant Coordinator helps plan and implement the activities of the club related to the Trail Ambassador program. These activities include: Coordinate and conduct training classes for new Trail Ambassadors Conduct ongoing training and refresher courses Organize club patrols Ensure the proper paperwork is completed and submitted by the Trail Ambassadors CLUB COORDINATOR Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skins Strong written and spoken communication skills Computer skills Approved by club leaders The club assistant coordinator position is an annual commitment and must be approved by the club leadership. Pass a criminal background check The club coordinator position is an annual commitment and must be approved by the club leadership and the program home office.
22 SENIOR The Club Senior Trail Ambassador position is reserved for experienced and involved Trail Ambassadors that go above and beyond the call of duty for the Trail Ambassador program. The Club Senior Trail Ambassador assists the Club Coordinator and Club Assistant Coordinator on club level tasks, as well as provides a leadership role-model for other Trail Ambassadors. The Club Senior Trail Ambassador Duties of the are as follows: Conduct trail patrols Communicate with local users Assist Club Coordinators with new Trail Ambassador training classes SENIOR AMBASSADOR Report illegal activity Report problems with the trail Participate in community education events Be a visual presence on the trail system Communicate with local, state and federal entities as needed Communicate with the Trail Ambassador Communications Center Job requirements includes: Strong leadership skins Written and spoken communication skills Computer skills Approved by regional coordinator or higher Attend two training classes every year Submit sixteen hours of service every year Pass a criminal background check The Club Senior Trail Ambassador position requires the member to be part of at least once local club within their division. Advancement to Club Senior Trail Ambassador is subject to approval from the Club Coordinators and the program home office.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 23 The Trail Ambassador program would not exist without these volunteers. Trail Ambassadors are a positive role model for any recreation, and are ambassadors to the sport. They dedicate their work to preserving a positive image for safe and responsible recreation practices. Duties of the are as follows: Conduct trail patrols Communicate with local users Report illegal activity Report problems with the trail Participate in community education events Be a visual presence on the trail system Communicate with local, state and federal entities as needed Communicate with the Trail Ambassador Communications Center Job requirements includes: Written and spoken communication skills Approved by regional coordinator or higher Attend two training classes every year Submit eight hours of service every year Pass a criminal background check The Trail Ambassador position is approved by the local club that conducted the training (or the regional coordinator) and the program home office.
24 TELECOMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS At the heart of the Trail Ambassador program is the Trail Ambassador Communications Center. Within this center, the Trail Ambassador Telecommunications Specialists maintains the communication link between the program home office, local state and federal entities and the Trail Ambassador. They also are the communication link between the Trail Ambassador program and the general public. Duties of the Telecommunication Specialists are as follows: Communicate with Trail Ambassadors in the field Process trail reports / inspections Process training reports TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS Pass along reported trail issues to the appropriate Job requirements includes: Strong written and spoken communication skills Strong computer skills Approved by program administrators Trained trail ambassador Pass a criminal background check The Program Administrator is staffed at the corporate offices of the NOHVIS Group Inc.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 25 AMBASSADOR CADET The Trail Ambassador Cadet program introduces individuals under the age of 18 to the Trail Ambassador program with the support of a club or parent. The cadet program prepares the individual for community service work while allowing them to assist other Trail Ambassadors, clubs and land managers. The duties of a cadet are as follows: Conduct trail patrols with trained Trail Ambassadors Report illegal activity Report problems with the trail CADET Participate in community education events Be a visual presence on the trail system Communicate with local, state and federal entities as needed Communicate with the Trail Ambassador Communications Center Job requirements includes: Written and spoken communication skills Approved by regional coordinator or higher Attend two training classes every year Submit eight hours of service every year The Trail Ambassador position is approved by the local club that conducted the training (or the regional coordinator) and the program home office.
TRAINING & REPORTING INFORMATION Information regarding the training and reporting programs.
TRAINING & REPORTING
28 AMBASSADOR TRAINING TRAINING OUR AMBASSADORS FOR TOMORROWS WORLD The foundation of the Trail Ambassador program is the training that our Ambassadors receive. Training is conducted on a local, state and national scale, depending on the course. New Trail Ambassadors must attend an eight hour training and orientation course. This course is conducted by regional and local coordinators. In this course, the Ambassador learns the basics of the program, how to communicate with coordinators and the communications center and how to work with local, state and federal partners on situations they might encounter with trail users or trail conditions. CONTINUING EDUCATION To maintain your participation in the Trail Ambassador program, volunteers must attend at least two trainings per year. These training courses are offered from local, regional or national coordinators. During these trainings, the Ambassador will have a chance to learn new skills, improve existing skill sets and learn to work together with other Ambassadors.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 29 REPORTING INFORMATION ACCURATE DOCUMENTATION IS KEY During a patrol, the Trail Ambassador is tasked with keeping accurate records of situations they encounter on the trail. These records include downed or missing signs, washouts, invasive species, lost riders, illegal activities, etc. Each incident is recorded by the Trail Ambassador or relayed to the Trail Ambassador Communication Center. Information from the report is also passed to the appropriate land management agency or law enforcement agency. Data gathered from our reports is available to the various agencies which the Trail Ambassador program partners with. At the end of the year, each division holds an annual award ceremony where the top Trail Ambassadors (based on hours volunteered) receive recognition for their dedication.
30 ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE The process for enrolling in the Trail Ambassador program starts with a desire from a state or national group to incorporate our program with theirs. Our program has been a flagship resource for communities that wish to expand or for the first time open access to the outdoors. Our program proves that there are willing and dedicated volunteers that want to protect and preserve these opportunities. The motto these trails are a privilege, not a right is held in high regards throughout the Trail Ambassador program. For a division to be formed, the following criteria need to take met: A need for the program A funding source from the interested state and recreation Willing volunteers to start the program Mentors from other divisions to assist the new program The program runs on a five year minimum contract. On the fourth year, the program is set to be reviewed and a new contract is generated. If the division no longer has the funding or there is not an interest in renewing the contract, the remainder of the time is spent on removing the program from that division. For new programs, the first year is always the hardest. It takes at least three years to get a solid foundation of coordinators trained and in place. Once the criteria is met, the steps to enact the Trail Ambassador program are as follows: Meeting with law makers on writing the necessary code to implement the program Meeting with funding specialists to arrange the flow of monies needed to fund the program Meeting with coordinators to ensure they are ready to implement the program and recruit new Ambassadors Based on the successes of the last 15 years, the NOHVIS Group Inc will work with the required law makers and government entities to ensure a smooth roll out of the program. Key players involved in the program will receive an estimated time line for the roll out of the program. They will also receive monthly status reports on how the status of the implementation of the program. The roll out program includes the following steps: Training coordinators on the program Training new Trail Ambassadors Ordering the necessary credential supplies Printing of the necessary manuals Should there be any questions or concerns during the roll out phase, NOHVIS Group Inc representatives will be on hand to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 31 PROGRAM ROLL-OUT Z Z NEED FOR THE PROGRAM The demand for a volunteer Trail Ambassador program exists within the division. FUNDING SUPPORT The Trail Ambassador program is funded by the state and recreation revenue sources (unless otherwise offered). These funding sources generally come from the recreation s registration fees. Z LAWMAKER SUPPORT In order to secure the funding, lawmakers need to be on board with the program as legislative processes will be required for the funding. Z TRAINING OF THE VOLUNTEERS After the initial funding is secured, division leaders will start the necessary training programs for regional and club coordinators. Once this is complete, new Trail Ambassador classes will be scheduled.
32 CASE STUDY: WISCONSIN 2002-2015
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 33 STUDY INFORMATION The following information was gathered from a partnership between the NOHVIS Group Inc. and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from 2002 to 2015.
34 WI ATV / UTV PROGRAM PROGRAM HISTORY - GROWTH OVER TIME The Wisconsin ATV off-road program was established with bill AB105 in 1985-86. It was created as a spin-off of the Motorcycle Recreation Program (MRP). The ATV & UTV program, under the administration of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, has seen a steady growth in the number of registered machines. The growth in numbers requires more effort to promote safe and responsible riding while also working with law enforcement to ensure compliance of our laws. Wisconsin s ATV and UTV program is funded by our registration dollars and a state gas tax refund. Trail and maintenance requests are reviewed and awarded each year from a volunteer committee that advises the DNR. The Safety Enhancement Grant, which is open for bid each year, was created in 2002 and is funded by the ATV / UTV conservation fund SEG account. No GPR dollars are used. As far as I am concerned, that is money that couldn t be better spent if we tried said Diane Conklin, Community Financial Specialist for the WI DNR at the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association s annual meeting in 2014. The NOHVIS Group has applied for and been awarded this grant each year since the creation of the program in 2002. ACHIEVEMENTS l NEW CLUBS During the program, regional coordinators have assisted 82 new chapters all involved with the Trail Patrol Ambassador program SURVEY COLLECTION Ambassadors collected 900+ surveys in 2002 and over 500 in 2009. This data was utilized to form legislative changes to the Wisconsin ATV registration program.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 35 WI REGISTRATION DATA DATA INFORMATION The data from the chart above was obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Years with an * are an estimation only.
36 WISCONSIN LAND MANAGER SURVEY RESULT SAMPLES UNDERSTANDING OUR RESULTS During the first quarter of 2015, the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association in partnership with the NOHVIS Group Trail Ambassador program, sent out surveys to riders, land managers and business owners to help understand their feelings towards our sport and how the riders have an impact on local economies. The following results are a few of the many we received back. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT THE USER GROUP(S) ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR? I wouldn t call this a problem but a lack of understanding of how difficult it is for land managers to balance all the needs and wants placed on public land and we as land managers can t provide everything to everyone. Promotion of ethical behavior; safety education; public awareness of user groups benefits to communities and control of irresponsible actions by members of the user group. WI BUSINESS OWNERS SURVEY RESULT SAMPLE WHAT CAN THE WATVA (AND NOHVIS GROUP) DO FOR YOU TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS? Continue the trail ambassador safety program to show responsible trail operation. Exactly what you are doing. Help with legislation. Continue to educate the primary users and dealers on how if we don t have a trail system we can not use this product. Open more trail systems in southern Wi. Help people know where to ride and club access. Help create awareness and confidence of land owners to positives of ATV organizations.
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 37 WI CONSUMER SURVEY RESULT SAMPLES RESULTS FROM A RECENT PUBLIC SURVEY ABOUT TRAIL RIDING SATISFACTION During the first part of 2015, WATVA sent out surveys to our consumers. The survey had one open text question. These are some of the results. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WISCONSIN ATV / UTV ASSOCIATION? I hope they try to get more trails open in our area. Keep maintaining the high quality of trails wi has to offer. They do a great job keeping things together on the trail systems and with clubs. More trail systems, greater use of UTVs. I m pretty happy with way things are. I would like to see a more unified signage system figured out for all the states trails to use. Most the trails systems I have been on are pretty well signed but few are lacking. To educate and provide information to non-riders of the monetary benefit & extra business that the off road industry brings to their area without destroying nature. To help coordinate the different areas in developing and properly marking trails. Leader in safety for our sport. Liaison between lawmakers at the state level and local municipalities for trail access. New trail development. Promote our sport and make people aware of the economic impact riders bring to their community. Also, help promote a better system of trail signage. The trails I ride have meet all my expectations from the signs to the sites. I look forward to it every year and wish I could stay longer. To help local clubs expand off road trails. Landowners need to be encouraged to allow fence lines and wooded areas to be opened to ATV use. For several years there has been a trail on my property going around the ends of fields and woods, There has never been a problem with any one going off trail. It s been a positive experience. I would love to see the off road trail system expanded. I know it is hard to get land owners on board with this, but I believe it would be a big economy booster.
38 WI SURVEY RESULTS & COMMENTS UNDERSTANDING OUR RESULTS During the first part of 2015, WATVA in partnership with NOHVIS, sent out on-line surveys to riders, land managers and business owners to help understand their feelings towards our sport and how the riders have an impact on local economies. These are our results. WHAT REGION DO YOU RIDE IN THE MOST? Wisconsin has hundreds of miles of trails, spread over the entire state. We need to know what area of the state you ride in the most? RESULTS Northeast 45% Northwest 33% Southwest 16% Southeast 6% OFF-ROAD TRAIL OVERALL SATISFACTION We would like to know how you feel about off-road trails in regards to their quality. Granted, there are many different types of trails in Wisconsin, but we are trying to find out how well you are satisfied with the trails that you primarily ride on. Please rate how satisfied you are with those trails. RESULTS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 20% 13% 29% 14% 9% 9% 2% 1% 1% 2% 62% 34% 4% SATISFIED NEUTRAL DISSATISFIED
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 39 OFF-ROAD TRAIL SIGN SATISFACTION We would like to know how satisfied you are with trail signs on the trail. This does not include road route signs (that s another question coming up). RESULTS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12% 9% 19% 16% 10% 16% 10% 3% 3% 2% 40% 52% 8% SATISFIED NEUTRAL DISSATISFIED HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE OFF-ROAD TRAIL SYSTEM? How do you get your ATV or UTV on to the off-road trail system? RESULTS Trailhead / parking lot 56% My property to road routes to the trail system 30% My property has direct access to the trail system 12% I don t go off-road 1% I only go ice fishing 1% TRAILHEAD SATISFACTION Overall, what is your satisfaction of the trailhead(s) you use? RESULTS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25% 16% 21% 11% 4% 18% 2% 1% 1% 1% 62% 35% 3% SATISFIED NEUTRAL DISSATISFIED
40 TRAIL PATROL AMBASSADOR YEARLY STATISTICS GROWTH OVER TIME Our Trail Patrol Ambassador program has always had a positive trend of increased hours and miles patrolled. Since 2002, our volunteers have donated over 48,000 hours to help patrol our trails and educate our riders. RIDE SMART GET INVOLVED TELL OTHERS
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 41 2014 IN PICTURES PHOTOS FROM WATVA EVENTS
42
Trail Ambassador Program 920-694-0581 43
1539 N. 33RD PLACE, SUITE A, SHEBOYGAN WI 53081 WWW.WATVA.ORG INFO@WATVA.ORG 920-694-0583 This document was designed and printed by the NOHVIS Group Inc.