OPTIMISM THE THEME AT NATIONAL OHV CONFERENCE

ONTARIO, CA (March 15-20) - Federal and state land managers, off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation groups, and educators gathered at a national conference to discuss the future of motorized access to public and private lands. The event was held in Ontario on March 15-20 and was sponsored by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Association of OHV Program Managers.

The goal of the conference was to continue the NOHVCC mission to create a communications forum through which OHV enthusiasts, and their organizations and supporters can share information and experiences, participate in educational opportunities, and become partners in creating a positive image of the sport.

Noted speakers included; Jerry Ingersol – OHV Program Manager for the USDA Forest Service, Anna Atkinson – National OHV Program Lead for the Bureau of Land Management, and Christopher Douwes – Recreational Trails Program Manager for the Federal Highway Administration. Numerous other luminaries from state government, Industry, and user groups gave presentations as well.

Workshops for the attendees consisted of a motorcycle sound measurement training course for law enforcement officers lead by Rob Harrison, P.E, and Chris Real, CLS, a trail design module presented by Troy Scott Parker, and the Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer Course.

Don Amador, western representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, said, “It was an honor to help NOHVCC celebrate their 15th anniversary at the conference this year. They should be commended for putting this event together so that resource professionals and user groups can network on collaborative efforts to better manage OHV recreation on public and private lands.”

"I know the BlueRibbon Coalition appreciates the work that NOHVCC does to help educate OHV groups and bring them together with land managers for the betterment of the sport and also to protect resources. I also want to thank Silent Sport North America and Dualsport Rider Magazine for sponsoring BRC’s participation at this conference.” Amador stated.