Feb. 11, 2008 – ATV Digest
Group Wins Forest Service Appeal to Protect Trail Access
A decision regarding the closure of more than 14 miles of off-highway vehicle (OHV) motorized trails in a Northern California forest has been reversed, according to the BlueRibbon Coalition.
This decision was in response to appeals filed by the BlueRibbon Coalition and Del Norte County to the Smith River National Recreation Area Road Management and Route Designation Project on the Six Rivers National Forest.
In early November, the county and the coalition filed appeals based on concerns that the Six Rivers National Forest’s decision would close many important motorized trails to local users. The coalition believed the Ranger District had misinterpreted the 2001 Clinton Roadless Rule as prohibiting the designation of motorized trails in roadless areas.
Currently, the 19 national forests in California are in various stages of route designation as required by the nationwide Forest Service Travel Management Rule.
Don Amador, western representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, said in a press release, “I think our main goal in filing this appeal was to champion the concept that important OHV travelways in roadless areas should not be arbitrarily and summarily excluded from the route designation process. Some of the most highly valued and scenic motorized trails in our national forests exist in roadless areas.”
Importer Joins SVIA to Promote Safe Use of Quads
North American Imports LLC, manufacturer of Crossrunner ATVs, joined the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) to help promote safe and responsible ATV riding in the United States, a SVIA press release stated.
The SVIA supports free hands-on rider training to all purchasers of new ATVs, creates public awareness campaigns of safe ATV use and supports state legislation that addresses the behaviors present in a majority of ATV-related accidents and fatalities.
SVIA Vice President Tom Yager says every member strengthens the commitment to promote safe and responsible riding.
“We are encouraged by the example that North American Imports is setting for all new manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. ATV marketplace by supporting the long-standing efforts of SVIA members,” Yager said.
Jerry Robinson, executive vice president of North American Imports, says the company is looking forward to being a part of the SVIA team. “We are committed to bring safe and exciting recreation to every family member who rides a Crossrunner vehicle,” he said.
Since 1983, the SVIA has promoted the safe and responsible use of ATVs through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. The SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standard.
Polaris Announces 2008 Factory Racing Sponsorships
Polaris Industries is going full throttle into the ATV racing season with the company’s biggest effort, to date, in factory racing sponsorships. For 2008, Polaris will have racers competing in the Grand National Cross Country series, World Off Road Championship series, World PowerSports Association and ITP QuadCross.
“Polaris has tripled our race team for 2008,” said Justin Burke, race team coordinator for the ATV Division at Polaris. “We enjoyed many successes in 2007 and with the additional efforts Polaris will be even more competitive for 2008.”
80-mile West Virginia ATV?Trail Area Set to Open This Summer
West Virginia, already home to the popular Hatfield-McCoy off-road area, is getting another area for ATV riders.
An 80-mile trail off-road park, which will have trails for beginners, intermediates and experts, is scheduled to open in July, the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported. The park will be located in Raleigh County.
The site, called the Burning Rock Off-Road Park, will include about 8,000 acres.
A land lease agreement providing for trail development and maintenance and operation of the trail system was recently approved by the county commission.
The new park will not initially be part of the Hatfield-McCoy system.
GE Money, ARGO Manufacturer Announce New Agreement
GE Money and Ontario Drive & Gear, the company behind ARGO, have announced a multi-year agreement to provide consumers with financing options through the private label FUNancing Card program.
“Consumers today are smarter about credit options,” said Greg Pierce, vice president and general manager of the powersports division of GE Money-Sales Finance. “Providing them with a convenient, cost effective way to finance their purchases is a key part in maximizing a positive customer experience.”
Issued by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, the FUNancing Card consumer credit program enables off-road vehicle enthusiasts to finance ODG’s line of ARGO amphibious vehicles at any of the more than 150 dealers nationwide. The new program includes special financing promotions, such as reduced rate and no payment with deferred interest options.
“Amphibious vehicles are growing in popularity, with more than 15 percent sales growth year over year,” said Joe Klosterman, general manager of U.S. operations for Ontario Drive & Gear. “The new ODG consumer credit program provides our customers with even greater options for financing their purchases, and experiencing the numerous benefits of owning an ARGO.” psb
