ATV and Other OHV Riders: Riding Restrictions Start With Firearms Deer Season Opener in Minnesota
November 6, 2008
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders that new recreational riding restrictions will be in effect for the duration of the regular firearms deer hunting season. This restriction is intended to protect recreational OHV riders from potentially unsafe riding conditions and to minimize conflicts between deer hunters and recreational riders who may unintentionally interrupt the hunt.
The restrictions apply to off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles such as Jeeps and four-wheel-drive trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a licensed deer hunter.
In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. (The 2008 Series deer season map is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html
under Maps.)
The riding restrictions do not apply to OHV use by deer hunters possessing a valid firearms deer hunting license. They may operate an OHV during the following times: before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise); from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).
Wearing blaze orange is recommended during the firearms deer season when visiting Minnesota’s forest lands, said Capt. Mike Hammer, Education Program coordinator for the DNR Enforcement Division.
“See and be seen; it’s a common sense thing to do,” Hammer said. “The DNR urges all hunters heading afield for the firearms deer season to think about safety first.”
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KDWP Reveals 5-Year Trails Plan
May 13, 2008
Study examines wealth of information to improve existing trails and plan future ones
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced guidelines for improvement of existing trails and development of more trails throughout the Sunflower State. Entitled Kansas State Trails Plan 2008 , the 103-page document will serve as the primary planning resource to guide those who build and maintain recreational trails, their partners, and other decision-makers in efforts to provide the public with high-quality trail-use experiences.
The plan identifies needs for both existing and future trails based on review of existing plans from Kansas and across the nation, current trail facilities, as well as various studies on the subject. New reports were studied in depth and incorporated into the plan as they fit the need for better trails in Kansas. Multiple state agencies, foundations, and professional organizations were also consulted.
Kansas State Trails Plan 2008 is also intended to bring Kansas into compliance with statewide planning requirements outlined in the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), administered by the Federal Highway Administration. In Kansas, the RTP is administered by KDWP’s Parks Division.
The RTP uses federal transportation funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail users. RTP funds are apportioned to states from motor fuel excise taxes collected on non-highway recreational fuel use, such as that used by a variety of off-highway recreation vehicles.
To download a complete version of Kansas State Trails Plan 2008 , go the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, click on “State Parks” at the top of the page, then ” 2008 Trails Plan” in the left-hand column.
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DNR Plans Public Auction May 21 in West Columbia
May 3, 2008
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 21 in West Columbia.
The auction of items such as vehicles, boats, outboard motors, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment deemed as surplus will be held at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Styx Receiving Compound at 2760 Fish Hatchery Road in West Columbia. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 and continue until all items are sold. Registration for the auction is May 21 from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. All items may be viewed on preview day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at the Styx compound.
A list of the items scheduled for auction are posted at Surplus Property. Some items may be added or removed according to DNR’s needs.
For questions regarding the upcoming auction, call SC Surplus Property at (803) 896-6880 in West Columbia.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.
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DNR Urges Safety First For All ATV Operators
April 25, 2008
With five fatalities reported so far this year, state conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind both adult and youth all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators to apply safety first when operating their machines.
“The public’s perception is that most ATV fatalities and accidents involve youths, but that’s really not the case,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. “Recent DNR statistics show a decline in youth-involved incidents, largely due to safety training requirements for those age 16 and under. It’s the adults, those who have not completed DNR ATV safety training, who are most at risk.”
The most recent fatality, which occurred March 25, involved a 94-year-old man who was riding an ATV when he collided with a vehicle while crossing a Beltrami County highway in northern Minnesota. The ages of the other four fatalities so far this year were 21, 33, 37 and 56. Fourteen people, ranging from ages 7 to 76, were killed in ATV accidents last year in Minnesota.
Hammer said most ATV incidents occur in the road right-of-way where a valid driver’s license is required, or in ditch rollover accidents.
According to a recent DNR survey, the typical Minnesota ATV rider is a Caucasian male in his mid-40s with some college or technical training. He is most often employed full time, with an income more than $50,000 and an average family size of 2.8. It’s almost assured he has not completed a DNR ATV safety course.
“Because most adults are experienced automobile drivers, they think they possess the skills to handle a powerful, 600-pound ATV,” Hammer said. “But an ATV handles differently from other vehicles. A rollover can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills and over obstacles, if a driver fails to take proper precautions.”
Hammer said adults are less likely to wear a helmet that could prevent head injuries, which are very common in ATV accidents. He recommends all adults complete the ATV safety training independent study course and wear a helmet.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands in Minnesota, must successfully complete the independent study ATV Safety Training CD course. Youth ages 11-15 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. The ATV Training CDs are available by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
“ATVs may look like a fun toy, but they aren’t,” Hammer said. “Too many times adults and youths don’t understand the safety rules and regulations that govern their use.”
Hammer said safety training is a must for anyone who rides an ATV. “Understanding a few simple safety rules and knowledge of the regulations prevents accidents and reduces damage to trails.”
“ATVs are dangerous if you don’t respect them,” Hammer said. “You have to be trained. You have to know what you’re doing.”
 - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources -
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