April 6, 2006
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
As we embark on a new season of ATV-ing, the Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for the countless hours of volunteer work. While each season presents new and sometimes difficult challenges, we must continue to show respect and gratitude to our many landowners. Without them we would have no ATV programs. We need your support and we need the support of ATV-ers who do not belong to a Club. If you happen to know one of these individuals, invite them to a meeting. They might have new ideas that will make our tasks easier and more enjoyable.
There were a considerable number of new laws passed recently as a result of the "Governors task Force". One of these laws is very beneficial to the landowner by providing liability insurance, if they have a signed an ATV USE PERMIT. ATV Use Permits must be filed with the Bureau of Parks and Recreation ATV Program. A new requirement concerns mapping of the trails in order to get the trails listed on the County or State Map. ATV Clubs around the state have been GPS-ing their trails for accurate mapping. All of these tasks require volunteer hours to get accomplished.
We have been working on an activities calendar for this season. April 21st and May 19th we will have a POTLUCK supper at 6 PM, followed by a membership meeting at the Woodland School. June 10th will be the annual Clean up day with a Hotdog Roast followed by an Auction. Still in the planning stage. July 22nd there will be a Poker Run. Monthly activities for August and September, A group ride and leaf peepers ride have been suggested. All of these activities need volunteer help!
We are going to try and have guest speakers at our meetings. Any suggestions from the members would be helpful. We realize that everyone can't make all of our meetings, but the best informed members are those who attend the meetings.
The following decisions were made by the Board of Directors at its last meeting concerning the creation of a new Caribou ATV Club. All members on our '05 membership roster will be sent renewal applications. All landowners that were presented membership during the '05 season will be granted free membership for the '06 season. It was determined that we would share work with members of the new Caribou Club getting the wet
(mud) signs up where needed. We will attempt to satisfy landowner concerns during the period of transition of trail maintenance responsibilities to the Caribou Club.
Safety is a very important issue, not only with our club, but with all ATV Clubs throughout the state. We ask all ATV-ers to help. Please keep in mind, that you and I , must protect this privilege of using land of others. Our Club has many miles of trails under consideration and will be submitting Club and Municipal Grant applications to make these trails a reality. With a bit of patience we may we may someday ride these trails. By riding safely and being respectful of landowners properties, we would possibly be welcomed long into the future. Hope to see you on April 21st at our meeting.
