OMTA MEMBERSHIP MEETING 11:30 AM AT THE AMA MUSEUM  

The last three years Ohio riders have seen tremendous gains toward more public trails. Ohio Motorized Trails Association has been at the front of the efforts, representing you, the riders. By working together with Ohio State Snowmobile Association, and the AMA, we have had a series of legislative victories resulting in increased trail funding, and a rider oversight board to work with ODNR officials. I would like to share with everyone a letter from Dameyon Shipley. If you get the AMA magazine, you may have noticed an interview with Dameyon. He is the Recreational Services Administrator at the Ohio Department Of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. The letter is a response to some regular communication between him and I after I requested an update on some issues.

From Dameyon:
Let me start with the delay in moving forward. As we discussed earlier, I along with the administration understands the riders' feelings. I have received calls from riders that have voiced their concerns due to the delay in moving forward. I have explained to them the same as I explained to you. The administration has had to dedicate more time than originally anticipated to determine if and what property we currently own that could be used. If the acquisition costs can be saved, it would represent a significant amount of money that we can use in development. I had a very good conversation with my deputy director and the commitment to expanding trails has not diminished. If any of you hear complaints from your constituents I encourage you to have them call me directly. It is my hope that with clear and open communication from our office that they will have continued patience. We have only started receiving any increased funding and we have not spent any of that funding. We will also be working on the SRVF advisory board in the next couple of weeks, which will provide the motorized representation that the riders wanted.

This administration has made significant strides with the motorized community over the last three years. We are very proud of the partnerships that we have fostered and strengthened. We know there is a great deal more for us to accomplish and the administration is committed to achieving those goals. Thank you all for your work in motorized trails and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Dameyon M. Shipley
Recreation Services Administrator

As we at OMTA continue to work with ODNR and elected officials in Ohio for increased public trails, we need your support. Our next general membership meeting is Saturday, December 5^th, at the AMA headquarters in Pickerington Ohio. Please come join us, see who we are, learn how we are working to represent you, and join the effort to expand you recreational opportunities and defend riders rights.
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Matthew T. Mesarchik
OMTA Legislative Affairs Liaison National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Associate State Partner
United we ride.
Divided we piss and moan about trail closures.

Just as Summer leads to Fall political seasons change too. This is not partisan it is just a fact. All your representatives are back from vacation. I can only hope you met yours when they were home. All my “national” representatives hid from me. Actually they were hiding from everyone. On the Ohio state level the next two months will be our last chance for any legislation  that we would want for the next two years. No matter where you live it is the same. In 2010 half of our representatives will be running for re election. When they run no legislation happens. For the most part nothing happening is a good thing. If something important to you needs done, that’s when numbers talk. (Like your state organization?) The winners arrive in 2011 and try to figure out what they are doing. Legislate in 2012 then start over again.

Economic seasons can make opportunity too.  In North West Ohio the Van Wert Motorized Trails Association is making headway on their own Hatfield McCoy type riding area. Motorized recreation and Recreational Trail Fund (RTP) moneys can be an economic engine for an area. The same way the Wayne does in Hocking and Athens County.

In Ohio we are currently looking for a property for a new motorized park. It would be for everyone from full sized 4x4 to bikes. Do you know of a property of 400 acre and up for sale? If you do it could be the tip that makes new opportunity for riders and the economy.

It has never been more true then today that the future of off pavement recreation is up to you! Be involved, get your friends involved too or we all lose. OMTA is an all volunteer organization. You can join or renew OMTA online, just hit the button. Check out the new forum pages too.

Bill Kaeppner

President Ohio Motorized trails Association

Buckeye Dualsporters

AMA District 11 congressman

BRC National Land use Action Committee

NOHVCC Ohio