In January I was back in SD for the SDOHVC annual meeting in Pierre.  We got quite a few things done at that meeting.  We now have some newly elected board members and are off to a bright start for 2006. 

Among the many issues we dealt with at the annual meeting was some legislation that was on the docket for the Senate Transportation Committee.  At first blush, the legislation was seemingly an insignificant little change in SD law that would allow counties to make it illegal to ride in the ditches along some roads if the county chose to.  As written, if the county chose to make it illegal to ride in the ditch, the adjacent shoulder would then be where the ATV or whatever vehicle would have to go. 

Since this creates such a safety issue, to say nothing of the complications of helmets and drivers licenses for kids and other issues, SDOHVC directors decided to write a letter to the Senate Committee pointing out the safety hazards created by the bill.  Director Ed Goss and Director Doug Eidsness along with his son Jordan went back to Pierre on the day of the Committee meeting and testified against it.  As a result of the letter and more importantly, the testimony, it was voted down in the Senate Transportation Committee.  The real secret weapon was Jordan’s testimony on how it presented safety hazards for youths. 

The point is, this little bill had some prominent sponsorship and was destined for strong support from important places.  Had it passed, it would have created potentially dangerous situations for people who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation.  SDOHVC and the folks who belong can make a difference and are making a difference across this state.  This is only one example.  Please stay involved. 

The BHNF Advisory Board sub-committee also had its monthly meeting, which I attended (via-conference call) last month.  Folks, the process toward a trail system is now going to be kicking into a higher gear.  We have finished the public input to the sub-committee, have tabulated the results and are now starting down the path to making some general recommendations to the main Advisory Board.  Those recommendations will be reviewed to ultimately pass on to the Forest Service.  Timelines are now starting to be defined for the process. 

Relative to this, Jon Wermers, the chairman of the Trails Committee for SDOHVC is looking for clubs to kick it up a notch in helping to get trails GPSed among other things his committee is working on.  We need to make sure our club is working closely with him in his efforts.  We cannot wait for the FS to do that work for us.  There is a real need and urgency for us to step up to the plate wherever he needs us to. 

Also, Eric Hunt (SDOHVC director), has been working hard at getting all the event trails on GPS and to the Forest Service so we can get the special use permits for the Classic.  This was “above the call of duty” on the part of Eric and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his efforts on our behalf.  It wouldn’t hurt for a few of us to give him a call and let him know how much we appreciate it.  Plus, I think he just joined the DTC as an associate member.  Call Rhonda if you don’t know how to get in touch with him.  She has his number and has been working with him on this.  Good Job Eric! 

Looks like my space is up for this go around… Have fun!