Funding available to assist in promoting safe ATV operation in Wisconsin

Contact(s): April Dombrowski DNR Recreation Safety and Outdoor Skills Section Chief,  608-852-9456

MADISON – Organizations interested in assisting the Department of Natural Resources in the recruitment and training of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety instructors and volunteer trail ambassadors may apply for funding through a 2 year program to promote the safe operation of ATVs and UTVs in the state. The program funding is for up to $297,000 for each year

Eligible organizations must provide documentation that they are registered with the Wisconsin Secretary of State’s office as non-stock organizations and have an established board of directors. Funding applicants must create and provide a business plan detailing the methods and approaches the organization will use to accomplish a number of requirements that will promote the operation of ATVs and UTVs that is safe and responsible, does not harm the environment and does not conflict with laws, rules and department policies.

Among these requirements are:

• assisting the DNR in recruiting, assisting and providing support to volunteer safety instructors ATV/UTV clubs and organizations and promoting the ATV safety education program;
• assist the DNR and Tourism in creating an outreach program to inform local communities about appropriate ATV/UTV use in their communities; the economic benefits that may be gained from promoting tourism to attract ATV/UTV enthusiasts:
• techniques the organization will use to recruit, train and manage volunteer trail patrol ambassadors to monitor the recreational operation of ATVs/UTVs on public trails; and
• improve and maintain its relationship with the DNR, Tourism, ATV/UTV dealers, manufactures, recreation partners and off-highway motorcycle clubsAdditional requirements apply and the organization that receives the funding must be able to provide supporting documents showing objectives have been met through the use of reports, receipts and audits.

Organizations interested in applying for the funds should search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for ATV UTV Enhancement Funding. The deadline for submitting funding applications is 5 p.m., June 28, 2019. DNR expects to issue the fund agreement to the successful applicant no later than July 19, 2019. The fund agreement will be effective as of July 1, 2019.