SOUNDING (the silent sports) ALARM
Causes for concern & action
Wis. DNR pays $1 million to family-run ATV group An ATV insurance company run by the same family that leads the Wisconsin ATV Association has received more than $1 million in state contracts since 2001, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) contracts with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Insurance & Services Group Inc. (NOHVIS) to recruit and train ATV safety instructors and so-called
"trail ambassadors."
NOHVIS is headed by Randy Harden, who also serves as president of the Wisconsin ATV Association. Both groups are based in Sheboygan.
The DNR pays Harden and his wife, Ann, a shared $68,688 annual salary, according to the newspaper. Their son Adam and another employee split another position that's paid $73,308 a year. Five regional coordinators are paid $1,000 to $2,200 per month, plus travel expenses.
According to the Journal-Sentinel, "The
payments to the national group are unprecedented there is no similar program for snowmobiles, mountain bikes or personal watercraft."
Randy Harden, the newspaper reported, acknowledged "he gets complaints from some ATV riders who don't like the meddling, and from advocates of quiet sports who question the propriety of doling out (public) money to a single user group." Michigan MTB'ers object to ATVS on all DNR land A Michigan state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would allow anyone 60 years old or older with a disability to ride ATVs anywhere on DNR land, including trails not designated or open to ATV use.
The DNR and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) oppose the proposed change to the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
MMBA representatives recently met with Rep. Joel Sheltrown, sponsor of House Bill 4659. The bill would allow
physically handicapped seniors to "operate an ATV on a nondesignated trail, route or area for pleasure or hunting or to access a designated trail, route or area."
ATVs are known to damage mountain biking trails, create unsafe conditions for nonmotorized trail users and chase away still others with their engine noise and exhaust.
According to the Bent Rim Bugle, the newsletter of the MMBA, Sheltrown told the organization, "I recognize the bill will need to be altered to
address the issues you brought up. I have no intention of jeopardizing the safety and enjoyment of any trail users, including mountain bikers and equestrians." 3-wheeled bikes stolen from disabled owners Two three-wheeled bicycles were stolen last month from disabled residents of an apartment complex in Menasha, Wisconsin. Police suspect the thieves were teenagers intending to convert the bicycles into low riders,
according to the Appleton Post-Crescent.
"It's sad because whoever's stealing these bikes knows they're stealing them from handicapped people," Town of Menasha police officer Christine Williams told the daily newspaper.
One of the bicycle owners was an autistic 12-year-old boy. Easter Seals donated the blue three-wheeled Schwinn to him in May. The locked bike was stolen on August 8.
The other victim, an adult with cerebral palsy, commuted to work on his purple bicycle with
a white basket between the back wheels. His stolen bike was donated by McDonald's. The man said it was the fourth bike he's had stolen in the five years he's lived in the Menasha Woods complex.
Police shared information about the thefts with a local bicycle shop that sells kits for converting three-wheeled bikes into low riders. Readers with any information are urged to call the town of Menasha Police Department at 920/720-7109. | 
