The UTV Pilot Program replaces the previous Lightweight Utility Vehicle (LUV) Pilot Program. The program will run from late March 2010 through June 30, 2012. Any county in the state may elect to participate in the UTV Pilot Program by passing a resolution and filing it with the DNR and all effected law enforcement agencies. If the county successfully passes a resolution and a township within that county does not wish to participate in the UTV Pilot Program, the township will need to pass a resolution opting out of the program. The county or municipality may designate ATV trails, routes and areas that are open to UTVs. The DNR and Federal agencies may also elect to participate in the program and designate which ATV trails are open to UTVs. Initial contact with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) revealed that they will most likely not be allowing all UTVs to operate on off-road vehicle trails on National Forest lands. The USFS has a rule that restricts off-road vehicle width to a maximum of 50 inches. The only UTV that is 50 inches or less and permitted on open trails on National Forest lands is the Polaris RZR.

See the entire UTV Pilot law at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB448hst.html

Some good news to share. The state assembly voted and passed our UTV extended/expanded on 3/4/2010!! All that’s left is for the governor to sign it, as we know that takes some time but I’m absolutely sure we’re set now for the upcoming summer riding season. 

That said, there are still some important implementation details that need to be discussed, worked out and gone over with the various land managers before the riding season gets here. Yes, still lots of work to be done but the first and primary hurdle is over. 

For now though I just wanted to relay the news to all. I wanted to also thank our great partnership work on this bill with the fine folks at WCFA, our DNR program administrators and the state lawmakers that worked really hard with us to make this happen this quickly!! Good job by all. 

Randy Harden
President - Wisconsin ATV Association Inc.

Another request for UTV supporters to call their state representatives.

SB 488 had a public hearing on February 25th. WATVA and WCFA both testified in favor fo the bill in front of the Assembly Commiittee on Transportation. Senator Holperin and Representative Hubler also testified in favor. The Committee on Transportation is scheduled to vote on sending the UTV bill (SB448) to the full Assembly floor on Tuesday, March 2nd. There is an outside chance the bill could be scheduled on the full Assembly floor before the March 4th session concludes......if the Assembly Committee votes it out unanimously, that will help as the Assembly Speaker that makes the decision which bills to schedule, looks for bipartisian supported bills.

So far the UTV bill has flown through the Senate commiitee on a unanimous vote. It then passed the full Senate on a 32 - 0 vote in favor (1 Senator was absent from voting that day)! That's HUGE folks. If it clears the Assembly Committee on Transportation on 3/2/10 as I think it will, all the calls to your state representatives will help when it gets to the Assembly floor! Ask them to support the UTV Bill SB 448.

To find your state representative see http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

Randy Harden

President

UTV registration update as of 3/1/2010

Time to call and e-mail state legislators about the UTV program

Updated: 3/1/2010

To: WATVA ATV & UTV Advocates

Now is the time for action. We need you to call or e-mail your state senator and your state representative. Ask them to vote in favor of the UTV bill (SB 448) when it gets to the full floor.

For your reference see: SB 448 - Expanded and extended UTV legislation http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB448hst.html

The Senate Committee (chaired by Senator Holperin) on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry & Natural Resources held a public hearing on our UTV bill (and snowplowing bill) this past Wednesday, January 20th in Madison. Rob McConnell and I testified in favor of, along with quite a few other WATVA members from the Tri-County Club. I am pleased to report there were no opponents at this public hearing for the UTV bill. That's a good sign! The next step in the legislative process is for the same senate committee to hold what is called an "executive session". A majority vote of those committee members will send the bill to the full senate floor for a vote by all state senators.

More good news to share.....that "session" has already been scheduled for Thursday, February 4th. There is no more public input during an executive session, the senate committee member's simply vote as to whether the public comment period swayed them to be opposed or to support the bill. A majority vote sends it to the senate floor while a negative vote kills the bill!

I feel very confident SB 448 will make it out of the executive session and onto the full senate floor. That's why we need to make some noise now and let all of our lawmakers know we want their vote!

On the Assembly side, the same bill is being sponsored by Representative Mary Hubler. She is working to get the bill heard in the appropriate Assembly committee and if successful there, onto the full Assembly floor. We might as well be telling our state representatives we're out there and we want their support as well. If you favor the UTV bill, this is the time to contact your senator and representative so they know your position. Do this through your e-mails and/or calls. Ask your state lawmakers to support the bill.

If they happen to be on the committee so much the better but let's get the word around that our lawmakers know we have grassroots support for SB 448.

If you don't know who or how to contact your state senator and representatives, not to worry, it's really easy!

To find their e-mail address and / or phone number, simply go to the link below, fill in your home address and you will instantly have your answer.

http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

It's OK to speak to their staff, whoever answers their phone if you call. Just tell them you support the UTV bill (SB 448). To recap, it is scheduled for an executive vote out of Senator Holperin's committee on February 4th while being sponsored by Representative Mary Hubler on the Assembly side.

We just need the e-mails and calls to start coming into their offices so our state lawmakers (senators & representatives) know we support this legislation and we are asking for their vote(s).

Thank you in advance, your e-mails and calls really do make a difference!!!

Randy Harden

WATVA / NOHVIS

President

3321 Behrens Parkway

Sheboygan, WI 53081

Direct Line 920-694-1881