vice presidents summit

[joe_jeep]

i have just recieved an email back from Don Reed. he is the current vice president of msa(michigan snowmobile association). i emailed him about having a vice presidents summit. i want to get all the vp's (or other board members) of all the major motorsports associations together to meet face to face, and talk about how we can help each other. ive thought that together we can make our presence felt by almost anyone we want.
getting msa on board was my key issue cause they have the most name recognition. i would do it without them, but it would not be the same.
he sent me back an email very quickly, saying it was a great idea and was all in for this meeting. im trying to set a date in late spring, after the sledding season. i know im not the vp quite yet, but i wanted to get the ball rolling a little early, hope pat dont mind. now that msa is onboard ill get ot work on the other major associations.

P.S. if anyone has any contact info i could use, or ideas about who to contact post it here. also if you can think of any associations i should include pls post it here, so i dont forget a good association.
thx, Joe

[WhiteRhino]

Great idea Frank. In my opinion, you may even want a one-on-one with him. We all know there is long standing hard feelings between some of the groups.

I certainly wouldn't hesitate to start using your new soon to be title. Go for it!

[joe_jeep]

i told him this would not turn into a fight. we know there is issues we will never see eye to eye on. we want to work on what we both want and need and where we can help each other. a show of solidarity with say the 4 or 5 biggest motorsport groups involved is gonna be a large voting group. we both want more trails and more access. we can fight about who gets to use them later. if we could only get the nra involved:eek:??
just sent an email to mi ama's vp

[USMC 0369]

I realize it's outside my box, but I think the one thing we can agree upon is the need for ALL motorsports to get a handle on illegal offroading. A cooperative effort on this front would certainly be beneficial to all. And if everyone can agree and work together, I think the State would have to seriously consider any ideas [we] come up with to curb these activities. I have some ideas...but will hold them unless asked.

[kb8ymf]

A couple of thoughts.....
First, you do have a title, albiet it's not used much. It's Vice President Elect.
What global objective do you have?
From a cooperative viewpoint besides the MSA I would really like to see us establish lines of communication between OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) While they are in Canada, it is our neighbor, and we do go there to play. It would be nice to get them to recognize us as an organization also.
On the meeting, if you wait till spring, your going to be as busy as a 'one armed paper hanger'. I would try to get something in before the snow flies if possible. If nothing else a one on one to get to know each other. Possibly a dinner M&G?

And Nick, share your thoughts, there no such thing as a bad idea while in the talking stages of things.

jim-kb8ymf

[joe_jeep]

ya nick feel free to voice your opinion! i could use some ideas.

kb8ymf, while not all of us go to canada to wheel. im all for inviting the ofsc. all major groups should at least be invited. ill see what i can find out online for contact info. the m&g with don could be tough. he lives in seney, i live near detroit. i get up near there during snowmobile season. but im not sure hed be willing to meet during his busy season, but i can ask??
my objectives are simple, i want to see where our sports cross paths, and see is it possible for us to work together in the future. id like us to get to know each other so its not so easy to badmouth each other, and totally discount another point of view. id also like to make this a yearly meeting. so we know each other and what to expect from each other. making this a yearly meeting will assure we know all the new incoming vp's. at least we will have one contact in each group. i have some time to get my key issues together, and welcome help from anyone. i was told this will never work. mabey it wont, but i am gonna try.

if anyone has ideas about what key issues the meeting should work on pls tell me. i am very open to suggestions. i will consult the bod with any ideas i or anyone else has. i will consult the bod on all dicussion points. i will not touch on the true dividing lines between these groups, i dont wanna referee a slam fest as they sit back and call each other names. this accomplishes nothing.

p.s. i intruduced myself as the incoming v.p., but ill use vp elect from now on . it sounds better. thx

[phittie1100]

I like the idea Joe. You being a sled guy might help too (:eek: was that a secret not to share on the 4x4 site??)

[WhiteRhino]

You being a sled guy :eek:


Grrrrr...............:bootyshake:


:laughing2:

[Kixx007]

Grrrrr...............:bootyshake:


:laughing2:

Be careful, we'll start coming out of the woodwork on you! :poke:

:ninja:

[timbercruiser]

Being in both camps, I think it's a great idea!!! While there are some differences in trail needs, both groups have similar goals-enojying our beautiful state!!!

[kb8ymf]

Be careful, we'll start coming out of the woodwork on you! :poke:

:ninja:

You haven't heard...............snowmobiling season has been cancelled in Michigan. :hysterical:
j-kb8ymf

[MiniJ]

This might not be part of your objective, since you're talking about motor sports....but what about the Mountain Bikers? We don't usually cross paths with them, but they use the trails too in certain parts of the state.

Might be good to get their opinion, thoughts, see how they work with the DNR, etc. MB isn't as destructive, but I'm sure they have challenges.

[USMC 0369]

You asked for it....

Well, my first thought about trying to curb the illegal stuff is have an OHV volunteer program. Basically guys that receive some education from the DNR Officers, or Forest Rangers about common areas for illegal activities and what the actual laws are (I know...I know...) and then when the observe anyone conducting these illegal activities they can a.) approach them, if safe, and 'educate them' on the laws they are breaking (e.g. illegal campsites, fire rings...etc) and if they're unwilling to listen and/or cease the activity...give a ring to the ranger/p.o. and give them a location and activity / license plate number or something. It works pretty good here in SoCal, and mostly you find people that 'didn't know'. Its a lot like a 'citizens patrol' in the forest.

Which presents two problems... first the state or NFS has to endorse the program (which is why we'll need support from all trail users to 'push' it through, and police-up our individual area since full sized is not allowed on 50" or less trails, etc.) and then DEDICATED volunteers to show up if/when they are scheduled for duty. It's a hard sell I know...but the state cannot deny we're trying to do something, even if they refuse to acknowledge the program.

My second idea is pretty much the same, only vigilante style. Figure out on our own where people commonly wheel illegally and wait and call the appropriate authority when they show up. Not the preferred method, but sometimes push comes to shove.

I really think this should be high on the list, IMO the state regularly uses "illegal wheeling" as a reason for shutting down tracks of land for offroad use. Which produces MORE illegal wheeling. It's like charging you a fee when a check bounces...they already know you don't have any money!!!

:Thought:, when talking to the motorcycle guys... 2 wheelers we'll call them. I think a big reason they don't want to share trails with us larger vehicles is because they like to keep the twisty-curvy stuff as it's more of a challenge to them, and thus more enjoyable. I wonder if there is a way through use of boulders, fallen trees, etc to keep the curves narrow enough for a 2 wheeler to enjoy, yet still get a truck through there.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but 2 wheelers and sledders use pretty much the same trails???

~nick

[Jarhead]

Volunteer Trail Patrol

http://www.ufwda.org/trailpatrol.htm

[joe_jeep]

usmc0369, we need a similar program to what your talking about(somewhat). the ufwda voulenteer program is out there, not sure of its actual numbers?? im a little leary about reporting the illegal activity, and giving the dnr more cannon fodder to throw back at us, and close more trails.
you are right we need to edjucate those breaking the law! perhaps if they wont listen then mabey we tip off the dnr/usfs. i will reserve that as a last resort. its hard to tell if your on a legal trail or not in michigan! ive been on a trail posted dual use at one end and gone 5 to 10 miles come to dead end and a clearing. turn around to leave the way we came, and see the trail posted closed to motorized vehicles from the other direction. this happened to me near caddilac. our trail system is confusing to say the least! i prefer to try to edjucate them first. thx for the input! keep it coming!

minij, i was thinking the same thing about mountain bikers! i was also thinking the equestrian crowd?? any other ideas are welcome! thx

[USMC 0369]

Well, another function of a volunteer trail patrol could be to bring these inconsistencies and their exact location to the DNR/USFS attention and get it fixed.

Absolutely report as a last resort!!! (kind of a motto) our OHV volunteers carry trail maps (not the ones you have to pay for), and handouts, like the michigan OHV guide to hand out to people that don't know any better.

[joe_jeep]

john lonskey is vp of michigan ama for all of lower michigan and easten upper penninsula. he said this is a great idea and would like to attend.

this might work yet!

[USMC 0369]

Suggestions for agenda aside. I think this is a great idea and look forward to any co-operation that comes from it!

[Kixx007]

You haven't heard...............snowmobiling season has been cancelled in Michigan. :hysterical:
j-kb8ymf

Hmmm, thats cool. I like Canada better..
:laughing2:

on the topic. I like this idea.

[Trail_Fanatic]

FANTASTIC idea Joe.
Call me when you get a minute (or 20) and we'll go over a few things that would take WAY too long to type.


You haven't heard...............snowmobiling season has been cancelled in Michigan. :hysterical:
j-kb8ymf

Awww, Let em have they're usual 5 weeks. :poke:




Please correct me if I'm wrong, but 2 wheelers and sledders use pretty much the same trails???

~nick

We have a VTP started.
It's been approved by the NFS and stalled in th DNR because of personell changes.
It's time to get it going again.

Sledders around here like WIDE trails. Usually wider than Jeeps prefer.

Many of their trails are brushed back to 13-16 feet.
Heck, they're like highways in the woods.

Don't get me wrong, they have some two track width trails too.

[joe_jeep]

ok tf ill call ya tomorrow. if you want you can come to the summit with me(assuming it happens)?

[joe_jeep]

sent invites to the vp's from atvoffroad of michigan and mmba.
i havent been told off yet?

please give me some ideas on who to invite! im sure ill forget someone and regret it later.
the bigger the group the better. thx

[timbercruiser]

sent invites to the vp's from atvoffroad of michigan and mmba.
i havent been told off yet?

please give me some ideas on who to invite! im sure ill forget someone and regret it later.
the bigger the group the better. thx

Horses. ATV. Snowmobile. Dirt bikes. Hunters? DNR??

[joe_jeep]

i have sent 2 messages each to mmba(mountain bikers), and atv offroad, and no response from either yet. im gonna keep trying hoping they just missed it or thought it was spam.:wah:

im still trying

if anyone knows a board member of any group like this get me their contact info pls!

[joe_jeep]

so far i have an m.s.a connection that was very interested in this event. he was promoted to president this winter. the v.p of a.m.a. is interested also. the others groups ive tried to contact have notresponded:banghead:.
i sure could use any contact info any of you have.

[Jarhead]

Work with who you have, so you don't lose interest and grow the idea from the original summit.

[rentalrider]

Mr vice-president elect... :soap: I've sent you a pm. :wave: Also, we (ATV'ers) formed a volunteer based "Sherrif's Patrol" complete with orange vests, etc for our members. While I admittedly do little with this group as of late it IS a remarkeable tool. You control much just by presence. I've never heard of an issue with a patrol member and the Sherrif dept here is very much on board with the group's efforts. They even support us through coming to our meetings and accompany us when helpful speaking to groups, etc. The patrol carries (and sells) maps that tell of where the atv'ers (wheelers in this case) CAN be, not focusing on where they can't be. Just driving through a campsite you get stopped with a multitude of questions, etc. The sport as a whole has been very supportive as they don't want to lose the privileges here that few other counties have with respect to riding road-sides with atv's. Plus, local businesses LOVE these efforts as it helps business IMMENSELY (proved locally). Just my $.02.

[joe_jeep]

i have saved the contact info and talked back and forth with the interested parties. if thats all i can get it will do. they are the 2 biggest groups out there. still working on it. should happen late spring early summer.

[joe_jeep]

tried atvoffroad and mmba again today. tried michigan horse council. tried matva but their email is not working. was thinking about possibly mucc and marvac but im not sure yet.