Original source:  https://www.centralmaine.com/2020/01/27/large-off-road-vehicles-could-force-atv-trails-to-close/

The article above discusses how a wider ATV (or UTV) could be forcing land closures in central Maine.  When the wider UTV was introduced to Wisconsin, WATVA worked with county land managers to determine the 65" width. Based on those early discussions, land managers widened trails and gates to accommodate the 65". Over the past few years, WATVA leadership has talked with land managers and club leadership on the 65" rule. It would be not be in the states favor to increase that, as it would require extensive infrastructure changes on our trail system. 

Lately, there have been a few UTV models that have pushed beyond the 65" rule. Ensure that your machine does not exceed 65" before making a purchase or before heading out on the trail. There have been a few cases of registration paperwork being submitted to DNR that "fudge" registration details to hide the fact the machine is manufactured with a width greater than 65". If you fall into this category, you might receive a letter when it comes time to renew stating your machine isn't compliant and they will not accept any renewal registration for your machine. 

Click the link below to register for the convention! 

Silent Auction

Friday, March 31st - Reception & Family Feud Gameshow 

Friday night is our welcome reception and early check-in for our WATVA members. Join us starting at 6:00 p.m. in the commons area.

New for 2023, come join our trail ambassador team alpha and team bravo go head to head in a friendly Family Feud gameshow! Hosted by Northwest Regional Coordinator Greg Olson, the gameshow features questions themed after ATV / UTV riding in Wisconsin. 

The gameshow begins at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 1st - General Session

Saturday, April 1st Afternoon Workshops

 Please note, times and locations are subject to change.

Saturday, April 1st Evening Reception / Awards Presentation

 Expo 1 & 2: Saturday evening dinner and presentation of awards for Trail Ambassador program, WATVA awards and DNR Warden of the Year. 

Come enjoy a provided meal and video replay of 2022. This will be a casual and fun evening full of laughs, community and great food. 

Saturday Evening - Trail Ambassador Overview and Questions

Basics of the Trail / Route Ambassador program, overview of duties including patrols, working Welcome Centers, different training options, and roles of club or area coordinators designed to help streamline field day training. Overview and answer questions about the three different levels of the ambassador program.

Trail Ambassador Rescue and Recovery team information.

For those that are already trail ambassadors and would like to become part of our rescue and recovery team, please stop in to learn more about the program and hear about some upcoming exciting trainings.

Trail Ambassador Radios

Learn about a great new partnership with a statewide repeater network allowing our trail ambassadors to communicate throughout the state. Update on radio funding.

Trail Ambassador Tools Update

IAmResponding app, What3Words and updated report form which includes survey tracking for 2023. 

Presented by:
Adam Harden - Deputy Administrator for Trail Ambassador Program

Sunday, April 2nd - Review

It's time to wrap up the weekends activity with a town-hall style review. During this meeting we will discuss what we liked, didn't like and plans for the remainder of the year / next years annual meeting. This session is open to the public as we love to hear feedback on how you enjoyed (or didn't) the annual convention. 

Hotel Information 

The 2023 WATVA Annual Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens point. 

If you plan on staying overnight, make sure to mention WATVA for a discounted rate!

1001 Amber Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54482
715-344-0200

Click the link below to register for the convention! 

Event Sponsors

1. Team Winnebagoland- Oshkosh

2. Rob's Performance- Johnson Creek

3. Fuel Powersports- West Bend

4. Cedar Creek- Cedarburg

5. Action Power Sports- Waukesha

6. Milwaukee Powersports- Oak Creek

7. Engelhart's- Madison

8. Zacho Sports- Chippewa Falls

9. Vetesnik's- Richland Center

10. Mad City Power Sports- DeForest

11. 2 Brother's- Onalaska

12. Jay's Powercenter-Reedsburg

13 JC Powersports- Crivits

14. Feldman's Sales & Service- Howards Grove

15. Mittelstaedt Sports & Marine- LaValle

16. Ritchie Implement- Cobb

17. TA Motorsports- Francis Creek

18. Hexco Powersports- Oshkosh

19. Airtec Sports Inc- Eau Claire

The Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association is requesting a bill that makes adjustments to the state's ATV / UTV program based on the need to adapt and grow the program for expanded trail access.

This legislation enhances the ability to improve, update, and adjust to the evolution and growth of the ATV / UTV registration program in Wisconsin. 

Since the 2012 legislation passed that permanently introduced and registered the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV aka Side x Side), our organization has been gathering input from our multitude of local clubs, trail ambassadors, associated businesses, tourism affiliates, federal, state, county and local units of government that deal with our recreational industry of ATV UTV owners.

This legislation is a package of multiple upgrades and changes that address the continuing growth of our registration numbers, providing solutions necessary to better manage the registration program into the future.

The following bullet points capture the majority of changes being proposed for our ATV / UTV program (for further explanation, see the additional pages in this document):

1.  Remove the words "low pressure tire" from the tire requirement found in the definition of an ATV or UTV.
2. Clarify how to measure the width of an ATV and/or UTV, which is a requirement for the definition of an ATV and/or UTV in statute.
   
3. Ease and simplify the registration requirements for municipally owned ATVs and UTVs.
   
4. Address and establish rules for auxiliary lighting on ATVs and UTVs based on feedback from users, land managers and law enforcement officers.
   
5. Make headlights mandatory for all times of the day on the trail to match the current law that requires headlights being lit on road routes.
   
6. Create a statutory requirement that riders must obey regulatory signs (stop, yield, etc.) on the trail.
   
7. Open further funding resources from the ATV segregated account for statewide mapping projects by non-profit organizations.
   
8. Add $100 per mile for winter trail maintenance funding on trails that allow UTV vehicles in winter.
   
9. Summer trail maintenance dollars will be increased by $100 per mile on the UTV side of the program, increasing the total maximum amount for maintenance to increase by 14% or up to a maximum of $800 per mile.
   
10. Clarifying where someone can be tried in a court of law for falsifying registration information.
    
11. ATVs that are not designed from the manufacturer for passengers are no longer allowed on the trail (it had already been illegal on route systems for some time).
    

1. Remove the words "low pressure tire" from the tire requirement found in the definition of an ATV or UTV.

Low pressure tires definition in current statute is no longer relevant because of technology changes in ATV UTV suspensions. Tire technology itself has changed dramatically including radial designs with a plethora of different tread options. These facts, along with the reality of the recent trend of having thousands of miles of road route expansions, make low pressure tires a definition no longer needed.Another factor is the multi-passenger UTVs requiring the newest tire technology where as required air pressure is much different than on single passenger ATVs. The simple answer is to stipulate the definition be "tire" which allows the latest tire and design technology to address machine needs based on different uses and models.  

 2. Clarify how to measure the width of an ATV and/or UTV, which is a requirement for the definition of an ATV and/or UTV in statute.​

Dating back to 2007 through 2011, a time when we here in Wisconsin were conducting the pilot testing to determine if the UTVs were compatible with our ATV trail footprints, the UTV industry had yet to develop certain standards that we could consider using in our definitions as the legislature made the UTV registration permanent in 2012. One such subject was in defining "where" to measure maximum width of the machines...Since that time, the industry has now caught up, they added a width measurement standard which this legislation adopts for consistency that benefits our riders, dealerships, and law enforcement professionals alike.

 3. Ease and simplify the registration requirements for municipally owned ATVs and UTVs.​

​The UTV popularity with its appeal and diversity, including utilitarian work purposes for many local and county governments is addressed with this legislation. It eases the process originally designed more for public trail and route use versus these units serving as work vehicles for these local units of government. If the government entity clearly designates the machine is owned by their government entity, under this change they would no longer be tasked with the registration process and subsequent identification requirements that trail riders are. This streamlined update also allows leased vehicles to be included whether being used for utilitarian, emergency or enforcement purposes. It further clarifies when being used for emergency response uses, the current requirements for passenger restrictions, seat belts, helmets etc. are not required.

4. Address and establish rules for auxiliary lighting on ATVs and UTVs based on feedback from users, land managers and law enforcement officers.​

A dangerous trend has developed with the advancement in aftermarket and original equipment auxiliary lighting technology. High intensity lights are being added with no requirement for dimming lights to oncoming traffic. This has resulted in multiple complaints and dangerous situations. Another issue being addressed has to do with a different kind of aftermarket lighting. This language specifies that only emergency response vehicles are permitted to have flashing red or blue lights on trail systems, staying consistent with road route compliance. Currently auxiliary light options are being sold and used with red and blue colors by the general public, this legislation fixes that omission.

Lighted whips are still legal, however they are restricted in color to Amber or white (forward facing). This is to stay consistent with road route laws that already prohibit certain colors of lights.

The following rules language specifies the new lighting requirements:

5. Make headlights mandatory for all times of the day on the trail to match the current law that requires headlights being lit on road routes.​

​Because ATV UTV riding networks include thousands of miles of routes that intermix and combine with trail systems, currently riders are required to have headlights lit for routes but not on trail systems. Some trails are under thick tree canopies that make for a darker riding condition. When combined with dusty scenarios, it enhances everyone's safety to require headlights lit on trails as well as routes. This is another example of making the ATV UTV law consistent, whether riding on trails or routes, the law will now be the same.

6. Create a statutory requirement that riders must obey regulatory signs (stop, yield, etc.) on the trail.​

​Currently there is no statutory requirement in 23.33 that requires trail riders to comply with stop, yield, or other regulatory sign on our trail systems. The ATV UTV program registration program that started in 1986, never anticipated the growth we've had and continue to experience. Our total number of machines registered is approximately 400,000 strong and still growing. Most riders aren't aware there are no requirements to comply with regulatory signs on trail systems but as we keep expanding, it's high time to correct this omission. In the early years, there was little chance or need to have this provision, that's not the case nowadays. Another adjustment to make the law consistent whether on road routes or trail networks.

7. Open further funding resources from the ATV segregated account for statewide mapping projects by non-profit organizations.​

​A major benefit to the business community, as well as the Wisconsin general economy, depends on attracting riders from out of state as well as new riders in Wisconsin coming into this type of outdoor recreation. A major tool that all riders seek are "where the riding opportunities exist" by way of a statewide riding area map. For these specialized maps to be effective, they need to be shipped to tourism centers, registration locations as well other tourist attractions where riders and potential riders can obtain them to make their travel plans accordingly. The state association has been able to secure temporary funding to produce these statewide maps, proving they are a desired and sought-after product. This update allows for a stable funding source for a statewide map using the stability of the ATV UTV registration program, self-funded to promote our own trail networks. This update also updates eligibility for a statewide app which is the current trend in society. As well, the self-funded ATV account would make eligible the acquisition to secure safety and public awareness signage that are currently not being displayed. This update also provides for communications equipment needed to enhance the safety and productivity for the dedicated volunteers doing trail and ambassador work in the back-country of Wisconsin.

8. Add $100 per mile for winter trail maintenance funding on trails that allow UTV vehicles in winter.​

​​With the growing popularity of the enclosed cabs on the side x side UTVs, winter trail riding has increased greatly. In some areas of the state, the consumer is purchasing a UTV versus a snowmobile as it can be used year-round. The original UTV laws did not anticipate heated and enclosed cabs or winter use at all. This update adds an increase for the UTV side of winter funding of $100 per mile even if the winter trail is not used in the summer season. Likewise, this update provides for a new type of winter trail that may not necessarily be shared with the snowmobile community, referred to as a frozen ground winter trail. This new opportunity will apply to areas of the state that receive the cold weather but light snow cover.

Click the link below to download a PDF of the flowchart, including a page that will estimate your maintenance dollars per mile with the current system and the proposed system.

9. Summer trail maintenance dollars will be increased by $100 per mile on the UTV side of the program, increasing the total maximum amount for maintenance to increase by 14% or up to a maximum of $800 per mile.​

​Summer trail maintenance dollars will be increased by $100 per mile on the UTV side of the program, increasing the total maximum amount for maintenance to increase by 14% or up to a maximum of $800 per mile. With increased traffic and larger UTVs, this increase is necessary to sustain our ability to maintain our resources.

10. Clarifying where someone can be tried in a court of law for falsifying registration information.​

​The original registration program of the 1980s could never had predicted the ever changing and developing ATV UTV industry. Equipment manufacturer's now build many different models and sizes, some designed for use out west in desert and/or wide-open type riding while other models are designed for narrower and smaller trail systems which better describe our woods riding here in Wisconsin. This situation has created confusion for the consumer who can legally purchase a machine that is outside of our state description of what a legal UTV or ATV is, but they later discover they can't ride it when their registration application is eventually returned. In some cases, however, the application / applicant for legal registration omits a certain model designation, yet with other examples of falsified models listed and being sent to the DNR registration bureau. Unfortunately, the state estimates as many as 10,000 machines may have already been registered when the fact is the machine is too wide or too heavy to meet the agreed upon size dimensions our trail footprints are planned around and built upon because of the falsified applications. Eventually the consumer discovers they either purchased a machine that was outside the legal parameters to be registered, only to discover they can no longer register or ride on our trail networks or even worse they are cited when discovered when riding out on the trail networks. The unscrupulous retailer bears no financial recourse under current law, simply because the original registration program is outdated. Under our change, we are clarifying where someone can be tried in a court of law for falsifying registration information.

11. ATVs that are not designed from the manufacturer for passengers are no longer allowed on the trail (it had already been illegal on route systems for some time).

During the bill signing, a line item veto power was executed which changed how the law was worded.

The new law made riding with passengers on an ATV or UTV that was not originally manufactured for passengers illegal on public trails (it was already illegal on roadways). However, the new law does allow passenger use on ATVs or UTVs not originally intended for passengers during an emergency situation for public safety entities. This would help protect those entities from lawsuit's that might arise during these types of operations, which occur throughout the year during rescue missions in remote areas.

Also adding to the confusion was the fact that passenger use on an ATV or UTV that was not originally intended for passengers was already illegal on public road routes and had been illegal for some time.

Sometimes the complexities that surround an issue are not as they first appear. We might think we understand what we're dealing with but when we dig deeper and pull away the layers, we often find something completely different.

To make a situation more complicated, others may disagree with how we want to approach the situation. A proper situation appraisal is an important step because often issues like this are found to have a tangle of divergent elements, varied opinions, different priorities or possibilities for solutions toward different needs.

Below is the wording from Act 183 regarding passenger use on All-Terrain Vehicles:

SECTION 12. 23.33 (3) (em) of the statutes is amended to read:
23.33 (3) (em) With Except as provided in sub. (11m), with a passenger riding in or on any part of a an all−terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle that is not designed or intended to be used by passengers while the all−terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle is being operated on an all−terrain vehicle route, all−terrain vehicle trail, or roadway as authorized in this section.

Act 183

In a press release after signing Act 183, Governor Evers wrote:

"I have exercised the partial veto in Section 25, relating to being a passenger on an allterrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle on public and private land. Current law prohibits a person from being a passenger on a utility terrain vehicle, regardless of location, if said vehicle is not designed for passengers. Section 25 would prohibit a person from being a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle that is not designed for passengers only on an all-terrain vehicle route, all-terrain vehicle trail, frozen water, or an authorized highway. This section would specifically not apply the prohibition to private property.

I am partially vetoing the requirement that the prohibition on unauthorized passengers only applies to designated routes and trails because I object to allowing the potentially unsafe operation of all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles in undesignated areas and on private land. If an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle is not designed for passengers, then it should not be operated with passengers, except for those exceptions provided for in Section 33. The safe transportation of passengers, regardless of location, is essential to the prevention of injuries and fatalities associated with all-terrain and utility terrain vehicle use. 

by Governor Evers

We have included the press release issued by Governor Evers below.

Furthermore, the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association was recently made aware that this law already existed for any road route (meaning it was already illegal to carry a passenger on any road route in Wisconsin). WATVA was not aware of this law change.

Passenger use on ATV's varies between states. For example, Michigan, Iowa, California does not allow passengers unless the ATV is originally manufactured for a passenger. Minnesota has some restrictions depending on which type of ATV it is (they have Class 1 and Class 2 ATVs).

The ATV Safety Institute advises that adding passengers to an ATV that is not designed for passengers changes the center of gravity and impacts the ability for the rider to safely control the machine. For best riding tips and a guide on safety, please check out the ATV Safety Institutes guide by following the following link: https://atvsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ASI-ATV-Tips-Guide-2018.pdf

Last Edited May 26th 2020 at 14:15.

When you register your ATV and / or UTV for the first time, you might receive a handy little booklet from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources which explains the current laws within the state. If you didn't, here is what it looks like: https://widnr.widen.net/s/zd9trpj55s/2022-atv-utv-regulations

In the event you were not able to take the time to read over the entire document, here is a post that goes over the frequently asked questions regarding ATV / UTV laws within the state.

• Every person born after 01-01-1988 must take and pass a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ATV safety course to legally operate an ATV or UTV on a public trail or route. Yes, this applies to people in their early 30's, it doesn't matter if you have your driver's license or not. The DNR ATV Safety course covers ATV / UTV laws and ethics.
• You must be at least 16 years old and have a WI DNR ATV safety certificate to operate an ATV or UTV by yourself on any road route. 12-15 year old youths are permitted to ride ATV's (not UTV's) on a road route ONLY IF accompanied by a parent or parent approved adult. However, some municipalities have different age minimums, specific hours of operation, mandatory insurance with some even requiring a valid drivers license. Remember, it's up to the owner / rider to learn and follow municipal ordinances that sometimes differ from Wisconsin state laws.
• Any person, operator or passenger under the age of 18 MUST wear a helmet that is approved from the Department of Transportation (DOT). A bicycle helmet does not qualify. If you can't find a helmet small enough for your child, they're probably too small to safely be riding on public trails or road routes.
• Every occupant riding in a UTV must be seated with a seatbelt fastened in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer. No passenger can ride in or on any part of a UTV that is not designed or intended to be used by passengers. You cannot ride in the back storage box areas, sitting on someone's lap or on the roof.
• Front headlights and rear taillights must be turned on, day or night, while riding on road routes & trail systems. The more visible you are to other vehicles, the safer everyone is. This safety tip applies to both road routes and trail systems.
• All ATV's and UTV's must display a current registration sticker on BOTH sides of the vehicle as well as on a rear facing plate. The plate must have a white background and use black text. Other details about the plate do apply. 
• No trail passes are required for in-state registrants. Wisconsin does have a non-resident trail pass (5 day or annual) with a single sticker requirement. The non-resident passes do not require rear facing plates. 
• Wisconsin has an exhaust sound level requirement (96 dB or less) designed to keep our trails and road routes quiet. Excessive sound levels annoy and curtail access, do your part. 
• Observe and follow all speed limits, as posted or provided in a municipal ordinance.

This is not a complete list of state ATV / UTV laws, only those that are most commonly asked about.

 Looking to hand this information out at an upcoming meeting? Download the PDF file here!

​Check out the latest events from the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association! 

Friday April 12th 2019

​5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Trail Ambassador Club Coordinator Training

Our trail ambassador club coordinator training is for clubs that are actively involved with the trail ambassador program and meet the requirements for a club coordinator.

7:00 p.m. - WATVA Game Show Premiere

Join us as we randomly select three WATVA clubs to compete for over $3,000 in prize money! Funds were raised by our WATVA dealerships. 

Saturday April 13th 2019

​7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Register & Check-in

Saturday kicks off with registration and guest check-in. Check-in is located in the commons, just inside the convention center main entrance.

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Motorized Trails Panel

• ​Governors ORV Council / Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association
  
• Governors OHM Council / Wisconsin Off-Highway Motorcycle Association
  
• Governors Snow Council / Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs
  
• Road Legal 4WD Association

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Working Lunch / Winter Trail Designation & Funding

How many users are enjoying the winter side of our sport? Is there proper funding to sustain the winter trail systems? What's the future for the winterized recreations? These are questions that are being asked to ensure that the winter trail program is where it should be. Join us for a lunch and discussion on how we are working on solutions to help winter trail funding in Wisconsin. Lunch will be held in the Expo center.

Lunch information: Our Saturday lunch includes your choice of a boxed lunch, and a presentation / open topic about winter trails for ATV and UTV vehicles. A lunch ticket is required to attend this workshop.

Lunch options:

• ​Roast Beef Sandwich w/ Chips, Cookie, Apple or Orange and Soda
• Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Wrap w/ Chips, Cookie, Apple or Orange and Soda
  
• Turkey and Cheese w/ Chips, Cookie, Apple or Orange and Soda
  
• Ham and Swiss w/ Chips, Cookie, Apple or Orange and Soda
  

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Trail Ambassador Awards & Banquet 

Our annual awards recognition evening kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with a dinner and presentation on the volunteers that enhanced our recreation program by being ambassadors of the sport.

Meal Information:

Your choice of two: beer brats, ground beef patties or grilled chicken breasts. Served with fresh buns and condiments, home-style baked beans, Wisconsin potato salad, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheese, coleslaw, potato chips, fresh fruit or fresh vegetables and fresh homemade cookie and bars.

Meal costs: $10.00 per person.

Sunday April 14th

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. - Annual Meeting Wrap Up Session

Our wrap up session is an open discussion towards the meeting and topics brought up during the workshops.  

Registration Information 

​For our second episode, we talked about the trail funding program in Wisconsin. You can watch the show live on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/watva) or on YouTube. You can also listen to the audio portion of the show below.

​Our first episode for the 2018/2019 season was a success! It's been a while since we have published a show, however we are back for more content. You can watch the show live on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/watva) or on YouTube. You can also listen to the audio portion of the show below.

​The Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association has published documents for previous events and meetings. WATVA is making these publications available for the public on this page.

About the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association

To further enhance and to expand the vision of the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association (WATVA), the leadership has recognized the need to provide a tangible set of goals to serve as a guide for the clubs and membership to believe in, to work toward, and to encourage others to join us!

WATVA promotes shared leaderships that strengthen the ability of organizations at the most local level. To best support and offer effective assistance to our members, our focus remains on helping form new OHV groups, offering meaningful help to existing ones, promoting a positive image in all things we do, and by establishing a communications network in which all can share their successes or ask for assistance with particular challenges. WATVA remains committed to provide educational programs and materials for youth and adults alike, to encourage awareness of the impact we all have on the future of the sport and industry of off-highway vehicles (OHV).

WATVA Goals

Ensure WATVA and its local chapters are widely recognized as a resource and support system for promoting responsible OHV use by providing useful and positive OHV information to area media, lawmakers, land managers, businesses and dealerships, and other sources as it may apply.

Ensure the behaviors of OHVers are that of enthusiasts who are respectful of other trail users; understand industry safety issues and who are environmentally responsible.
Promote the widespread image of OHV recreation as family oriented and as a responsible group maintaining sound community ethics. To assist and encourage community OHV recreational parks and/or trail systems at which safety training and responsible riding habits are a priority program.

Expand and sustain the network of OHV enthusiasts and their supporters who promote the responsible enjoyment of the OHV sport. Establish successful informational and educational displays in dealership showrooms that connect the local and state OHV organizations centering around the Ride Smart program.

Attract, train, involve, support, recognize and retain large numbers of members dedicated to promoting the WATVA's goals and mission. To coordinate and plan regional workshops that address specific needs of the members, OHV enthusiasts, land managers, tourism representatives and other advocates, to increase and maintain OHV riding area opportunities.

Promote balanced safety and environmental education. This includes but is not limited to distributing available materials through community safety programs and various demonstrations that present themselves to our memberships. To always be proactive and aggressive in delivering a consistent message that portrays the OHV sport as mainstream and socially acceptable.

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Trail Tales Magazine

Volume 21: Issue 1 - 2016

Purchase the VVMapping Map Book

Printed map book with over 150 pages of color maps from around Wisconsin.

Sold by National Motorsports Services.

 The following are economic impact studies that have been conducted to showcase the economic benefits ATVs and UTVs are towards a community.

The Economic Impact of ATV / UTV Riders in Wisconsin (2023)

 The Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association's rider-funded economic impact survey of riders during 2023. Data was gathered statewide by our volunteers and complied and reviewed by Daniel Lee Consulting LLC. 

Jackson County ATV/UTV Trail Study Survey Report, 2019 (June 2020/11)

The purpose of this study was to obtain trail surface preferences of ATV and UTV users of the Jackson County trail network and to solicit feedback about their trail experiences.

Jackson County ATV Trail Users Survey Report (2015)

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic impact of users of the Jackson County trail network and to solicit feedback from riders about their experience. Survey data were collected by intercept interviews with trail users during the 2015 trail season (May 16 to October 15).

Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account: Prototype Statistics for 2012-2016

Prototype statistics from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.0 percent ($373.7 billion) of current-dollar GDP in 2016 (table 1). In addition, the outdoor recreation economy grew 3.8 percent in 2016, compared to growth of 2.8 percent in the overall economy.

A Case Study of Cheese Country Trail Users & Economic Impacts in Southwestern Wisconsin (2012)

Motorized trail use is an important activity throughout the Lake States and is an important component of outdoor recreation in Wisconsin. As an enjoyable activity for all ages, it represents a particularly important form of outdoor recreation for older adults. The presence of places to ride and trails that connect communities provides these recreationists with a varied and enjoyable landscape within which to enjoy the Wisconsin outdoors. Motorized use trails also provide important assets for the development of tourism within rural communities.

In this report, we raise issues relevant to motorized recreational use of trails and the communities that find themselves affected by these trail users. We do this from a community development context and focus on the developmental attributes of trail user impacts as an externally driven community economic stimulus. As evidence, we support this with case study research of the Cheese Country Trail in Green, Lafayette, and Iowa Counties of southwestern Wisconsin.

Economic & Demographic Profile of Wisconsin's ATV Users (2004) (Updated 2022 Projections)

In an attempt to gather more information about Wisconsin's ATV riders, the Department of Tourism partnered with the Wisconsin All-Terrain Vehicle Association (WATVA) and the University of Wisconsinís Department of Urban and Regional Planning to gather marketing and economic impact information. The objectives of the research were: 1) to define an ATV rider (age, educational level, and residence); 2) to describe characteristics of the ATV trip (length of overnight stays, overnight accommodations, and party size), 3) to identify the userís reasons for being in the area and other attractions/activities they will participate in while on this trip; 4) to assess the importance of various aspects of ATV trail riding; 5) to measure user expenditures in the area; and 6) to determine the economic impact of nonresident visitors in the area.

Using the data from the 2003/4 study, we updated the number for current registrations and inflation. Click the file below to download. There is also a video explaining the then to now economic update. 

Data: Motorcycling, ATV riding, side-by-side driving among nation's largest outdoor recreation activities

IRVINE, Calif., — Motorcycling, ATV riding, and side-by-side driving are among the country's five largest traditional or conventional outdoor recreation activities, when ranked by economic output, according to data released last week by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

This was the first time that the BEA provided preliminary data on economic contribution in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, demonstrating how important outdoor recreation is to both local business as well as the nation's gross domestic product.

And, it's a growth sector.

According to the BEA release, its Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account "shows that inflation-adjusted (real) GDP for the outdoor recreation economy grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, faster than the 2.4 percent growth of the overall U.S. economy. Real gross output, compensation, and employment all grew faster in outdoor recreation than for the economy as a whole."

The bureau defines "conventional" outdoor recreation as activities done for pleasure, such as camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing, and involving some physical effort.

 "We have long known that motorcycling, ATV riding and side-by-side driving are major contributors to the economy, to our country's GDP, in so many ways," said Tim Buche, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. "We boost local economies, too, and not just through powersports dealers and retailers. Our enthusiasts book hotel stays, pay park fees, buy food, supplies, and other gear they need for all sorts of great outdoor adventures. All of that makes them, and our industry, a powerful economic engine that merits the attention of policymakers and those who manage public lands."

The information on this page is intended as a reference for clubs and municipalities that are seeking information on ATV & UTV sign topics.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(Trail Signs & Design)

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Resources
(Route Signs)

If you're looking for guidance on ATV / UTV road signage, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has two pages that explain in detail the rules and sign information needed. 

Enjoy the incredible scenery in Bayfield County, "Home of Wisconsin's National Treasures." Over 180 miles of ATV trails (PLUS hundreds of miles of Forest Roads) provide year 'round fun with frequent opportunities to stop at scenic vistas and great restaurants. Our trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers from area clubs in cooperation with the County Forestry & Parks Dept. and the USDA Forest Service.

Douglas County has over 100 miles of maintained summer ATV trails. As conditions change throughout the season, be sure to get the latest update on trail conditions by clicking on the links below, or by calling the Douglas County Trail Hotline 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (715) 378-4528.

If you're in the market for buying your first ATV / UTV, there are a few things you're going to want to consider before you take the first step into the off-road motorized recreation world. By now, you've probably searched the internet for the best models and found some helpful posts online. Keep in mind that asking "what's the best ATV / UTV" in a group of people will give you more answers than what you're looking for. In the end, it all depends on what you're looking for and what fits your needs. 

ATV... UTV... What's the difference?

It wasn't long ago that we only had one choice for what to ride. An All-Terrain Vehicle, or ATV. It actually started back in the 1980's with the introduction of the three wheeler. WATVA put together a history of ATVing book that you can access here.

For Wisconsin, we have laws that actually define what an ATV and UTV are. This helps manage what goes on our trails, as our trails are built for and designed for specific vehicles. Let's take a look at the definitions of an ATV and UTV for Wisconsin:

Registration Requirements

1. display current Wisconsin registration decals, or
   
2. possess a temporary operating receipt or
   
3. possess a copy of a signed registration application from a dealer.
   

1. Minimum of 4 inches high and 7 1/2 inches wide.
   
2. The plate must be white in color and display the four-number and two-letter registration ID in black characters for the ATV/UTV issued by the department. The minimum 4" x 7 ½" area must be white and must only contain the registration ID characters. Plates may be larger than the minimum size and the area outside the minimum white area may contain other graphics or colors. The registration ID numbers are located on the registration decals and registration certificate card.
   
3. The registration ID numbers shall be a minimum of 1 1/2 inches in height, and a minimum of a 3/16-inch stroke (width).The plate may be made from any type of material, but must be visible and in a legible condition at all times.
   

 What a fantastic annual meeting! Check out some of the photos.