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Presidents Corner

AZOHVC Membership
November 5th, 2005

You ever think that anything you join really has an impact on the things that you care about? Well joining the AZOHVC does!!!

Why you ask? What does my membership do?

It does two very important things. First it provides the financial resources for us to educate the public about who and what the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Community is. How we are the environmentalists that do the trash clean ups. How we are the ones that rebuilds the roads and trails that have been destroyed by nature and map the existing trails for many of the land management agencies. How we are the ones who are fencing key areas to protect wildlife and signing areas so that people will stay on maintained trails. How we are the ones that are involved in self patrolling areas for people that have no respect for the land, to educate and sometimes rid those that damage areas, so that those areas are available for our kids to enjoy in the future. It is not the radical environmentalists that are out there doing this but members of the OHV Community.

Second, by being a part of a group that represents OHV recreationists, working with the many other groups of Mountain Bikers, Horse Riders and Hikers who use the roads and trails, you provide us with the political leverage that we will need to impress upon our local, state and federal officials, as well as the Arizona State Legislature, the width and range of the OHV community. They need to understand that we want continued access to our public lands and are organizing to make our voice heard. Everyone from the Motorized Rock Climber, Motocross and ATV racer, to the Sunday family SUV adventurer that comes out for a nature drive, is part of the OHV community. That is who we are, a diverse group of outdoor recreationalists, who wish to share the roads and trails with everyone.
We are the moderates and we are the majority in Arizona.

Surprised you say. Next time you stop for gas on a weekend, or pull up to a fast food drive through, look around and count the amount of Off Highway Vehicles you see. The numbers are staggering in Arizona to the amount of ATV, 4x4, Motorcycle and other OHV vehicles that are out there and our goal is to reach them all. Our culture in Arizona is closely tied to the outdoors because of the great weather and lifestyle that we lead and getting there has always entailed the use of Off Highway Vehicles and we want input into the decisions and policies that impact that.

Nations, buildings, and organizations are begun with just one person starting the process and you are that one person. Take the time to really evaluate what is important to you and realize that being part of AZOHVC will make a difference in our state on keeping the public lands open for all. This state is big enough for us all to enjoy the great recreation opportunities that it offers and we are the OHV grass roots organization that starts with you. Your support will make the difference. Thanks for all you do, enjoy our great state of Arizona and all its natural wonders, and join the AZOHVC to have a say in the lands that you and all the public owns.


Steve Carmickle
President
Arizona Off Highway Vehicle Coalition