Maine ’ s State ATV Program
Maine ’ s state ATV program is critical to the economics of many rural Maine communities . It provides a funding mechanism for ATV clubs to work with landowners and provides a trail network that is attractive to both resident and non-resident ATV enthusiasts . Governor Mills convened an ATV Task Force in 2019 and in 2020 the Task Force provided several focal points as initiatives to keep the world of ATVing in Maine a success . Learn more at mefishwildlife . com / atvtaskforce or maine . gov / dacf / parks / trail _ activities / atv / index . shtml .
Where does your ATV registration money go ?
When an individual registers their ATV in Maine , the registration fee is currently split between two state agencies : the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for safety education , law enforcement , the state ’ s landowner relations program , and administrative processing of registrations ; and the Off-road Recreational Vehicle Office of the Maine Department of Agriculture , Conservation and Forestry ( ACF )’ s Bureau of Parks and Lands , which is charged with establishing a statewide trail network , providing development and maintenance grants to clubs and municipalities , conducting landowner relations , and coordinating and supporting ATV clubs . For every ATV registration purchased , over 2/3 of the fee goes directly into the trail maintenance fund .
What are ATV trail grants ?
ATV Trail grants are funded through a portion of registration fees for creation , improvement , and maintenance of local trails . Grants can be issued directly to an ATV club or through a municipality or county , with conditions attached to either option . Once the work is completed , the club or municipality is reimbursed ( 100 % for club grants and 90 % for municipal grants ). A reimbursement of $ 500 per year for landowner relations initiatives or events is also available with either grant type .
How do ATV clubs contribute ?
Clubs are critical to Maine ’ s ATV program , and at the heart of its success . They apply directly for club grants and often are appointed to carry out municipal grant work . When constructing or maintaining trails , clubs pay for the entire expense upfront and then are reimbursed with grant funds . Clubs provide a valuable link between ATV riders , businesses , landowners and first responders . The future of ATV riding depends upon more people joining clubs , to grow on a wider and more consistent scale the professionalism and service-minded values that well-trained volunteer members demonstrate in the following ways :
TRAIL STEWARDSHIP Club members work with landowners ( public and private ) to locate , design , construct , map , and maintain trails . This includes weekly monitoring ( checking general condition and ensuring there is no environmental damage from off-trail riding , etc .) and routine maintenance ( clearing brush , filling small holes , small culverts , etc .).
LANDOWNER RELATIONS Clubs are the initial contact with local landowners and the main contact to establish , close , and relocate trails . They also help find and provide solutions that address landowners ’ needs .
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ATV club members know their trails inside and out , and often step in to provide equipment , personnel , and guidance for first responders . They also help to identify and locate problem users .
RIDER EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ATV club members promote safe , ethical , environmentally sound riding and positive landowner relations , leading by example and through education / outreach . Their communication methods include publishing newsletters , newspapers , and social media communications ; conducting safety and maintenance clinics ; and sponsoring ATV outings .
GPS RECORDING AND MAPPING ATV clubs help collect GPS data on their trail system so it can be accurately mapped for insurance protection and to provide guidance to users as well as landowners and first responders .