ATV recreation is one of the fastest growing and largest segments of outdoor recreation. In Pennsylvania it ranks behind only boating and RV'ing in the $618 billion dollar outdoor recreation industry. Motorized recreation is able to meet the needs of a diverse demographic, from the physically challenged to family demands for multiple participants. Today more places look to add MRO (Motorized Recreation Opportunities). Whether it is an off-road riding park, trail system, or road access, safe and successful expansion starts with smart planning.

Common questions are : Where are you planning to ride, will you have road use? What is the focus of your project, is there access to local town businesses, are landowners going to participate? What is your inventory? Sensitive environmental and ecologic areas to avoid, reclaim land and co-locate resources? Many issues will factor into the size, scope, and success of your project.

There is always community value when local residents enjoy safe recreation, and tourism will boost local businesses, and MRO events can support local emergency services.

With over 330,000 registered owners in Pa., we know there is a need to serve the industry, but where do you fit in? Successful riding parks like AOAA, Famous Reading Outdoors, Rock Run, Mines and Meadows, Mountain Ridge and Trail systems in Allegheny National Forest, Northern Regional ATV Trail System (NRAT) and Elk County Riders have grown and continue to grow each year. The recently established NRAT system helped the local region experience $23.7 million in growth with 28% of business attributed to ATV tourism.

I currently serve as Assistant Executive Director of PAOHV ( Pa. Off-Highway Vehicle Assoc), alternate member of SAAC, member of the PennDOT ATV road Committee, assist CEN-PA (Conservative Energy Network PA), Pa Land and Liberty Coalition, and work with the NSXSA ( National SXS Association), and various municipal offices.