The OHV program in Tennessee is managed by TWRA. It is funded by federal grants. The source of the grants is the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The RTP is funded by a percentage of the tax on each gallon of gas sold across the country. The TWRA is responsible for a 20% cash match. Example, TWRA has to come up with $20,000 to get a $80,000 grant to total $100,000. The source of matching funds is TWRA's wildlife and / or wetland fund: or fees charged by TWRA for use of the North Cumberland WMA trails.
As you can see above, it is a grey area about funding, this and that or this, and TWRA can apparently move money around to suit their needs. How do we know the money from the grant is actually used on the trails and not put into the general fund of TWRA? The OHV program could stand on it's own if managed properly. Just look at the OHV riding area map. The only portion of land they show for OHV use is on the east side of I 75. They do manage those trails but they don't promote any of the land to the west side. Actually, they closed some of the existing trails there. If this area that lies between Brimstone and Windrock was managed properly and the trails there were marked and the old trails re-opened, and the out of state permits costs were dropped, it would increase tourism in the state. With all 3 permits, Brimstone, Windrock and the now WMA land that would give us access to over 200,000 acres! You could ride from Oliver Springs to Huntsville all the way to I75. That would be good for all of us.
TWRA is already rocked back on their heels and are in "wind down mode" which means if the bill that is in the state legislature isn't passed the TWRA will go out of bussiness. Check out this article below. If you have an issue with TWRA now is the time to contact your state rep or senator. I have a meeting with my state senator this friday to address my issues with TWRA. Brimstone is haveing a similar meeting with state reps/senators/mayor and other government officials on October 7th in Huntsville which I plan to attend. I want the OHV portion of TWRA to be removed and placed in a separate organization. Having a "game warden" over the OHV program is like having the fox guarding the hen house. Another issue is I want the in-state OHV permits lowered to the same price as the hunting license. If you agree, please post here and I will pass your coments on to the senator. I would like some replies from out of state riders also to show that you out of state guys would buy permits if they were a resonable price.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]I for one pray that this happens. TWRA does what ever they want. They report to a 13 member panel that has 6 year staggered terms. The openings are filled by the govenor at the time. TWRA is also over what little off road program there is in North Cumberland - Sunquist unit. TWRA does NOT listen to the people of the state and use any of their input before making any policy changes.
After our last Govenor bought the land that was under Brimstone management, the TWRA wasted little time in closing most of the trails. What we need is for the OHV program to be removed from TWRA and placed in a separate program which will be dedicated to promoting OHV use in the state. It has worked for other states and it could here.
So, pass the word and get everyone you can to post a coment here. Let's make this happen while we have the opportunity. Please leave your first name, city and state if possible. I want to show how many people both in and out of state are supporting this.
Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:03 am
