Creating a master plan for Off-Highway Motorcycling in Minnesota

Up! Outside in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and District 23/Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA), is creating a master plan for the use of off-highway motorcycles (OHM) across the State of Minnesota. The master plan will be used to gauge current use and trends, the desires of the riders, current and proposed opportunities, and as a strategic tool to guide the department’s future management of the recreation.

OHMs are used in Minnesota for a variety of recreational activities. The most common form is called dirt bikes or trail bikes. These uses include motocross tracks on private property, flat track racing, off-road racing, non-competition trail riding, etc. There are also specialty OHMs called trials bikes which are similar in scope and activity as BMX bicycle obstacle activities. Other OHMs can include dual-sport motorcycles which are highway licensed and capable of traveling both on and off paved roads.

The DNR and ARMCA work together to manage OHM trails on state lands and within the Grant-in-Aid program. The master plan will focus on recreational trail use, but additional types of OHM use will also be reviewed. The final plan will assist the DNR and its partners to strategically manage the use including additional opportunities, ensuring trail maintenance is performed, and protecting the natural environment. Additional uses may include additional trails, higher levels of difficulty on current or proposed trails, skills building areas, and training areas.

UP! Outside will use surveys and conference calls as initial scoping and information gathering tools. When that information is analyzed, the team will use public meetings, surveys, or web conferencing to gather public input.