Current Newsletter and LUV Updates
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Current Newsletter and LUV Updates
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Dun-Good Club ReporterJune 2008
The snowmobile season is behind us and now we are in the mist of the ATV season. Because Dun-Good is a dual usage club, there isn’t much of an “off season”! As always, club volunteers have been busy on and off the trails. There is a lot of news to catch up on so read on!
Please Note: ATV Safety Certification classes will be held on Tuesday, June 24th, Thursday June 26th and Saturday, June 28th at Lake Hilbert Campground.
The campground is located right off of Cty Hwy H at N20470 Town Park Road. The Tuesday & Thursday classroom sessions will last from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The written and driving tests will be given on Saturday, June 28th beginning at 3:00 p.m. until completed. Students must attend all 3 sessions to successfully complete the course. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend with the kids. Contact Terry Wagner at 715-336-3013 for more information. Remember: anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, MUST be DNR-ATV safety certified to legally ride Wisconsin state trails and parks. Please see the DNR web site for information on safety classes in other areas of the state, www.dnr.wi.gov.
Wisconsin law requires that anyone using Wisconsin ATV trails must display either a Wisconsin registration or a non-resident ATV trail pass. See web site www.atv.wisconsin.gov for on line registration, renewals and additional information. Please be sure that you are operating legally and in a responsible, ethical manner. Check the area and local access before you ride. Respect the private landowner, community regulations and the land itself. Anti-motorized folks will use any infraction, justified or not, to fight our form of recreation. The future of ATVing as well as the trail system itself depends on the riding decisions you make today! A simple, inexpensive safety feature is to install and make use of rear view mirrors on your ATV (or snowmobile). Once you have them, you’ll never want to ride without them.
At the May 20, 2008 Dun-Good meeting, Goodman Town Supervisor, Jim LaChapell, informed the club that the town board would open Goodman Township Roads to ATV’s and LUV’s on a trial basis. He asked for the club’s assistance in providing signage and posting speed limits on the routes in the Town of Goodman. He also noted that this is a trial and if riders abuse the privilege, it will be withdrawn. Representatives from your club have actively worked with Goodman and other towns in the area to provide more legal routes and access to the trails. We would like to thank the Town of Goodman for acknowledging the growing popularity of the sport and the importance it plays in the area economy. Please obey the signs, speed limits and restrictions. Keep in mind that riding your ATV is a privilege and not a right. Ride responsibly and with gratitude. Irresponsible riders will spoil it for everyone.
Several Wisconsin counties including Marinette County will be participating in the DNR pilot program to determine the effects of side-by-side Light Utility Vehicles (LUV’s) on existing ATV trails and approved routes. These types of vehicles are commonly referred to as “gators” or “mules”. This pilot program will be in effect from May 1, 2008 until September 30, 2009. The program will determine if the side-by-side vehicles are compatible with other ATV trail users. People who wish to ride their LUV’s legally on the Marinette County ATV system must purchase a $20 sticker for the 2 years and complete a LUV registration form. Stickers and forms are available from the Marinette County Parks and Recreation office in Marinette and at several local outlets including North Country Inn, in Dunbar; 8-HI Club in Goodman; Roadside Repair in Pembine; Countryside Lawn & Sport, Niagara; Jungle Jim’s, in Silver Cliff; J C Power Sports, Crivitz and Cozzy’s Polaris, Marinette. There are certain rules and restrictions that apply and all the information is available on the registration form or by visiting www.marinettecounty.com, click on “Parks” and then “Outdoor Recreation” (LUV’s). Florence County is also participating in the program; however LUV’s are not allowed in Oconto County and other nearby counties. LUV’s are not allowed on the snowmobile only trails in Marinette County. Know before you go!
On Saturday, July 26th, the Dun-Good Rides will host the 2008 Summer WATVA Regional ATV Meeting at the club shed. Terry Coplien, WATVA’s Northeast Regional Coordinator, is directing the meeting and the Dun-Good club is coordinating the day’s activities. In addition to all the ATV clubs in the Northeast region, Terry has invited the northwest region to join us as well. This meeting will involve clubs from the entire northern half of the state and could draw a large group of ATV’ers to the area. Everyone is invited to attend and to bring the family. Come on Friday and enjoy the trails and area attractions. On Saturday, there will be a business meeting with an exchange of valuable information. There’ll be equipment demos, trail rides, lunch and entertainment for the kids. Spend the night at local lodging or camping sites and finish up the weekend with a trail ride on Sunday before heading home. This is an opportunity to highlight our club’s trail system and equipment, our accomplishments and the success we have found by being a “dual purpose” club. We’re proof that snowmobilers and ATV’ers can get along and work together. We can learn from each other and benefit from the problems we’ve overcome. We will need volunteers to help with the day’s events and kid’s activities as well as people to attend the meeting. If you are willing to volunteer, please be at the next club meeting at Trails End on June 17th at 7:00 p.m. If unable to attend, please contact club president Pat Mullarky at 715-324-6020 or email him at vintagepats@yahoo.com.
On behalf of all trail riders, I would like to thank all the dedicated club volunteers for the hard work and long hours put into improving and maintaining Dun-Good’s summer and winter trail system. Last summer and early fall found club members busy brushing the sides of the trails, hauling sand and gravel to fill in problem rocky areas and grooming and leveling the ground. All this work improved the ATV trails but also provided a flat surface for the snowmobile trail system. Not only is the club fortunate to have members who are willing and able to do this type of trail work, we also have the equipment to get the job done! Right now, the tractor is in Canada where Sur-Trac is outfitting it with a 4-track system that the club will field test for a 12-month period. They were interested in testing this application in an area that does year round grooming. The tractor should be returned to us within the next week or so. The soil processor is being updated by the Nortech Corporation and should be retuned and ready to go by the second week in June. Dun-Good and 2 other Marinette County clubs sought the aid of the AWSC’s legal counsel and we’re currently in litigation with Metal Plisses regarding the 4-track systems purchased from them. The club has 2 brushers, one that attaches to the front of the Sur-Trac and another that goes on the back of the New Holland TS-135 tractor. The dump truck is used for hauling gravel and moving the equipment. We also have a skid steer and an equipment trailer and many hand tools and smaller items used for trail work and maintenance. The club has been able to keep the equipment updated and replaced as needed. A great deal of money is invested in the equipment and other trail supplies. This is an example of how the funds go back into the trail system when you support the club’s fundraisers. Not everyone can do trail work, but there are many other ways to support the club so the trail system can be maintained for your enjoyment. Thanks to all of those who do help in so many different ways!
The Dun-Good Riders Trail Fund Raiser and Open House will be held at the Club Shed on Saturday September 27th from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The day will be filled with good food, beverages, paddlewheel raffles, friendship and fun. Come by car or ride in on your ATV. The club shed is right next to the trail. We are honored that Miss Snowflake, Ashley Hull will be joining us that day. Stop and meet this great snowmobile ambassador, say hello and find out how she won her title. Maybe someday Dun-Good can have a Miss Snowflake too! The big raffle drawing will be at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the raffle cost $10 each and are available from area business places or from club members. Only 1300 tickets are printed giving you good odds at winning one of the great prizes. 1st prize is a red 2008 Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4 and 2nd is a 2008 Triton Aluminum trailer. Both of these prizes were purchased from Cozzy’s in Marinette. 3rd prize is a Thompson Center .50 cal. Omega Muzzleloader; 4th prize is a traditional Pursuit XLT Break Open Muzzleloader; and 5th prize is a 2-night stay in a deluxe suite donated by the Four Seasons Resort. The prizes will be displayed at events throughout the area so you can check them over. With good prizes like these, you might be disappointed if you wait until the last minute to buy your tickets. Better get them soon! This year, both the business place and the individual selling the most tickets will be rewarded with a dinner for 2 and a one-year club membership.
The snowmobile conditions were outstanding this season! We had lots of snow on top of a thick ice base. People say it was the greatest season they can remember for many years. Groomers did an outstanding job keeping up with the regular snowfalls. One unfortunate drawback was that our local business places didn’t see the usual influx of riders. The whole state and parts of Illinois were blessed with good snow and many of the southern visitors were able to ride right at home. The benefit was that the trails weren’t as crowded! A dedicated group of volunteers made sure that the entire Dun-Good winter trail system was groomed at least once a week. Thanks to everyone involved with trail issues and the grooming process: Charlie Lex, Rick & Jan Thompson, Bob Vanden Boom, Bob & Kathy Hopp, Joe Stoll, Dustin Smith, Pat Mullarky, Dave Schultz, Gale Ullman, Terry Wagner, Lew Lambert, Kevin Rocque and Darryl Gardner. I apologize if I’ve missed anyone. You all did great job!
The Dun-Good Riders were represented at the state AWSC and WATVA meetings. In March, new officers were elected to lead the AWSC: Bill Schumann, president; Doug Johnson, vice president; Darlene Krentz, secretary and Natalie Sessler, treasurer. Dave Newman is the new Executive Director. The AWSC office headquarters has relocated to DeForest, Wisconsin. Club members who have paid snowmobile dues will receive the Wisconsin Snowmobile News magazine published 7 times a year during the snow season. View the AWSC web site at www.awsc.org. ATV memberships will receive copies of WATVA Trail Tales several times throughout the year. The ATV portion of the club is growing by leaps and bounds, just as the sport itself is gaining in popularity. The WATVA annual workshop and meeting were held in Stevens Point. The ATV community is faced with many serious issues that continually involve the WATVA leadership. WATVA president is Randy Harden; vice president is Rob McConnell; secretary is Ann Harden and Randy Curtis is treasurer. Dun-Good club member, Spence McElroy, serves as the trail specialist on the Board of Advisors and Bill Schumann is the Public Relations Advisor. WATVA is concerned with ATV’s image and dealing with other user groups. WATVA’s web site is www.watva.org. The club web site has updated information on club events, trail conditions, weather and other items of interest. Check it out at www.dungood.com. Dun-Good secretary, May Lou Neumann, will contact you when it’s time to renew your snowmobile or ATV dues. New members are always welcome!
State Senator Roger Breske will be leaving his office as he has been appointed Commissioner of Railroads for the State of Wisconsin. He will be greatly missed, as he was a friend of motorized recreation and tourism. Dun-Good members, Rick & Jan Thompson ran the brusher as members of the Goodman Conservation Club brushed out Pothole Lake Road. Fish were also planted in 3 area lakes in the township of Goodman for the fishing enjoyment of children and senior citizens. The Dun-Good Riders are planning on being represented in the Goodman Centennial Parade & Celebration at 10:30 a.m. on August 9th. We’re pleased to announce that AWSC Miss Snowflake, Ashley Hull, has agreed to join us in the parade. Come out to meet her and make her feel welcome to the Goodman area. Members are welcome to come on along and join in the fun – ride on the float, wave and greet people along the way and pass out candy to the “kids”. All club members are welcome to participate. We’re looking for suggestions and help for a unique and fun parade entry. See Kevin Rocque at 8-HI for more information. The “First Annual ATV Ride To Stamp Out MS” will be held on Saturday June 28th beginning at 10:30 am. The ride will begin and end at Rocque’s 8-HI Club with lunch to follow. Entry fee is $50. Feel free to collect donations from family and friends. All proceeds will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information or to sign up, please contact Kevin Rocque at 715-336-2372. Stop in at Bear Necessities, Dunbar’s “Little Store” and welcome the new owner, Cheryl Lopez. The store, located on the Dun-Good snowmobile and ATV trail system, is open 7-days a week from 8AM-8PM. Cheryl sells gasoline, lottery tickets, grocery items and issues burn permits. Please patronize ALL of our club sponsors. We appreciate their support!
Whew! I told you there was lots of news to catch up on! I hope I didn’t bore you, but if you have any questions about the news content, please contact Patti Mullarky at 715-324-6020 or email vintagepats@yahoo.com. Contact a club officer with club questions or concerns. I hope you’ll have good, safe riding. Enjoy the trails!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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