· Identify issues and activities perceived as inappropriate use of OHVs as part of hunting,

· Develop key ethics education and behavior messages consistent with existing information and programs that should be communicated nationally to the hunting public,

· Identify traditional and innovative ways to distribute these key messages, and identify representatives willing to undertake the tasks that would fulfill the Summit goals.

· Recognize that actions of the Summit not restrict hunters with disabilities. (This last point was added by consensus of the group at the Summit.)

The group also adhered to agreed upon and posted ground rules that included:

ü Respect other concerns & interests.
ü Cell phones remain off.
ü Try to understand others points of view.
ü Agree that we may not always agree.

Following review of current state and federal laws, existing information, and educational programs the participants broke into three groups for facilitated discussion of "perceived" inappropriate uses of OHVs as part of hunting. When the groups came back together their lists were compared. The Perceived Inappropriate Use of OHVs as Part of Hunting common to all three groups were further prioritized by individual vote. Each participant was given three votes and allowed to place their individual votes all on one issue or to divide them between two or three issues. In the following results number 1 indicates the issue receiving the highest number of votes, number 13 indicates the issue receiving the lowest number of votes. Future education and outreach efforts will first focus on the highest priority issues.

1. That hunters on ATVs ride illegally on non-motorized single-track trails and on motorized trails designated for motorcycles only.

2. That hunters utilizing OHVs trespass into areas and trails closed to motorized vehicles.

3. That hunters utilizing OHVs travel cross-country.

4. That hunters utilizing OHVs have poor ethics; sportsmanship, fair chase or respect for resources.

5. That hunters utilizing OHVs travel off of existing routes to retrieve game and drag rather than carry out their game.

6. That hunters on OHVs displace wildlife.

7. That hunters on OHVs spread noxious weeds.

8. Inappropriate use of OHVs for hunting is encouraged by media advertising.

9. That hunters on OHVs chase wildlife.

10. That hunters on OHVs diminish the traditional hunting experience.

11. That hunters on OHVs have an unfair access and retrieval advantage over hunters not using OHVs.

12. That hunting with OHVs causes noise, air, and water pollution.

13. That hunting with OHVs causes damage to wet areas and wetlands, and during adverse conditions.

Other common critical issues associated with but beyond the Summit's objectives were:

· Lack of overall management.
· Ability/means to identify OHVs being used in an inappropriate manner.

The final step in the Summit's agenda was for the group to determine "Where Do We Go From Here." The participants quickly determined that a working group was necessary to develop Key Messages that would address the perceived inappropriate uses, distribute and promote the Key Messages, and build partnerships for their efforts. The commitment of the assembled group was clearly demonstrated when almost all signed up for tasks.

The closing exercise of the Summit was a group brainstorming of effective ways to distribute and sell their message.

A measure of any meetings value is if the objectives of the meeting are met. Not only were the Summit's objectives met but the working group is aggressively tackling their tasks. As follow-up to the Summit the group developed a mission statement, set of objectives, and slogan.

MISSION STATEMENT: Develop and provide an off-highway vehicle ethics awareness program for public and private lands that is consistent among all agencies and initially oriented toward hunters who choose to use OHVs as part of their hunting experience.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To significantly reduce illegal use of OHVs used during the hunting season.

2. To incorporate an OHV ethics message in all state Hunter Education Program student manuals by July 1, 2004.

3. To develop a comprehensive package of ethics awareness tools that are available for agencies and private organizations by January 1, 2002. (Brochures, posters, fliers, PSAs, etc.)

4. To publicize nationwide the "On The Right Trail" program.

SLOGAN: On The Right Trail

Russ Ehnes, Executive Director, of the NOHVCC states about the conference and it's results, "While getting a group this diverse to agree on anything can be challenging, I think we hit a home run with this summit. The results of this summit will no doubt result in a variety of educational products that can be applied across the nation."

For further information regarding "On The Right Trail" contact:

Bob Walker
State Trails Programs Coordinator
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
Phone: 496-444-4585

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
4718 South Taylor Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 800-348-6487
Web: WWW.nohvcc.org