The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is a nonprofit public benefit organization, recognized as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Primarily funded by the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, NOHVCC exists to create a positive future for OHV Recreation.
Mission
NOHVCC, as a national body of OHV recreation enthusiasts, develops and provides a wide spectrum of programs, materials and information, or “tools”, to individuals, clubs, associations and agencies to further a positive future for responsible OHV recreation.
Mission Objectives
NOHVCC concentrates on these principal areas of support (not listed in priority order).
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Help to establish and sustain clubs and state/regional associations that can provide the necessary local support to OHV recreation. Sustainment involves providing information, training, and services that will enhance the effectiveness of these organizations.
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Provide a State Partner Program to establish designated volunteer liaison personnel in states to provide information and support to local organizations while also providing information to NOHVCC about local issues of interest. The two-way communication that is part of this program is intended to ensure that information and resources are brought to bear to ensure the best outcomes for OHV recreation.
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Provide information and support to OHV enthusiasts, land managers, and agencies as part of our Great Trails Program. NOHVCC is a primary leader in developing best practices and reference material that supports sound motorized trail design and management. This promotes the preferred recreation experience for enthusiasts while contributing to sustainable trail design that land managers require to address ongoing maintenance and environmental concerns.
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Develop and host an annual conference that addresses important OHV related issues and concerns of enthusiasts, land managers, agencies, and the OHV industry. This involves developing input from these groups to tailor the content of the conference to best meet needs and priorities.
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Provide an opportunity for partnership and coordination among enthusiasts, land managers, recreation planners, OHV related agencies, OHV industry representatives, policy makers, and others that have an impact on the OHV recreation environment. Much of this involves promoting best management practices that will contribute to a favorable outcome for OHV recreation.
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Provide education materials and opportunities that contribute to the knowledge and wisdom of those involved with OHV recreation. This also involves improving communication channels to expand our reach in providing this and other services in support of our mission.
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Promote safe and responsible OHV recreation and the positive image required for our recreational interests to thrive. Contribute to developing understanding and acceptance of OHV recreation as part of a positive and responsible lifestyle. Some elements that contribute to long term success in this realm involve youth education and education for all that addresses topics like safety, ethics, and environmental concerns.
Apart from these principal areas of concern, there are sometimes opportunities for NOHVCC to take other actions that contribute to a positive outcome for OHV recreation. Opportunities are evaluated to ensure the best use of our resources.
2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan
The NOHVCC Board of Directors approved its 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan on January 11, 2024. To download the plan, click the button below.
Download the Strategic PlanBoard of Directors
Send a Message to a Board Member
Bryan Much
Natasha West, Secretary
Charles Sims, Treasurer
Danny Hale, Network Development
Steve Newton
Carol Smith
Clif Koontz
Tom Niemela
Scott Jones
Mel Fish
Brad Smith
Dan Kleen, Ex Officio
Wayne Daub, Ex Officio
Geoff Jilg, Ex Officio
Issue Area Representatives
Clif Koontz, Public Lands
Possesses knowledge and experience related to OHV use on public lands, including experience dealing with public lands management agencies and personnel. This includes dealing with federal Travel and Resource Management Plans or other processes , and/or experience dealing with State Departments of Natural Resources, Parks or other state and local agencies.
Brad Smith, Private Lands
Possesses knowledge and experience related to OHV use on private lands, including experience with a broad array of issues related to private OHV facilities. The Private Lands IAR’s experience includes managing OHVs on private lands, identifying opportunities for insurance, dealing with landowners, and understanding potential pitfalls faced by owners/operators of OHV access to private lands.
Carol Smith, Youth and Education
Possesses knowledge and experience related to OHV education and safety, including experience developing safety and education materials and campaigns, instructing OHV safety courses, engaging youth in safety and education programs and other related areas.
Steve Newton, Clubs and Associations
Possesses knowledge and experience related to forming, running, and carrying out functions of effective OHV clubs and/or associations, including creating, developing, and leading clubs and associations.
Staff
Marc Hildesheim, Executive Director
Laura Feist, Executive Assistant
Partners
NOHVCC Partners serve as a liaison between NOHVCC and motorized recreation enthusiasts in their States. In short, Partners are volunteers who stay up to date on OHV issues in their respective States and inform NOHVCC about successes, hurdles and best practices. NOHVCC, in turn, offers tools, knowledge from other Partners and staff, and access to experts in all aspects of OHV recreation. Each Partner brings a unique set of experiences and skill sets to support responsible OHV recreation in his or her own State and works with Partners and other enthusiasts from across the country.