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ATV SAFETY
DEMONSTRATION FEATURED AT WISCONSIN OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPO
Nearly 4000 4th and
5th graders gather to learn about life beyond video games
and MySpace
"Technology is great, but the challenge becomes to balance that
with participation in outdoor recreation and the associated
benefits therein," says Wisconsin ATV Association President
Randy Hardin. Hardin was referring to the recent Wisconsin
Outdoor Expo Expo which was
 attended
by nearly 4000 4th and 5th grade students from south central
Wisconsin schools. The Expo was primarily organized by the
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources with lots of help from
outdoor enthusiast volunteers and businesses.
"A special thanks goes out to our outstanding Trail Patrol
Ambassadors and WATVA club leaders and members," says
Hardin, referring to the ATV Safety Camp Demonstration area.
"Without their dedication and shared experiences, this
setting would not be what it is! Of special note goes to our
Youth Expo coordinators, Hank Wozniel and Rob McConnell, who
put in the long hours required to schedule and coordinate
the layouts and ATV camp focus."
"I would be remiss if I didn’t give one last 'special mention' and
thank you to our Tread Lightly! mascot (Lightfoot), Dave
Rasmussen. His enthusiasm and dedication for that role needs
a special acknowledgement, it takes a special personality
and stamina to withstand that many kids - all at once!"
The following summary showcases the many different venues and
platforms at which outdoor enthusiasts and Wisconsin DNR
agency personnel combined to expose Wisconsin's future
participants and invite them to become active in outdoor
recreation.
· The Expo layout was more efficient than last year,
handling a larger crowd with relative ease.
· Roger Hansen was a huge hit with his retriever
demonstration. Hundreds gathered on the hill
 outside
the racetrack to see his two Labs and Springer put on a
great show.
· Miss Wisconsin USA attended courtesy of the WI Trappers
Association. She signed hundreds of autographs until a sly
twelve year old boy asked for a kiss. Dozens of young men
were later seen sporting lipstick on their cheeks.
· The Trappers really stepped up their demonstration,
students were very involved.
· The Fishing Camp served really good deep fried walleye,
catfish and smelt. The camp was active all day.
· The crowd around Nick Hawkins from the Great Lakes Indian
Fish and Wildlife Commission was huge!
· The WI Bowhunters repeated their flawless performance of
2006. Libby Burmaster even got a bull’s-eye…on camera.
· The Wildlife Camp had a more open flow, benefiting from
the third tent. As usual, the Camp experienced a steady
flow.
· The raptor demonstration was a little hidden back in the
crafts building, but we were able to generate good traffic
with regular PA announcements.
· The ATV demonstration was more hands-on and the students
love it. Gander Mountain provided a great looking camping
venue and geo-caching was popular.
· When you leave it to DNR law enforcement officers, you can
expect a well-organized Firearm Safety Camp. This year’s
layout was even better than 2006..
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