2025 NOHVCC Annual Conference - Award Recipients Announced

This year at the 2025 NOHVCC Annual Conference, the NOHVCC Awards Committee, consisting of Tasha West, Brad Smith and Clif Koontz presented awards to those who have been nominated, and then reviewed by the committee. 

This year we had many nominations, and the following received the following awards. 

Partner of the Year - Matt Bucher - Matt Bucher was awarded State Partner of the Year for his work in forming a state-level off-highway motorcycle (OHM) association in Ohio, the aptly named Ohio Off-Highway Motorcycle Association. Matt recognized the benefit of having a state-wide association to better represent off-highway motorcyclists in Ohio and started the work to generate support. As he saw upcoming near-term opportunities for OHM riders to make their needs known with state and federal government agencies, Matt quickly assembled a skilled team to build the association and continue that work once the organization was in place. His initiative and leadership facilitated the collaboration that quickly got the association up and running. The association already stands out as an active and effective resource to increase opportunities for off-highway motorcyclists in Ohio and beyond. Indications are clear that this organization will continue to thrive and serve as an important asset for OHM riders. Matt clearly distinguished himself by showing exceptional initiative, leadership, and commitment in support of OHV recreation and he serves as an example of how our State Partners can develop important initiatives in their states and beyond.

Club of the Year - Northwoods Regional ATV Trails Alliance - This Alliance manages 500 miles of ATV Trails in Minnesota known as the Northwoods Regional ATV Trail System, which also allows for motorcycle riding on 90% of the trail segments. The 11-club alliance meets quarterly to improve the trails, promote, and always look to connect more trails and clubs.  Recent articles were published in the MN Wheelin’ magazine regarding the trail system and the alliance. Alliance member clubs have hosted many Ride & Roast as well as Ride & Rally events for the ATV Association of Minnesota, and hosted a NOHVCC workshop in Isle, MN in 2018. The original two counties, Aitkin and Itasca, continue to be the sponsors of the Alliance.

Volunteer of the Year - Mike McMahon – Mike helped to form the Keweenaw ATV Club twenty years ago. Once it secured 501(c)(3) status, he helped it become a sponsor club to receive DNR funds. Mike was instrumental in getting the ATV trails in northern Houghton and Keweenaw counties designated. He continues to serve as a consultant. Without Mike's vision a couple decades ago, there might not have been any ATV trails on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Rob Perrin Manager of the Year – Kevin Rowell – As the Trails and OHV Program Manager and Snow Ranger for Willamette National Forest in Oregon, Kevin is truly an expert in trail and forest management. His ongoing commitment to recreational trails is palpable. The motorized and multiple-use trail systems under his management have been designed, built, and/or maintained at a very high-level. His work not only benefits motorized trail users, but all types of trail users. Kevin is a member of the Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Advisory Committee. He is a certified C tree faller as well as a C fall and bucking evaluator, allowing him to manage bridge construction using materials from the forest. He has been able to secure multiple grants to improve OHV trails and staging areas. Kevin has been an excellent representative for the USFS and partner to multiple nonprofit trail organizations such as the Emerald Trail Riders Association. Receiving this award on behalf of Kevin was Mike Law of Oregon State Parks. 
 

Special Recognition - Christopher Johnson - Christopher is the New Mexico State partner in NOHVCC and a very active member of the New Mexico OHV Alliance, which was originally formed based on NOHVCC guidelines and principals. Christopher recently retired from an eleven-year stint with New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish, as their OHV Safety Education coordinator, where he was responsible for 99% of the OHV safety education for the state. In 2009, the New Mexico legislature created an OHV program, and Christopher has carried the educational aspects of this program forward to the current well-organized status it holds in the state. Christopher leaves the program in a solid place to continue effective training for many new students to come. During his tenure with the state, Christopher brought his personal passion to the workplace and leaves the program in a much better place. In his work with the New Mexico OHV Alliance, Christopher has always been ready to volunteer for the most difficult tasks, participate in most any positive initiative, and support the Alliance membership. He served as their President for one year and still serves on their board in the critical position of Recreation Resource Manager. Christopher exemplifies the dedicated OHV enthusiast who is passionate to be involved both professionally and personally.

Special Recognition - Oregon State Parks – Ian Caldwell, Jeff Trejo and Mike Law – Oregon State Parks has become a major player in the NOHVCC family. This year with the Conference being held in Oregon, these three gentlemen found themselves taking on a different job, which is introducing their program to other states and demonstrating everything from heavy-equipment work to hands-on rider education. They have devoted many hours to help create an incredible experience for the conference in Oregon. They’ve become a great resource for not only the annual conference but also for Great Trails workshops, hosting at least one per year. They have been a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to their continued dedication to NOHVCC and the OHV community at large.