HATVA Trail Award


Dysart County Roads Bylaw Passes

In Haliburton County three of the four municipalities have previously opened all County and Municipal roads by bylaw for atv use ... consistant to the regulations of the Highway Traffic Act #316. The fourth municipality Dysart had opened only some specific County and Municipal roads that HATVA badly needed for trail connections. Dysart will now allow atv's on all County Roads in Dysart and December 17th/08 a new County bylaw was passed to include ALL County Roads open to atv's. This is a big breakthrough and a positive step forward and will mean increased atv tourist revenue to the Municipality of Dysart. Haliburton continues to be very progressive towards atv tourism. Haliburton is a very large County and it takes almost two hours to cross it corner to corner by car! 50% is wilderness and it's about as close to atv heaven as you will find anywhere in the world. And let's not forget HATVA has been successful with road openings with our Associate Clubs of Algonquin West and North Hastings. It just keeps getting better!!!

Support ATV Road Openings In City of Kawartha Lakes

HATVA has an Alliance with KATVA. They are needing support to open some roads in the area. Please sign their petition by clicking on this link. http://www.petitiononline.com/coklatvs/petition.html

In other news related to ATV Road openings, Haliburton County Council has drafted a bylaw to open all County Roads In Dysart municipality. You may be aware that Dysart was the only Haliburton municipality that did not have all their County roads open. In a letter to the County, Dysart stated they would no longer object to all County Roads opening in their area to atv use. In our Almaguin (HATVA Algonquin West Associate Club) area we have also been successful in opening roads and all municiplaities except one remaining to date have passed bylaws to open the roads to atv's including the City of Burkes Falls. Next we have to go back and have a go at Muskoka which is a tough nut to crack. It's a slow but worth while process

Trespassing Is A Crime!

Lately we are getting some complaints from landowners that atv's have been seen or stopped on their private property. Atvers who trespass do a disservice to the entire atv community. It's illegal - if you don't know don't go. Only the designated trails on the HATVA map are legal atv trails.

To be sure we haven't found any of these trespassing atv's to be from HATVA. We have two current hot spots. That we have signed, put fences up, dropped trees across the trail but some atvers are not getting the message!!!!

Near Twin Lakes Resort off 12 Mile Lake Rd. These are local cottagers that live along this road that are abusing the situation. On a weekend you can stop 20 or 30 atv's an hour trespassing on this 300 acre parcel of land. It has been fenced and signed but they are often torn down. We'll be laying charges where ever possible.

Near Buller Road east of #35 situated bottom side of Moore Lake. This 103 acre parcel of land is private and has it's own trail system. Bridges have been destroyed by inconsiderate trespassers. The atv's that access this trail are coming up the rail trail from the south from Fenelon Falls and cutting across Boundary Rd heading west. While there are all kinds of snowmobile trails in this area THEY ARE NOT ATV TRAILS. It is signed and fenced and fencing has been torn down.

The only way were going to stop atv trespassing is to lay charges and make it known that JUST BECAUSE THERE'S A TRAIL SOMEWHERE DOES NOT MAKE IT OK FOR ATV'S TO USE IT. If you know of someone who is an atv trespasser tell them to STOP. It's hurting us all. For landowners who have a problem carry a digital camera and take pictures including plate #'s and report it to the OPP so charges can be laid. Changes are on there way for the Trespassing Act and it's going to get very expensive for those that are caught.

Haliburton ATV Association Rail Trail Clean Up & Resigning

HATVA spent last Saturday September 13th picking up garbage along the rail trail between Kinmount and Haliburton Village. "We've done this twice per year year for the last six years" states Mark Coles President of the atv club. "Compared to the early years the garbage is minimal" adds Coles. To compare the stark difference go back to 2002 when HATVA was taking dump truck sized loads off the trail. In 2008 a pickup truck was all that was required. "Some contractors used to dump their garbage along the trail - it just doesn't happen anymore with the Wardens and closer monitoring of the trail system" states Steve Skidmore an HATVA Director. Only one car tire was picked up ...that's a big difference from the forty some odd tires the club picked up the first year of operation. HATVA also uses the cleanup day as an opportunity to add new signs and replace missing signs. This year about $1000 worth of signs were added or replaced including ten that were installed with steel posts that went missing. Most years HATVA spends about $10,000 on signs throughout the entire 3000km atv trail system.





HATVA Purchases ATV For Trail Maintenace

In addition to the 2009 atv being supplied by Honda Canada HATVA has purchased a low mileage used Honda atv for use on the trails. The atv will be used for club wardening, bylaw officer wardening, FAM Tours, event guides, trail work, special event use, search & rescue and as an emergency replacement atv in the event a club members atv breaks down last minute at an event. This atv is the latest addition to the clubs fleet of equipment including three chain saws, logging trailer, blue tooth on trail communications system, Spot satellite emergency unit, digital camera, lap top computer, hotline telephone system and everything needed to help the club run smoothly. All we need now is an official club house and we're working on it. The club currently meets every month at the Haliburton Chamber of Commerce board room and we store our equipment, signs and advertising materials in two secure garage sized storage units in the Minden area.

ATV Sales Rise In Ontario This Summer

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council atv sales in Ontario were up 4.53% on sales of 1,224 units this July. It is estimated that there are 300,000 atv's in Ontario with 100,000 of then being active atvers. 2008 year to date there has been 9779 atv's sold in the last seven months in Ontario. Atv's are outselling snowmobiles 4 to 1 in rural areas and up to 8 to 1 in urbanized areas. In Haliburton County a police services survey determined 2 in 5 households owns at least one atv. Oddly enough Ontario isn't even the biggest atv market place in Canada. Both Quebec and Alberta have higher atv sales than Ontario. Canada wide there were 6572 atv's sold ... a 4.65% increase over last year. Typically Ontario makes up about 19% of atv sales in Canada. In contrast PEI is less than 1%. ATV sales and accessory market is a billion dollar market in Canada. It is estimated that in Ontario the plate money and taxes from atv sales alone that go to government amount to more than 23 million dollars. Don't you think it's time that some of the money collected off of the backs of atver's by government went back into developing atv trails? In Ontario if the MTO implements the $15 yearly registration fee that is being batted around ... that could amount to a further windfall of at least 1.5 million per year.

HATVA Implements SPOT Satellite Unit

HATVA has purchased a SPOT satellite emergency transmitter that can dispatch 911 emergency location messages from almost anywhere in the world. The unit has other tracking and help features including an interface with Google maps but HATVA will primarily be using the unit for dispatching 911 in the event of a serious emergency. The unit will be carried with us on HATVA rides and events. "We hope we never have to use the unit" says Mark Coles President of HATVA, "but we know from experience that cell phones don't work in most situations of deep woods riding in our trail catchment area" adds Coles. With some 3,000 km of trails it is estimated that only 25% of the time would riders have cell service at a given trail location. The SPOT unit will work almost anywhere and it sends the message even if it cannot triangulate all 3 satellites and it keeps sending for help until the message is cancelled. HATVA has a search and rescue team and they are involved in searches every year ... so the unit will come in handy for that use as well.

Sticky Situation On The Trails

We had a situation where atv's were exiting off an HATVA private land atv trail unto residential private property because they couldn't get by this mud hole. "It was frustrating for both riders and residential neighbours along the trail" says Steve Skidmore who managed the project. In the process of filling the deep mud hole with 32 tons of shot rock the wheeled Bobcat got stuck, then a tracked Bobcat got stuck and finally an excavator freed both and they all worked together to complete the work. We try not to disturb trails if we can help it but sometimes you get situations where the drainage and mud right on the trail is held in rock cups. Riders cause more damage trying to find a bypass - so on high traffic trails this can be a solution that causes the least disturbance to the environment. HATVA had a similar situation just south of Gooderham that was done at the request of the Paudash Snowmobile Club





Wardens Are There To Help

We are a senior couple (with dog) from south of the Kawartha's. To-day, Sat Aug 16th we were riding on your main rail trail when we were stopped by 2 of your wardens. They were not only extremely polite and friendly but they also helped us do temporary repairs to a flat tire on my machine. We're calling them good samaritans from now on instead of wardens. Thanks guys! We had a great day riding your trail. Ron & Joyce & Shelley from Nestleton.

Trail Confusion
This is an email sent by OFATV to it's membership. We appreciate OFATV clearing this up. We would also like to remind all riders that they need the right pass for the area as we are warden stopping riders from EOTA and riders with the so called TTNGold that are saying that the passes work in HATVA catchment when they don't. We've heard from some riders that the TTN Gold pass they bought works all over Ontario which is as far from the truth as it could be. ATVOntario Power Pass is far closer to a provincial pass BUT neither are covering the whole province. It is refreshing to see OFATV step forward and ask riders to respect the passes and catchment of others and HATVA agrees with that.

Hello everyone, as a Provincial ATV organization we promote trail passes to be used when riding any ATV trail system, we ask that all riders respect this even when riding another Organization's trails, whether they be private or Crown land, to please respect the Organization and be sure to obtain the appropriate trail pass for the trails on which you are riding.

On another note, there may have been some confusion regarding the Seguin Trail, please note that in order to ride this trail, you must be in possession of either a Power Pass or a Park to Park trail pass in order to ride this trail.

We ask that all Clubs please pass this information on to their members to avoid any confusion.

Thank you in advance!
Shannon Audette
Office Manager

OFATV


Honda Supports ATV Ontario

Honda Canada is providing five new 2009 atv's to ATVOntario for trail maintenance. "We facilitate the largest managed atv trail system in the province" says Mark Coles Director of ATVOntario and President of HATVA one of the five regional ATVOntario nodes. "We spend several days of each week out there signing and maintaining trails - these atv's are much needed and will be put to good use" adds Coles. "We really appreciate Honda stepping up to the plate to assist ATVOntario with the donation of these atv's" says Andrew Ryeland President of ATVOntario. Each regional node will take delivery of one Honda atv. ATVOntario serves atvers with trail access through Power Pass which covers a massive area through central and near north Ontario. Collectively the nodes manage some 4000km of atv trails offering true atv touring experiences and events.

HATVA Demographics

Ever wonder where all those HATVA members come from. Well the answer is - all over. But here's some specifics taken right from our data base by our membership Director Norma Goodger as of July 08. These numbers exclude Power Pass users and are strictly HATVA member riders based on 785 total users (this number climbs daily).

Northern Ontario 4%
Central Ontario 44%
Greater Toronto Area 12%
Eastern Ontario 25%
South Western Ontario 15%
and we do have US members and members from as far away as Alberta!

Why do they come from so many areas of Ontario? Answer is the trails. We have a fantastic trail system and great events almost every weekend. Folks can come here just like going to the cottage and stay in nice accommodation for as low as $25 a person per night. It's great atv value. We're close enough to the GTA that many riders come up just for the day to ride and head back after.

In addition to Haliburton County some of the real member hotspots are Oshawa, Muskoka, Lake Simcoe area and the Kawartha's. East to west in the province our members stretch from Windsor to Cornwall. Now your probably going to ask what is the most popular atv brand by membership. We could tell you that but we don't want to start a war.

Letter From New ATVers

We were very interested in ATVing. In mid-June, we purchased two ATVs and a trailer. We arranged for insurance. We purchased two Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle trail passes. We purchased all the proper safety equipment. Eventually, we purchased two Haliburton All Terrain Vehicle Association trail passes. We wanted to do everything properly, respecting the rights of others to their peace and quiet, by riding only designated trails.

One of our first rides as newcomers to the sport, was a ride through designated trails in Tiny Township. We parked our truck and trailer well off to the side of the dirt road. We chose this road because of the extreme lack of traffic. When we returned to our truck, a bylaw enforcement person had issued us a parking ticket, for "blocking the roadway", even though other vehicles could easily get around our truck. It wasn't the wisest choice the 21 year old clerk made. However, he did make the brilliant suggestion of parking in the ditch.

BUT! It did chase us out of Tiny Township. We quickly found out how welcoming and advanced in their thinking Haliburton County is in encouraging ATV use. We would like to thank Tiny Township for their short-sightedness with regards to ATVs. We have spent the last four weekends in the Minden, Dorset, Haliburton, Kinmount, Wilberforce and Carnarvon areas, spending our money in their restaurants, motels, gas stations, etc.. We are Heading to Bancroft tomorrow for three days of riding.

The interesting thing here, is that we have parked on the road at our cottage which is in Tiny Township for many years, and never received a parking ticket, so we know this is a blatant case of discrimination. Apparently, Tiny Township has had problems with ATVs in the past. So rather than concentrating on those who do not comply with Tiny Township and provincial bylaws, they chose to target people who do abide by the rules. Good work Tiny Township. You must be very proud of yourselves.

Again, thank you Tiny Township for chasing us to such a beautiful area as Haliburton County, where we feel truly welcomed. With ATvs outselling snowmobiles 8 to 1, I wonder where the industry is headed.

most sincerely,
Betty-Jean and John

5 Points Tornado Damage

On routine patrol of 5 Points six HATVA Wardens came across a very recent tornado that had crossed the trail just west of Picard Lake. The tornado had left a tangled mess of poplar and pine for about 50 yards along the trail and the clear-cut swath ran off south into the bush as far as the eye could see. It was more than a down draft because some of the trees were twisted. When chain sawing twisted trees you have to work top and bottom because the tension will bind the saw from any direction that you cut from.

The section of trail was opened back up at least 12 feet wide to insure winter groomer passage. The main south 5 Points loop has been cleaned of garbage. In addition the Gooderham and Anson trails have been cleaned of garbage.

Last fall and again this spring our trails signs were mostly removed from 5 Points. We have involved the MNR and have met with the snowmobile club that took many of them down and they have assured us that it will not happen again. The trail is resigned for atv's. Missing OFSC stop, stop ahead and some signs that had fallen were replaced as well which is our normal practice on all trails that include atv & snowmobile. The north end of 5 Points will be done early August 08.

5 Points is partly in Haliburton County and partly in Peterborough but under the Haliburton/Bancroft MNR jurisdiction. HATVA for many years has had a land use agreement with the MNR to sign these trails. We insure these trails and hold the Crown harmless as part of the agreement. We ask that no one remove HATVA signs from these trails as they benefit all atvers AND it creates insurance risk for HATVA if the signs goes missing and someone gets lost or injured. Also there are some bad apples that use 5 Points to party and leave their garbage around. HATVA will be stepping up their trail wardening in the area and we will ask Peterborough OPP (they patrol part of the area by atv as well) to do the same.

We remind atv riders that drinking and riding is subject to the same penalties as drinking and driving on the road. HATVA has zero tolerance for drinking and riding. Just a reminder ... the roads into 5 Points from the north (Haliburton) are all legally open under bylaw. The roads in Peterborough are not open to atv's at this time.

HATVA Trail Kilometers

We have not recalculated our mapped, signed, insured trail km's for many years. We've advertised over 1700km of trails but have constantly added trails year after year. Recently we have added a significant amount of private land trails including one plot of 1700 acres one just about finalized of 5,000 acres. The new Wilberforce trails south are being signed now. The new Wilberforce trails north and Bancroft connections will be signed in August 08. Both will be on next years map in addition to the Algonquin West trails that will connect from Haliburton in the south to South River to the north. ATVOntario Vmuts regional node is working on the connection from the north to South River.

To make a long story short a recalculation of our trail inventory excluding Algonquin West shows approx. 2980 km. We believe with the inclusion of the existing Algonquin West trails it takes us well over the 3000 km mark.

HATVA uses a professional cartographer who takes our gps points and maps them into the MNR/911 vector map. HATVA has written permission from the MNR to utilize the system and in turn we provide the mapping to the MNR for inclusion into the MNR Values Information System.

Collectively that would bring ATVOntario Power Pass access to some 4500km plus trails in the five regional nodes covering most of central and near north Ontario.

HATVA To Offer Certified ATV Training For Young Riders

Training For Young Riders With the success of our HATVA Yamaha Bear Rally ... which included free certified atv training to the public, HATVA has decided to do an event Spring Training Camp 08 that focus totally on ATV safety. HATVA will provide the atv's, the safety equipment and certified instructor for those under 16 that would like to take the safety training in a controlled environment.

For HATVA members children the training is FREE!. For none atv members there will be a $10 charge to cover expenses only. A free BBQ lunch is included. Date and location will be announced soon. HATVA is committed to insure that new atv riders get off to a safe start. In addition HATVA offers intermediate adult training day once per year as part of our regular event schedule.

HATVA Yamaha Bear Rally

Check out the video of this HATVA event at www.goridingtv.com Everyone had a blast with mud bog, poker run, riding academy, 2009 test bike runs, Rhino track, atv games and more. If you poke around you can see the CanAm event as well. This year alone on top of our usual plethora of rides we have had sponsored rides from Yamaha, CanAm, Car Guide Magazine, All Terrain Vehicle Magazine & Dirt Trax TV. And lots more rides to come summer and fall 2008. You want trails and events ....HATVA delivers.


HATVA Cleans Up!

HATVA has recently cleaned up Gooderham, Anson and Pine Springs trails. Pine Springs included the removal of abandoned appliances. On the Anson trail HATVA removed a burnt out steel trailer. In addition HATVA has been cutting high grass around stop signs on the rail trail and replacing missing signs. If you can help with further trail cleanups we'd love to hear from you by emailing info@haliburtonatv.com


Membership Grows

HATVA continues to grow and now has close to 700 members at the beginning of July 08. This year HATVA marketed ATVOntario Power Pass to it's members as well and there is close to 1000 if we include the participating Power Pass members. HATVA is 1/5 owner of ATVOntario Power Pass and markets that option for riders who want broader options than HATVA's 3000+ km of trails. Power Pass includes Parry Sound, Elliot Lake, Mattawa and Cochrane trails. The catchment area covers most of Central Ontario and it is the closest large wilderness trail area to the greater Toronto area marketplace. In HATVA area most of the roads are open to atving (no 2 up on roads - must have drivers license). In addition HATVA sells 1000's of non member temporary passes for those that want to explore the many trails in the area. Go to the green home page Online Pass button to buy passes or memberships online.


New FOR SALE Page

Check out our new For Sale atv and parts page. If you are a member send us your for sale items for free by emailing info to info@haliburtonatv.com


County of Haliburton Grants New Agreement to HATVA

The County of Haliburton has signed a new agreement with HATVA for atv use management and wardening on County owned land. The agreement is backed up with a bylaw empowering HATVA to insure compliance on the trails including the requirement for HATVA or HATVA supported pass systems on the Haliburton Rail Trail. HATVA also wardens pinch points on private land trails that connect from the Rail Trail to other destinations. HATVA is also entering a third yearly agreement with the MNR for the use of HATVA designated Crown Land ATV trails including signage and insurance on these trails. HATVA now has approx. 20 trained Wardens in addition to 2 County bylaw officers to patrol the trails. Short form tickets and a series of various fines are in place for those who trespass without proper permits.

HATVA Pass Includes Access to KATVA Trails

When you purchase an HATVA membership or temporary pass it includes access to the KATVA rail trail south of Kinmount and any other KATVA trails in the Lindsay/Fenelon Falls area. In addition members of HATVA get access to 60,000 acres of groomed winter trail riding at Haliburton Forest. HATVA is in the process of expanding our more than 3000km of trails to include new trails in Haliburton's Highlands East as well additional trails in Peterborough area. Land Use Permits are falling into place now and some of the trails will be signed this summer 08. They will be included on the 2009 map coming out next spring.

Algonquin West Associate Club Develops New Trails

Algonquin West HATVA Associate Club has been busy mapping and signing trails. They will be producing a stand alone map this year and in 2009 the trails will be added to the main HATVA map as well. HATVA trail access on the western boundary of the catchment area will extend from near the Rama area all the way to South River soon. Continuous trail access by atv from Lindsay to South River is possible with an HATVA pass. Mattawa ATVOntario node is busy connecting there trails from the north at South River to the HATVA trail system. HATVA and Associates provide the best trail value in Ontario by far.

BREAKING NEWS:

HATVA trails officially open April 1st

It's been a long winter but April 1st the HATVA trails officially open. The only trail that is not open is the Haliburton County Rail Trail that opens June 1st. - everything else on both sides of our map will be open. Also keep in mind we have an Alliance with KATVA to the south and you can ride on those trails as well but they open on May 1st.

Please take note and consider the following: PLEASE USE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES. Travel with emergency supplies, extra clothing in waterproof bag, waterproof matches and an axe or chainsaw. Be careful with hip waders as they can drag you under in deep or fast running water. Travel with friends and use the buddy system. Make sure at least half of the atv's you travel with have working winches and bring a tow strap, snatch block and tree strap. RIDE PREPARED


Letter of Agreement - Alliance Between KATVA & HATVA

Assumptions:



Letter Of Agreement:
This agreement would be in place for the 2008 riding season and either KATVA or HATVA may end the agreement with 60 days written notice. This one year agreement could be renewed for additional year(s) by mutual consent of both respective boards.

Media Release - March 25, 2008
ONTARIO ATV CLUBS FORM ALLIANCE TO BENEFIT RIDERS

Two of Ontario's largest atv clubs have joined together in Alliance. Haliburton ATV Association and Kawartha ATV Association are joining forces and atvers are excited about the move. The Alliance will be managed by a committee reporting back to the respective Boards, of both organizations. The members of both organizations will have full access to each others trails during the atv riding season. Together the two organizations represent a sizeable membership and the collective trails of these organizations cover a large swath of Central Ontario.

While both clubs will still maintain there own club brands governed by their own bylaws the Alliance Committee recommendations would be joint recommendations applying to both organizations in lockstep. Non member riders would still buy temp passes from the local club areas they are riding in. Members would travel freely between the two organizations and would carry their membership card and/or decal identification as proof of membership. The yearly membership rate will be $95 individual and $190 family. Memberships are anniversary dated so they are good for a full year from the date the membership is issued.

One of the premises of the agreement is both clubs believe atv club members and riders should control their own destiny rather than have non atv interests dictating outcomes and siphoning off resources. “We wanted to show leadership and believe atv riders throughout the province need to work together to insure long term survival,” states Steve Lane President of KATVA. “It's a natural fit because it is in the best interests of neighboring organizations that atving remains sustainable against the many external threats that are not positive to atving”adds Hugh Trask President of HATVA.

In addition to riding on each others trails the members will help each other to maintain trails collectively. Both clubs are careful to point out that the Alliance is much more than two clubs reciprocating. “Last year we did two major bridge projects on the rail line in Haliburton. The one trestle over 100 yards long was completely stripped and redecked with 2” hemlock. Obviously projects of this magnitude require many volunteer helpers so blending resources for maintenance makes sense and will further trail riding opportunities for both clubs” says Mark Coles who founded the HATVA organization. “Both clubs will cross insure each other and we both use the same insurance carrier and we may even do some interclub events” adds Mark Stewart VP KATVA.

Full details will be posted soon on the HATVA & KATVA web sites.


HATVA/ATVOntario Attend Sportsman Show

HATVA organizes a number of trade shows each year with ATVOntario. Sportsman Show is one of the bigger shows and a very busy show at that. About 10 cases of brochure information was distributed to show attendees including two cases of HATVA maps sold and three cases of Haliburton Road maps given away. Many Power Pass and HATVA brochures were also put into circulation. Thanks to our contributors for making this show a success including our booth staff, Easy-Stone, All Terrain Vehicle Magazine, Prentice Power Sports and BRP CanAm.



Haliburton ATV Association Offers Winter Trails To Members

Haliburton Ontario
November 1st, 2007

Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA) announced today a ground breaking agreement with Haliburton Forest Wildlife Reserve to offer groomed winter trails for atv use for HATVA member riders. Only 100 maximum vehicles per day are allowed on Haliburton Forest's 60,000 acres of wilderness atv and snowmobile trails. Haliburton Forest trails are hard groomed on a frequent basis to prevent atv tracks and insure prime winter riding conditions" says Hugh Trask President of HATVA.

Under the agreement HATVA member atv riders will have the privilege of calling in and reserving an advanced spot and by presenting their HATVA membership card that will be cross referenced to the pre approved atv membership list at Haliburton Forest and be cleared to ride Haliburton Forest's 60,000 acres December 1st to April 1st every winter.

Riders are advised to check the trail conditions in advance by going on www.haliburtonforest.com before they reserve their atv ride to insure the weather is cooperating and trails are fully open.

This compliments our existing trail season that runs April 1st to December 1st and means year round atv trails for HATVA member riders. Haliburton Forest covers a massive land area and has some of the most scenic and well groomed trails in Ontario" says Mark Coles, Director of HATVA.

HATVA MEMBER RIDERS DO NOT PAY ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS TO THEIR $95 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE TO USE THESE WINTER TRAILS!

"HATVA already has the largest mapped, signed and insured trail system in Ontario with over 1700km of trails in Haliburton, Muskoka, Almaguin, Madawaska, Kawartha and Peterborough areas and having groomed winter trail access just sweetens the deal" says Eric Christensen a local resort owner and a Director of HATVA.

"I can't wait to get up there and try some winter atving! These folks at HATVA just get better and better every year. More trails every year, lower membership costs, great club organized rides & events and now winter atving! Who knows what rabbit they will pull out of their hat next!" says Joe Shulist a long time member of HATVA from Oshawa Ontario.

"You can count on HATVA to provide excellent value for Ontario atv riders and they bring mega bucks in Ontario atv tourism dollars to Haliburton County and surrounding areas - vastly improving the economic prosperity of the region" says Mark Lester publisher of All Terrain Vehicle Magazine - North America's most popular audited circulation atv magazine.

The program only applies to annual HATVA members in good standing and it does not include member snowmobiles or other off road vehicles - strictly atv's. Although ATVOntario Power Pass holders from other regional node areas of Elliot Lake, Mattawa, Parry Sound and Cochrane can use the Power Pass to ride HATVA trails during the non winter months, the winter trail system agreement excludes Power Pass at this time. It also does not include HATVA temporary pass holders for day, weekend or weekly permits - annual members only. "We're going to look at ways that would allow us to include other regional node ATVOntario Power Pass riders in the future but for now it is strictly HATVA annual member riders that will share this benefit." says Coles

HATVA has 500 full time members and thousands of pass purchasers in the province of Ontario. HATVA is a regional member node of ATVOntario.
Contact Info:
HATVA Hotline (705) 286 2368
www.haliburtonatv.com
info@haliburtonatv.com


HATVA Reduces Membership Rates

HATVA has reduced it's regional node Individual Membership rate to $95. from $120. It has also reduced the Family Membership rate to $190. from $240. HATVA has had a good year and we want to pass on savings to our members rather than increase the bank account. We are a non profit organization. This price change will be effective Sept 1st 07.

In addition those that had membership before Sept 1st 07 can receive ATVOntario Power Pass for the duration of their current membership at no extra cost. Members joining after Sept 1st have two options. They can join HATVA which includes the Associate clubs of HATVA for $95. and ride HATVA's 1700km plus trails OR they can get ATVOntario Power Pass for $120. and ride trails in various regional nodes like Haliburton, Parry Sound, Cochrane, Mattawa, Elliot Lake. HATVA supports both pass options.

To obtain your HATVA regional membership you can order online from this site using PayPal or Visa or print off application copies from our Membership page and mail them in.

HATVA will also continue to offer day, weekend and weekly temporary passes at last years rates. These to can be ordered right off this site or purchased at local retailers in the Haliburton area.


Adventure Trail CD & Workbook Safety Training

HATVA has the interactive Adventure Trail CD and Workbook available FREE for youngsters and parents who want to learn about ATV safety and trail ettiquite. Colour cartoons were drawn by local Haliburton artist Robert VanNood. We will send this out with all family memberships. If you want to trigger a copy now simply send an email with request to admin@haliburtonatv.com


HATVA Completes Major Bridge Renovation

HATVA and many volunteers completed the stripping and redecking of the large railroad trestle on the Haliburton Rail Trail corridor. Approx. 30 volunteers came out in extreme heat and did exceptional work to complete the task in about 9 hours. BBQ lunch was supplied. Workers were drained by the end of the day but the job got done. HATVA has decided to provide free memberships or extensions for those that helped due to the massive amount of work and effort that was put forward by volunteers. Thanks to all who helped.



Letter to HATVA re Reciprocation

Dear HATVA,
This letter will confirm the agreement ATVOntario attempted to reach with the Eastern Ontario Trails Association (EOTA) and its partner the Ontario Trails Council (OTC) late in 2006 and early 2007.

ATVOntario offered to reciprocate with EOTA/OTC to accept each others pass system. This was offered by ATVOntario in the spirit of cooperation and ATVOntario's principle to encourage Regional Pass retention and autonomy. In ATVOntario's case this would be through PowerPass™ and in the EOTA/OTC case we would honour their proposed Trillium Trails Network (TTN) Gold Pass. To-date EOTA has rejected any proposal that would create a reciprocal agreement.

ATVOntario's offer remains in effect and if EOTA/OTC agree to exchange pass use on the trails we can quickly put together an agreement that will benefit both organizations. The pass systems PowerPass™ and TTN Gold would therefore be equally recognized on each others trails. Ideally we would like to have this agreement in place before June 1, 2007 to benefit the EOTA clubs that seek access to ATVOntario trails.

Sincerely,
Andrew Ryeland
President
ATVOntario Tourism Initiatives Inc.


Haliburton ATV Association Adds New Associate Club

Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA) already boasts over 3000 km. of mapped, signed and insured ATV trails in Ontario. The trails range from beginner to the knarliest deep woods wilderness trails you can imagine. Algonquin West ATV Club (AWATV) has now joined the HATVA as an Associate club and they too have fantastic atv trail opportunities. So in addition to the existing HATVA trails in Haliburton, Kawartha, Madawaska, Peterborough and Muskoka - HATVA/AWATV trails will extend from the Huntsville area north to South River. The systems will be linked at the Dwight/Oxtongue Lake region and together will cover a huge swath of central Ontario's prime atv territory. Let there be no doubt, this is one big interconnected trail system that atvers are going to love.

Under the Associate arrangement HATVA will insure the AWATV trails and a common regional pass system will be in place. HATVA is also a member node of ATVOntario and is committed to the new upcoming ATVOntario provincial one pass system in addition to the regional node pass option. The AWATV area know as the Almaguin Highlands is anxious to capture the kind of atv tourism business that HATVA has been able to develop under their atv tourism model.

HATVA and AWATV have already been working together to open roads in the towns and municipalities of Almaguin so that atv's can connect with the trails and access accommodation & supplies and are meeting with great success so far. Initially AWATV will develop a simple trail map that will integrate with the full colour large format HATVA trail map for the 2008 riding season. HATVA is a not for profit volunteer driven organization and it looks like more great news for Ontario atv riders along with the potential of the ATVOntario one pass system announced recently.


MEDIA RELEASE
Algonquin West ATV Club to become an Associate Member Organization

Algonquin West ATV Club has made its move to join Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA) as an Associate member organization. Algonquin West takes in the area of Perry Township, Kearney Township, Burk's Falls, Magnetawan, Strong, Town of Sundridge, Armour & Ryerson Townships. Many of these areas already have their roads open, while some still have Highway Traffic Act #316 bylaw road openings pending. HATVA is working with Algonquin West ATV Club to ensure all roads are open in the area for atv tourism. Local business owners feel that "HATVA was very helpful in presenting the case for atv tourism in the area".

As part of the HATVA/Algonquin West agreement, HATVA would provide insurance, administration and membership support for the Associate Club. The terms of the agreement call for $80 of every HATVA membership from Algonquin West to go back to the club to support trail development and local initiatives. HATVA would pay for the insurance and administration and promote atv events in the area. Algonquin West will have their own club brand and identity as part of the HATVA family of Associate Clubs. The local club will be responsible for identifying and signing trails. HATVA will assist and work together with Algonquin West to ensure a seamless trail product stretching from Sundridge to other HATVA catchment areas of Haliburton, Madawaska, Muskoka, Peterborough and Kawartha. Currently HATVA encompasses 1700km of signed, mapped and insured trails. The Algonquin West area boasts unlimited trail riding opportunities as well, and it is expected to create a major economic boost to the area. HATVA will add the new Algonquin West system to the map once the trails are identified and the map would continue to include new trails as they become available. Local Resort owners state they "are delighted at the possibility of a new tourist draw to the local area - we all desperately need this new growing form of recreational tourism"

HATVA is also a member node of the province wide ATVOntario group of clubs and communities. ATVOntario provides additional marketing exposure through extensive collateral advertising, trade show and stakeholder promotions. The Algonquin West Club area will benefit from this relationship. Other ATVOntario nodes include Elliot Lake, Parry Sound, Cochrane, Mattawa and EOTA.

HATVA is a well known brand in Ontario and features the provinces largest mapped, signed, insured trail system. HATVA is known for its responsible and professional approach to atv trail use. "HATVA was the organization that we felt could provide the best value for Algonquin riders" says Chris Ratcliffe club V.P. "The HATVA trails are just about on our border so it makes sense to work together" says Jim Altseimer newly elected club President.

Contact: Algonquin West ATV Club
Jim Altseimer - President 636-1474
Judy Vagg - Treasurer/Membership 636-5652


One pass will ensure broader riding opportunities and real value for atvers wherever they ride. HATVA offers 3000 km (not including the brand new Algonquin West Almaguin area HATVA associate club awaiting signage) of signed, mapped and insured atv trails in Ontario. All of HATVA trails are joined to offer apparelled ATV touring excursions over most of central Ontario.

Questions call (705) 286 2368


To the Hon. David Ramsey,

As a tax payer in Ontario and Publisher of Canada's #1 audited circulation ATV enthusiast magazine and North America's largest audited Snowmobile Enthusiast Publication I would appreciate justification and full disclosure of the motivation for the MNR to restrict motorized recreational activity on future Crown Land Logging Roads.

There is no broad based scientific data supporting any such move while there is overwhelming data showing these logging roads have become - and will continue to be - the backbone of a multi-million dollar tourism industry which the Province of Ontario collects immense tax revenues from. It is our intention to inform our readers of this inexcusable, ridiculous and one sided attempt at closing access to our land by a few self serving, over-zealous and misinformed bureaucrats who have obviously been given too much authority. The MNR is in a financial crisis and yet it continues to champion wild, ridiculous and one sided actions like this with the little money it has left? This is a text book example of a bureaucracy out of control. I implore you to reign in the public servants behind this nonsense and get back to doing what the MNR once did very well - making sure everyone has reasonable, responsible access to Ontario's Crown Lands.

You can expect a swift reaction to any attempt to restrict motorized recreational activity on any future or current logging roads on Crown Land in Ontario.

We are anxious to hear this process of wasting public money in an attempt to justify a one sided decision - which will net nothing but huge problems and a continued erosion of the respect all recreationists once had for the MNR - will be immediately scrapped.

It would be great to hear money earmarked for public hearings is being re-channeled to do something legitimately valuable for Ontario's Crown lands.

Thankyou.

Mark Lester
Publisher
SUPERTRAX & ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE MAGAZINES


Don't Be Fooled!

Haliburton ATV Association is such a strong brand and others are trying to capitalize on our success. By example there is a web site that pretends to be an HATVA site. And there are other clubs and so called associations that have designs on HATVA trails and pretend to be associated with the HATVA organization.

Don't be fooled! If your not sure about something where some organization or individual has told you their pass works on our trails, call our dedicated hotline at (705) 286 2368 to get a straight answer. We are one of the few atv clubs in Ontario that is 100% volunteer driven, 100% not for profit, 100% working for atvers (and not trying to line our pockets with your hard earned cash) and we are all active riding atvers that want the same things you do - the most trail riding opportunities at the lowest possible cost. We represent value and we deliver the goods.

It is wise for any group considering joining any organization to do the following:
Buyer beware. Unfortunately there are a number of clubs and organizations that are marketing smoke and mirrors. Many have not done their homework and have put little or no effort into developing trails. Check it out carefully - it's your $ - don't join a hollow card house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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