Thursday, November 1, 2018

Group working to promote Off Road Trail Network

Group Working to Create Off-Road Trail Network

November 1, 2018

 MO-MOTO Trail Riders (MMTR) believes that off-road recreation could stimulate the economy of Southeast Missouri by using its system roads. MO-MOTO OHV INC (MMTR) is working to establish a Missouri OHV Recreation Authority. MMTR believes this Recreation Authority will diversify the economy by connecting communities to a large trail network through SE Missouri and offer a solution to manage OHV recreation. At the current time, they are working with Southeast Missouri State University on a draft proposal and economic impact study. “We are in process of promoting legislation for submission for this upcoming legislative session,” said Andrew Grover. “We have already established working relationships with county officials, business owners, state and federal entities. We want to ensure any public investment will be returned and provide sustainability to Southeast Missouri.” 
  The creation and empowering of a joint development entity to work with private landowners, county officials and community leaders, state and federal government agencies to enable and facilitate the implementation of an extensive trail network is the group’s goal. 
  The group feels there is an opportunity to provide trail oriented recreation facilities primarily on private property in the Ozark terrain of Southeast Missouri and that the facilities will provide significant economic and recreational benefits to the state and to the communities in Southeast Missouri through increased tourism in the same manner as canoe and kayaking benefit the state and communities surrounding those activities. “This area has a trail network that was once used in the logging and mining industry,” Grover stated. “We are now left with those roads and they are not being utilized. “Reynolds County has many unused roads in Centerville, Lesterville, Ellington, and Bunker. We believe we can come up with a plan that would connect those a trail network with communities. The final draft of the Economic Impact Study  is expected to be completed by the first part of November.Grover said that the plan will show proof that the trail system would diversify the region’s economy. 
  The Ellington Chamber of Commerce has already found that off-road activities are popular. The Chamber of Commerce has hosted three UTV events within the last year. All of the events have been widely popular which Grover attended the Chamber’s event two weeks ago. They stayed at the  Scenic Rivers Motel in Ellington and frequented the local restaurants & gas stations via SXS. Grover said that the off-road community is willing to travel. Off-road enthusiasts frequently travel as far east as West Virginia and in the west to Utah to enjoy what is offered. “This project is currently in its infancy,” Grover stated. “The economic benefits will provide sustainability by bringing "New Money" to Rural Missouri and the need for a management will help manage OHV recreation. We are  currently looking to retain sponsorship from legislators to submit before our deadline Dec.1 2018.” By embracing the off-road community and creating and marketing a trail system, Roever said that communities could extend their tourism season. The off-road community has been unfairly labelled by many, according to Grover.    www.momototrailriders.comGrover said that the draft plan includes plans for management and regulations to ensure that the land is not damaged and that unwanted litter is not left behind. He said that riders are more likely to stay on trails if there is a management plan in effect.  “Trail riders are able to get out and explore the natural wonders,” Grover said. “There is so much to see around here. Reynolds County is blessed with a wonderful river and trail system. Last weekend, I was able to visit Blue Springs for the first time. What a gem!” 
MMTR finds that there is a significant need within the state and throughout the Mid-Western United States for well-managed facilities for trail-oriented recreation for off-highway motor vehicle enthusiasts. Grover said "We also find that under an appropriate contractual and management scheme, well-managed, trail-oriented recreation facilities could exist on private, commercial, state and federal property without diminishing the landowner’s interest, control, or profitability in the land and without increasing the landowner’s exposure to liability. OHV recreation is a proven financial stimulus to the tourism market with the average rider spending a minimum of $100 on a single day trip. “Rural Missouri is in recession; we should encourage these struggling areas to embrace OHV tourism as we have the opportunity to directly impact and benefit financial success of local businesses. We can connect rural Missouri to OHV trails, which can provide employment thus income while bringing new money to these distressed regions,” Grover stated. OHV recreation is the fastest growing recreation market in the United States, contributing 68 billion dollars in 2016. OHV enthusiasts seek an extensive trail network where riders can ride into towns for gas, groceries and lodging without having to load their machine back onto their trailer. For more information about this project, visit www.momototrailriders.com, or visit their Instagram or Facebook accounts. 

Article written by Reynolds County Courier

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