Ohio Motorized Trails Assn (OMTA) [Archive]

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redcj3a

03-02-2010, 08:46 PM

During last night's CORE meeting, there was some discussion regarding wheeling locations. This conversation touched on the fact that many trails have been closed in recent years. Being new to the hobby, I have already experienced this in Ohio.

Ironically, I just received an e-mail telling me my OMTA membership is up for renewal. Just to let all of you know, OMTA is a non-profit group working to develop public trails for all types of offroad vehicles in Ohio.

Within OMTA, there is a small core of individuals developing relationships with representatives of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to develop an offroad area. This link to their homepage briefly describes some recent success in this effort. http://www.ohiotrails.org

Their website is not heavily visited, nor updated. The Director admits this on the home page. Having attended one of their Board Meetings, I am convinced these individuals are volunteering their time to help all of us. A member of the Ohio4x4 club, based out of Columbus, is active with OMTA representing four wheel drive vehicles.

Membership is relatively cheap and may ultimately benefit all of us in the future. Membership application is here. http://www.ohiotrails.org/forms/ifo_mailer.pdf If you do join, you will not be bombarded with e-mails, or newsletters. You will receive an occasional e-mail warning of upcoming legislative efforts, locally and nationally to close trails or place restrictions on their use.

Though I would pass this on for others to consider.

John

GPER

03-02-2010, 09:11 PM

Thanks for bring up something that we all need to partake in.

blazerbrad

03-03-2010, 09:24 AM

I'm glad somebody else brought up OMTA again......I've mentioned it several times over the years on this board but figured this club really wasn't interested.

http://www.cincyoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3242&highlight=OMTA
http://www.cincyoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2327&highlight=OMTA
http://www.cincyoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1956&highlight=OMTA
http://www.cincyoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1248&highlight=OMTA

donaldcon

03-03-2010, 10:02 AM

Im a paid member, have been for awhile, but with time constraint sim not really an "active" member. I do my part as best I can while im out and about running into people, but like I say time is my issue.

I would love to be able to make a couple meetings this year and get in on the new park discussions.

KennyTJ

03-03-2010, 10:29 AM

I love the effort but my only problem is that the OMTA is looking to get like $20,000 per mile to open a new trail in Ohio. The State isn't going to pay for that as they are finding out. I was supprized to find that the OMTA already has a "construction cantractor" for building trails. WOW!!!! too much politics and too many people wanting "tax dollars"! It does not cost anywhere near $20k per mile to develop trails. Private parks don't pay that kind of money, and most times get volunteers to come help develop trails from clubs like ours. The OMTA should be more concerned with getting Lan Use privilages and then utilize all the offroad clubs for support in opening trails and donations "if" any construction cost for heavy equipment are actually needed, instead of trying to go after 6 figures worth of state tax money!

OK just my 2cents, we all do need to support our sport!

94Dodge Truggy

03-03-2010, 11:19 AM

[QUOTE=blazerbrad;35550]I'm glad somebody else brought up OMTA again......I've mentioned it several times over the years on this board but figured this club really wasn't interested.

I have been a part of this in the past but it does not seem to be going in a logical direction. Write congressmen and city officials also. Partake in trail and non trail cleanups as well. Organize a benifit for a local organization yearly. Core is one of the most curteous, friendly and environmentally consciensious clubs I have been involved in or witnessed out on the trails and am glad to be a part of. Unfortunately it will be a difficult task to make public lands available for our sport but it is worth some effort to try.

GPER

03-03-2010, 12:25 PM

blazerbrad

03-03-2010, 12:51 PM

A good friend and club member is an OMTA officer so I would be more than happy to follow up on any of the comments above. However I will say that there is probably "more to it" than what the posts above sound like.

I am curious regarding the $20,000 per mile of trail development and will get more details.....are you sure that doesn't include land acquisition? Keep in mind that 1 acre of land is just over a 200' x 200' square, and how many acres of woods would you need to make just one mile of trail? For example Harlan, KY (Black Mountain) lists of having 200 miles of trails on 7,000 acres, or 35 acres per miles. Go try to buy 35 acres of land for only $20,000. Also, does that cost include the infrastructure of the trail system (entrances, parking areas, restroom facilities, signs, etc...). It's kinda' like a mechanic changing brake pads on your car. You aren't paying $100 for just a guy to do it, but rather part of that cost is paying for his tools, shop, hoist, utilities, advertisement, etc... Again, I don't know for sure if this is the case but I will try to find out more details.

For the comment about how they should get land use privileges first and then get clubs to volunteer the time.....well, that's always been the plan. The trouble is you are not going to find a land owner that will just donate 400+ acres of land and say "have at it". Keep in mind that this organization has been around for quite some time now and therefore have already gone through the motions and politics involved. Honestly, does anybody on this board really know anything about public land-use in the state of Ohio for motorized use besides the 2 minutes of glancing over some posts?

For the comment about needing to write congressman and local officials.....well, representatives from OMTA has met with government officials in person many times, both local and state including just about everybody involved with public lands in Ohio. I would need to verify but I believe some have actually traveled to D.C. to talk to people in person.

Don't get me wrong as I definitely do not think OMTA is the be-all, end-all for getting trails and land in Ohio, and both myself and our club (fullsize vehicles with no quads or bikes) have had some disagreements in the past, but it is also the only half-way organized effort to do so. I am also by no means the poster child for land-use reform. However I do get a little frustrated because the above posts are basically saying "I don't like the way somebody else is doing something even though I have never directly participated in it, nor know the specific details".

carwash

03-03-2010, 01:04 PM

tjjeepjeep

03-03-2010, 02:45 PM

Previously, I've had an issue with OMTA's web site and the overall lack of information available on it...not only what they're doing, but how they'd accomplish it. Gave that feedback to them and such have heard back from their President and a couple other of their members encouraging my input and participation. Of which, as soon as life lets me breathe for a few minutes I will definitely re-engage the land use efforts within Ohio.

Previously I have attended some of the land use meetings at Natural Bridge, as a representative of CORE. I learned alot and met some great people..on both sides of the debate...

blazerbrad

03-03-2010, 03:19 PM

tjjeepjeep

03-03-2010, 04:29 PM

I completely agree with your comments, though I do try to give them a little slack because it is 100% volunteer time and there is definitely no fame and glory involved.

I can completely appreciate the volunteer time required..since our benefit, as well as this website, rely 100% on volunteer's to be successful. :)

KennyTJ

03-03-2010, 11:59 PM

"Honestly, does anybody on this board really know anything about public land-use in the state of Ohio for motorized use besides the 2 minutes of glancing over some posts?"

yer hitting the nail on the head there man...

Actually the Pres. for the OMTA was trying to get the MB's club into the organization, gave a presentation at one of the meetings last fall. I sat and discussed what they were doing for about an hour afterward 1on1, and the info I got from him caused my concerns. The cost was for "trail development" on public lands, that did not include any park infrastructure. I also did not like how they already have a "construction contractor" on board to do said work, getting paid for it of course. I just belive you can tap into labor resources in clubs like CORE that would be willing to do alot of this trail development for free, truly volunteering. They were NOT talking buying land from the state, but getting state funding to develop trails as part of the deal.... seems like a long put getting that kind of tax dollars with the current budget limitations with the state.

blazerbrad

03-04-2010, 09:04 AM

Actually the Pres. for the OMTA was trying to get the MB's club into the organization, gave a presentation at one of the meetings last fall. I sat and discussed what they were doing for about an hour afterward 1on1, and the info I got from him caused my concerns. The cost was for "trail development" on public lands, that did not include any park infrastructure. I also did not like how they already have a "construction contractor" on board to do said work, getting paid for it of course. I just belive you can tap into labor resources in clubs like CORE that would be willing to do alot of this trail development for free, truly volunteering. They were NOT talking buying land from the state, but getting state funding to develop trails as part of the deal.... seems like a long put getting that kind of tax dollars with the current budget limitations with the state.

I agree with the concerns you state above and will send an e-mail to my friend today to follow up. When it comes to dealing with any government organization there is always red tape and fluff involved.

Correct as there is no intention for OMTA to buy land from the state. The land would be owned by the state but it is likely that the state would have to somehow acquire land.........they are not going to open up existing state park land to fourwheeling.........

redcj3a

03-04-2010, 10:23 AM

I want to thank all who have read this thread and contributed in some manner.

I am relatively new to this hobby and have already been impacted by public trail closures. Specifically the vacating of public roads Vinton County that provided four wheeling opportunities in the Richland Furnace area. I am under the impression OMTA helped with the legal expenses to oppose this action by the Township Trustees. (Blazerbrad may be able to correct me if I am wrong.) This is when I first became aware of the organization.

My offroading activities since the vacating of roads listed above, have been limited to private property developed for four wheeling purposes. Haspin, Lost Valley and the Ranch in French Lick, Indiana where the Jeep Jamboree was held. I appreciated these property owners' efforts to develop their property for this purpose and gladly paid the entry fees for these areas. I hope to visit some of these properties again this year along with other locations. Hopefully, even a CORE trip.

I have also read of successful efforts to open public ground in Indiana for the purpose of offroad vehicle recreation. It appears there are successful models to follow in developing public access trails in Ohio.

The OMTA is the only organization I have found in Ohio that has made any progress towards getting public land for offroad vehicles like ours. These few, dedicated, OMTA volunteers have forged personal relationships with some of the appropriate state officials. Hopefully, we can stoke these relationships and eventually have an opportunity to enjoy offroading on public land here in Ohio. I believe our best chance for success in Ohio is through the OMTA.

If there are other groups working for this same purpose in Ohio, that includes full size 4x4 vehicles, please let me know of them also.

Blazerbrad, thank you for passing the concerns of this group on for better answers.

John

GPER

03-04-2010, 11:51 AM

I know there was a good chunk of land donated to the parks a few years back that is untouched. I think the land is there it would just be the matter of getting the approval for the trails around the state.

It would also be nice to get the atv trails opened up to sxs's that are over 50 inches.

blazerbrad

03-04-2010, 01:25 PM

I am relatively new to this hobby and have already been impacted by public trail closures. Specifically the vacating of public roads Vinton County that provided four wheeling opportunities in the Richland Furnace area. I am under the impression OMTA helped with the legal expenses to oppose this action by the Township Trustees. (Blazerbrad may be able to correct me if I am wrong.) This is when I first became aware of the organization.

OMTA coordinated all of the legal efforts and with the money coming from donations to OMTA. Basically, many seperate off-road clubs (Jeep, 4x4, ATV, bike) and other organizations donated money directly to a "legal defense fund" of OMTA that was then used to pay an attorney. I think there was around $9,000 spent on this, with the Ohio 4x4 Trailriders out of Columbus donating a large portion of that.

94Dodge Truggy

03-04-2010, 01:46 PM

It would also be nice to get the atv trails opened up to sxs's that are over 50 inches.[/QUOTE]

I like your thinking! Been wanting to go to wayne national forest orv park or monday creek and sinking springs but not 50".

GPER

03-04-2010, 10:24 PM

It would also be nice to get the atv trails opened up to sxs's that are over 50 inches.

I like your thinking! Been wanting to go to wayne national forest orv park or monday creek and sinking springs but not 50".[/QUOTE]

I have had the CJ at Richland Furnace and was thinking about staying on the furnace side, I haven't been there in a few years. There is 100 acre park past Hillsboro by Sinking springs and 150 out in Xenia Township, no Jeeps at either place.

blazerbrad

03-05-2010, 09:32 AM

I have had the CJ at Richland Furnace and was thinking about staying on the furnace side, I haven't been there in a few years.

All the talk above about closing roads and paying attorney fees was about this area. This area is no longer "open" to the public. The township roads that criss-crossed the land have been officially vacated (i.e. no longer a legal public road), and gates have been put up to keep people out.

OMTA had been in discussion with the previous landowner about acquiring the land through state grants over a couple year period and he was interested, however he passed away before a deal could be struck and his kids who inherited the land just wanted a quick buck and didn't want to wait for the grants to come through (there is a lot more to the story, but you get the idea).

The land was bought by a lumber company that was completely opposed to any off-roading activity in the area, and therefore petitioned the local government to go through the legal process of officialling vacating the roads. OMTA coordinated the legal opposition to this.

Unfortunately this area was a great place to ride, plus when it was open there were two areas within 10 minutes of a nice campground to go wheelin' so you could make it a long weekend.