CO Thor Nelson (left) recently presented Steve Rykhus, of New Ulm, with the 2024 DNR volunteer ATV safety instructor of the year award
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Steve Rykhus, of New Ulm, as the 2024 ATV instructor of the year.
During the past 20 years, Rykhus has helped certify nearly 1,200 students at ATV safety classes in Brown and Lyon counties. In total, he’s taught almost 70 classes between the two counties. Rykhus works hard to recruit new instructors to assist with his classes. He helps those new instructors feel confident teaching the students.
In addition to being an ATV safety instructor, Rykhus is also a certified firearms safety and snowmobile safety instructor. This is the second time the DNR has recognized his selfless efforts: Rykhus also was the volunteer firearms safety instructor of the year in 2014.
“Steve is devoted to introducing the next generation to the outdoors and providing the foundation the students need to enjoy a lifetime in the outdoors,” said CO Thor Nelson, who is stationed in New Ulm. “He’s passionate about volunteering as an instructor and is a great example of the very best of the thousands of people across the state who serve as volunteer safety instructors.”
Rykhus is among the nearly 1,000 volunteer ATV safety instructors who work with DNR conservation officers to deliver ATV safety training certification. Details about safety courses and training are available on the DNR website, as are ATV regulations.