The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Chris Conroy of Eagan as the 2025 volunteer ATV instructor of the year.
A member of the South Metro ATV Club, Conroy has been a certified ATV safety instructor and trail ambassador since 2018. In both roles, he shares his experience and volunteers his time to ensure riders of all ages have the knowledge and skills they need to safely enjoy Minnesota’s trails. He’s participated in ATV safety events throughout Minnesota, developed an elementary school curriculum aimed at safe riding, and sought out unique opportunities to provide ATV safety messaging.
As the safety committee lead for ATV MN, Conroy and his fellow committee members routinely attend community health fairs, dealer trainings, hospital association meetings, Toward Zero Deaths gatherings, RideSafe events, school functions, and more to share safety-related information. Thousands of riders and potential riders receive safety messaging thanks to Conroy’s efforts.
“The impact of Chris’s work as a volunteer instructor is felt in the classroom and on the trails,” said Bruce Lawrence, the recreational vehicle coordinator in the DNR Enforcement Division. “As the eyes and ears of the DNR as a trail ambassador, Chris brings safety to the state’s trails, where he approaches all trail users with a friendly and professional attitude.”
Conroy 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.