Introduction
The 2007 Minnesota Legislature established the volunteer off-highway vehicle Trail Ambassador program (Minnesota Statute 84.9011) to assist in safety and environmental education and monitoring trails on public lands. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and off-road vehicles (ORVs) such as four-wheel drive trucks.
The Trail Ambassador program was established within the DNR. It exists to promote rider safety and environmentally responsible operation of OHVs through informational, educational contacts and trail monitoring efforts provided by Trail Ambassadors. Oversight and management of the motorized Trail Ambassador program is shared between the DNR divisions of Enforcement and Parks and Trails.
The volunteers
Trail Ambassadors are responsible for greeting enthusiasts, collecting trail monitoring data, and educating users on responsible off-highway vehicle use on public lands.
Pre-requisites for Becoming a Trail Ambassador
Individuals interested in volunteering for the Trail Ambassador program must meet the following requirements.
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Submit to a thorough background investigation
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Be sponsored by a "Qualified organization"
- Complete a Trail Ambassador training session (6 hours)
What is a qualified organization?
Qualified organizations are the local off-highway vehicle clubs that are committed to motorized recreation, safety, and education. Currently qualified organizations are required to be members in good standing of one of the following associations:
- Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA)
- All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM)
- Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA)
- Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA)
What is covered at a Trail Ambassador training session?
Prospective new Trail Ambassadors will receive training covering the following topics:
- Policies and guidelines
- Trail Ambassador role and expectations
- Program Paperwork
- Trail monitoring objectives
- Equipment requirements
- Risk Management
- Invasive species training
- Global positioning system training
- Overview of OHV laws
Forms
How do I become involved?
To view available Trail Ambassador training sessions, see the Safety Training Calendar.
Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the Trail Ambassador program can contact:
Bruce Lawrence, recreational vehicle coordinator
[email protected]
(763) 267-8534