The Latest News

Yamaha Introduces New Grizzly 450 with EPS and New Raptor 125

2010-06-10T12:34:00.000-06:00

Yamaha Introduces New ATV Utility and Sport Models for 2011

Introducing New Grizzly 450 with EPS and All-New Raptor 125 Sport ATV

Yamaha expands its ATV line adding the new Grizzly 450 4x4 utility ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the all-new Raptor 125 sport ATV.

“The new Grizzly 450 EPS is a mid-level machine with top-of-the-line features that excels in trail riding and utility functions. The Raptor 125 is the first in its class from a major ATV manufacturer with true sport performance,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side operations. “These two models give customers a couple of great new options within Yamaha’s 2011 line.

The new Grizzly 450 EPS combines Yamaha’s most innovative features for the outdoor and recreational enthusiast: award winning Electric Power Steering, industry exclusive Ultramatic® automatic transmission with the centrifugal clutch system, On-Command® 2WD, 4WD and 4WD diff-lock, and an all new rear sealed wet brake. The new 450 includes all of these key features in a mid-level chassis – with an all new one piece frame and independent rear suspension – and strong 421cc, 4-stroke engine able to handle more than 250 pounds rack capacity and 1,322 pounds in towing.

The all-new Raptor 125 introduces Yamaha performance and engineering to the entry-level or step-up sport ATV market. This is the first 125-class sport ATV from a major ATV manufacturer. The Raptor 125 is a true-sport machine with a 124cc, two valve, single overhead cam engine, five-speed manual transmission, electric start, hydraulic disk brakes and five-way preload adjustable suspension. All combined, the new 125 has the same great suspension components and handling characteristics of the award-winning Raptor 250. The Raptor 125 also gets new Maxxis sport tires – 19-inches in front and 18-inches in back.

Yamaha’s complete utility ATV line for 2011 announced this June includes the Grizzly 700 EPS, Grizzly 700 (non-EPS), Grizzly 550 EPS, Grizzly 550 (non-EPS), new Grizzly 450 with EPS, new Grizzly 450 (non-EPS), Grizzly 350 IRS 4x4, Grizzly 350 4x4, Grizzly 350 2WD, Grizzly 125 2WD and Big Bear 400 4x4. Yamaha’s 2011 sport ATV models announced this June include the Raptor 700R (also in a Special Edition model), Raptor 350, Raptor 250, Raptor 250R (with piggyback shocks), the all-new Raptor 125 and Raptor 90. The 2011 Rhino 700 FI, including a Sport Edition, was announced in February.

The 2011 models will be in dealerships across the country this summer. More details on these models, including specific pricing and availability, can be found at www.Yamaha-Motor.com.

POLARIS TO MOVE MANUFACTURING ATV & UTV OPERATIONS OUT OF U.S.A.

2010-05-23T10:35:00.000-06:00

POLARIS TO MOVE MANUFACTURING ATV & UTV OPERATIONS OUT OF U.S.A.

Realignment expected to improve long-term competitive positioning resulting from logistical and production cost savings while expediting delivery times !

In an effort to improve its long-term competitive positioning, increase operational efficiencies and position the company for future growth, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced plans to realign its operations and refocus on its core strategic manufacturing processes. The Company will create manufacturing centers of excellence for Polaris Products by enhancing the existing Roseau, Minn. and Spirit Lake, Iowa, production facilities and establishing a new facility in Mexico.

The Company is currently evaluating several possible locations in the Monterrey/Saltillo area of Mexico for the new facility. The realignment will lead to the eventual sale or closure of Polaris’ Osceola, Wisconsin manufacturing operations over time. The realignment allows the Company to dedicate capital for strategic investments in painting, welding and assembly operations by outsourcing certain non-strategic component manufacturing processes. The Mexico facility is expected to maintain Polaris’ industry leading quality while improving the Company’s on-time delivery to customers and provide significant savings in logistical and production costs.

“While this was a difficult decision for us, given the impact on our employees at the Osceola facility, we believe the creation of these manufacturing centers of excellence will strengthen our company over the long-term and enable us to maintain our lead in a competitive market,” said Scott Wine, CEO, Polaris Industries Inc. “Pursuing opportunities in new markets outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning are key components to our growth strategy. This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will allow us to improve our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards desired by our dealers and customers.”

The realignment of Polaris’ manufacturing footprint will strengthen the Company’s position in the powersports industry, as it will enable Polaris to have production facilities closer to customers in the southern United States and global markets the Company currently serves or expects to serve in the future. When the manufacturing realignment is completed the Company will have capabilities to manufacture ORVs (both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles), which represents more than two-thirds of the Company’s sales, in multiple locations depending on customer demand. Snowmobile assembly will remain in the Roseau facility and Victory motorcycle assembly will remain in the Company’s Spirit Lake facility. As part of the manufacturing realignment, certain Osceola manufacturing processes will be moved into the Roseau, Spirit Lake and Mexico facilities to more effectively utilize Company resources. In addition, certain manufacturing processes and equipment are intended to be sold to suppliers whom will continue to supply components to Polaris. Other non-strategic component manufacturing operations currently performed in the Osceola facility will be outsourced.

The realignment will begin immediately and is scheduled to be complete in 2012. The Company will look to have the new production facility in Mexico operational beginning in the first half of 2011. Polaris is currently in negotiations with several suppliers to sell certain non-strategic component manufacturing processes and equipment in the Osceola facility. If successful, Polaris’ intent is that the suppliers will continue to manufacture these components in the current Osceola location. Polaris will operate the Osceola manufacturing facilities during the transition period. Upon completion of the transition, Polaris will provide the affected employees severance benefits and work closely with the Wisconsin Department of Labor and other state and local agencies to offer employment assistance and other services.

The Company expects to record pretax transition charges to its income statement in the range of $20 million to $25 million and incur capital expenditures up to $35 million over the next few years related to the implementation of the manufacturing realignment. The Company expects the Osceola facility exit costs, comprising largely of one-time employee termination benefits, to amount to approximately a third of the total transition charges, while the start-up costs related to the new Mexico facility and other centers of excellence will comprise the balance. Transition charges to be incurred in calendar year 2010 are expected to be in the range of $8 to $10 million. The Company’s current earnings guidance of earnings per share of $3.48 to $3.60 for the full year 2010 will not change as a result of this announcement. The realignment is expected to generate pre-tax costs and expense savings in excess of $30 million on an annual basis when the transition has been completed. The Company expects to begin realizing some of the cost savings as early as 2011.

Polaris Neighborhood Vehicles Launches 2-Passenger and Street-Legal Models

2010-05-18T13:11:00.000-06:00

Polaris Neighborhood Vehicles Launches 2-Passenger and Street-Legal Models

Continuing a tradition built on more than 55 years of off-road and on-road products that have earned the reputation of being innovative and well-built, Polaris Industries Inc. today unveiled its new Breeze™ Neighborhood Vehicle model line-up.

“Since our launch in fall 2009, the Breeze and its MyChoice^TM rear seat conversion capability have been very well received, so we’re thrilled to offer two new models to our customers,” said Greg Thompson, marketing manager for the Breeze family of vehicles. New to the line-up is Polaris’ first street-legal electric-powered neighborhood vehicle, the Polaris Breeze SL; and a new 2-passenger version of the Breeze.

Built by a company whose name is synonymous with redefining recreational vehicles, each new model features an advanced, adjustable suspension and plush, contoured seating that delivers an extremely comfortable and smooth ride which has become the hallmark of the Polaris Breeze. Boasting an automotive look, premium cut-and-sew seat design, and metallic paint colors, each Polaris Breeze promises to stand out from other neighborhood vehicles.

“The Breeze SL and two-passenger Breeze are yet two more examples of how Polaris is offering new and exciting ways for consumers to enjoy a master-planned community lifestyle,” said Marc Tullemans, director of Polaris’ Neighborhood Vehicle business. .”

The new Polaris Breeze models will be available for test rides and purchase beginning June 1st, at select Polaris Neighborhood Vehicle dealerships. Specific dealer locations can be found at www.polarisbreeze.com.

“Throughout 2010, we’ll continue to expand our dealer network and product availability, and hope the excitement around the Breeze thus far continues as consumers see and ride these wonderful new models we’ve added to the line,” said Tullemans.

Polaris Breeze Model Line-up

Breeze – MyChoice

Launched in 2009, the Polaris Breeze with MyChoice rear seat conversion allows anyone to effortlessly switch between golfing, riding with up to four passengers, or carrying cargo. It can be done on the fly, by anyone, anytime so you’re ready for whatever your day will bring.

Breeze - 2 Passenger

New to the line-up, the 2-passenger Breeze offers features and value unmatched by other vehicles on the market. Meeting the consumer need to fit more cargo comfortably in their golf cars, this Breeze touts the largest utility basket available as well as deep dash storage so you have plenty of room to stow and carry your gear.

Breeze SL

A street-legal Breeze SL can be used on many public roads with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less, making it a fun and fuel-saving alternative to cars for drivers making numerous short trips around their communities. Featuring retractable seatbelts, driver- and passenger-side mirrors, and a light weight, high impact windshield, the Breeze SL let’s you ride with peace of mind. It also currently qualifies for a 10 percent federal tax credit that rewards owners for purchasing street legal vehicles that are environmentally friendly with low-emissions and energy consumption.

Yamaha Supports Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA)

2010-05-12T12:45:00.001-06:00

Yamaha Continues Support of Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA)
HAVA to Raffle $20,000 in Prizes at NRA Annual Meeting to Raise Funds for Veterans

CYPRESS, Calif. – May 12, 2010 – Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) will conclude its biggest raffle in history – including a donated Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI EPS with an assortment of SureFire products as the grand prize – on May 16, 2010, at the NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits in Charlotte, N.C.

Tickets, which were initially sold at the 2010 Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show earlier this year, will again be available for purchase directly from HAVA and its sustaining sponsors’ booths at the NRA Show. HAVA sponsors donated the raffle prizes so that all of the proceeds can go towards HAVA and its mission of supporting disabled veterans. HAVA’s website is:http://www.honoredveterans.org/

“We greatly appreciate the support from our sustaining sponsors who have made this raffle possible. We expect strong support from the thousands of attending NRA members who appreciate the contribution of our disabled veterans who have given their full commitment to protecting the American way of life,” said HAVA Chairman, Tom Taylor. “We had a great start to the promotion at SHOT Show and anticipate a strong finish at NRA. We hope everyone at the NRA Show will consider buying a ticket to support this worthy cause.”

“Yamaha is proud to support the veterans who benefit from HAVA’s mission and its activities,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/Side-by-Side (SxS) group marketing manager. “As a founding member, Yamaha plans to continue to help HAVA through direct contributions and fundraising efforts such as this raffle. We encourage everyone to go to HAVA’s website to learn more and consider making a donation to help our veterans.”

The HAVA raffle prizes include the following:

·         Grand Prize
Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI EPS ATV with an assortment of SureFire products ($12,000 approx. value).

·         1st Prizes
Smith & Wesson M&P-15T Tactical Rifle with Leupold Mark 4 Riflescope and Crimson Trace MVF-515 fore-grip ($3,532 approx. value).

Smith & Wesson Elite Silver Shotgun ($2,380 approx. value)

·         2nd Prize
Leupold Gold Ring 10x42 Binocular ($899 approx. value)

·         3rd Prizes
Four (4) Crimson Trace Laser Grips ($299-$479/each approx. value)
One (1) Hornady Ammo Assortment ($300 approx. value)

·         4th Prizes
Twenty (20) SureFire G2L Flashlights ($69/each approx. value)

Proceeds of the raffle will go toward HAVA sponsored activities including hunts and shooting events, highlighted by HAVA’s annual National Family Day. The winners will be drawn on the final day of the NRA Annual Meeting and need not be present to accept their prize.

Through support from industry leaders, HAVA continues to grow, and in turn supports more disabled veterans. The ultimate goal is to increase their confidence and hope for the future by reconnecting with their love of the outdoors and the American traditions of hunting and firearms. Sustaining companies include: Crimson Trace, FMG Publications, Hornady, Leupold & Stevens, NRA, Mossburg, Smith & Wesson, SureFire, and Yamaha. HAVA events are run by a committee of volunteer executives from these companies, and others who donate their time to the support of these American heroes.

Yamaha Employees Donate Time to U.S. Forest Restoration

2010-04-30T17:36:00.000-06:00

Yamaha Employees Join SBNFA and USFS to Improve Nation’s Busiest Forest

SBNFA Has Model OHV Program Supported in Part by Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

CYPRESS, Calif. – April 30, 2010 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., employees joined members of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) by volunteering more than 500 hours to improve off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and staging areas and plant 2,250 trees in the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF).

As part of its OHV Access Initiative, Yamaha works closely with the SBNFA sponsoring a number of OHV trails and adopting trail 3W14 as well as the Pinnacles Staging Area in the SBNF trail system near Lake Arrowhead, Calif. On Saturday, April 24, members of Yamaha’s ATV & Side-by-Side (SxS) department along with representatives from the ATV enthusiast press participated in an OHV area clean-up led by staff and volunteers from the USFS and SBNFA in and around Yamaha’s adopted areas. Throughout the day, teams worked around Pinnacles and across miles of adopted and nearby trails clearing brush, removing litter, cleaning culverts, building water breaks and generally improving the areas.

“The OHV Access Initiative is a major priority for Yamaha, and we understand the future of our business and lifestyle depends on supporting this mission of safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas,” said Mike Martinez, General Manager of Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Department who also serves on the SBNFA Board of Directors. “The SBNFA, in conjunction with the USFS and corporate partners, has a multifaceted and model OHV program. We encourage other OHV groups to take a look at what we’ve doing here in Southern California and consider how they might implement similar programs in other parts of the country.”

On Sunday, nearly 90 Yamaha employees along with family and friends joined a second-year program by the USFS, the SBNFA and the Los Angeles-based TreePeople organization to help reforest burn areas in Southern California. This joint effort was launched in response to the devastating Southern California wildfires in 2003 and 2007 where 185,000 acres burned in the SBNF. The program’s goal this year is to plant 25,000 bareroot seedlings, and Yamaha’s group planted a single-day record near Big Bear Lake, Calif. Through its efforts the past two years, Yamaha’s groups have planted more than 3,400 seedlings.

“It was exciting to see so many Yamaha employees get involved in Sunday’s tree planting efforts,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Department Marketing Manager and OHV Access Initiative Review Committee Member. “Supporting our local and OHV communities is important to Yamaha, and we plan to continue growing the OHV Access Initiative and supporting more outdoors areas across the country. By putting our best foot forward, we can set a positive example for everyone who enjoys outdoor recreation.”

The SBNF is the mountain playground to 24 million Southern Californians -- or 10 percent of the nation’s population. Given its proximity to this population base, the SBNF is an “urban” forest and, consequently, is the most recreated and populated national forest in the system. Over 15 million people recreate annually on the SBNF and 60,000 reside full- or part-time.

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Since launching in 2008, the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has injected more than $1.4 million into its mission of supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies and other members of the OHV community in the United States. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects.

Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

· Trail development, restoration and maintenance

· Trail signage and map production

· Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance

· Land stewardship, trail safety and education

The next GRANT application submission deadline is June 30, 2010. Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

NOHVCC April Newsletter

2010-04-21T18:21:00.008-06:00

Schedule Your NOHVCC Workshop
By Jack Terrell

Do OHV enthusiasts in your state need assistance starting or revitalizing a statewide OHV association? Could your favorite riding area benefit from a NOHVCC OHV Recreation Management Workshop? If so, help is just a phone call or email away.

Russ Ehnes, NOHVCC Executive Director, reports that “the NOHVCC Board of Directors recently approved funding for NOHVCC State Association Development Workshops and NOHVCC OHV Recreation Management Workshops during the second half of 2010. This funding will allow us to bring these workshops to your state.”...... Read more

GAO Releases Report on ATV Use and Safety
By Russ Ehnes

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report dated April 2010 called “All-Terrain Vehicles - How They Are Used, Crashes, and Sales of Adult-Sized Vehicles for Children’s Use.”
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requires the GAO to conduct a study of the utility, recreational, and other benefits of all-terrain vehicles and the costs associated with all-terrain vehicle-related accidents and injuries. GAO addressed these topics by reviewing ATV use and crash data and by discussing these issues with Commission staff, industry officials, user groups, and safety stakeholders…....Read more

DVD Distribution Competition
By Karen Umphress

You may have already seen a bunch of press releases, a couple of newsletter articles, and some e-mails on the subject. The NOHVCC Public Lands Workshop Series DVD has been released. If you haven’t figured it out yet, we think this is one of the best tools that we have added to the tool-kit, especially for the new people who are just starting to get involved.

We have been working with a writer to create some great articles to be printed in industry and Enthusiast magazines. Some of these articles are available on-line now in Racer X and Cycle News. Some of the articles will be in print soon.……. Read more

4-H Announces New ATV Safety Site
Submitted by Sheila Chaconas, 4-H ATV Safety

4-H ATV Adventure Online has introduced a new ATV safety mini site sponsored by the Specialty Vehicle Association of America (SVIA) and the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). The site promotes safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. We encourage you to visit the site at www.4-h.org/atvsafety to see the great new interactive tools and resources:………… Read more

Baja Legends to Help Stop the Youth ATV Ban with New MIC Web Site Videos

2010-04-13T15:20:00.000-06:00

Baja Legends Call on Riders to Help Stop the Ban with New Motorcycle Industry Council Web Site Videos

Honda and Kawasaki Teams Plus Robby Gordon Add Their Voices to More Than 200,000 Electronic Messages Sent to Congress

IRVINE, Calif., April 13, 2010 - History's two winningest Baja motorcycle racers Johnny Campbell and Larry Roeseler have added their powerful voices to the fight against the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs. So did NASCAR driver and SCORE Trophy Truck champion Robby Gordon and motorcycle speedway legend Bruce Penhall. All of them, along with Honda and Kawasaki team members, can be seen on new videos posted on the Motorcycle Industry Council YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/motoindustrycouncil

"Since February, nearly 210,000 electronic messages have been sent to Congress because of the Stop the Ban campaign," said Paul Vitrano, MIC general counsel. "The new videos from these off-road superstars give our cause a real boost. Whether you're into racing or weekend family fun, remember that there's only a temporary stay of enforcement on the ban and the battle is still on. We must convince Congress to permanently end the ban by changing the law or it will be a lot harder to produce future legends like these guys, and harder for kids to get properly sized machines and safely enjoy rides with their parents."

The videos were shot last month in Baja during the pre-race festivities for the 24th MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. Other racing stars featured in the videos include JCR Honda's Colton Udall and Jeff "Ox" Kargola, this year's overall motorcycle winners.

The Blue C / Wahoo's / Monster Energy Kawasaki team also participated, with seven-time Baja 1000 winner Steve Hengeveld, part of the second-place team in San Felipe, along with Brent Harden and Ryan Penhall, team members who finished third. Besides owning JCR Honda, Johnny Campbell has won the Baja 1000 11 times while the legendary Larry Roeseler won an even dozen on two wheels and four.

"You know, I wouldn't be where I am if I wasn't able to ride when I was a kid," Campbell said. "There [are] a lot of kids who have a passion for two wheels and that involves riding dirt bikes....I encourage you to go to stopthebannow.com."

A famed auto racer also spoke on camera for the cause.

"I was young, four, five, six, seven, riding motorcycles," said Robby Gordon, who placed second in San Felipe in his Trophy Truck. "Where [are] the next Robby Gordons coming from, or the Ricky Carmichaels? Keep these young kids riding."

SCORE International is one of the most widely recognized off-road motorcycle and ATV race sanctioning bodies in the world, known for the annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The San Felipe 250 is the first of the three-race SCORE Baja series that also includes the Baja 500.

A copy of a sample letter to Congress and background information about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act can be found at www.stopthebannow.com

Background Information on the CPSIA:

Three key reasons why youth ATVs and motorcycles should be excluded from the CPSIA's lead content provisions:

1. The lead content poses no risk to kids. Experts estimate that the lead intake from kids' interaction with metal parts is less than the lead intake from drinking a glass of water.

2. The key to keeping youth safe is having them ride the right size vehicle. Kids are now at risk because the availability of youth ATVs and motorcycles is limited due to the lead ban.

3. The lead ban hurts the economy for no good reason when everyone is trying to grow the economy and create jobs. MIC estimates that a complete ban on youth model vehicles would result in about $1 billion in lost economic value in the retail marketplace every year.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org

2010 Events on Utah's ATV & UTV Trails

2010-04-10T10:56:00.000-06:00

2010 Events on Utah's ATV & UTV Trails:

Information on each event is available on the Internet. The following is a list planned for 2010 in order of their occurrence:

The Rally on the Rocks, May 12-15: The fourth annual Rally on the Rocks is the premier UTV event is held in Moab, Utah. MORE INFO

The National ATV Jamboree, June 21-26: The oldest jamboree in the nation is held in Fillmore. The $130 fee includes a hot breakfasts and dinners every day, maps and a jamboree T-shirt. Trails on the Paiute ATV Trail system are featured as well as some desert destinations. Registration is limited to 500 riders and discounts are available to couples and groups. MORE INFO

The Paiute UTV Jamboree, Aug. 12-14: The second annual Marysvale jamboree primarily for UTVs is staged in Marysvale. A unique feature of this event is that no registration fees are charged. You can choose to order a shirt and meals, or not. MORE INFO

The Manti Mountain ATV Tour, Aug. 13-14: This event includes a T-shirt, dinner, two lunches, and two days of riding on the Arapeen trails above Manti for $50. MORE INFO

The Arapeen ATV Jamboree, Sept. 6-10: This event featuring trails in the San Rafael Swell and on the east side of the Arapeen Trail system is staged from Ferron. The $120 fee includes continental breakfasts each day, two dinners and a T-shirt. Two additional dinners are available at $10 each. MORE INFO

The San Juan ATV Safari, Sept. 16-18: Blanding is the host for this festival featuring trails in the Blue Mountains and surrounding canyons. Fees are $100 per rider with special rates for groups. MORE INFO

The Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree, Sept. 20-24: The largest ATV festival is sponsored by Richfield. Registration is $150 per rider and is limited to 650 participants. Fees include daily continental breakfasts, two dinners and a T-shirt. This jamboree features trails in the Paiute trail system and others in Central Utah. MORE INFO

Polaris Awarded Contract with Educational & Institutional Purchasing

2010-04-06T11:43:00.002-06:00

Polaris Awarded Contract with Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing

Minneapolis, April 6, 2010– Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the company was awarded a new competitively solicited contract with Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing (E&I). The contract makes Polaris vehicles available to all E&I Cooperative members comprised of more than 1,700 colleges, universities, prep schools and other institutions.

E&I is the largest member-owned buying cooperative for higher education. E&I delivers value to educational institutions by providing high quality, cost-effective and timely solutions through a diverse portfolio of competitive contracts and value-added services. Polaris sees benefit of being part of that portfolio due to the increasing demand for its products by colleges, universities and schools.

“Polaris offers a broad range of work utility vehicles that will enable enhanced productivity and value for school groundskeepers, security and event management,” said Dave Huguelet, director of Business Development for Polaris. “This contract is an efficient and effective way to showcase our products to the education business customer and will streamline their purchasing process.”

The contract went into effect March 1, 2010 and the offering will consist of a full catalog of ATVs, RANGER Side-by-Sides, snowmobiles and the Polaris EV LSV, as well as Polaris parts and accessories.

Utah Moves to Take Back Federal Land

2010-03-29T21:44:00.001-06:00

Utah Moves to Take Control of Federal Land in Utah by Eminent Domain:

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Fed up with federal ownership of more than half the land in Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert on March 27, 2010 authorized the use of eminent domain to take some of the U.S. government's most valuable parcels.

Herbert signed a pair of bills into law that supporters hope will trigger a flood of similar legislation throughout the West, where lawmakers contend that federal ownership restricts economic development in an energy-rich part of the country.

Governments use eminent domain to take private property for public use.

The goal is to spark a U.S. Supreme Court battle that legislators' own attorneys acknowledge has little chance of success.

But Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and other Republicans say the case is still worth fighting, since the state could reap millions of dollars for state schools each year if it wins.

More than 60 percent of Utah is owned by the U.S. government, and policy makers here have long complained that federal ownership hinders their ability to generate tax revenue and adequately fund public schools.

Initially, the state would target three areas for the use of eminent domain, including the Kaiparowits plateau in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is home to large coal reserves.

Many people in Utah are still angry that then-President Bill Clinton's designated the area as a national monument in 1996, a move that stopped development on the land and greatly pleased environmentalists as he ran for re-election.

Utah lawmakers contend the federal government should have long ago sold the land it owns in the state. Because it hasn't, the federal government has violated a contract made with Utah when statehood was granted, they say.

Eminent domain would also be used on parcels of land where Interior Secretary Ken Salazar last year scrapped 77 oil and gas leases around national parks and wild areas.

Utah Land Use Statistics:

The federal government controls nearly 65 percent of the land in the state of Utah, as opposed to states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York or Virginia where the federal government controls less than 2% of the total land mass of those states.

New York State has 30,216,320 acres only 234,000 acres of federal land. One percent of the land mass is federal.

Pennsylvania has 29,475,200 acres of land and only 677,000 acres of federal land. That amounts to 2.3% of the land mass.

Illinois has 36,058,700 acres of land and only 490,300 acres of federal land or 1.4%.
On the other hand ...

Utah has 52,696,960 acres of land, and a staggering 33,258,253 acres of federal land 63%. Nevada has 70,264,320 acres of land, and (are you ready?) 54,159,458 acres of federal land. That is 77%. Idaho 60%, California, 44.7% Colorado, 36% Oregon 52% Wyoming 54%.

Not only do they control the land, with the anti-development, preservationist philosophy which is currently in vogue, there is great pressure to restrict multiple uses of public land even though “multiple use” is the theoretical underpinning of the concept of “public land”.

Take Back Utah is dedicated to reversing this trend and securing local rights as defined by federal law. Federal land agencies must honor and obey the intent of Congress in the Federal Land Management Policy Act (FLPMA) legislation that repealed the RS2477 statute, but preserved existing rights of way created prior to this act. To date, federal land agencies have yet to recognize one of those right of ways.

They have pushed cattlemen out of historical grazing rights, cut off access to mineral and other resource extraction, all at a cost to the well being of the nation, and to the very existence of local rural communities.

This imbalance must end. To do it you will have to become an activist. Take Back Utah urges your support.

Hidden Gems Wilderness to Block 379,000 Acres in Colorado!

2010-03-28T11:29:00.001-06:00

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned that within the next few weeks an anti-access group will present U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) with the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, which would designate 379,000 acres of public land in Colorado as federal Wilderness. These new designations would be in addition to 3.5 million acres already protected as Wilderness in Colorado.

Because Polis is expected to introduce related legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, the AMA is asking all motorcyclists and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts to protest this latest effort to inappropriately designate public lands as Wilderness.

"The AMA has formally objected to the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, citing the inappropriate nature of the affected lands," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "In addition to the AMA, the Basalt Fire District opposes the measure, contending that the designation would thwart efforts to fight fires."

The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign is designed to prohibit nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation on public land in the White River and Gunnison National Forests, such as the Flattops, Basalt Mountain, Red Tables, Thompson Creek and other areas. Included are many areas that have existing trails and other improvements that do not meet the federal definition of wild areas established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.

"We want AMA members, OHV users, recreationists and the general public to understand that this is the work of a single, powerful special interest group that is trying to act as a gatekeeper for public policy in Colorado," said Moreland. "Of particular significance are concerns expressed by firefighters over acquiring waivers to fight fires on land designated as Wilderness. This is especially troubling when those Wilderness areas are adjacent to communities.

"We need to protect public land for future generations, not from future generations, and that includes access for responsible OHV recreation," Moreland said. "The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign does not accomplish that goal."

The quickest and most effective way to contact your representative is to call. You can find contact information for your elected officials at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation. Enter your zip code in the "Find your Officials" box. A pre-written e-mail also is available to send to your representative by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.

The direct link to the Issues & Legislation area of the AMA website isAmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp.

Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are illegal. The National Wilderness Act of 1964 created Wilderness designations, which are designed to protect pristine, remote areas affected primarily by the forces of nature. In recent years, anti-access groups have abused Wilderness designations to force responsible off-highway recreationalists off public land well-suited to off-highway motorized recreation.

"The AMA supports appropriate Wilderness designations," Moreland said. "However, when those lands include roads, trails, power lines, dams, bridges and structures, they do not meet the clear definition of Wilderness. All recreationists must protest these unfair measures before responsible motorized access to public land is lost forever."

Last year, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act designated more than 2 million acres as Wilderness, and more bills have followed. Many of those proposals, such as the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, would affect Colorado. They include H.R. 4289, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). The bill will designate 34 areas totaling 850,000 acres as Wilderness, including 72,397 in Handies Peak, 20,025 in Browns Canyon and 38,594 at Redcloud Peak. H.R. 3914, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.), would inappropriately designate 44,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private land as federally protected Wilderness.

"With 3.5 million acres of existing Wilderness, Colorado is already one of the most federally protected states in the nation, and it also is home to many of this country's OHV enthusiasts," Moreland said. "We need to keep OHV routes and legal trails in the state open, so this and future generations can continue to experience the sweeping vistas and rugged terrain that the state has to offer."

Congress Reacts With Outrage to the Administration's Plan to Take Public Land Without Public Debate

2010-03-27T21:30:00.000-06:00

Congress reacts with outrage to administration plan to take public lands without public debate.

Bipartisan reaction was swift following the publication by the AMA and others of an internal Department of Interior (DOI) document that revealed the agency's plan to designate without public debate as many as 13 million acres of public and private land in the West as National Monument areas.

According to DOI documents obtained by the AMA, the administration is considering new National Monument designations totaling 13 million acres in 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

"The Obama administration continues to put the needs of environmentalists who want to keep the public away from public lands above the needs and desires of Utahns," Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) said.

Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), ranking member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, echoed Bennett's thoughts that the administration is bowing to anti-access groups.

"There are special interest groups whose sole purpose is to lock up land without any consideration given to the importance of wholesome outside family recreation," Hastings said. "While they are entitled to that view, it's deeply troubling that the President's administration is seemingly eager to help turn that view into reality by unilaterally imposing new monument designations without the consent of the people and communities who will be directly impacted."

Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and ranking member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, noted that people from around the world visit the West to take advantage of broad-ranging recreational opportunities.

"Unfortunately, the current administration seems intent upon locking up much of the public lands throughout the West from recreational use, as witnessed in the documents that recently surfaced from the Department of Interior outlining new areas for potential national monument designations," Bishop said. "I commend the American Motorcyclist Association for its continued advocacy on behalf of not only motorcycle enthusiasts but all outdoor recreators, who are an important component of the West's tourism industry."

Interior Department spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff told the Salt Lake (Utah) Tribune that the documents that created the uproar were simply the result of a "brainstorming session" at the department.

But Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) remained concerned: "Given the lingering frustration felt by many Utahns following the 1996 'stroke of the pen' monument designation (of the Clinton administration's 1.9 million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument), it is totally inappropriate for this federal agency to even have preliminary discussions without involving the stakeholders on the ground."

"It remains incumbent upon the government to responsibly protect our lands for the people, not from the people," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "And that means proposals for land-use designations must be fairly debated. This proposal is not only an end-run around Congress, but also around the individuals and communities who would be directly impacted by this type of administrative maneuver.

"We are pleased to hear that there is bipartisan, bi-cameral support for an open dialogue on the long-contentious issue of public-land designations," Moreland said. "We hope that this issue will serve as a catalyst for bringing together both sides of the debate to work out any differences and preserve opportunities for responsible recreation on America's public lands for all Americans."

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