|
1.
Respect other people's property and rights. Stay on the trail. Know
where you are permitted to ride and where you are not.
2.
Use a full-size helmet, goggles or visor to prevent injuries from
twigs, stones and flying debris.
3.
Never carry a passenger on your ATV.
4.
Maintain a safe speed for the terrain, visibility conditions and
your experience.
5.
Be sure your all-terrain vehicle is in top notch mechanical condition
at all times.
6.
Familiarize yourself with your ATV by reading the owner's manual.
7.
Never operate an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8.
Obey the law. Ask your local dealer about ATV laws and regulations.
Do not harass wildlife.
9.
Do not litter any trails or camping areas. Carry out what you carry
in.
10.
Be a good sportsman. Recognize that people judge all ATV users by
your actions.
Public
Access stickers are required on ALL OHV's operated on these sites.
IDNR's
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Grant Program
What
is it?
The
OHV grant program was created as part of the Recreational Trails
of Illinois Act signed into law by Governor Edgar on August 1, 1997.
This Act stipulated that all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles
purchased on or after January 1, 1998 must apply for a $30 certificate
of title. (Machines used only for production agriculture need only
pay $13). These funds are to be used for grants for public OHV riding
areas and for the administration, enforcement, planning and implementation
of the Act.
What
types of grants are available?
Grants
may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers
(either fee simple title, permanent easement or lease), for the
development of OHV areas (including construction, rehabilitation
and maintenance costs), for the restoration of areas damaged by
OHV use, and for rider education and safety programs.
Who
may apply for the grants?
Units
of local government, private OHV clubs and organizations, business
entities and private individuals.
How
large are the grants?
There
is no maximum grant award established. Grants may cover up to 100%
of an approved project's cost.
What
"strings" are attached to the grants?
All
sites that receive grant assistance must be open to the public during
reasonable hours and times of the year. Development grant recipients
must maintain the site for public use for a minimum of 5 years,
plus 1 additional year for every $10,000 in assistance over $50,000.
Acquisition grant recipients, depending on the type of acquisition,
may be required to keep the property open for OHV use in perpetuity.
May
a fee be charged to the public for the use of a grant-assisted site?
Yes.
However, the fee must be reasonable and not discriminatory and may
be subject to review by DNR.
If
an applicant receives OHV grant funds, can they apply for additional
funds for the same site later?
Yes.
There is no restriction placed on how many times an applicant may
apply or receive grant funds, nor is there any maximum grant limit
of funds that may be allocated for a single site.
Are
there any restrictions placed on the users of a site that has received
OHV grant funds?
Yes.
In addition to the titling fees that support the grant program,
a public access sticker must also be purchased for every machine
that is operated on a public OHV site. The funds raised from the
sale of the stickers are deposited into the grant program fund.
The public access decals will be sold at the following rates:
- $10
for individual use by Illinois residents
- $17
for rental units or non-residents from states that do not have
a reciprocal agreement with the department, or vehicles registered
as production agriculture
- $25
for dealer and manufacturer demonstrations and research.
If
an OHV site is assisted with funding through the grant program,
can certain types of off-highway vehicles be restricted from using
the property?
Yes.
However, the program is funded by owners of ATVs and off-highway
motorcycles and the Department will not look favorably upon applicants
that will not allow their use. Full-size four-wheel drive trucks
and Jeeps may be restricted if it is believed that a site is not
conducive for their use.
Is
there an application deadline when I must apply?
Yes.
There is an annual application deadline of March 1. The Department
may also establish interim application dates.
How
can I receive more information on the OHV grant program?
By
contacting IDNR's Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. The telephone number
is 217-782-7481, or visit our Off-Highway
Vehicle Grant Program page.
The
IL DNR receives federal financial assistance and therefore must
comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. IDNR does not discriminate
on the basis of sex, color, race, religion, national origin, age,
disability or other non-merit factors including but not limited
to sexual orientation, marital or parental status and/or physical
stature. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in
any program, activity or facility, please contact the EEO officers
at 217-785-0067. TYY 217-782-9175.
| 
