This has been a busy year for OMTA and off pavement recreation. OMTA scans the “legal sections” of 6 southern Ohio newspapers. We put out the alert last month when Vinton County posted vacating notices for 4 roads we use. OMTA was the only motorized organization or club to show up. No organization except a few locals and OMTA member clubs testified for our use at the Vinton County Commissioner hearing April 23rd.

The parts of the property that are “not the road” will be closed off by what ever way the owner can. If you ride the area be aware. Trespassing will not be tolerated! I would not be surprised to see some private security in the area. Anyone trespassing will be dealt with to the limits of the law to set an example.

As of April 23 commissioners’ hearing the roads were still open. There was a follow up commissioner meeting April 28th. By a vote of 2 to 1 the commissioners voted to vacate the roads. We need membership and funds to fight this battle. If we do not fight and win you can look for the rest of the roads in Vinton county to start falling. It is your call. Help OMTA keep the roads open or watch them close!

THE INTERNET

There has been a lot of “extreme” riding posted on the internet by quads, jeeps and motorcycles, even a picture of someone on top of the Richland Furnace. None of that stuff helps us. The “Richland Furnace” owners had a power point presentation of pictures and movies folks had posted of their extreme riding and wheeling. We can only appeal to save have the roads. There is a campaign on the television centered on young folks. It warns them about what they post. Posting is forever. There is more then one way to show your “Butt”. Young girls can lose their reputation or get one like Paris Hilton. When folks destroy other folk’s private property they are committing a crime. When they post it and brag they are destroying our reputation! OMTA is urging folks to stop their friends from doing illegal acts. We need to report folks who trespass and cause damage to private property.  Last but not least do not show your “Butt”. Do not post criminal trespass and property damage on the web. If you have a web site that has inappropriate pictures and movies take them down.

Public bulletin board letters promising revenge against equipment and other property are just as bad. Do not feed the fires of those who already hate us.

Quickie Update

The Reciprocity Bill has been signed by the Governor. Reciprocity will begin in 90 days.

There has been a petition filed to close all the roads in the Vercamp property in the Richland Furnace area in Vinton County.

The viewing will be April 23^rd at 10 AM. I will be contacting the commissioners for where they plan to meet. This would close all the roads in the Richland Furnace area. Email OMTA for more information

OMTA is working with an Ohio senator to introduce new off road legislation.

Be a part of it, join OMTA.