2016 OHV Day on the Hill -
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Photo from our 2015 TN OHV Day on the Hill
The concept of this day is for various groups representing motorized OHV recreation to come together at the Tennessee State Capitol "On the Hill" to promote and discuss Off Highway Vehicle areas on public lands across the state. Michelle Russell of the NOHVCC is spearheading this event and leading the discussions.
Previously attending were members of the ATV/side by side, dirt bike and full size four wheel drive communities, making voices heard to promote and discuss off highway recreation areas on public lands in the state.
Groups represented were NOHVCC, Mountain Trail Riders, Southern Four Drive Association, and supporters of the Coalmont project. Southern Four Wheel Drive Association was represented by Past Presidents Bob Yarbrough and Gary Parsons and long time Dixie Run Coordinator Greg Griffith. Knox Off Road and Franklin County Off Road Club along with Mountain Trail Riders and NOHVCC had tables set up to promote awareness of motorized ohv recreation. Also, a huge THANK YOU goes to Michelle Russell for spearheading this event and leading the discussions. (If I left anyone out I apologize.)
Schedule of Day's Events
7:30am - Booth setup in War Memorial Building near legislative hearing rooms
8:00-9:15am - OHV Roundtable in Senate Chamber, 2nd Floor Capitol
9:15-9:45am - Lt Gov Ron Ramsey welcome, Senate Chamber
9:45-10:00am - Speaker Beth Harwell welcome, Senate Chamber
10:00 - 3:00pm - Visit legislators, committee hearings, OHV booths
3:00 - Booth breakdown
Optional * 11:00 & 1:00 - Capitol Building Tour (first come, first served)
Highlights from Last Year:
TN Capital Building "On the Hill"
On April 7th, 2015 Tennessee hosted it's second annual TN OHV Day on the Hill where representatives of various motorized recreation groups (off-roading) came to the capitol to enjoy the end of session legislative fun, meet with state elected officials and gathered in the awe-inspiring senate chambers for updates and discussion on several significant projects across the state.
Lt. Govenor Ron Ramsey
Special welcome from Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey & Speaker Beth Harwell.
Current legislation. HB1104/SB1003 creates a nine member board that will recommend to the legislature, at the beginning of next session (by Jan 1, 2016), a course of action for the following: Creating a statewide, self-funded TN OHV safety and training program, creating an inventory of TN public land available for OHV use, as well as potential opportunities, and when coming up with these recommendations, investigate how other states are doing it well.
Presentation by Bob Yarbrough, TN Greenways & Trails OHV representative, on his recent study of the economic impact numbers from several offroading events in the state. Mind blowing.
Updates on several big projects: Doe Mountain, Coalmont and Aetna Mountain Adventures.
Great club success stories, like Mountain Trail Riders Association and Franklin County Offroad Club.
Leadership updates from NOHVCC-Tennessee and Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA).
2014 - TN OHV Day on the Hill
This is a great event for youngsters to attend with their parents and experience their state capitol at work. Last year, NOHVCC-Tennessee Associate Partner Joey Blevins brought his grandson Caleb to the event. So great to see the next generation of OHV leaders starting early!