MWC Members; Who do you support?

[BOB]

excuse the thread hijacking please....but,
when is Wisconsin going to open some wheeling
where they don't speak Canadian eh?
Somewhere near Madison would be nice!

BOB

 

[Rev Den]

You all got 1 more day to decide.

Discuss

PLEASE

Rev

 

[Pat]

I understand the desire for more wheeling destinations anywhere (even in Wisconsin). In this part of the country, open public land (for OHV use) is a rarity, and I don't realistically see that changing. I'm just not sure how effective giving money to the WHOVA is really going to be in creating more wheeling opportunities for all. I read their mission statement, and I know they want to expand public riding areas, but how likely is that to happen? Seems like they will be mostly fighting for what they have now, which apparently is minimal based on the posts in this thread. Doesn't seem like the most effective use of our money to me.

I'd prefer to support a specific wheeling destination or a broader "keep our trails open" organization...examples of both have been provided.

 

[HaleYes]

I understand the desire for more wheeling destinations anywhere (even in Wisconsin). In this part of the country, open public land (for OHV use) is a rarity, and I don't realistically see that changing. I'm just not sure how effective giving money to the WHOVA is really going to be in creating more wheeling opportunities for all. I read their mission statement, and I know they want to expand public riding areas, but how likely is that to happen? Seems like they will be mostly fighting for what they have now, which apparently is minimal based on the posts in this thread. Doesn't seem like the most effective use of our money to me.

I'd prefer to support a specific wheeling destination or a broader "keep our trails open" organization...examples of both have been provided.

I couldn't agree more. Very well said Pat.

My vote is for Tellico. It's a known cause. It's a wheeling destination that is very popular and well liked. We know exactly what our money will be used to fight for.

 

[IllianaXJ]

Byron, what's the condition of Interlake? Good wheeling? That could be another option...

Interlake is state owned and managed, and wouldn't be considered a charity or not-for-profit. The thing with Redbird is even though it is a state property, it is managed by a not-for-profit group, making charitable donations allowed.

Edit: at least until Jan 1 when the state takes over fully.

 

[FlexdXJ]

I say Tellico too. It seems like people have been trying to keep that place alive more than anywhere in our chapter.

 

[kunaji]

The last I checked, NC was not a part of the MWC. Why would we want to go elsewhere with our money when it may/may not help at Tellico also? Are you guys trying to tell me there is not a single not-for-profit within our geographical region that we can support? Right now WOHVA seems to be the only one suggested that is within our region. SEC is already donating to Tellico so they will be receiving $2000 from this organization already. Our donation would make that $4000.

IMHO we should keep our donation more relevant to the MWC. There are organizations and parks in all parts of the country facing an uphill battle to stay open. From Moab to Tellico and many places in between. We as a chapter simply do not have the resources to fund each and every one. This is why we really should keep this donation within MWC borders. Tellico would more than likely appreciate the added funds. What would 99% of the MWC get out of it even if Tellico is kept open? Granted, a donation to WOHVA does nothing to guarantee more public wheeling in WI. What it will do is give those fighting for more public land in WI a larger possibility of actually making enough of a difference to change the way things are.

Of the groups suggested so far, only WOHVA seems to be both regionally significant or could use the donations to possibly make a difference. Let's take care of our own, shall we?

 

[FlexdXJ]

oh my bad i thought it was in Tennessee! Oops!


Edit: It is in tennessee!

 

[HaleYes]

When I said "Tellico", I was referring to the SWFDA as Byron mentioned. Which, includes KY and is part of the MWC. Sorry, I should have clarified.

 

[LBEXJ]

The last I checked, NC was not a part of the MWC. Why would we want to go elsewhere with our money when it may/may not help at Tellico also? Are you guys trying to tell me there is not a single not-for-profit within our geographical region that we can support? Right now WOHVA seems to be the only one suggested that is within our region. SEC is already donating to Tellico so they will be receiving $2000 from this organization already. Our donation would make that $4000.

IMHO we should keep our donation more relevant to the MWC. There are organizations and parks in all parts of the country facing an uphill battle to stay open. From Moab to Tellico and many places in between. We as a chapter simply do not have the resources to fund each and every one. This is why we really should keep this donation within MWC borders. Tellico would more than likely appreciate the added funds. What would 99% of the MWC get out of it even if Tellico is kept open? Granted, a donation to WOHVA does nothing to guarantee more public wheeling in WI. What it will do is give those fighting for more public land in WI a larger possibility of actually making enough of a difference to change the way things are.

Of the groups suggested so far, only WOHVA seems to be both regionally significant or could use the donations to possibly make a difference. Let's take care of our own, shall we?

Well said Kunaji ... and I agree. I have no problem supporting this group, or any other within' our Chapters geographical area.

Les

 

[kunaji]

Even supporting the SWFDA would seem to me to be very much like we would be sending our money directly FOR Tellico, if what they have all over their website is at all accurate. While they do indeed have KY in their membership, it is only one state of six in the organization. Their focus is not within MWC borders.

Any non-profit that fights for our wheeling rights will get my support. Any non-profit that has a majority of its actions within MWC would get priority over them though. Any non-profit that operates entirely within the borders of the MWC would be my choice before either of them, though.

 

[macgyvr]

But if MWC members go to Tellico to wheel, doesn't that make it something that the MWC could support? Honestly there are fights for public land all over. I'm glad to see the mothership pitching in to help these causes, its something that gets put on the backburner way too much and has for many years.

I'd vote to support FOJV and I've never been there, maybe some day, and its not even close to MWC, but its a fight where you know where the $$ is going towards, just like the Tellico battle.

My vote is for Tellico (even tho I might be too late on this thread), cause that is some place, that if it remains open, I will get back to again.

mac 'vote early, vote often' gyvr

 

[bigjeepman]

"it is only one state"

Wisconsin is only one state as well but we would give them all 1000. Unfortunately there is not a midwest chapter of the UFWDA or we could donate to them. The money would be spread evenly accross all midwest states. I hate seeing money go to just one state.

Just my opinion while patiently waiting on my renewal to go through!

 

[WI88XJ]

Why would all of the money have to go to WOHVA? As Zuki Ron pointed out, it's only $250 to be a sponsoring org. the rest can be split up with the other orgs that have been mentioned.

Pat, I totally understand what you're saying. We are fighting just to keep what we have up here. It’s evident that it’s a tough battle if you have been following the loss of almost half of the access we (and other outdoors types) have in the Chequamegon and Nicolet forests. But WOHVA is also directly responsible for new wheeling land opened on the Indian res up north. I can’t think of the name of the place right off the top of my head.


WOHVA IS a known cause and there is NO question on how your $'s will be spent.

 

[WI88XJ]

I also agree w/Mac and Kunaji. This is great that is stepping up and helping local chapters like this. I’m happy to see the bucks go to ANY MWC non profit org that is dedicated to wheelers and wheeling opportunities.

 

[XJMK]

How come no one else said anything about MW4WDA?
They cover a larger area than just WOHVA or Tellico.

I'd also be down with the money being split up between a few choices, too.

 

[85xjwoody]

WOHVA has been a big help in getting a major park opened in Forest County in partnership with the indian reservation located there. The park is going to be roughly 2300 acres with many trails for all. Check out www.WOHVA.com for more information on this as there is too much to try to explain for what they have done.

We also have another off road park that has opened this summer called Northwoods Overland Park located by Rib Lake Wi. Check out www.Northwoodsoverlandpark.com

I say keep the money locally to our Midwest chapter but I do understand about Tellico. I would like to wheel there someday.

Kim

 

[WI88XJ]

Thanks Kim! I knew someone with a better memory then me would chime in with the county and better info. I even forgot about the new one near Rib Lake....

Man, I hate this oldtimers disease!!

Anyway, I'm sure you guys that are in control of this will make sure it goes to the best group(s).

 

[WI88XJ]

How come no one else said anything about MW4WDA?
They cover a larger area than just WOHVA or Tellico./QUOTE]

The only thing that I will say regarding MW4WDA is that a few years ago there was a big split from MW4WDA by a few large key clubs. The problem was that many felt like they weren't doing anything but bickering amongst themselves instead of doing what the org should've been doing for the 4x4 community. Is it like that now...? Was it more about drama than truth...? :dunno:

...In fact, the group that split off from MW4WDA went and started a new org.....it's was called WOHVA....

 

[WB9YZU]

Steve, you got a couple of wires crossed there :laugh3:

Wisconsin 4 Wheel Drive Association (W4WDA) had the big drama event. 6 major Clubs broke away and eventually formed WOHVA. No, they never recovered. The current executive of that organization can't see the big picture and allows their personal pride to block progress.

The Indian Reservation you are thinking of is Mole Lake, where this year's Jeep Jamboree, and next years Jeep Jamboree is being held. WOHVA courted the Tribes, and was given access to the land by Tribal Decree. WOHVA is also working desparately on getting a State run Off-Road park going up by the Crivitz/ Antigo area. They are looking for the State to cough up 3000 acres (seriously).

Midwest 4 Wheel Drive Association (MW4WDA) is another questionable outfit which has not done anything useful in years besides offering event insurance. I've read the policy, and it is essentually a 1 mil policy which looks good on paper, but is otherwise worthless. Clubs mainly join MW4WDA for the ability to access the Insurance for large Club events where a 1 mil insurance policy is needed to procure access to the land being used for the event.

Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA) is a proactive group, but for those looking to support more than one state at a time, that probably wouldn't fit into your plans.

Just some history...