Aid_Content Page_ATVUTV Enhancement Funding

ATV/UTV Enhancement Funding

This funding is awarded biennially to nonprofit organizations that promote the safe and wise use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs), ATV/UTV riding and ATV/UTV education. The funding amount is determined annually, and is defined in statute as the greater of $297,000 or the amount of ATV's and UTV's registered in the state multiplied by 80 cents. 

Non-profit groups participating in the ATV Enhancement program are also eligible to apply for project funding relating to mapping software and communications equipment. See the mapping and communication grant tab below for more information, including deadlines and public input opportunities. 

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for ATV/UTV Enhancement Funding, an organization shall meet all of the following requirements.

  1. The organization is a nonstock corporation organized in this state.
  2. The organization promotes the operation of ATVs/UTVs in a manner that is safe and responsible and that does not harm the environment.
  3. The organization promotes the operation of ATVs/UTVs in a manner that does not conflict with the laws, rules and departmental policies that relate to the operation of ATVs/UTVs.
  4. The interest of the organization is the recreational operation of ATVs/UTVs on ATV trails and other interconnected areas.
  5. The organization has a board of directors that has a majority of members who are representatives of ATV/UTV clubs.
  6. The organization provides support to ATV/UTV clubs.

Eligibility

The nonprofit organization shall use the funding for the following activities statewide.

  1. Collecting data on the recreational operation of ATVs and UTVs.
  2. Providing assistance to the department in locating, recruiting, and training instructors for the program.
  3. Attempting to increase participation by current and future ATV/UTV operators and owners in the program.
  4. Assisting the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism in creating an outreach program to inform local communities of appropriate ATV/UTV use in their communities and of the economic benefits that may be gained from promoting tourism to attract ATV/UTV operators.
  5. Attempting to improve and maintain its relationship with the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Tourism, ATV/UTV dealers, ATV/UTV manufacturers, off-highway motorcycle (OHM) clubs, as defined in s. 23.335(1)(r), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], OHM alliances, other organizations that promote the recreational operation of off-highway motorcycles, snowmobile clubs, as defined in s. 350.138(1)(e), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], snowmobile alliances, as defined in s. 350.138(1)(d), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], and other organizations that promote the recreational operation of snowmobiles.
  6. Recruiting, assisting in the training of, and providing support to a corps of volunteers that will assist in providing instruction on the safe and responsible operation of ATVs and UTVs.
  7. Cooperating with the department to recruit, train and manage volunteer trail patrol ambassadors in monitoring the recreational operation of ATVs and UTVs for safety issues and other issues that relate to the responsible operation of ATVs and UTVs.

Deadlines

Applications for ATV Enhancement funding must be postmarked or emailed to Lt. Jacob Holsclaw no later than June 1, 2025. 

Project application deadlines for mapping and communication funding is to be determined.

Application and Contact Info

Contact Lt. Jacob Holsclaw for details and application materials.

Application

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Mapping and Communications Projects

Background

In 2023, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 239, which created an appropriation for the purpose of providing funding to nonprofit  organizations that promote the operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles. This project funding was made available to groups who are active participants of the ATV Enhancement grant program. The funding is designated for projects relating to the acquisition and maintenance of statewide digital information application software for providing safety, regulatory, and riding opportunity information; the acquisition of communications equipment and technology; and the production of maps. The funding amount available in fiscal year 2025 is $160,000. 

Public Input 

The project application is currently open for a public comment period. Comments should be submitted to Lt. Jacob Holsclaw by January 31st, 2025.

Project Application

Project application deadlines for mapping and communication funding is to be determined.