Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association

FACT SHEET - 1997

Organizational History
The Idaho Trail Machine Association, Inc.
(ITMA) is a non-profit Idaho Corporation (Tax ID#82-0183110) formed in 1964.

TVTMA Home

Affiliated chapters

Idaho Falls Trail Machine Association - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Pocatello Trail Machine Association - Pocatello, Idaho

Snake River Trail Riders Association - Rupert, Idaho

Magic Valley Trail Machine Association - Twin Falls, Idaho

Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association - Boise, Idaho

High Mountain Trail Machine Association - Grangeville, Idaho

Panhandle Trailriders Association - Post Falls, Idaho

Affiliated groups

Caribou Trail Riders - Soda Springs, Idaho

Kendrick Trail Riders - Lewiston, Idaho

Nez Perce Trail Riders Association - Culdesac, Idaho

Clearwater Road & Trail Committee - Orofino, Idaho

St. Maries Trail Riders - St. Maries, Idaho

Sandpoint Trail Machine Association - Sandpoint, Idaho

Salmon Trail Machine Association - Salmon, Idaho

Idaho/Washington Border Group - Liberty Lake, Washington

Sun Valley Trail Bike Riders - Ketchum, Idaho

Northwest Trail Riders Association - Pendleton, Oregon

Boise Ridge Riders - Boise, Idaho

Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association - Boise, Idaho

Owyhee Motorcycle Club - Boise, Idaho

Affiliated organizations

Idaho Trails Council

Blue Ribbon Coalition

National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council

Tread Lightly

Motto

Conservation - Courtesy - Safety

Numbers

Over 9,000 miles of single track trail in Idaho

45,000 OHV's (half are trailbikes)

Mission Statement

Work with public and private land, resource, and recreation managers, trail bike riders,
other motorcycle groups, and the general public to promote and preserve the sport of trail
bike and dual sport riding in Idaho.

Enjoyment and Rewards of Trail Bike Riding

A social experience for all types of people

The strengthening of family relationships

Experience the outdoors

Respect the many unique environments

Participate in a healthy and enjoyable sport

Experience a variety of opportunities and challenges

To escape from daily pressures

Acknowledged Responsibilities

Respect the outdoor environment

Respect all resource users

Use trail bikes in a proper manner and in designated places

Work with land, resource, and recreation managers

Accomplishments

Formally adopted for annual light maintenance over 1,000 miles of trails in Idaho.

Annually provides thousands of man-hours in trail maintenance in Idaho for all trail users.

Supported the creation of "Off Road Stickers" to fund the "Trail Ranger Program" for the
clearing thousands of miles of trail each year under agreements with public land managers
in Idaho.

Received letters of commendation from the USDA Forest Service for the handling of each
"State Ride" in Idaho.

Have supported the handicap outdoor group "C.W. H.O.G.G." and similar service projects
around Idaho.

Have supported and participated in the "Ride For Kids" pediatric brain tumor research
service projects in various parts of the United States.

ITMA leadership founded the "Boise Front Coalition", a diverse group of users dedicated to
helping provide recreational opportunities in the Boise foothills for all citizens while
protecting the rights of landowners and improving the environment. The Coalition was
awarded the Take Pride in Idaho, the Take Pride in America, the Idaho Department of Parks
& Recreation Community Service Award, and the National Chevron Conservation Award.

Was integral in the development of the Idaho Trails Council's "Backcountry Trail Etiquette"
brochure. This brochure contains etiquette generic to all trail users as well as the etiquette
specific to each user group and can be obtained from the Idaho Trails Council or the Idaho
Department of Parks & Recreation.

Produced a video (Idaho Trail Bike Riding) promote the sport of trail bike riding and the
beautiful state of Idaho. It highlights some fantastic riding areas, as well as strongly
emphasizing the motto of conservation, courtesy, and safety. It has been distributed
throughout the United States and to lesser degree overseas.

ITMA leadership was on the "Design Team" and instrumental in the formation of the National
Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) in 1990 and has continued to be
active in its work of "Creating a Positive Future For OHV Recreation" through the creation of
a communications forum where OHV enthusiasts, organization, and supporters can share
information, experiences, and educational opportunities and create positive future for the
sport.

Actively and willingly shares the benefits of its efforts with all trail users.

Works with other resource users in their efforts to enhance their respective sports.

Conducted an annual "State Ride" for all trail bike riders to come together, enjoy the sport,
and strengthen the sport in Idaho. Many from other western states and some from the rest of
the United States attend. Voluntarily missed one year due to the impact fire had on the riding
resource.

Sponsors rides throughout Idaho throughout the year through its affiliated chapters.

Sponsors rides in various locations throughout the west.

Is hosting for the first time the semi-annual conference of the NOHVCC in September, 1997.

Promotes, organizes and participates in National Trails Day Events.

Proclaimed "Volunteer Of The Year" for the State of Idaho by the American Hiking Society
for outstanding volunteer efforts.

Played an integral role in the location of the multiple use segment of the Idaho Centennial
Trail

Identified Management Concepts.

Maintain availability of existing forest service trail system. Keep trails on the forest service
trail inventory.

Return trails that used to be on the forest service trail inventory to the present inventory.

Add existing trails to the forest service trail system that are not now on or have not been on
the trail system.

Insure access to trails blocked by private lands.

Keep the maximum amount of trails available to disburse all forms of trail use and thus
minimize impact and conflict.

Provide opportunity for "loop trail systems" to lessen impact and provide a better trail
experience.

Allow use of specific roads for unlicensed motorcycles to tie trail systems together.

Utilize consistent trail signing and marking to not confuse user public. Trails closed unless
otherwise marked open is not acceptable. Trails, when closed, should be signed with on
official, legitimate reason.

Utilize all trail maintenance/upgrading management techniques, such as, bridging, puncheon, realignment, water drains, and dips to prevent closure or loss of trail use. Trails should not be
closed on the basis of a problem with a bad section of trail. The solution is to fix the problem
area or reroute the trail, not to close it. If funding or manpower is a problem other resources
should be looked to (local volunteer groups, state or national funding).

Increase and continue the utilization of State Trail Ranger Programs through the State OHV
Fund, as well as volunteer trail maintenance programs.

Clear trails early in year to insure maximum use availability and reduction of diversion
damage caused by routing around obstacles.

Avoid all wildlife trail and road closures except where negative wildlife impact can be
specifically identified.

Trailbike use on existing trails has little or no verified effect on game animal welfare. In fact,
in some of the more intensely used areas by trail bikes, herds have experienced significant
increases, further substantiating the contention that trailbike travel does not impact game
animals.

Trails should not be completely closed for wildlife concerns if those concerns are for valid
seasonal reasons only - these closures should be seasonal only with the dates being
consistent.

Trail closures should not be harvest based.

Guarantee re-establishment and/or relocation of all trails and roads disturbed by timber
sales, mining and livestock use.

Include trailbike user review and input on all proposed management decisions affecting
trailbike use. Specifically identify impact on trails by proposed actions.

Establish greater credibility with trailbike users by having a motorized planner on your
recreation staff and/or have a motorized advisory board.

Keep wilderness boundaries from encroaching on trails on the edge of the boundaries.
Keep trails on the boundaries outside of the Wilderness so the trailbike trail user can see
into the Wilderness.

Include a trailbike category on all trail and road census sheets at trailheads and census
collection points.

Treat horses as a form of transportation, just as trailbike riding is a form of transportation.
Change the signing at trailheads that suggest trailbike travel is more damaging than horse
use.

Keep trails in proposed Wilderness areas open. Trailbike use on trails in these areas do not
detract the Wilderness characteristics in the proposed Wilderness area.

Provide good statistics on the level of use by the various public land users and use these
statistics in the decision processes.

Identify the acreage available for use by motorized vs. non-motorized public land users for
comparison purposes. Such as three feet x number of miles in feet of trails open for trailbike
use vs. all the acreage in the forest available for non-motorized users public land use.

Don't close trails to motorized use as the "easy way out" in dealing with problems.
Recognize that trails were not originally laid out with recreation in mind and that changes
need to be made in some trail segments to make these adjustments. In most cases, if not all,
problems can be fixed.

Recognize, in the form of access, groups who expend effort and money in maintaining and
improving trails.

Foster multiple use and not exclusive use. Exclusive trail use is the very antithesis of overall
public access to National Forest recreational opportunity and runs directly counter to the
National Legislation which would provide funding to maintain and improve trails for all
segments of the public.

Trail maps should be made more readily available. Vending machines should be placed at
Forest Service building entrances and accessible at any time of day or week.

All National Forest Service and BLM maps should be of the same format and easy to read.

Better cooperation between National Forest and BLM personnel is needed when making
maps and laying out trails. Many times a trail is open in one jurisdiction but becomes closed
when crossing over the boundary to another jurisdiction.

	Idaho Falls Trail Machine Association - Idaho Falls, Idaho
	Pocatello Trail Machine Association - Pocatello, Idaho
	Snake River Trail Riders Association - Rupert, Idaho
	Magic Valley Trail Machine Association - Twin Falls, Idaho
	Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association - Boise, Idaho
	High Mountain Trail Machine Association - Grangeville, Idaho
	Panhandle Trailriders Association - Post Falls, Idaho

	Caribou Trail Riders - Soda Springs, Idaho
	Kendrick Trail Riders - Lewiston, Idaho
	Nez Perce Trail Riders Association - Culdesac, Idaho
	Clearwater Road & Trail Committee - Orofino, Idaho
	St. Maries Trail Riders - St. Maries, Idaho
	Sandpoint Trail Machine Association - Sandpoint, Idaho
	Salmon Trail Machine Association - Salmon, Idaho
	Idaho/Washington Border Group - Liberty Lake, Washington
	Sun Valley Trail Bike Riders - Ketchum, Idaho
	Northwest Trail Riders Association - Pendleton, Oregon
	Boise Ridge Riders - Boise, Idaho
	Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association - Boise, Idaho
	Owyhee Motorcycle Club - Boise, Idaho

	Idaho Trails Council
	Blue Ribbon Coalition
	National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
	Tread Lightly

	Over 9,000 miles of single track trail in Idaho
	45,000 OHV's (half are trailbikes)

	A social experience for all types of people
	The strengthening of family relationships
	Experience the outdoors
	Respect the many unique environments
	Participate in a healthy and enjoyable sport
	Experience a variety of opportunities and challenges
	To escape from daily pressures

	Respect the outdoor environment
	Respect all resource users
	Use trail bikes in a proper manner and in designated places
	Work with land, resource, and recreation managers

	Formally adopted for annual light maintenance over 1,000 miles of trails in Idaho.
	Annually provides thousands of man-hours in trail maintenance in Idaho for all trail users.
	Supported the creation of "Off Road Stickers" to fund the "Trail Ranger Program" for the clearing thousands of miles of trail each year under agreements with public land managers in Idaho.
	Received letters of commendation from the USDA Forest Service for the handling of each "State Ride" in Idaho.
	Have supported the handicap outdoor group "C.W. H.O.G.G." and similar service projects around Idaho.
	Have supported and participated in the "Ride For Kids" pediatric brain tumor research service projects in various parts of the United States.
	ITMA leadership founded the "Boise Front Coalition", a diverse group of users dedicated to helping provide recreational opportunities in the Boise foothills for all citizens while protecting the rights of landowners and improving the environment. The Coalition was awarded the Take Pride in Idaho, the Take Pride in America, the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation Community Service Award, and the National Chevron Conservation Award.
	Was integral in the development of the Idaho Trails Council's "Backcountry Trail Etiquette" brochure. This brochure contains etiquette generic to all trail users as well as the etiquette specific to each user group and can be obtained from the Idaho Trails Council or the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation.
	Produced a video (Idaho Trail Bike Riding) promote the sport of trail bike riding and the beautiful state of Idaho. It highlights some fantastic riding areas, as well as strongly emphasizing the motto of conservation, courtesy, and safety. It has been distributed throughout the United States and to lesser degree overseas.
	ITMA leadership was on the "Design Team" and instrumental in the formation of the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) in 1990 and has continued to be active in its work of "Creating a Positive Future For OHV Recreation" through the creation of a communications forum where OHV enthusiasts, organization, and supporters can share information, experiences, and educational opportunities and create positive future for the sport.
	Actively and willingly shares the benefits of its efforts with all trail users.
	Works with other resource users in their efforts to enhance their respective sports.
	Conducted an annual "State Ride" for all trail bike riders to come together, enjoy the sport, and strengthen the sport in Idaho. Many from other western states and some from the rest of the United States attend. Voluntarily missed one year due to the impact fire had on the riding resource.
	Sponsors rides throughout Idaho throughout the year through its affiliated chapters.
	Sponsors rides in various locations throughout the west.
	Is hosting for the first time the semi-annual conference of the NOHVCC in September, 1997.
	Promotes, organizes and participates in National Trails Day Events.
	Proclaimed "Volunteer Of The Year" for the State of Idaho by the American Hiking Society for outstanding volunteer efforts.
	Played an integral role in the location of the multiple use segment of the Idaho Centennial Trail

	Maintain availability of existing forest service trail system. Keep trails on the forest service trail inventory.
	Return trails that used to be on the forest service trail inventory to the present inventory.
	Add existing trails to the forest service trail system that are not now on or have not been on the trail system.
	Insure access to trails blocked by private lands.
	Keep the maximum amount of trails available to disburse all forms of trail use and thus minimize impact and conflict.
	Provide opportunity for "loop trail systems" to lessen impact and provide a better trail experience.
	Allow use of specific roads for unlicensed motorcycles to tie trail systems together.
	Utilize consistent trail signing and marking to not confuse user public. Trails closed unless otherwise marked open is not acceptable. Trails, when closed, should be signed with on official, legitimate reason.
	Utilize all trail maintenance/upgrading management techniques, such as, bridging, puncheon, realignment, water drains, and dips to prevent closure or loss of trail use. Trails should not be closed on the basis of a problem with a bad section of trail. The solution is to fix the problem area or reroute the trail, not to close it. If funding or manpower is a problem other resources should be looked to (local volunteer groups, state or national funding).
	Increase and continue the utilization of State Trail Ranger Programs through the State OHV Fund, as well as volunteer trail maintenance programs.
	Clear trails early in year to insure maximum use availability and reduction of diversion damage caused by routing around obstacles.
	Avoid all wildlife trail and road closures except where negative wildlife impact can be specifically identified.
	Trailbike use on existing trails has little or no verified effect on game animal welfare. In fact, in some of the more intensely used areas by trail bikes, herds have experienced significant increases, further substantiating the contention that trailbike travel does not impact game animals.
	Trails should not be completely closed for wildlife concerns if those concerns are for valid seasonal reasons only - these closures should be seasonal only with the dates being consistent.
	Trail closures should not be harvest based.
	Guarantee re-establishment and/or relocation of all trails and roads disturbed by timber sales, mining and livestock use.
	Include trailbike user review and input on all proposed management decisions affecting trailbike use. Specifically identify impact on trails by proposed actions.
	Establish greater credibility with trailbike users by having a motorized planner on your recreation staff and/or have a motorized advisory board.
	Keep wilderness boundaries from encroaching on trails on the edge of the boundaries. Keep trails on the boundaries outside of the Wilderness so the trailbike trail user can see into the Wilderness.
	Include a trailbike category on all trail and road census sheets at trailheads and census collection points.
	Treat horses as a form of transportation, just as trailbike riding is a form of transportation. Change the signing at trailheads that suggest trailbike travel is more damaging than horse use.
	Keep trails in proposed Wilderness areas open. Trailbike use on trails in these areas do not detract the Wilderness characteristics in the proposed Wilderness area.
	Provide good statistics on the level of use by the various public land users and use these statistics in the decision processes.
	Identify the acreage available for use by motorized vs. non-motorized public land users for comparison purposes. Such as three feet x number of miles in feet of trails open for trailbike use vs. all the acreage in the forest available for non-motorized users public land use.
	Don't close trails to motorized use as the "easy way out" in dealing with problems. Recognize that trails were not originally laid out with recreation in mind and that changes need to be made in some trail segments to make these adjustments. In most cases, if not all, problems can be fixed.
	Recognize, in the form of access, groups who expend effort and money in maintaining and improving trails.
	Foster multiple use and not exclusive use. Exclusive trail use is the very antithesis of overall public access to National Forest recreational opportunity and runs directly counter to the National Legislation which would provide funding to maintain and improve trails for all segments of the public.
	Trail maps should be made more readily available. Vending machines should be placed at Forest Service building entrances and accessible at any time of day or week.
	All National Forest Service and BLM maps should be of the same format and easy to read.
	Better cooperation between National Forest and BLM personnel is needed when making maps and laying out trails. Many times a trail is open in one jurisdiction but becomes closed when crossing over the boundary to another jurisdiction.