BIG government getting bigger.

They just want to get out and ride too. Now they can get paid to do it.........wait..........I want a job! 

i do not understand this fully, im goin to contact my representative and ask him what he knows about it...it might be a good thing, i will try and find out

shannon

now there will be a trail use tax at all the private owned trails , and the state of Alabama can try and get some of the federal grant money , like some of the counties got to make public trails

Have you ever known of anything the government didn't think they could make fifteen cents off of that they didn't figure out a way to slither in and screw you out of money all in the name of improvement. Better get ready for a pleasure riding tax all in the name of keeping the forest green. Bid Brother at work again!!!

OK while I can see that the knee jerk reactions are very well thought out and based on reality as per our usual way of doing things on here I think I need to give you folks a little heads up.
We don't have a trail system in the state of Alabama. But we do have money for one without anymore taxation required.
Where is this magic money? A small percentage of the Federal and State highway use tax from the sale of gasoline in the State of Alabama. Thats right kiddos there is a slush fund of money that was required from the word go to be used for the building and construction of off-roading trails. Now true its been several years since I first learned of this money and I'm sure they are going to try and take it away from us and use it to build some bird watching and hiking/horseback trails but if we push it we can see that it is used as it was intended.
Now don't get me wrong I believe the hikers need trails and the horse riders need trails but I also believe that off roaders need them. I also believe that we can and will actually show a positive economic impact through the building and use of them more than any other group. We have bazillions of acres of national forest and state owned land in this state. Land that is yours and mine as American and Alabama citizens. Yet we cannot  legally roll a wheel on them. People we now have hope that we will be able to enjoy our land.
So yeah, I'm kind of excited by this announcement. It is time to let Montgomery know that we ride, spend money and vote.

 COPIED FROM TRAILSHEAVEN WEBSITE

The Hatfield~McCoy Trail System is a statutory corporation created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. By mid-2009, the Hatfield~McCoy Trail System covered more than 500 miles of off-road trails in five of its nine project counties. Each of its six trail systems is open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, and utility vehicles (UTVs). Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow visitors to access “ATV-friendly towns” to experience the charm of southern West Virginia.
Six Trail Systems



The six Hatfield~McCoy trail systems are Rockhouse, Buffalo Mountain, Bearwallow, Indian Ridge, Little Coal, and Pinnacle Creek. No matter which trail system you choose, Hatfield~McCoy Trail visitors can expect to find a variety of trails ranging from easiest to most difficult. These are not your typical “flatlander” trails, however, and can be a challenge for a first-time rider. For this reason, visitors may choose from a list of ATV guided tour and rental providers. You can also find a listing  of lodging facilities by visiting our lodging page.

Our Goal

The overall goal of the Hatfield~McCoy Trails project is to develop a world-class trail system with an emphasis on safety in each of its nine project counties throughout southern West Virginia. Project estimates have concluded that once the trails are developed and linked, there may be as much as 2,000 total miles of trails. Long-term plans for the Hatfield~McCoy Trails also include a 4x4 park in Kanawha County and designated trail areas for equestrian and other non-motorized users.


IF THE HILLBILLIES IN WV CAN GET IT RIGHT, MAYBE THERE'S HOPE FOR THE CLOWNS IN MONTGOMERY. BE NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THAT CLOSE TO HOME. OF COURSE AS SLOW AS THE GOVERMENT IS ,I'LL PROBABLY BE TO OLD TO RIDE.

FYI Minooka...was supposed to include RV and primitive camping sites....as the grant stated. 
The county commission was split whether to actually DO what the state funded them to do...the county had to match funds....RV and camping sites are supposed to be completed by July this year....some brilliant person figured out that if they do not do what the grant said...they would NEVER get any more money from the state.
 Minooka is a cool spot for sure.

I guess what frustrates me about this "trail" commission is that we have less than enough money to fund our schools, social services and omg the PACT program that people invested in...BUT we can create a commission to regulate trails...(which by the way is on the heels of the Conservation treaty renewal deadline...politics politics).
 Lawmakers spent perfectly precious time, and ultimately taxpayer dollars, on this rather than on things that are imperative to the economic success of Alabama citizens.

ok...putting away soapbox...have a good night.

Val

OMG did you not know PACT was in trouble??
They ALMOST told us...too bad...so sad...your PACT is gone.

My kid has PACT.  PACT is not out of the woods yet...You need to read up on that my brother.
The state had to kick in funds to cover it.

Val