MNORV Master Plan - On the Right Track

The Minnesota Off-Road Vehicle Master Plan process is moving into high gear!

Having kicked off this past October, the current Master Plan will identify ways to enhance ORV opportunities for all Minnesotans.

This includes expanding economic benefits for local host communities, and establishing guidelines for collaborative and environmentally sustainable trail development.

To guide this planning process, the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has partnered with the Minnesota Four-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA). The MNDNR and MN4WDA have retained the services of SE Group, a consulting firm that specializes in community engagement and recreation planning. In addition, SE Group is working with Ron Potter, Minnesota ORV expert, and Corona Insights, survey experts who administer the statewide MN Driver Survey for MNDOT, to conduct a statistically valid survey of ORV perceptions throughout the state.

This planning process is loosely divided into three key phases: 1) Vision; 2) Analysis; and 3) Opportunities. Currently, we are in the process of wrapping up the Vision phase which included two live webinar events, a public visioning survey, and a MN4WDA club-specific survey. Over 100 attendees joined the live kickoff events in November and over 600 respondents provided feedback through the public visioning survey. Thank you to all participants for your time and effort!

As the visioning phase continues to wind down, the planning team is moving into to the Analysis phase. This phase will include an existing conditions and user experience analysis as well as a thorough analysis of the human and natural environment of Minnesota. Information gathered throughout the Analysis phase will allow the planning team to identify “opportunity zones” for ORV trail development.