The Polaris Foundation awards $100,000 grant to improve Ride the Wilds™
system
COLEBROOK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Six local organizations are linking arms for the first time to bring
change to the North Country trail system, Ride the Wilds, while raising
industry standards for motorsport riding nationally. Funding the
project, The Polaris Foundation has given the newly formed alliance a
$100,000 grant, which will go toward the creation and installation of
1,000 new ATV trail signs that will provide directional guidance and
promote safe and responsible riding practices throughout the trail
system.
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Alliance members left to right: Kris Dickson and Mark Dickson (Umbagog ATV Club), Steve Baillargeon and Corrine Rober (Bear Rock Adventures), Jodi Gilbert (Executive Director, North Country Chamber of Commerce), Craig Washburn (Metallak ATV Club), Dianne Mattot and Darrin Joque, (Great Northwoods Riders ATV Club), and Andrew Martin (Umbagog ATV Club). (Photo: Business Wire)
“Ride the Wilds is an iconic trail system that provides thousands of
miles of trails where riders can create memories, discover adventures
and spend time with friends and family,” said Lucy Clark Dougherty,
president of the Polaris Foundation. “Polaris is honored to support this
community’s collaborative effort to enhance off-road riding experiences.”
Working together to improve community relations by showcasing a strong
collaboration between township, clubs, landowners and state entities,
organizations included in the alliance are Bear
Rock Adventures, Great
Northwoods Riders ATV Club, Metallak
ATV Club, Millsfield
ATV Club, The
North Country Chamber of Commerce and Umbagog
ATV Club. With a focus on improving overall rider education, safety
and experience through better signage, expected completion is May 2019.
“The new initiative will improve navigation, decrease improper access
and enhance the overall quality of the trail system,” said Corrine
Rober, owner of Polaris
Adventures® Certified Outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures and
marketing chair for North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Bear Rock is on
the front lines when it comes to customer feedback, and one of the most
consistent recommendations from our guests is to improve ATV trail
signage. With tourism growing in our community, it’s our job to provide
these improvements and ongoing education so locals and tourists alike
can properly utilize our trails.”
According to New Hampshire’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, data shows
tourism is a driving factor of economic growth in Coos County. Largely
due to off-roading, Ride the Wilds has been the only economic initiative
in the county since 2013. From 2012 to 2017, spending on lodging and
meals increased 34 percent annually, which rose to 37 percent during
months when off-road trails were open. This added spending helps support
local economies through jobs and the generation of additional tax
revenue.
In addition to promoting tourism, the alliance has been in direct
collaboration with Chris Gamache, the head of the Bureau of Trails for
the state, to ensure the signage is also helping reach larger bureau
initiatives throughout the trail system.
“The project to improve ATV trail signage, which is one of the most
significant areas of improvement needed on the trails, is a tremendously
positive initiative, and we look forward to working on these
improvements with the local clubs and chambers," said Gamache, chief of
the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails.
Communities benefitting from the new signage include Clarksville, N.H.;
Colebrook, N.H.; Columbia, N.H.; Dixville Notch, N.H.; Errol, N.H.;
Millsfield, N.H.; Pittsburg, N.H.; West Stewartstown, N.H.; Averill,
Vt.; Beecher Falls, Vt.; Canaan, Vt.; and Lemington, Vt.
For more information, visit https://www.chamberofthenorthcountry.com/ridingtowardchange.html.
About North Country Chamber of Commerce: The North Country
Chamber of Commerce strives to serve its members by way of business
advocacy, promotion of regional attractions and involvement in
initiatives to foster economic growth. It promotes northern Coos County,
New Hampshire and northeastern Essex County, Vermont. Visitor
information and brochures about the area can be found in the State Rest
Area and Community Interpretive Center three minutes north of the
Chamber on Route 3. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
seven days a week.www.chamberofthenorthcountry.com
About Polaris Industries Inc.: Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:
PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of
riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With
annual 2017 sales of $5.4 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality
product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR®
and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman®
and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian
Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot®
moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and pontoon, deck and cruiser boats.
Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and
accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including
Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally
includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and
electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves
more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com
for more information.
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Corrine Rober
North Country Chamber of Commerce
Marketing
Chair/Director
(866) 663-9777
Kristin Golliher
WildRock
Public Relations & Marketing
970-449-6870
Kristin.golliher@wildrockpr.com
Source: Polaris Industries Inc.