Overcoming stereotype and replacing misconception with accurate information is a challenge for ATVers. Dave Hodgins, retired millwright, active grandparent and president of the Powell River ATV Club, has worked to improve the situation. Doing so has required a lot of practical, hands-on work—like the building of bridges to prevent erosion and disruption of fish habitat. Luckily, the club and community share a positive vision. Around Powell River, B.C., the coastal terrain is criss-crossed with streams, many of them fish-bearing.
In response to environmental need, the club built more than 50 bridges in the last three years. “Our club has two gentlemen who own portable sawmills,” said Hodgins. “We had two logging truckloads of cedar donated by the Powell River Community Forest.” Ten to 25 of the 170 club members regularly maintain 400 kilometres of trail. Hodgins has gone into the school system to share responsible riding ideas with kids. “The kids are really receptive,” said Hodgins. “That’s the future of our sport.”
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