Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation is among the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation in the United States, and the 3rd highest contributor to the Outdoor Recreation Economy in Maryland at over 78 million dollars annually in 2021. Exceeding hiking, biking, tent camping, and equestrian riding. Despite being the 3rd highest economic form of outdoor recreation in the State, there is very little public access to OHV in Maryland and no public access on the Eastern Shore. This causes OHV users to travel several hours out of the State, ride illegally, or know someone with private property to be able to recreate. Historically DNR operated a Public OHV recreation opportunity within Pocomoke Forest and closed that trail system nearly a decade ago without providing a viable alternative. 

The Department of Natural Resources receives 50% of the Titling fees from OHV vehicles to specifically create and maintain OHV trails. DNR also has access to nearly a million dollars of federal grant money (RTP) for OHV develop. OHV recreation outspends our hiking counterparts on day trip recreation significantly (apx. $600 HMRRA to apx. $100 G.A.P.) and brings in money to local economies willing to embrace OHV recreational tourism. We are calling on DNR, Local and State leaders to provide quality Public access for OHV vehicles on the Eastern Shore of Maryland of comparable in quality and access to Wolf Den Run State Park (apx. 50 Miles of trails and growing.)

So please help me, Marylander’s, OHV enthusiast, and the local economies of the towns and area’s that embrace us gain this much needed recreational opportunity.

Sincerely,

James Ratino

President of MDOHVA

About MDOHVA: MDOHVA is a volunteer non-profit organization who is the leading advocate in Maryland for sustainable public and private OHV recreation areas; for responsible and safe OHV recreation; and to ensure quality opportunities are readily available to all who wish to participate responsibly. We are responsible for several legislative initiatives that secured funding for OHV trail development and to further the OHV community. We were instrumental in developing Wolf Den Run State Park, MD’s only OHV State Park, and Saint John’s Rock ORV trails.