INDIAN CREEK VALLEY ATV CLUB

INDIAN CREEK VALLEY ATV CLUB

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Case Study

The Indian Creek Valley ATV Club (ICVATV) received its first Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) grant in 2008. With $7,323.77 to help balance their budget and ensure the trail system could stay open to serve the OHV community in the Pennsylvania area, the club began laying the foundation for a longstanding relationship with Yamaha that has spanned more than 10 years, nine grants, and $73,338.77 in total funding.

Over the years, the ICVATV has more than doubled its riding areas and increased its membership to more than 400 riders.

Known as “a family-oriented organization that promotes outdoor safety and respect for the environment,” ICVATV has been embraced by their local Yamaha dealer, Hillview Motorsports, stating: “The board of directors, members and volunteers are dedicated to providing safe, legal riding opportunities while promoting the Yamaha brand. Indian Creek Valley ATV Club is a perfect example of a group of enthusiasts working hard to promote sustainable riding areas for our customers.”

This Yamaha OAI success story continues with the club’s ninth grant awarded in 2020 that promises to further improve their existing trail system with additional trail maintenance and the repair and replacement of trail signs. We look forward to seeing their club grow, and in the meantime are happy to share more of their story here.

CLUB BACKGROUND & RIDING LOCATION DETAILS

The Indian Creek Valley ATV Club (ICVATV) celebrates their 20th anniversary in 2021, and the club is one of several organizations that Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has had the pleasure to support for many years. ICVATV is a 501(c)7 non-profit ATV club that operates a large off-road playground for recreational vehicle enthusiasts in the area of Saltlick Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The riding area is within an hour drive from Pittsburgh and serves the Pennsylvania OHV community.

The ICVATV club leaders have applied for OAI grant funds on an almost yearly basis to support consistent management, maintenance, and improvement of its trail system. The OAI-funded projects served as a foundation from which the Club was able to grow – more than doubling the riding area and increasing membership significantly. With this growth, OAI grant funds helped ensure navigating the terrain was easy and confidence-inspiring with signage throughout the park and free printed paper maps for every member.

With over 400 riders, this riding area has become known as a great place to recreate for all rider skill levels. In fact, today’s visitors to ICVATV enjoy 41 miles of trails spanning over 750 acres. The forested terrain includes many hills, rocky sections, and open trails. The park is open all year around, except during the spring and fall hunting season. ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycle riders are welcome on the trail system, which includes a 7-mile single-track trail.

OAI FUNDING AT THIS LOCATION – PROJECTS SPEARHEADED

The following is a yearly timeline of the OAI grant awards and the amounts of each:

  • 2008 – $7,323.77
  • 2009 – $5,640
  • 2010 – $6,000
  • 2012 – $6,500
  • 2015 – $6,440
  • 2016 – $10,500
  • 2017 – $15,785
  • 2018 – $5,150
  • 2020 – $10,000
  • Total: $73,338.77

A featured OAI-funded project launched in 2016 following the club’s purchase of additional property bordering its existing riding area. The newly acquired property was separated by a fishing stream. To address the state’s environmental concerns of the stream, the club elected to build a bridge giving riders access to both properties while protecting sensitive wildlife.

Fortunately, the club had access to a base for the bridge, so they used Yamaha OAI grant funds to purchase all of the decking and railing products. Through the efforts of the club and its exceptional community volunteers, the bridge is now complete. To celebrate the completion of the project, the club held a commemorative ribbon cutting with State Senators and Congressman at the club’s newly improved trail system.

In addition to the bridge, the OAI funds have been used for many other projects that benefit the ICVATV riders, including map printing, signage, trail building and maintenance.

The work is far from over – the club continues to advocate for improved and expanded riding areas at their location and beyond. This also directly encourages the Fayette County’s future planning initiatives to support the development of motorized trails and other recreational opportunities in the county’s future Park, Recreation, and Open Space planning efforts. The state and county leaders have recognized this motorized trail system makes a significant contribution to the local Pennsylvania economy, validating the ICVATV club’s efforts.

WHY DOES THIS CLUB RECEIVE CONSISTENT OAI FUNDING?

One of the main reasons that ICVATV has received consistent funding from OAI for many years is because of their thorough application, administration and grant reporting. The board members and volunteers of this non-profit club consistently work to identify concrete, value-oriented projects with clear goals and timelines to bring to the attention of the Yamaha OAI Review Committee. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS RIDING AREA (sidebar)

  • Location: Melcroft, Pennsylvania
  • Address: 191 Melcroft Rd
  • Member Count In 2020: 418
  • Membership Cost (yearly): $95 family membership for first machine, $25 for second machine, $10 for each additional machine
  • Miles of Open Trails: 41
  • Park Acreage: 750
  • Open Season: year round, except for a couple weeks during spring and fall hunting season (about 2 weeks a year)
  • Park or Location Website: http://www.icvatvclub.com/index.html