REGIONAL- Off-road vehicle riders who have cruised the 250-plus miles of trails from International Falls and Orr to Ely and Cook that were created and are maintained by the Voyageur Country ATV (VCATV) club can attest to what a gem the system is for the North Country, and now riders around the nation know it, too.
That’s because VCATV was named the Club of the Year by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) at its annual meeting in Minneapolis in October.
NOHVCC is a nonprofit national advocacy organization of off-highway vehicle recreation enthusiasts that provides a broad range of programs, materials, and information to individuals, clubs, associations and agencies to promote a positive future for responsible OHV recreation. The organization also provided over $200,000 in grants in 2024 for trail maintenance and improvement projects across the country.
David Halsey, communications director of ATV Minnesota, nominated the Crane Lake-based VCATV for the award, and the club was up against a strong field of nominees. But the list of the 700-member club’s accomplishments provided by Halsey was simply too impressive to ignore. Highlights from Halsey’s submission include:
Building positive relationships with the Superior National Forest, Minnesota DNR, state legislators, county commissioners and town leaders in order to plan and create an extensive trail system which attracts riders from across Minnesota and surrounding states. 
Creating the first ATV map for the area, showing OHV trails and legal routes on forest roads, and highlighting historical sites such as the Gyppo Shack Trail at the site of a gyppo shack where loggers lived when working in the forest years ago. Working with the Forest Service, club members build custom trail gates, signage, maintenance trailers and other equipment.
Building a 185-foot-long, 12-foot-wide, $1.5 million bridge over the Vermilion River, dedicated in 2019.
The club has added structures at scenic trail destinations, including overlooks, shelters, picnic tables and vault toilets. Currently in construction is the Military Crossroads Shelter, which will include flagpoles and flags of the military branches.
The club has received a U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region Honor Award for its collaborative efforts with the Superior National Forest, and a national Small Projects Award from the Coalition for Recreational Trails for its Vermilion Falls Trail and 256-foot elevated boardwalk. 
VCATV helped create and is a member of the Northeastern Regional ATV Joint Powers Board to coordinate planning, permitting, design, and construction activities of the various ATV trail system networks throughout northeastern Minnesota.
VCATV’s trail system has had a significant economic impact on the region by greatly increasing tourism to lodges, resorts, campgrounds, and businesses in the area. An economic impact study found that the total contribution of ATV riding to the economy of three counties during 2023 was $36 million. Visiting riders spent $144.10 per person per day.
The club has come up with innovative ways to raise funds for its trail and bridge projects. They include two “Wall of Fame” kiosks built to hold names and messages of members and visiting riders. The club requests a donation of $500 or more for each plaque.  Some groups of friends have donated $1,000. Over $50,000 has been raised to date. 
The club is very involved with ATV Minnesota, with a number of members on the ATV Minnesota state Board, serving as committee chairs, and advocating for state funding.
VCATV promotes safe, responsible ATV riding and has DNR-certified ATV Safety Instructors for youth safety training, and trail ambassadors. 
“For these and many other achievements, Voyageur Country ATV has greatly contributed to creating a positive future for ATV recreation in Minnesota,” Halsey concluded.