THE OIL REGION ATV ASSOCIATION

Enjoy the Thrill of the Ride with ORATVA

It's Finally Time!

The Oil Region ATV Association has officially begun our "soft start". Permits will be available at the County Treasure's office in the courthouse annex on August 4th. Make sure to bring all of your paperwork! License, registration, insurance, etc. Check the example of the permit application to know what all you'll need.

We are considering this a “soft start” because there are still a lot of missing pieces. We are still working with Penndot to get sections of state road approved, so for the time being, only participating township roads will be legally accessible. This means there will be gaps in where you can legally ride to, at the moment.

Because it is mowing/tar and chip season, townships will be putting their signage up as they get the chance.

Remember, it is technically illegal until the road signs are installed. We will post continuous updates as townships get their signs installed.

As of posting this, Pinegrove, Oil Creek, Sugarcreek, Richland, Emlenton, Cooperstown, Allegheny and sections of Clinton townships are legally accessible with your permit. Most other participating townships have their signs and are waiting for a chance to put them up.

It is a rider’s responsibility to check the ordinances and map of townships they will be riding through, so that they remain on legal roads. Ordinances and maps of townships can all be found here on our website.

Check the new "Maps" page!

Please ride respectfully and responsibly. The smoother this goes, the more townships will open their roads, meaning more and more riding opportunities.

Downloadable permit application and waiver. Feel free to print and fill both of these out at home to save time at the Treasurer's Office.

What ORATVA Is Up To

Not an accurate map. Once planning is complete, a detailed map will be uploaded.

What We Are Currently Doing

The ORATV Association has just launched our "soft start" to this program. Townships are still getting their signage installed and we are still working with Penndot to get approval to use sections of state road as connection points. At this current stage there are quite a few gaps in rideable area (hence the "soft start"). We were tired of waiting, and residents were beginning to lose hope. So, we went with this approach to get people out and riding, and to show other townships that there is nothing to fear.

Since we have gotten quite a few questions regarding this, Cornplanter is on board, they are reworking their ordinance so it may take some time before you can ride there. Canal is also on board but waiting for other townships so they can advertise the ordinance all together and save money. (Legal stuff that forces them to advertise a new ordinance in the paper)

We’re excited and now more motivated than ever to keep this process moving. We can see the economic benefits it will bring to the area. This will allow outside money to come pouring into local businesses, as well as give residents and non-residents alike, a fantastic new recreation opportunity.

As of right now, we do not have any dedicated off-road trails planned. That being said, we are quite hopeful for the future and will continue pursuing that goal. We believe once private land owners see the value this activity can bring, they will be more receptive to leasing their land.

Make sure you continue to check this site to keep track of our progress and stay up to date. (We also have social media if you’re into that.)

Get the whole gang together and explore our beautiful small towns.

Take a ride to some truly gorgeous locations. Get out and connect with nature, and enjoy the wind on your face.

The Membership

To utilize this activity legally, you will need to purchase a membership tag for each of your machines. The tags are unique to machines, so keep that in mind if any reckless thoughts enter that skull of yours. If you are recorded tearing up someone’s yard, or going recklessly fast, these memberships can and will be revoked. (Plus the fines associated with that.) There will be trail cams set up at problem areas.

Don’t miss out on countless hours of riding just for 2 minutes of stupidity.

(Being tied to a machine also means you need to consider who you let borrow it)

How much does it cost?

$50 for a January-December tag. This does mean if you buy a tag in June that it is only good for 6 months.

Tags can be purchased early so that you don’t miss out on any riding.

There will also be discounts for multiple machines (3 or more from the same household).

We are also working on the idea of having your membership gaining you some fun perks at businesses along the trails.

Such as a free bag of ice with any beverage purchase, or 10% off your meal; stuff like that.

Where can I get a membership tag?

Tags will be purchasable at the Courthouse Annex building in Franklin to begin with. We are hoping to get the powersports stores to be able to sell tags in the future as well.

Where does the money for that membership tag go?

Are the directors getting a nice big check from all this?

Unfortunately, no, we don't get a check at all. The way we have this non-profit set up means we can't dip into our own supply. This helps keep people off the board for financial reasons and lets people know we are serious about what we set out to do.

Let's break down the money. $6.50 goes directly to the county for administrative costs related to issuing all those tags. $20 is set aside in a large pool to then be paid out annually to the townships. This gives them incentive to stay with the plan, because now they suddenly get a nice check every year to help with road maintenance or other township projects. The leftover $23.50 stays with the Association for something really fun. We'll save up this money so that the next time a large chunk of land comes up for sale we can buy it to put off-road trails on. The money will also be spent on road signs and trail cams as needed. As well as non-profit insurance and a whole slew of other little costs that come from being an organization.

We want to do this correctly the first time. We don’t want growing pains and angry residents. This has the opportunity to be a fantastic resource for years and years to come. To make sure that happens we have to implement a healthy amount of rules, which are listed below. This really isn’t us trying to live out some power fantasy, it’s us trying to make sure one of our favorite pastimes is here to stay, and is enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, there’s a lot of older retired folks that just want to putt down to their favorite restaurant. This is as much for them as it is for you, so stay kind and be respectful.

Rules & Regs

Insurance

Each machine must have a MINIMUM of liability insurance coverage

Registration

Each machine must have a current registration, and proof of that registration

ORATVA Tag

Your membership tag must be visible and attached to the front of your vehicle. (Passenger side windshield for side-by-sides and front left fender for 4-wheelers)

Exhaust

Mufflers must keep your exhaust below 99 decibels when measured at 20 inches.

Rules Of The Road

While utilizing township roads, you are obligated to follow standard traffic laws. (That means no going 60mph in a 25mph zone just because you’re on a Polaris 900)

Age Restrictions

Drivers must be at least 16 years of age to utilize township roads as per state law.

Helmets

The state wants to keep traumatic and fatal accidents to a minimum. So, yes, that does mean you’re required to wear a helmet while operating your machine.

Other Rules

I will list other rules and regulations here in the future

Other Rules

I will list other rules and regulations here in the future

For a complete list of rules and regulations as per DCNR you can find that here.

Nearly all DCNR rules apply to ORATV membership.

An unmodified ATV should already meet all mechanical regulations.

Suggestions & Common Sense

This is 100% a luxury, and not a right. If too many people act up and cause a headache for the townships, they can and will pull their support. So please be smart and respectful, so everyone can have a good time. If people follow the rules, and show landowners they have nothing to worry about, they’ll be much more open to letting us set up off-road trails!

Please keep any loose papers/trash secured on your ATV. We don’t want your litter. (Litter fines can be up to $1000!)

If you do have a modified exhaust system and don’t want people reporting you for it being too loud, drive past residential areas at low RPMs.

For the love of all things holy, do not “pop wheelies” in residential areas.

We all know how fun it is to press the gas and “drift” on dirt roads. If we have 100's of people doing this, it can quickly cause erosion on the road. So... please don’t.

A large, LARGE portion of this trail consists of paved roads. You should probably change your tires to match that fact. Knobby tires on pavement isn’t a good time for anyone.

Venango is a rural county with a fair amount of farmland. Keep your eyes on the road as it is possible for cattle to have escaped. Your Can-Am Maverick won’t fair too well against a 2,000lb cow. This warning goes double for deer if you are riding during the evening or night.

Code Of Conduct

These will be part of your membership application. A signature is required, stating you understand and will follow this Code of Conduct.

Obey all laws; Federal, State, and local. No excessive speed. Membership permit stickers must be always visible.

Respect all people, personal property, wildlife, and the environment.

Follow all rules of safety while riding. Report any other rider that is not obeying the code of conduct to a director.

Be courteous and careful while approaching others while riding. Keep trails clean and safe. Let pedestrians, people with horses or dogs, bicycles, and cars have the right of way. If necessary, turn off your machine near horses and other animals.

Members/riders shall not interfere with or harass hunters, fishermen, sportsmen, landowners, or other individuals.

Individuals who disobey the law or the association code of conduct may be subject to suspension or revocation of club membership.

CONTACT US

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about ORATVA, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team of directors is always happy to help.