Congratulations to our very own Public Affairs Officer John Raymond!! ATV Maine looks forward to working with NOHVCC!!

ATV Maine is proud to share some exciting news for motorized recreation in our state. The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) recently announced that long-time Maine OHV leader John Raymond has joined them as the official State Partner for Maine. This partnership marks a great step forward in representing Maine’s ATV and OHV community on the national stage.

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council

John brings decades of advocacy, leadership, and hands-on trail experience to the role. He currently serves as President of the Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile/ATV/XC Skiing and Snowmobile Museum and is the Public Affiars Director for ATV Maine. He previously held several leadership positions within ATV Maine, including President and Vice President. Under his leadership, Maine achieved a historic milestone when the state legislature passed a $30 million Trails Bond, with dedicated funding beginning in 2025 to support trail development and maintenance across the state.

John Raymond

One of John’s most meaningful accomplishments has been his work to connect Maine’s trail networks. He played a key role in developing the first multi-use trail in the Katahdin region — a project once thought unlikely to succeed. After years of persistence, challenges, easement negotiations, and coordination with landowners, the complete trail opened on Labor Day 2024, linking the two largest ATV trail systems in Maine. This connectivity achievement is a game-changer for riders and represents the kind of forward-thinking growth our community values.

In his role with NOHVCC, John will help bridge communication between local OHV enthusiasts and the national organization, to bring Maine’s unique perspective and challenges into broader conversations. With many of Maine’s trails on private land, keeping positive relationships with landowners is vital. At the same time, emerging discussions around vehicle weight limits and industry trends highlight the need for thoughtful education, clear communication, and collaboration — areas where NOHVCC’s tools and resources can be particularly valuable.

For those unfamiliar with the role of a NOHVCC State Partner, these volunteers act as liaisons between NOHVCC and the OHV community in their respective states. Partners stay informed on statewide issues, share successes and challenges, and help advance responsible motorized recreation. In return, NOHVCC provides access to expertise, a nationwide network of peers, educational resources, and support for local initiatives. State Partners also play a key role in promoting safe riding practices, facilitating club and association development, and representing the interests of riders at meetings, workshops, and agency processes nationally.

Becoming a State Partner is a commitment to responsible OHV stewardship. It requires strong communication skills, leadership, and deep involvement in the local riding community. Those who take on this role gain valuable experience, new contacts around the country, and a broader perspective on the issues shaping OHV recreation today.

ATV Maine couldn’t be more excited to see John representing Maine with NOHVCC. His passion for trails, strong advocacy background, and dedication to connecting riders make him a great fit for this position. Join us in congratulating John Raymond as he steps into this important role — and stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in the ongoing growth and stewardship of ATV and OHV recreation in Maine!

https://www.nohvcc.org/WelcomeMainesNewStatePartnerJohnRaymond/