Deirdre Miller, education program manager for the Division of Outdoor Recreation, introduced herself to the advisory council and outlined the Division’s OHV training offerings, certification process and outreach plans.

"So, yes, my name is Deirdre Miller. My position title is the education program manager for the division of outdoor recreation," Miller said, adding that the program provides mandatory and voluntary online courses and hands-on in-person trainings across the state.

Miller told the council the Division maintains instructor and student records and that “all of that is protected data that we're very mindful to keep private.” Council members asked whether the hands-on classes produce measurable safety improvements. Jacob Hinton, OHV program lieutenant, said field compliance is generally good and that most riders display certificates when asked; Miller and Jason Curry said the Division lacks comprehensive statewide incident-reporting data that would conclusively compare hands-on and online outcomes.

Miller said the Division offers a hands-on class schedule on its “hands on landing page” and uses the Division newsletter and marketing team to publicize courses. She reported approximately 120 in-person hands-on students during the last year, compared with “thousands” who completed online classes, and encouraged council members to request in-person sessions in their regions.

Council members suggested adding a short section near the end of the course describing applicable laws and penalties, especially for out-of-state riders and younger people who may be unfamiliar with local rules. Brody Johnson recommended involving law enforcement presenters for that supplemental material.

What’s next
Staff will post hands-on schedules publicly, share instructor/certification procedures with the council on request, and consider adding short law/penalty content and supplemental Q&A involving law enforcement.