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Commission weighs registration reforms, director defends fit under DCNR; partnership proposal seeks policy shift
Summary
Commissioners urged streamlining OHV registration (DMV collaboration) and debated whether the program belongs under DCNR or DMV; Director Settlemeier and staff said DCNR is a logical fit while noting legislative options. Separately, Novora presented a national partnership proposal aimed at shifting federal trail policy from 'minimization' to 'sufficiency.'
Commissioners used the Aug. 12 meeting to revisit registration pain points and the program’s organizational home. Several commissioners said DMV’s current registration processes are cumbersome and encouraged exploring alternatives such as vendor‑assisted registration or program‑led online sales similar to boating programs in other states.
Director James Settlemeier said the commission had been housed in several places historically and argued the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is a logical administrative fit because of the program’s ties to land management, grants and natural‑resource stewardship. ‘‘If this commission feels... it’s better suited at DMV or Department of Ag… bring the legislation or make that recommendation to the governor,’’ Settlemeier said, but he noted that moving a program requires legislative action.
Program staff reported closer work with DMV including a new OHV landing page; staff said registration‑related calls have declined since DMV updated online resources. Commissioners discussed creating a small working group (less than a quorum) to study registration reform and report back under open‑meeting constraints.
Separately, a stakeholder group represented by Matthew Giltner (Novora/Path Offer Association) described an 86‑page draft plan called “moving from minimization to sufficiency,” which proposes shifting federal land‑management language away from strict minimization of motorized impacts toward ensuring adequate roads and trails for recreation and local economic use while protecting resources. Giltner said the approach could simplify NEPA requirements for certain projects and promote stronger local partnerships.
No formal transfer of program authority or statute was proposed at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with options and a legally compliant process to examine registration alternatives ahead of the next grant cycle and meeting schedule.
