Posted: 4/2/03

DNR seeks ATV safety instructors in FL

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications from men and women interested in serving as volunteer ATV safety program instructors.

The DNR Enforcement Education Section has developed a new ATV Safety Training course for youthful ATV operators aged 12-15. The course was developed in conjunction with the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota, (ATVAM) and includes a riding component.

To be considered for ATV Instructor Training, persons must be at least 18 years old. Following the training, a thorough background investigation will be completed on the person requesting certification.

ìThis is a new course and we want to insure we have enough instructors to meet the student demand,î said Captain Jeff Thielen, DNR Enforcement Education Program Coordinator.

Certification as an instructor requires a background investigation to ensure candidate suitability, a preliminary examination to evaluate candidate background knowledge, and successful completion of a new instructor orientation program.

Certification is free for the unpaid instructor positions.

ìThere's no financial reward, and it really does require a time commitment,î said Thielen, ìbut for anyone who enjoys ATV's, there is no better way for one person to make a lasting contribution.î

Please contact the listed Trainer to preregister for the training session. Additional dates and additional information on these dates can be found on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us .

ï Apr. 1, 2003 ñÝN. Mankato ñ S. Central Tech College, 6-9:30 p.m. Contact Rick Ekstam
ï Apr. 1, 2003, Shakopee, VFW, 6-10 p.m. Contact Don Slinger.
ï Apr. 1, 2003, Detroit Lakes, High School, 6-10 p.m. Contact Jim Hatlevig.
ï Apr. 3, 2003, Thief River Falls, N.G. Armory, 6-10 p.m. Contact Jim Hatlevig.
ï Apr. 7, 2003, Eagan, Rosemont, VFW, 6-10 p.m. Contact Don Slinger.
ï Apr. 7, 2003, Bemidji, Beltrami Electric, 6-10 p.m. Contact Jim Hatlevig.
ï Apr. 7, 2003, Sandstone, Senior Center, 6-10 p.m. Contact Mike Hammer.
ï Apr. 10, 2003, Alexandria, High School Media Center, 6-10 p.m. Contact Jim Hatlevig.
ï Apr. 10, 2003, Forest Lake, American Legion, 6-10 pm. Contact Don Slinger.
ï Apr. 12, 2003, Brainerd CC, 8:30-12:30. Contact Mike Hammer.
ï Apr. 14, 2003, Chatfield, Pope & Young Headquarters, 6-9:30 p.m. Contact Rick Ekstam.
ï Apr. 19, 2003, Gilbert, ORV Park, 1-5 p.m. Contact Shelly Patten.
ï Apr. 24, 2003, Malmo, 6-10 p.m. Contact Mike Hammer.
ï Apr. 29, 2003, Gilbert, ORV Park, 5-9 p.m. Contact Shelly Patten.
ï Apr. 26, 2003, Camp Ripley, 8:30-12:30. Contact Mike Hammer.
ï Apr. 26, 2003, Vadnais Heights, Fire Dept., 9-1 p.m. Contact Don Slinger.

The names and numbers of the contacts are as follows:

ï Rick Ekstam (507)387-7757.
ï Mike Hammer (218) 828-2223.
ï Jim Hatlevig (218) 758-2460.
ï Vic Koosmann (218) 751-9243.
ï Shelly Patten (218) 327-4109.
ï Don Slinger (651) 430-0751.

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