DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -Instructor of The Year

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DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       

MAY 13, 2008
Media contact: Capt. Mike Hammer, Education Program coordinator, DNR
Enforcement Division, Camp Ripley,
1-800-366-8917, ext. 2504.

Len Hardy is 2007 DNR volunteer
ATV Safety Training Instructor of the Year

Len Hardy of Nashwauk was named the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources’ 2007 Volunteer ATV Safety Training Instructor of the Year
during the recent ATV Fair held at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk
Rapids.

 “As the first vice president of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association
of Minnesota, Mr. Hardy constantly promotes ATV safety and responsible
riding for all ATVAM members,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement
Education Program coordinator.

“He is a very active, well-respected leader in his community and
round the state and has a remarkable rapport with people from all walks
of life.”

Hardy, a dedicated DNR certified instructor since 2003, regularly
travels the state in an effort to ensure that each and every ATV club in
Minnesota provides Youth ATV Safety Training. He has taught 36 ATV
classes as the lead instructor and has certified more than 600 students.


Hardy was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the
Gilbert Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation area in northern Minnesota, the
first dedicated park for off-road vehicles in the state. The park has a
training classroom and a dedicated field training area that is
permanently set up for youth ATV safety training.

The number of registered ATVs in Minnesota has tripled in the past
decade. This year, about 150,000 are licensed.
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PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten, Len Hardy, DNR
Regional Training Officer Shelly Patten