Len Hardy is 2007 DNR volunteer ATV Safety Training Instructor of the Year (May 14, 2008)

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.

(L-R) DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten, Len Hardy, DNR Regional Training Officer Shelly Patten

“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.