Off-highway vehicle (OHV) organizations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing trail systems across the country. From clearing brush to building sustainable paths, these groups ensure that riders, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts have access to safe and enjoyable trails. However, the hands-on nature of trail work comes with unique risks—everything from equipment-related injuries to liability claims tied to volunteer activities. That’s where Conservation United steps in, offering specialized insurance solutions tailored to the needs of OHV organizations engaged in trail work. Here’s why this coverage is a game-changer for these groups and how it empowers them to focus on their mission.
Understanding the Risks of Trail Work
Trail work isn’t just about swinging a pickaxe or firing up a chainsaw—it’s a complex operation that involves volunteers, heavy equipment, and unpredictable environments. OHV organizations often operate on public lands under cooperative agreements with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, adding layers of compliance and exposure. Common risks include:
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Physical Injuries: Using tools like mini-excavators, griphoists, or even hand tools can lead to accidents, especially in rugged terrain.
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Liability Claims: If a volunteer or bystander is injured, the organization could face legal responsibility.
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Property Damage: Equipment breakdowns or unintentional harm to land can result in costly repairs or disputes.
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Regulatory Requirements: Federal and state partnerships often mandate specific insurance coverage, which can vary widely and be tough to navigate.
Without proper protection, a single incident could derail an organization’s finances or even its ability to continue operating. Conservation United understands these challenges and has built insurance programs to address them head-on.
Conservation United: A Partner for OHV Organizations
Founded by experts with deep roots in both conservation and risk management, Conservation United isn’t your average insurance broker. They specialize in serving environmental and nonprofit sectors, including OHV organizations that maintain trails. What sets them apart? Their team has real-world experience—decades of it—doing trail work and collaborating with land management agencies. This insider knowledge allows them to craft insurance policies that fit the unique needs of OHV groups, rather than forcing them into generic, ill-fitting plans.
For example, many traditional brokers don’t grasp the safety considerations of specialized tools like Swecos or the implications of working under federal grants. Conservation United does. They’ve streamlined the process so organizations can get a General Liability quote in as little as one to two business days—sometimes even the same day for smaller groups—by answering a handful of straightforward questions.
Key Coverage Options for OHV Trail Work
Conservation United offers a range of insurance products to protect OHV organizations, ensuring they’re covered from the trailhead to the backcountry. Here’s a look at some of the essentials:
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General Liability: This is the backbone of protection, covering bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs if a claim arises. Whether it’s a volunteer cutting a tree that falls on a structure or a bystander alleging harm, this keeps the organization safe.
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Workers’ Compensation: For groups with paid staff, this covers medical expenses and lost wages from work-related injuries—a must when operating machinery or navigating rough terrain.
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Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability: Nonprofit boards aren’t immune to lawsuits. If someone challenges a decision—like how funds are managed—D&O coverage steps in to protect leaders and the organization itself.
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Commercial Property: Trail work often involves equipment, storage sheds, or even leased workspaces. This insurance safeguards those assets against fire, theft, or natural disasters.
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Commercial Auto: For organizations transporting crews or equipment, this covers vehicles in case of accidents or damage.
Conservation United also offers employee benefits and surety bonds, rounding out a comprehensive safety net. Their expertise in federal agreements means they can guide OHV groups through the maze of insurance requirements tied to grants or partnerships, ensuring compliance without the guesswork.
Why It Matters
For OHV organizations, trail work isn’t just a task—it’s a passion driven by a commitment to conservation and recreation. But passion alone can’t shield against the financial fallout of an accident or lawsuit. Conservation United’s insurance lets these groups focus on what they do best: building and maintaining trails. By transferring risk to a tailored policy, they can deploy volunteers, operate equipment, and partner with agencies confidently, knowing they’re protected.
Take, for instance, a scenario where a volunteer injures themselves while clearing a trail. Without coverage, the organization might face medical bills, legal fees, or even reputational damage. With Conservation United’s solutions, those costs are handled, preserving the group’s resources and mission. Or consider a federal agency requiring specific coverage limits for a cooperative project—Conservation United’s experience ensures those boxes are checked seamlessly.
Getting Started
The process is simple. OHV organizations can visit Conservation United’s website, fill out a quick form, and review options with an expert who gets their world. No jargon, no runaround—just practical solutions. For those who prefer a conversation, a call to 855-570-2797 or an email connects them directly to the team.
The Bigger Picture
Trails are more than paths through the woods—they’re lifelines for communities, ecosystems, and outdoor enthusiasts. OHV organizations keep them alive, often on tight budgets and with volunteer muscle. Conservation United’s insurance isn’t just about protection; it’s about empowerment. It gives these groups the freedom to dig in, ride on, and preserve the outdoors for generations to come.
So, if your OHV organization is breaking ground on trail work, don’t leave your mission vulnerable. Partner with Conservation United and ride with peace of mind—because the trails deserve it, and so do you.
