The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) recently honored Dana Bell, Project Coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, for her efforts in the fight to protect the rights of off-highway-vehicle enthusiasts. The award was presented by AMA Board of Directors Vice Chairman Dal Smilie.

The AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, the Association's top honor for government-relations activities, was created to recognize AMA members who work as advocates before lawmakers and government officials, to promote motorcycling and protect its future.

"Motorcycling will exist as a free sport when AMA members like Dana arise to volunteer and organize our forces to keep us riding," said Smilie in presenting the award. "The AMA recognizes her as one of the key voices for motorcyclist's rights and has chosen to present her with this Motorcycling Advocate Award to recognize her for her ongoing efforts."

Bell, a former AMA staff member, has served for seven years as the recreation representative on the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council and currently is an appointed member of the California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks and Tourism; she also is an Executive Board member for American Trails. In 2002 Bell was one of eight team members on the American Frontiers Public Lands Journey, a 60-day, 3,000-mile, border-to-border trek in the West to raise awareness of national public lands.