National Advocate | Fall 2015

WINTER

ORBA.BIZ

Published By Driven LLC, Keri Wanner & Yarrum Design LLC, Denise Sanzo OHV Groups Worked Together........................................... 4-5 Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer Off-Road Business Association 1701 Westwind Drive #108 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.323.1464 Fax 661.323.1487

COHVCO............................................................................... 6 Marc Hildesheim, NOHVCC, Project Manager

ORBA Board Members

United Four Wheel Drive Association ............................ 10-11

Chairman: Greg Adler, Transamerican Auto Parts

Less Federal Money for Recreation ..................................... 12 California Nevada Snow Mobile

Treasurer: Mark Turner, Daystar

Breaking Down the Walls of Opposition ............................. 14 Sandra Mitchell

Secretary: Lindsay Hubley, Family Events

OneVoice ............................................................................ 16 Alexis Nelson

Member: Brad Franklin, Yamaha Motorsports USA Member: Stuart Gosswein, SEMA

Good OHV Policy Decisions .............................................. 7-9 Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer

Cal4 Wheel ......................................................................... 17 Steve Egbert Deteriorating Bonneville Salt Flats ................................. 18-19 Stuart Gosswein, SEMA Abusing the Antiquities Act ................................................. 17

Member: Kurt Miller, Enthusiast Network

BFGoodrich, Outstanding Trail Winners.......................... 24-25

Member: Jim Chick, Bestop, Inc.

Send future contributions to keri@driven2pushboundaries.com

ORBA Staff President & CEO: Fred Wiley 661.323.1464 fwiley@orba.biz Office Manager / Accounting: Deborah Burgess 661.323.1464 dburgess@orba.biz

OBRA.BIZ

WINTER

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

ORBA is a nonprofit association of off-road related business owners who have united to preserve the sport of off-road recreation in an environmentally responsible manner.

WHAT WE DO

ORBA proactively protects recreation access and opportunities by ensuring that America’s families are not arbitrarily denied the right to responsibly recreate. ORBA provides leadership in addressing land use issues by advancing policies that conserve the environment while at the same time providing off-road recreation opportunities.

We are a professional trade association composed of off-road related businesses united to promote common goals that support the prosperity and growth of the off-road industry. ORBA makes decisions and takes actions that maintain and expand off-highway vehicle recreation opportunity. ORBA works closely with its partner organizations on local, state and federal issues that have potential impacts to the off-road industry. We are dedicated to making it possible for the OHV industry to have a voice in land use issues.

Many industries have trade associations that protect their interests. The off-road business industry has ORBA! Send future contributions to keri@driven2pushboundaries.com

CONTRIBUTORS Editorial: 4 Wheel Parts, Alexis Nelson, COHVCC, Klim, NOHVCC, ORBA, Sandra Mitchell, Scott

Jones , SFWDA, Tread Lightly, U.S.F.S.

Photography: Jake Forstall Photography PAGE 3

FALL

OHV User Groups Worked Together And Persevered On BLM Decision For New Mexico Rec Area

ORBA.BIZ

by Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer

“I’ve been working on the Glade Run project since 2002. We still have maintained a majority of our true trails in that zone. Plus, we have gained thousands of acres of new trails and riding area.”

When 6,100 acres of New Mexico’s Glade Run Recreation Area were designated a “quiet zone” by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), some riders saw it as a check in the loss column.

Darryl Dunlap considers it just the opposite.

“I’m very happy with the outcome,” said Dunlap, who grew up riding in the area, and owns Dunlap Performance and Motorsports in Farmington, New Mexico. “I’ve been working on the Glade Run project since 2002. We still have maintained a majority of our true trails in that zone. Plus, we have gained thousands of acres of new trails and riding area.”

The Glade Run Recreation Area is 19,000 acres of sandy arroyos and slick rock. It is famous for its world-class rock-crawling terrain and nationallevel 4-wheel-drive competitions. According to the BLM web site, it has two off-highway vehicle (OHV) use zones. The northern three-quarters of the Glade are managed for limited trail use and 3,800 acres on the south end are managed as an open OHV area. Approximately 42 miles of marked trails for motorized trail bike and mountain bike riders are located in the limited OHV portion of the Glade.

PAGE 4

Dunlap was instrumental in bringing together all the user groups, county government, and the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, on which he serves as a board member, to work with the BLM to keep the popular riding area open for motorized use. In May of 2015, the BLM approved the latest Glade Run Recreation Area Resource Management Plan. The Decision Record amends the 2003 Farmington Resource Management Plan to designate OHV use areas, a new boundary for the Glade Run, and identify the Glade Run as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). As reported by Dunlap in the July newsletter of the New Mexico OHV Alliance (NMOHVA), “The plan approval comes after many years of work by, and sometimes high tension between, the local user groups. But after all the dust settled and the ink on the final document had dried, the BLM and the local user groups finally had a completed plan.

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

OHV User Groups Worked Together And Persevered On BLM Decision For New Mexico Rec Area (continued) “Clubs like the Cliffhangers (4WD), San Juan Trail Riders (motorcycle), along with local UTV/ATV enthusiasts have all worked hard for many years to keep our local public lands open and accessible. Their success is proof that perseverance does work.” Motorcyclists lost the most in the Decision, adds Dunlap.

“They used to ride the single-track mountain bike trails too, but now they can’t. All-in-all, however, the motorcycle riders have more trails than other groups.”

Dunlap says the main message of this long project is that dedicated user groups worked together for many years and were willing to compromise with the BLM. “I asked people to come up with five things they want, and be ready to sacrifice one of those things. That has worked,” he said.

Dunlap also encourages OHV user groups to always get local government agencies involved in trail projects. “The user groups can organize, but local government has more say than we do. They want off-road tourism. If you consider the entire county, we have more miles of trails than Moab, desert sand wash, and worldclass rock crawling.”

Local OHV clubs are working to complete the trail inventory, as well as signing and mapping the newly designated riding area at Glade Run. Dozens of riders volunteered for a work day on the last Saturday in September, which is National Public Lands Day. For more information on the Glade Run Recreation Area, visit: www.blm.gov/nm/st/ en/prog/recreation/farmington/Glade_Run_ Recreation_Area.html To read more about this and other public land access issues in New Mexico, visit the web site of the NMOHVA and join its email list at: nmohva.org/main/index.php.

PAGE 5

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

COHVCO Workshop Shows The Value Of Partnering with Local Communities

by Marc Hildesheim, NOHVCC Project Manager The 2015 Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition’s (COHVCO) Annual Workshop was hosted by the town of Meeker, and featured the theme “Partnering with Local Communities to Connect Trails and Towns.”

a Recreation Plan. “The session challenged everyone to provide practical solutions for a sustainable trail compatible with the multi-use activities occurring in the area,” said Jack Terrell, NOHVCC Senior Project Manager.

In following that theme, COHVCO leadership invited representatives from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Rio Blanco County, and other towns and counties that would benefit from endorsing OHV recreation. These organizations served on a steering committee for the Workshop.

The workshop was well attended, with approximately 75 people participating.

COHVCO provided scholarships to club members and representatives from small communities who might not have been able to attend on their own. It was made possible thanks to a grant from the Colorado OHV registration grant program.

The workshop, held July 15 to 17, consisted of one and a half days of educational sessions, followed by a mobile workshop on BLM and Forest Service managed trails near Meeker.

Representatives from Rio Blanco County shared their experiences in creating an OHV trails Master Plan for the county and partnering with local land managers. They also reported on the positive economic impacts that OHV recreation has had on their county.

One of the biggest success stories of the Workshop was how well it and the following Wagon Wheel Trail Ride were embraced by the local community. The Meeker community, local government officials, chamber of commerce members, business owners and staff, all displayed a solid understanding of the workshop and the ride, and have completely embraced the positive economic impact of OHV recreation.

Many other topics were covered, including the Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV Enforcement Program, a NOHVCC presentation on economic impacts of OHV recreation, and how to write successful OHV grant applications.

Aaron Grimes, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM White River Field Office, conducted a brainstorming session after the mobile workshop to identify specific issues to be addressed in PAGE 6

Workshops are a vital part of keeping OHV volunteers and professionals charged up and enthused about the projects they are working on.

The sharing of ideas and social aspect of these educational opportunities reminds us of why we do what we do.

ORBA.BIZ

Good OHV Policy Decisions Start With A Good OHV Ride

FALL

– Say These Trail Planners –

by Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer Seventh in a series. Is it important for land managers, recreation planners and off-highway vehicle (OHV) program managers to know how to ride a dirt bike, ATV or ROV? How does being a rider help them in their work managing trail systems, promoting rider safety, and partnering with OHV user groups? In this article series, we’ll talk to decision makers in state and federal agencies to find out. Over two dozen people replied to our request to participate in this series and offer their views. Some are lifelong riders, some learned to ride as part of their job. We’ll hear from as many as we can in coming months.

This OHV specialist believes engaging riders is the key to healthy trail systems Jahmaal Rebb grew up riding motorcycles on old sugar cane roads and rough and rugged mountain trails of Kauai, Hawaii. Today, he rides the steep and technical single-track trails of the Tillamook State Forest in Oregon, where he is an OHV Specialist. “We have roughly 500 miles of trails spread over 175,000 acres,” said Rebb.

“Approximately half are open to motorcycle only, quad and motorcycle trails second, and 4-wheel drive trails as well. We manage everything from trail planning to development, construction and maintenance.”

Early in his career, Rebb worked for Hawaii’s State Parks System and Kauai Department of Land and Natural Resources. When he moved to Oregon, he worked in the logging industry and with Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. He studied at Oregon State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, and has been with the Oregon Department of Forestry for 8 years. continued on page 8

“I fell into a gem of a job,” Rebb said. “Oregon is a great state for motorized recreation, and all types of terrain I enjoy riding. Oregon Department of Forestry manages the 375,000 acre Tillamook State Forest in northwest Oregon. It has a long history of motorized use, fires, and timber harvest. It’s a very active forest. Tillamook produces roughly 90 million board feet of timber annually, and that impacts our trail system. We work very hard with our roads and marketing units to minimize closure time and manage the recreational opportunity.”

Did being a rider help Rebb get the job? “Oh, definitely,” he said. “To be successful, it’s required to have good knowledge and experience with all types of motorized recreational vehicles, and be able to work with the OHV community. We draw a lot from our volunteer base. We have a large Adopt-A-Trail program and very supportive local clubs that help with grants and the whole gamut of work that’s out there. Our OHV program consists of two OHV specialists and two equipment operators. Having the public actively engaged is essential.”

“We want to have responsible recreationalists that create positive peer-to-peer interaction. I can ask the guys with the rock buggies to help me make a rock crawl, they’ll tell their friends, and they all come out to the work parties, where they help design it, and I can talk to them about our challenges.

PAGE 7

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

Good OHV Policy Decisions Start With A Good OHV Ride, Say These Trail Planners (continued from page 7)

There are three things that close trails: off-trail travel, excessive erosion, and trash. I feel that if I get them thinking about these things, they help maintain and help manage the areas better.

They all come out with trash bags on their rigs. If they see illegal routes going off-trail, they block it off. Everything they help with allows us to spend more time on trail system development and staging area improvements.”

Trails in the Tillamook State Forest vary in difficulty from entry level to double black diamond, and are open year-round; offering a diversity of trails for all types of OHVs. “We apply proven, sustainable techniques to our trail design, to minimize the movement of sediment and keep our stream systems clean,” said Rebb. “We have 500 miles of trail in steep terrain, 100 plus inches of rain annually, close proximity to a large population, active timber sales, major fish bearing streams, in a very environmentally conscious state. It’s very challenging here.”

Everyone involved in trail policies and funding should understand rider needs, says this longtime trail advocate “It’s vitally important for land managers, and state grant and program people to deeply understand the people and activities they are addressing.”

When Stuart Macdonald talks about the importance of getting first-hand experience on trails, both motorized and non-motorized, he includes everyone who has a hand in planning, designing, building and funding them. He speaks from experience.

“I spent about 20 years working in Colorado, as their first State Trails Coordinator,” said Macdonald. “I was there before they had an PAGE 8

OHV program, and then I wrote the first research paper when they started the OHV funding, the registration program. I started there in 1984, and I worked there until 2003, just short of 20 years.”

Macdonald had never been on an OHV prior to taking that position. He grew up in San Diego, body surfing, which to this day, at age 67, is his main outdoor interest. He got a degree in English from San Francisco State, and Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University. “I was glad I had written a lot of term papers, because I wrote the whole plan for managing OHV recreation in Colorado. I knew absolutely nothing about riding one.”

That all changed when he met riders with the Colorado OHV Coalition (COHVCO), whom he credits for getting him out on the trails to better understand the riding experience. Said Macdonald, “They very wisely realized that they needed to get more respect, and educate the people who were involved in the planning, making the decisions, and working on the grant administration, especially project selection. That was me.

“They got me to learn how to ride. They had a class to learn the basics. Gradually, they took me on harder and harder stuff. I think back now and realize how important it was that OHV activists very gently got me involved in motorized recreation. It was important not just for doing my job, but for my whole career. I would never have had those experiences in the backcountry, or widened my views of the many ways people love our public lands.

“My point is, I think people who are making the decisions, or doing the planning or selecting the projects for grants, they really need to have those kinds of experiences, feel the exhilaration and

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

also the physical pain and difficulty.

We’re not just funding parking lots and miles of dirt.

We’re funding an experience, and something that contributes to physical and mental health, not to mention economic health and the health of our outdoor resources.

“The job of State trails people is to fairly evaluate the resources and recreational opportunities, and to make good decisions based not on an ideology or policy generated in the basement of a State Capitol somewhere, but based on experience.

Riding helps you make a good policy decision, and to recognize that there are two or more sides to an issue, and to not be so swayed by politics or misinformation.”

Macdonald has been working with American Trails since the late ‘90s, when he started writing and managing its web site. A national, non-profit organization, American Trails works on behalf of all trail interests. He gradually phased out of his job in Colorado, which gave him more time to edit the organization’s newspaper, which became a magazine and now an e-newsletter. “I help write applications and reports for a variety of contracts that support the work of American Trails. I’ve been involved in all kinds of motorized and nonmotorized issues.

“I’ve said many times that one of the lasting legacies of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is that the funding encourages all trail users to work together, and find what they have in common. And that’s exactly the point of the State trails committees. The most effective way of getting people to respect each other is to have a good experience with all these activities.”

PAGE 9

FALL

United Four Wheel Drive Associations Collaborate as Lan ORBA.BIZ

The United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) have agreed to a formal arrangement that will allow the groups to coordinate policy as they strive to work together to protect access to lands, roads and trails for off-road enthusiasts.

The groups have often collaborated in the past at the national level on projects of common interest.

The new arrangement will enable the two national organizations to cooperate more closely to create a stronger approach to advocating for increased access to motorized recreation on public and private land.

“Combining energy, experience and talent with the grassroots and business is the key for leading and protecting motorized recreation,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA’s President and CEO. “Without a place to recreate, there wouldn’t be a large market for accessories. Both groups gain ground when we can bring our combined resources to bear.”

These organizations have international connections to grassroots groups and businesses, bringing decades of advocacy experience to the table. Working together, while focusing on the individual missions of each organization, insures that communication and connectivity will create a stronger message and voice.

PAGE 10

s & Off-Road Business Association to nd-Use Advocates ORBA.BIZ

FALL

Tom Mandera, President of UFWDA commented, “Together, we will apply our individual strengths towards our common purpose - advocating for recreational opportunities. Joining forces to maximize our collective expertise, finding a common goal and organizing around that goal, is the only way to have success.�

About ORBA and UFWDA ORBA is a national non-profit trade association of motorized off-road related businesses formed to promote and preserve off-road recreation.

UFWDA is the only international organization that exclusively represents the 4x4 enthusiast.

Comprised entirely of fellow enthusiasts, UFWDA seeks to counter anti-access groups that seek to close recreation areas to off-road motorized sport.

Additional details are available at www.ufwda.org and www.orba.biz

PAGE 11

FALL

Less Federal Money for Recreation?

ORBA.BIZ

By Scott Jones, Esq.

Yes, it is true that there will be less federal money for recreation on federal lands in the short term, but this could be a good thing in the long term. Before the panic sets in, the funding reduction is a result of the failure to extend the Land and Water Conservation Fund (“LWCF”) authority. Under LWCF, there is funding obtained from oil exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico which is then directed towards National Parks, local recreational improvement projects and the purchase of additional lands for the government. While this fund is estimated to be almost a billion dollars a year, it has been my experience that most of these funds are not allocated towards multiple use projects, which are highly uncommon on National Parks lands, even when those projects are outside a National Park.

The reason that it was not reauthorized was based on concerns about the ongoing usage of these funds to purchase additional lands for the federal government, and the desire to direct these funds towards other projects such as maintenance backlogs on federal lands and to expand the State say in how these funds are expended. While there are certainly localized situations where purchasing additional federal lands makes sense, these are not the norm. This makes a lot of sense to me, especially when principals are applied to other circumstances. Large scale purchasing of additional federal lands makes about as much sense as selling the Camaro you can’t afford and buying the new LaFerrari thinking it will take care of the lack of your money situation. These are some pretty basic failures of logic that are not good in either situaiton.

There is also a second lesson from the expiration of the LWCF, and this could impact multiple use recreation more directly. This lesson is that large funds can go away. This is highly relevant with the Recreational Trails Program(“RTP”), which provides significant funding to maintain multiple use recreational opportunities on Federal lands. The failure of the LWCF program should make everyone a little more vigorous next time there are questions raised about the need to reauthorize or extend RTP. Hopefully RTP does not go the way of LWCF, even for a few days. Hopefully LWCF is renewed and more of this money is made available to benefit a larger portion of the visitors to all federal lands.

PAGE 12

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

PAGE 13

FALL

Breaking Down the

ORBA.BIZ

Walls of Opposition

By Sandra Mitchell There is no way that anyone can be involved in snowmobiling advocacy in a small state like Idaho without getting to know your critics; those who prefer human powered recreation. Such is the case with my friendship with Mark Menlove, the Executive Director of Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) which is based in Boise.

We have made a point to get together semi-regularly for coffee to discuss the issues of the day. As a result of those conversations, I invited Mark to attend and make a presentation to the Idaho State Snowmobile Association Board at their annual convention in Sandpoint in 2014. He attended, spoke and answered questions which were often tinged with enmity. It was a most interesting happening not just for snowmobilers but for Mark as well. There were no epiphanies but by the end of the conversation, the hostility had lessened.

Mark reciprocated by asking me to put together a snowmobile panel for his annual conference which was to be held in Golden, Colorado in June of this year. Scott Jones, President of the Colorado State Snowmobile Association, and Fred Wiley, long time snowmobile leader and advocate in California, accepted my invitation to participate. The subject of the conference was ‘Winter Travel Planning’ and we were asked to provide the snowmobilers’ perspective. If you recall, the original travel planning rule issued in November 9, 2005 (36 CFR Parts 212, 251, 261, and 295) did not require an immediate effort to address winter motorized travel.

However, the settlement of a law suit filed by the WWA now requires the Forest Service to do winter travel planning.

The conference was most interesting and there were many who attended that were somewhat taken aback by our attendance, however, the greatest number were simply interested in our perspective. There were also a number of Forest Service folks in attendance from Washington DC and Colorado.

Probably the most interesting question we were asked to address was “Do you think it is possible for there to be a winter travel plan that was acceptable to both the non-motorized users and to snowmobilers?” I think our answer stunned many. We all agreed it was possible IF both sides went into planning with the understanding that no one user group has any greater rights than another and everyone has to have something to lose.

We also shared the following issues around winter travel planning that are important to the snowmobile community: • All closures must be manageable and definable.

• Consider designated linear travel routes through closed areas to provide access to broad and important open use areas.

• Trails for the most part in the West are used for access to the backcountry.

• We all recreate for the same reason; to experience the beauty of nature draped in her winter finery.

• And my personal favorite which surprisingly was met with a some support--Existing closures should be carefully evaluated to see if they are best serving the public interest and still needed, or if the mix of uses should be modified in view of changing demand and/or resource issues.

Overall our journey to Golden should definitely be counted as a success. Talking with those with whom you disagree is the first step in breaking down the walls of opposition. We are not so naive as to believe that everyone there changed their attitude about what we do, but we do know that many changed their attitude about who we are. The reverse is true for us as well. It is only one step but as a wise person once said, “ain’t no journey that don’t change you some”.

PAGE 14

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

KLIM® Supporting Responsible Land Access KLIM® is a company made of outdoor recreation enthusiasts. From backcountry hikers and skiers to snowmobilers and on-and-off-road motorcyclists, their employee base encompasses just about everything you can do outside. And, they have quite the outside.

Located in Rigby, Idaho minutes away from the mountainous testing labs KLIM uses to play in and perfect their products, the company has done a good job supporting grassroots and national land-use advocacy groups.

“As fellow public land users, we feel it’s our responsibility to do what we can to preserve access for future generations,” said John Summers, Director of Marketing for KLIM. “We have active relationships with several trail preservation organizations both locally and nationally. ORBA, Sharetrails.org, the TPA, RMAR, COVCO and Ride With Respect are all key partners in our efforts.”

KLIM takes it one step further, as well. Just this year they held their first local event to support trail access. The “Cow Tag” event had local and regional riders enjoying a self-guided trail ride.

The grand prize in conjunction with the event was a raffle to give away Cody Webb’s European race bike. By joining the Blue Ribbon Coalition, entries were given the chance for the once-in-alifetime drawing. Mike Anderson of Ohio won the factory ride.

“As fellow public land users, we feel it’s our responsibility to do what we can to preserve access for future generations”

PAGE 15

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

at SEMA For those of you lucky enough to attend this year’s SEMA Show, please carve out some time and join us for the One Voice Meeting in the ORBA Lounge on Wednesday, November 4th at 2pm. Members of One Voice have been working on creating a unique organizational structure that will have everlasting positive effects on the OHV community.

If this is the first time you are reading about One Voice, here’s a quick recap of its purpose and function.

By Alexis Nelson

One Voice was born from the concept of presenting a unified voice for motorized recreation through a national platform that represents the diverse OHV community. One Voice represents the many layers of the OHV Industry: from manufacturers, dealers, associations and grass roots organizations, to leaders and representatives of the trade industry. There is a wide range of entities currently representing the off highway motorized community advocating for responsible use, promoting specific causes, providing resources and training tools, and lobbying for access. One Voice has a specific focus to ensure OHV recreation is sustainable and to protect our access to public and private lands.

One Voice will amplify advocacy efforts throughout the country by affecting change through planning, policy, and direct action. This will take a collaborative approach through active partnerships with agency representatives, lawmakers & regulators while creating a professional presence in Washington DC. The process of developing the One Voice organizational structure has taken place over the course of the last year. There has been considerable input and effort in fine tuning the structure since the plan was first released in August 2014; this includes identifying the role for the Advisory Committee. The committee is one of the major components of the One Voice plan and it has been expressed in multiple forums the importance of grass roots participation in the OHV community.

Members of the One Voice Community and ORBA Staff worked on refining the Advisory Committee by dividing the country into regions and assigning states to each respective area. Then we focused on defining the role of the committee and outlined membership requirements, responsibility, set the guidelines for business meetings and expectations from the Board, and created a flowchart of the entire One Voice organization.

The purpose of the One Voice Meeting at the SEMA Show is to discuss the next steps of the plan and to identify projects that the One Voice Community will address over the next year. Your participation is important, please get involved and be part of this exciting movement!

PAGE 16

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

National Advocate The Egbert Center for

By Steve

Biological Diversity based in Tucson, Arizona, is a nonprofit membership organization with National Advocate approximately 625,000 members and online activists, known for its work protecting endangered species through legal action, scientific petitions, creative media and grassroots activism. The Center has offices Nationaland Advocate staff in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota, A laska, Vermont, The Center for Biological D.C. Diversity Arizona, is a nonprofit membership with National Advocate Florida and Washington, whatbased do weininTucson, the off-road recreation community to match organization the number of approximately 625,000 members and online activists, known for its work protecting endangered species members and resources? through action, Diversity scientific petitions, media and grassroots activism.

The Centerorganization has offices The Center for Biological based increative Tucson, Arizona, is a is nonprofit membership with The Center forlegal Biological Diversity based in Tucson, Arizona, a nonprofit membership organization If youstaff were to putMexico, all the nations off-road groups together we could not Minnesota, match the CDB membership and and in New Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Illinois, A laska, Vermont, with approximately 625,000 members andactivists, online activists, forprotecting its work protecting approximately 625,000 members and online known forknown its work endangeredendangered species resources.

It is not because we do not have enough users, In the state of California alone 14number percentofof Florida and Washington, D.C. what do we in the off-road recreation community to match the species through legal action, scientific petitions, creative media and grassroots activism.

The Center throughCalifornia legal action, scientific petitions, media and grassroots activism.

Theequipment Center has households enjoyed riding creative two million OHVs, spending $7.7 billion on OHV andoffices members and resources? has offices and staff in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota, Alaska, and staff in Newvehicles, Mexico,and Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota, A laska, transport contributing $1.1 California, billion directly to the California economy. This showsVermont, that there is Vermont, Florida and Washington, D.C. what do we in the off-road recreation community to match the Ifand you wereoftoavailable put allD.C. the nations off-road groups together we could not match the CDB membership and of Florida not Washington, what do weisinan the off-road recreation community to match thefaces. number a lack funds but there apathy among users to the issues OHV recreation numberresources. of members and resources?

It is not because we do not have enough users, In the state of California alone 14 percent of members and resources?

Cal4Wheel has one working on behalf of those percent of California California householdsemployee enjoyed and ridingthree two contractors million OHVs, spending $7.7 billion on 14 OHV equipment and If you were to put all the nations off-road groups together we could not match the CDB membership households though our actual membership is considerably less.

If we could only get an additional If you were to put all the nations off-road groups together we could not match the CDB membership transport vehicles, and contributing $1.1 billion directly to the California economy. This shows that there and is and resources.

Itofisthenot becausewe wewould do not havetoenough users, represent In the state of California alone 14 percentage households, be able more effectively our community. resources. is not because we do have users, In thetostate of California alone 14 percent of not a Itlack of available funds but not there is anenough apathy among users the issues OHV recreation faces. percent of California households enjoyed riding two million OHVs, spending $7.7 billion on OHV California households enjoyed riding two million OHVs,working spending $7.7 billion OHVour equipment We always need helpemployee to effectively communicating work we information about events andand Cal4Wheel has one and three contractorsthe on do, behalf of those 14 percent of California equipment and transport vehicles, and contributing $1.1 billion directly toonthe California economy. information on the contributing Win-a-Jeep program.

If you have the opportunity spread theget word our group transport vehicles, and $1.1 billion tobut the California economy.

This shows that there is This shows that there is notactual a lack of available funds there apathy among users to the issues households though our membership isdirectly considerably less.

If is wetoan could only an that additional and others like us need help from our community, please be an advocate for us so we can continue not a lack of available but there an apathy to the issuesour OHV recreation faces. percentage of thefunds households, we is would be able among to more users effectively represent community.

OHV recreation faces. advocating for recreation as we have for over 55 years.

We always need help to effectively communicating the work we information our events and Cal4Wheel has one employee and three contractors working on do, behalf of thoseabout 14 percent of California Cal4Wheel has one employee and three contractors working on behalf of those 14 percent of information the actual Win-a-Jeep program. isIf considerably you have the opportunity to could spreadonly the wordan thatadditional our group households thoughonour If we California households thoughmembership our actual membership isless. considerably less. Ifget we could only get and others like us need help from our community, please be an advocate for us so we can continue Thank you; percentage of percentage the households, we households, would be ablewe to would more effectively our community. an additional of the be able torepresent more effectively represent our advocating for recreation as we have for over 55 years.

community.

We always need help to effectively communicating the work we do, information about our events and

information the help Win-a-Jeep program.

If you have the opportunity to spread the word that our our events group and We always on need to effectively communicating the work we do, information about Thank you; Steve Egbert and others like us need help from our community, please be an advocate for us so we can continue information on the Win-a-Jeep program. If you have the opportunity to spread the word that our group advocating for as wefrom haveour for community, over 55 years. and others likerecreation us need help please be an advocate for us so we can continue President (559) 936-3030 advocating for recreation as we have for over 55 years.

Steve Egbert Thank you; Thank you;

President (559) 936-3030

Steve Egbert Steve Egbert President (559)936-3030 936-3030 President (559)

PAGE 17

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

Deteriorating Conditions at the Bonneville Salt Flats May Lead to Restoration Solutions

by Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (stuartg@sema.org) All six of this year’s major land speed racing events at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) were cancelled due to rain and deteriorating conditions. Despite a rich history of racing for over a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness under the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which has managed the land since 1946. At least 70 million tons of salt has been channeled away from the flats since that date. While the BSF’s international track once measured 13 miles, it has been reduced to less than 8 miles. This is not long enough to race jetpowered machines.

It’s been a very wet two years at the BSF, which caused mud from adjoining areas to flow over the racing venue. The cancellations included Speed Week which, since 1949, provides a colorful display of hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners.

While 2015 has been a difficult year, the racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration at the BSF in the early 1960s. The Save the Salt Coalition (Coalition) was formed in 1989 by the Bonneville Nationals Inc., Southern California Timing Association, Specialty Equipment Market Association, Utah Salt Flats Racing Association and several other groups. The Coalition has expanded in recent years and now features over 20 prominent organizations.

In 1997, the STS worked with the adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF as part of a five-year pilot project. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

While 2015 has been a disappointing year for racers and the fans who travel to the BSF, there is good news. This year’s cancellations have helped to raise the public profile for the BSF’s plight.

As a result, the STS Coalition, Utah Alliance, BLM, mine-owner Intrepid, and state and federal government officials met in September to begin identifying short- and long-term solutions to protect the BSF and increase the salt levels. (The Utah Alliance was formed in 2014 to provide expertise and connections within Utah and Nevada, in partnership with the STS Coalition.)

“Although concerns about deterioration at Bonneville have existed for decades, the September 2015 meeting marked the first time officials representing government, industry and racers sat at the same table to discuss solutions,” said Doug Evans, Chairman of the Save the Salt Coalition. “We are finally at the starting line in the race to save Bonneville.”

The groups indicated that there will be no quick fixes for resolving issues that were created over six decades. However, they believe that given the high level of cooperation, the historic racing venue will be slowly restored, with a goal of once again having a 13 mile track.

PAGE 18

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

Drivers Meeting The parties continue to meet and discuss restoration actions to be taken, and the Save the Salt Coalition and Utah Alliance will announce decisions made in the near future. Priority will be given to determine how to expand brine pumping as well as protect the racing area from future mud contamination. The SEMA Action Network: Protecting the Rights of Off-Roaders The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a nationwide partnership of vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty automotive and off-road industries who volunteer to protect the hobby from unreasonable laws and regulations. Founded in 1997, the SAN has over 65,000 individual and car club members throughout the United States and Canada and is in direct contact with millions of enthusiasts through electronic communication, publications and social media.

The SAN maintains that it is possible to balance environmental protection and promote responsible recreation opportunities while advocating for a number of basic principles, including: • Implementing OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle oriented recreation.

• Conducting case-by-case reviews of lands subject to a wilderness designation to ensure

widespread local community support, and releasing any lands that do not meet the wilderness criteria since they have been developed with roads, trails, buildings, etc.

• Cherry-stemming existing roads/trails, a process that excludes them from the wilderness area and, thereby, remain open to recreation.

www.semaSAN.com

Help shape the course of off-road legislation before it becomes law -- free, no spam.

PAGE 19

Abusing the

Antiquities Act! Hopefully the title sparked a little curiosity. What is the “Antiquities Act” and who is abusing it? Let’s also add, stopping the abuse is a top priority for the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and most other OHV organizations.

The 1906 law is at the forefront of national land-use decisions. It provides the president with the authority to create National Monuments. The law is intended to protect “significant natural, cultural or scientific features.”

The protected features are to consist of the smallest area necessary for the identified sites of interest.

In recent years, however, presidents have used the law to create National Monuments that are hundreds of thousands of acres in size. This is consequential. Roads and trails for motorized vehicles are frequently closed as a result. To date, President Obama has designated 19 national monuments covering millions of acres. Recent examples include Basin and Range National Monument (NV), Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument (CA), Browns Canyon National Monument (CO) and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (CA).

The threat of designations looms highest as president’s prepare to leave office. That is what is happening now. In August, California Senator Diane Feinstein sent a letter to President Obama asking that he use the Antiquities Act to create three new National Monuments within the California Desert.

ORBA has been working with Sen. Feinstein for six years on a bill to protect dedicated OHV recreation areas in the California desert. The comprehensive “California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act” (S 414) would also provide land for energy, mining, conservation and other uses. Some of the land would be designated as National Monuments.

It’s an ambitious endeavor and Sen. Feinstein has been unable to reach consensus with all of the differing parties. As a result, she has taken the unusual step of asking the President to unilaterally create the Sand to Snow, Mojave Trails and Castle Mountain National Monuments. It’s a risky move since the president can create even larger monuments than were requested. It also makes it more difficult to reach consensus on the remaining tracts of land, including protections for OHV areas.

ORBA supports a bill just introduced in the House by Rep. Paul Cook called the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act (HR 3668) that seeks to reach consensus on the comprehensive approach begun by Sen. Feinstein. It would preserve 300,000 acres of the California desert for off-roading and expand OHV recreation areas by over 60,000 acres, including 20,000 at Johnson Valley. It would also provide six “national” designations to the protected OHV areas.

When the people of the state of California began working together six years ago to bring about a balance that protects public land, that process was circumvented by the letter to President Obama. Contact Senator Feinstein, the White House and the Secretary of Interior to voice your opinion. Let the President, Secretary and Senator know that it’s inappropriate to use the Antiquities Act while legislation is pending in Congress.

That legislation, S 414 (Feinstein) and HR 3668 (Cook), will allow the public to help address land-use issues without Presidential intervention.

Contact: President Obama President@whitehouse.gov 202-456-1414

Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell feedback@ios.doi.gov 202-208-3100

Senator Feinstein 310-914-7318 CA. Office 310-914-7318 fax

Page 16

FALL

Over-snow vehicle

ORBA.BIZ

use to be addressed at Forest Service meetings Snowmobile use in Plumas National Forest is on the agenda for a series of meetings scheduled by the U.S. Forest Service to solicit public input on the environmental impacts of such activities.

Snowmobiles, bald eagles and adequate snow depth will be topics discussed during an upcoming series of meetings scheduled by the U.S. Forest Service regarding over-snow vehicle use.

The Forest Service is preparing an environmental impact statement on a proposal designating OSV use on roads, trails and lands within the Plumas National Forest. It also identifies snow trails available for grooming.

“Being involved in this planning effort will help us expand a variety of winter recreation opportunities that allow people to have fun safely while minimizing impacts to natural and cultural resources,” said acting Forest Supervisor Daniel Lovato.

Part of the “planning effort” Lovato references is also mandated by a 2013 settlement between the Forest Service and Snowlands Network requiring the agency to re-do an environmental analysis of OSV use under the National Environmental Policy Act. “The previous analysis we did was found to be inadequate,” said Bart Lander, a Forest Service environmental coordinator, during a meeting at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, Nov. 6, 2014. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do an adequate job the first time.”

“Being involved in this planning effort will help us expand a variety of winter recreation opportunities that allow people to have fun safely while minimizing impacts to natural and cultural resources,”

As an initial step in preparing the EIS, Forest Service representatives said the proposed action serves as a point of continued dialogue with the public. A draft study is expected by February 2017, with a final version slated for August 2017.

Five national forests are impacted by the settlement: Eldorado, Tahoe, Stanislaus, Lassen and Plumas.

PAGE 22

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t do an adequate job the first time.”

Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are winter activities Plumas National Forest visitors enjoy, as well as topics of a Forest Service environmental impact study to be discussed at upcoming community meetings.

“We are the fifth of five,” said Leanne Schramel-Taylor, Plumas National Forest Service spokesperson. “This is not decision making time. This is truly the planning stage.”

Among other items, the 14-page proposal includes a designated trail around Lake Davis, an exception to the 12-inch snow depth requirement and prohibitions on approximately 5,940 acres in a portion of the Lakes Basin, Black Gulch and Clear Creek areas for OSV use.

“There will be feedback from A to Z and wrong to right,” anticipated Schramel-Taylor. “It’s required by law to give people a sense of the direction we’re taking.”

The scheduled meeting dates are: For more information, including the complete proposal and opportunities for comment, visit

fs.usda.gov

Oct. 8 – Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, Mineral Building, 204 Fairground Rd., Quincy; Oct. 14 – Chalet View Lodge Conference Room, 72056 Hwy. 70, Portola; Oct. 15 – Feather River Ranger District Office, 875 Mitchell Ave., Oroville.

PAGE 23

Bear Pass, Silverton, Colo., Creeper Jeepers Gang of Durango FALL

ich® Tires builds tires for any adventure, including at take drivers off their daily roadways. Through its ing Trails program that promotes sustainable and ble off-road driving, BFGoodrich Tires once again d grants of $4,000 each to these qualified and ® te off-road clubs in North America.

These clubs will use their grants ® BFGoodrich Tires Announces ue their efforts that preserve and protect their hometown trails.2015

ORBA.BIZ

Outstanding BFGoodrich Tires Announces 2015

Outstanding Trails Winners

® rich Tires stands shoulder-to-shoulder enthusiast off-road communities in seekingwith Pomona, Calif., Oct. 3, 2015 with – BFGoodrich Tires, in collaboration erve and Four protectWheel responsible off-road activities,” Duane Thomas,and brand United Drive Associations, Bluesaid Ribbon Coalition Off Ro Pomona, Calif., Oct. 3, 2015 – BFGoodrich® 150 nominations, we are proud to recognize cations manager for BFGoodrich Tires.

“The Outstanding Trails program promotes Tires, in collaboration withannounced Four Wheel Parts,the winners and rewardof these four2015 clubs and their efforts to today the Outstanding ut Association, andUnited challenging the four-wheel drive culture to prove they are driver enough toTrail Four Wheel Drive Associations, Blue enhance their trails.” forworld. uniqueness, type enthusiast following, the trails a As Outstanding Trailsproud celebrates its 10th selected Ribbon Coalition andterrain Off Road Business heir After receiving more than and 150 nominations, we are to recognize and Association, today announced the of the BFGoodrich selected 4 Wheel Parts as ese four clubs and their efforts towinners enhance theiryear, trails.” clubs for this yearʼs program are:

presenting sponsor of this year’s program. 4 2015 Outstanding Trails program. Nominated Wheel Parts helped promote the program and for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast th tanding Trails celebrates its 10 year, BFGoodrich selected Wheelto fourParts as provide a critical outreach4extension following, the trails selected and the associated • Applegate-Lassen Wagon Trail, Nev., High Rock Trekkers g sponsor ofthis this yearʼs program.

4 Wheel Parts helped the program wheel-drive clubspromote across North America.

The and clubs for year’s program are: program also isacross conducted in collaboration withThe In Baldoutreach Mountain OHV toTrails, Sierra National Forest, Calif., Clovis a • critical extension four-wheel-drive clubs North America.

United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), Applegate-Lassen Trail, Nev., with High United also is · conducted in Wagon collaboration Four Wheel Drive Hi-Landers Associations • Barrett Lake Trail, El Dorado National Forest, Calif., 4W Blue Ribbon Coalition and the Off Road Business Rock Trekkers ), Blue Ribbon Coalition and the Off Road Business Association (ORBA).

Association (ORBA). · Bald Mountain OHV Trails, Sierra National • Black Bear Pass, Silverton, Colo., Creeper Jeepers Gang of Duran Forest, Calif., Clovis Independent 4 Wheelers Parts is proud joinTrail, BFGoodrich Tires as an Official of the Outstanding “4 WheelPartner Parts is proud to join BFGoodrich Trails · Barrettto Lake El Dorado National ® as an Official of including the Forest, Calif., Hi-Landers 4WDC ” said 4 Wheel PartsTires President and CEO, Greg Adler.

“We arePartner pleased to Outstanding share in this BFGoodrich builds tires forTires any adventure, Trails Program,” said 4 Wheel Parts President · Black Bear Pass, Silverton, Colo., Creeper tythose to recognize the passionate members of daily some ofroadways.

North Americaʼs prominent that take drivers off their Through itstooffand CEO, Greg Adler. “We are pleased share Jeepers Gang of Durango s for their commitment to the preservation of these significant trails.” in this opportunity to recognize the passionate Outstanding Trails program that promotes sustainable and BFGoodrich® Tires builds tires for any members of some of North America’s prominent responsible off-road driving, BFGoodrich Tires once again offroad clubs fornominated their commitment to the adventure, including that take drivers Outstanding Trails hasthose awarded grants tooff36 off-road trails by 35 local clubs preservation of these significant trails.” their daily roadways.

Through its Outstanding ut will Northaward America.

The program has provided than $140,000 in grants grants of $4,000 each more to these qualified and in support To date, Outstanding Trails has awarded grants Trails program that promotes sustainable and rail conservation efforts. passionate off-road in North America. clubs will to 36 off-road These trails nominated by 35 localuse clubstheir g responsible off-road driving,clubs BFGoodrich Tires throughout North America.

The program has trails. once again willtheir award efforts grants of $4,000 each to towere continue that preserve and protect their hometown ons accepted beginning April 3 through July 10, 2015, on the BFGoodrich Tires provided more than $140,000 in grants in support these qualified and passionate off-road clubs in of these off-road trail conservation North America. These clubs will usecompetition their grants at www.bfgoodrichtires.com.

The invites clubs efforts. from around North to continue their efforts that preserve and protect to“BFGoodrich nominate local Tires trails that merit shoulder-to-shoulder grants for maintenance orwith refurbishing.

Trailsoff-road are stands enthusiast Nominations were accepted beginning April their hometown trails. based uniqueness, terrain type and responsible enthusiast support. to on preserve and protect off-road 3 through July 10, 2015, onactivities,” the BFGoodrich said D Tires website at www.bfgoodrichtires.com. The “BFGoodrich Tires stands shoulder-to-shoulder communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “The Outstanding T competition invites off-road clubs from around with enthusiast off-road communities in seeking getting outandand drive culture the North America to nominate local trailsto thatprove merit to preserve protectchallenging responsible off- the four-wheel grants for maintenance or refurbishing. Trails are road activities,” said Duane Thomas, brand explore their world. After receiving more than 150 nominations, we are selected based on uniqueness, terrain type and communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. reward these four and their efforts to support. enhance their trails.” enthusiast “The Outstanding Trails clubs program promotes www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at getting out and challenging the four-wheel www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on drive culture to prove they are driver enough to th Twitter @BFGoodrichTires. their world. AfterTrails receiving more than As explore Outstanding celebrates its at10 year, BFGoodrich select

PAGE 24 presenting sponsor of this yearʼs program. 4 Wheel Parts helped pro provide a critical outreach extension to four-wheel-drive clubs acros

ORBA.BIZ

About 4 Wheel Parts 4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in off-road truck, Jeep and aftermarket performance products.

With 69 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nation’s largest inventory of off-road tires, wheels, lift kits, and accessories, 4 Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road™. Visit them at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.

About United Four Wheel Drive Associations United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world’s leading representative of all-brand, four wheel-drive enthusiasts. UFWDA benefits, developed and tested over the past 30 years, include four-wheel-drive safety and awareness education; such user ethics programs as adopta-road, conservation volunteer and volunteer trail patrol; assistance with new club formation; education seminars to aid four wheelers through complex state and federal programs affecting trail access; internet forums designed to instantly connect members globally; and unlimited member access to its full-time legislative advocate and nationally recognized attorney who works exclusively for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to protect access and prevent road and trail closures. For more information on the UFWDA log on to www.ufwda.org About the BlueRibbon Coalition The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a national non-profit organization that champions responsible recreation and encourages a strong conservation ethic and individual stewardship, while providing leadership in efforts to keep

FALL

outdoor recreation alive and well -- all sports; all trails. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, participation in the administrative process, outreach, education and collaboration among recreationists. BRC works with land managers to provide recreation opportunities preserve resources and promote cooperation with other public land users. BRC is recognized nationwide for its credible staff of landuse and recreation professionals, as well as a legal team with nearly 30 years of accomplishments. Learn more at www.BlueRibbonCoalition.Org).

About Off Road Business Association ORBA is a nonprofit association of off-road related business owners who have united to preserve the sport of off-road recreation in an environmentally responsible manner.ORBA proactively protects recreation access and opportunities by ensuring that America’s families are not arbitrarily denied the right to responsibly recreate. ORBA provides leadership in addressing land use issues by advancing policies that conserve the environment while at the same time providing off-road recreation opportunities.

Media Contact: Tom Sullivan tom.sullivan@us.michelin.com (office) – 864-458-4321 (mobile) – 704.222.5488

PAGE 25

FALL

For Immediate Release

ORBA.BIZ

Media Contact: Jerrica Archibald

Tread Lightly!

Announces Major New Restoration 801-627-0077 For Immediate Release Media Conta Jerrica@treadlightly.org for Recreation Initiative at 25th Anniversary 801-6 Celebration Tread Lightly! Announces Major New Restoration for Recreation InitiativeJerric at 25th Anniversary Celebration House of Representative’s

Committee on Natural Yamaha, Federal Premium, Bushnell and the Dallas New Safari Club Help Fund Tread Lightly!

Announces Major Restoration Resources, delivered a 25 Restoration for Recreation Projects Across the U.S. th

for Re keynote presentation during at 25 Anniversary Celebration the event.

Salt Lake City, Utah – October 8, 2015 – Tread Lightly!, the leading national nonprofit promoting Yamaha, Federal Premium, Bushnell the Safari C “Inand order to keepDallas the esponsible outdoor recreation, announced a major new initiative funding 25 Restoration for balance between a healthy 25 Restoration for Recreation Projects Across the Recreation projects last night during a 25th anniversary celebration in environment Washington, D.C. Tread and exceptional Lightly! board members, staff, partners and friends gathered for the special eventtoinexperience the opportunities beautifulSalt GoldLake Room City, in the Rayburn Building Capitol Hill. it,Lightly!, education and Utah –Office October 8, on 2015 – Tread thestewardship leading natio are key,” Congressman

responsible outdoor recreation, announced a major initiative Bishop new said.

“Tread Lightly!

Congressman Rob Bishop, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representative's Committee on funding th unique in Wa Recreation projects last night during a 25the anniversary celebration Natural Resources, delivered a keynote presentation during event.has been perfecting methods of engaging visitors Lightly! board members, staff, partners and friends gathered for the spec in education and stewardship In order to keep the balance between a healthy environment and exceptional opportunities to beautiful Gold Room in the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill. for 25 years.” experience it, education and stewardship are key,” Congressman Bishop said. “Tread Lightly!

Bureau of Land Management

has been perfecting unique methods of engaging visitors in educationDirector and stewardship for 25 Neil Kornze also Yamaha, years.” Congressman Rob Bishop, Chairman of the of ceremony.

Representativ commented on U.S. the 25thHouse anniversary

Federal Premium, Bushnell and the Dallas Safari Natural Resources, the event. th Help Fund 25 Restorationdelivered for Recreationa keynote presentation during Bureau Club of Land Management Director Neil Kornze also commented on the 25Bureau anniversary “Tread Lightly! is vital to the of Land Projects Across the U.S. Management’s efforts to balance recreation with ceremony. protection of our natural resources,” Director “InLake order keep the balance between a healthy environment and except Salt City,to Utah – October 8, 2015 – Tread Kornze said.

“Some of greatest impacts towith Tread Lightly! is vital toit,the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to balance recreation Lightly!, the leading national nonprofit promoting experience education and stewardship are key,” Congressman Bishop our public lands come from human behavior, protection of our natural Director Kornze said. “Some of greatest impacts to our responsible outdoorresources,” recreation, announced a hasnew been perfecting unique methods ofis engaging visitors inpromote education an which why Tread Lightly!’s work to public lands from human which major come initiative funding behavior, 25 Restoration for is why Tread Lightly!’s work to promote outdoor outdoor ethics education and stewardship are so years.”and Recreation projects last night during 25th ethics education stewardship are soa important.

Congratulations to Tread Lightly! on this 25th important. Congratulations to Tread Lightly! on anniversary in Washington, anniversary and allcelebration of their great work overD.C. the past two and anniversary a half decades.” this 25th and all of their great work Tread Lightly! board members, staff, partners over the past two and decades.”

Bureau of as Land Management Neil Kornzea half also commented on th and friends gathered the special event program in Director Tread Lightly! began a for public awareness by the U.S. Forest Service in the midthe beautifulaGold Roomneed in thefor Rayburn Office responsible recreation through ethics education ceremony.

1980s to address national promoting Tread Lightly! began as a public awareness Building on Capitol Hill. and stewardship initiatives. This became – and is stillprogram today –byTread Lightly!’s mission. the U.S. Forest Service in the mid1980s to address a national need for promoting Congressman Rob Bishop, Chairman of theBureau U.S. “Tread Lightly! is vital to the of Land Management’s efforts to bal responsible recreation through education n October 1990, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S.ethics Forest Service

protection of our natural resources,” Director Kornzewas said.

“Some of grea and Bureau of Land Management, the Tread Lightly! 501 (c) (3) foundation formed to public comecollaboration. from human behavior, which is why Tread Lightly!’s w encourage more public-private PAGE 26 lands

ethics education and stewardship are so important. Congratulations to Tr

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

and stewardship initiatives. This became – and is still today – Tread Lightly!’s mission.

In October 1990, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, the Tread Lightly! 501 (c) (3) foundation was formed to encourage more public-private collaboration.

The new program announced at the event, nicknamed “25-for-25”, will provide funding to support 25 Restoration for Recreation projects across the country in celebration of Tread Lightly!’s 25th anniversary. The 25-for-25 program is made possible thanks to a consortium of partners including the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, Federal Premium Ammunition, Bushnell and Dallas Safari Club.

“Tread Lightly!’s Restoration for Recreation program, including our new 25-for-25 initiative, hits at the heart of our mission of fostering good stewards and echoes back the original reasons the Tread Lightly! Announces Major New Restoration for Recreation Initiative at 25th Anniversary Celebration organization was created – cutting the red tape and funding important programs like these through the private sector,” said Lori

McCullough, Tread Lightly!’s executive director.

“A truly committed steward models responsible behavior, mentors to others, and mends the public land when needed, which means individuals are engaged with their hands while socially responsible corporations address the critical needs of their core customers and the general public,” McCullough said. “Tread Lightly! thanks our great partners that supported the 25th anniversary event: Polaris, Toyota, Discount Tire, Land Rover, Falken Tire, Yamaha, Noble Energy, and Vista Outdoor.”

Together, the 25-for-25 program partners will fund 25 projects aimed at creating a significant, positive and lasting impact on outdoor recreation across the U.S. The program’s goals include promoting citizen stewardship and engaging volunteers in hands-on projects to help keep the great outdoors beautiful, healthy and open for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

For more information about Tread Lightly! and the 25-for-25 program, visit www.treadlightly.org.

To become a Tread Lightly! member, go to http:// jointreadlightly.org.

About Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a national nonprofit organization in October 2015.

Founded in 1990 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, Tread Lightly! promotes responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs.

Tread Lightly! has more than 70 official partners from various industries and is likely the nation’s only non-profit holding MOUs with every federal and state agency in the U.S. Tread Lightly!’s diverse member base enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities including hunting, angling, camping, boating, biking, four-wheeling and much more. Become a Tread Lightly! partner or member today and start supporting access, education and stewardship at

www.treadlightly.org.

PAGE 27

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

Vermont All-Terrain Vehicle Sportsman Association

by Alexis Nelson

The colors are ablaze across New England and it’s one of the most incredible times of the year to get out on the trail. It’s also a busy time for trail managers that are closing out one season and preparing for the next. I had the opportunity to connect with one of the leaders in the ATV world to discuss the state of OHV recreation in the Green Mountain State.

The Vermont All-Terrain Vehicles Sportsman’s Association (VASA) was established in 1998 when the Vermont Legislature gave VASA the funding authority to manage the program through the revenues generated by ATV registrations. This unique arrangement was crafted with a cooperative agreement between the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

Danny Hale is the Executive Director of VASA and OHV trail enthusiast, he has been with the organization for fifteen plus years. “In the early days, ATV trails were almost non-existent. There were a few organized clubs but nothing that was considered legal. There is a fine line when it comes to the definition of legal and it has taken the grass roots clubs and VASA over a decade to build this level of accountability with private landowners.”

It took the combination of local, “grassroots” efforts, a lot of patience, and the legislative mandate for a funding stream to form the Association. While the funding mechanisms and organizational structure have been in place since the early days of VASA; the perception has drastically changed through the last seventeen years. The effort and persistence of the grassroots support brought the need to unite and get organized. In the beginning, there were six ATV clubs and no official trails in the system. It was time to implement change.

“There was a need to unite as a group in order to make anything happen. Now that the funding was available, the first thing they needed to do was start looking for landowner liability insurance.”

Without this critical piece of the equation, the funding stream would be terminated. Liability insurance was one of the major components of the cooperative agreement and finding affordable insurance was not an easy task. It took several years and multiple policies before VASA had a solid liability policy and it came with a big price tag, costing almost a third of the annual operating budget. At that time, there was no support from the local community, the State of Vermont, or the municipalities.

Piece by piece, the local clubs and VASA started developing new trails by obtaining written landowner permission. They worked on printing their first trail map to demonstrate there was a legal trail system for users. They then focused their efforts on creating positive landowner relations. This was accomplished by following through on commitments and taking responsibility for the organized ATV community. “ATV riders had a bad reputation and were thought of as just a bunch of renegade riders. There was no support from anyone.” The stigma was about to change with a small, but, relatively significant breakthrough project.

PAGE 28

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

A designated trail system was in place and VASA started to grow; especially considering ATV riding is not an allowable use on state and federal land in Vermont. By building accountability with private landowners, VASA was gaining momentum and took another groundbreaking turn. The focus was on gaining support from the local municipalities with the objective of opening Class IV town highways to ATV use. This would establish connectivity and access to private property on multiple trail systems.

Several towns jumped on board recognizing the benefit of opening Class IV highways and trails to ATV use. Class IV Roads are classified as town highways and aren’t usually maintained in the winter. They may be reclassified, discontinued, or become a public right-of-way through a trail status. Vermont has over 1,500 miles of Class IV highways and trails throughout the state and these important roads serve as connectors and links to multiple use recreation and will remain in perpetuity as part of the public infrastructure system. This basically equates to protected access.

The advent of the VASA/municipality partnership created a beneficial perspective of ATV trail management and responsibility. While a municipality is not legally responsible for ATV use, they essentially become the organized ATV club. By creating this new category of VASA membership, ATV riding is an allowable use on their roads. There are areas across the state that are not represented by a club and the town may serve as this multi-faceted representative for responsible ATV use. Aside from the required process that involves passing an ordinance and other protocol that needs to be followed, this is a unique partnership that serves several purposes. It creates more legal trails, the opportunity to ride on longer loops connecting trail systems that were once separated from other trails, and it provides the town with additional resources for trail/road maintenance and law enforcement.

Similar to many volunteer based organizations, enthusiasts are busy with life, family, work, and other forms of recreation. It is challenging to find volunteers to continue to carry the load and responsibility of managing a club. “The club structure is difficult; many people just want to buy their toys and ride.

No one wants to knock on doors for permission.” While it is a difficult and thankless job, there are 18 VASA Clubs that are active and willing to carry the torch for trail advocacy, trail maintenance, and knocking on doors for permission. It’s these dedicated people that make up the grassroots effort that the VASA foundation was built on.

VASA is the managing organization that provides the resources to clubs, municipalities, members, landowners and an outlet for responsible use of the sport. As Hale puts it, “VASA is the tool for the community to manage ATV use.” The organization has four full time staff members, and a Public Policy & Outreach Consultant and 3,000 members going strong. ATV registrations have increased from 10,000 in the early 2000’s to 15,000 today. The revenues generated through the sales of ATV registrations assist in funding the organization and support law enforcement efforts. VASA has a cooperative agreement with Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife and works with the Game Wardens in identifying areas that need attention and to mitigate illegal riding.

From testifying in Montpelier at the State House to operating the Association’s excavator, Danny has an important and diverse job. He is a third generation OHV enthusiast and is passionate about trails.

He sits on multiple OHV related boards at the state and national level. “There’s a huge gratification when you are successful. I grew up in the culture and am lucky to sustain a living doing it. Every day is an adventure.”

To learn more about the VASA trail system and requirements to ride in Vermont, check out www.vtvasa.org PAGE 29

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

o p x E e l i b o m w o n S n i a t n u o M y Rock ! s s e c c u s g i b is a

By Scott Jones

The snowmobile season in Colorado kicked off in style again this year with the 30th annual Rocky Mountain snowmobile expo at the National Western Event Complex in Denver, where vendors were able to display all the newest snowmobile gear and equipment . Another year of strong attendance coupled with an increased number of vendors, huge swap meet, video premiere from Thunderstruck films, an on-site turbo snow bike build and free workshops with national experts on everything snowmobile related combined to provide a great event again this year. The Colorado Snowmobile Association would like to thank everyone that partners to put this event on including Snow-Goer Magazine, Thunderstruck Films, all the vendors, all the professionals that donate their time for free workshops and all the volunteers and everyone that loyally attends the event. The Colorado Snowmobile Association would like to specifically thank the dozens of donors to this year’s silent auction, which continues to be a significant fundraiser for the Association. Colorado is already looking forward to next year’s event!

PAGE 30

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

Colorado is already looking forward to next year’s event!

PAGE 31

FALL

ORBA.BIZ

October 22-24 Moab Jeep Jamboree – Moab, UT

November 4-6 SEMA Show, Las Vegas, NV

October 23-25 CORVA Northern Jamboree – Patterson, CA

November 1 ECHO VALLEY MX, LLC. - Sebree, KY

October 24-25 BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC - Sutherlin, VA

November 7-8 Lilliputian Hare Scramble – Rancho Cordova, CA

October 24 FULL THROTTLE MC, INC. - Plaster City West, CA October 24 SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC - Alton, IL October 25 READS RACING - Akron, IN October 25 LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB - Lodi, CA October 25 SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS Fredericksburg, PA October 25 WALDEN MX - Wallkill, NY October 25 MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD - Byron, IL October 25 49er Enduro – Fair Oaks, CA October 31 November 1 - Wilseyville Hare Scramble Wilseyville, CA

November 7 HILLTOPPERS MC, INC. - Lucerne Valley, CA November 7 – Lost Lizard Fun Run – Edgar, CA November 7 MOTOPROMO, LLC - Dillwyn, VA November 7 – Cowbell Enduro – Upper Lake, CA November 8 FIELD OF DREAMS - Millville, NJ November 8 MIDWEST MOTOSPORT - Kahoka , MO November 13-15 EBR Bronco Daze – Ocotillo Wells, CA November 13-15 Panamint Valley Days – Trona, CA November 14-15 Oasis Hare Scrambles – Clearlake Oaks, CA November 15 OVER THE BELT RACING, INC - El Centro, CA November 15 WINDY HILL SPORTS - Ellerbe, NC

December 12 - RACERS UNDER THE SON, INC. Lucerne Valley, CA

I N

November 22 Bearfoot Family Enduro – Crockett, CA

T C C s f

T d w

T

November 29 FIELD OF DREAMS - Millville, NJ

January 15-17, 2016 – Superstition 17 – El Centro, CA January 15-17, 2016 – Winter Fun Festival – Grass Valley, CA December 30, 2016 - LOG ROAD MX - Bronson, MI December 31, 2016 - SALINAS RAMBLERS M/C - Salinas, CA PAGE 32

R

ORBA.BIZ

FALL

It is time for the 2015 Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Fall MEET & RIDE! It is time for the 2015 November 14 @9:00AM Central Time Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Fall MEET & RIDE! Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park November Central Time • Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park 1312 Louise 14 Dr. @9:00AM SW Jacksonville, AL 1312 36265 Louise Dr. SW • Jacksonville, AL 36265 33.807620, (Directions Below) 33.807620, -85.736513 (Directions -85.736513 Below)

This Meet and Ride will be hosted by the Warner Robins Jeep Club and is going to be located at Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park in Jacksonville Alabama. Choccolocco MTN is a large and fantastic park Thisthat Meet and Ride will be hosted by the Warner Robins Jeep Club and is going to be located at has terrain available for every type of 4x4 from bone stock to heavily modified. From the infamous “Boat Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park“Chicken in Jacksonville Ramp” to the tamer and scenic Trail” thisAlabama. fantastic park truly has something for everyone. The WRJC will be leading groups forfantastic those unfamiliar withhas the terrain park. Their plan is for to have guides all difficulty Choccolocco MTN is a large and park that available every type for of 4x4 from bone levels from beginner to advance. Maps will also be available for those adventurous types that want to explore stock to heavily From the infamous “Boat Ramp” to the tamer and scenic “Chicken Trail” this everything thatmodified.

Chocco has to offer.

fantastic park truly has something for everyone.

Some simple rules: 1. Absolutely no Drinking and Driving. Period.

2. ALWAYS that wefor arethose a Family Based club are The WRJC will beremember leading groups unfamiliar withand thethere park.

Their plan is to have guides for all usually a lot of kids around. difficulty levels from beginner to advance.

Maps will also be available for those adventurous types that 3. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license The schedule for the day will be 4. explore Tree Savers must be that usedChocco at all winch as follows. (All Times Local) want to everything haspoints to offer.

5. Seat Belts must be worn at all times by every occupant of the vehicle • 8:30am Sign in and Registration (There is a fee to 6. Stay on designated trails use the park and it is detailed Directions: The schedule for the day will be as follows. (All Times Local) below) 1. Once you are in Jacksonville turn East at the Sonic on Whites Gap • 9:00am SFWDA Meeting • Road 8:30am Sign in and Registration (There is a fee to use the park and it is detailed below) • 10:00am(ish) Trail Rides Take first left on Church SE • 2. 9:00am SFWDAAvenue Meeting • Noon (ish) Lunch (Trail Guides 3. Take a right on Gardner Drive SE will bring everyone back to base At the Y stay rightTrail onto Rides Louise Drive SE • 4. 10:00am(ish) for lunch) 5. Take the 2nd Right onto Forest Drive and climb the short hill.

• 1:00pm (ish) More Trail Rides!

• 6. Noon Lunch will bring At the (ish) top of the hill take (Trail a RightGuides onto Forney RD everyone back to base for lunch)Rate: • One Day Riding Pass: $20 per Park is just aheadMore on leftTrail Rides!

• 7. 1:00pm (ish) driver $5 per passenger Links: • Weekend Riding/Camping www.choccoloccomountain.com Pass: $30 per driver $10 per Rate: www.sfwda.org/#welcome passenger (Weekend pass wrjeepclub.com includes primitive camping) • One Day Riding Pass: $20 per driver $5 per passenger www.jeepsontrails.com/off-road-park/choccolocco-mountain-orv-park-andPAGE 33 • campground-alabama Weekend Riding/Camping Pass: $30 per driver $10 per passenger (Weekend pass includes

primitive camping)

Please tread lightly and travel only on routes and in areas designated open for motorized vehicle use.

Remember, Respected Access is Open Access.

This Public service AnnouncemenT is Powered by