Jan 2015 Volume 6, Issue 1 Wow, where has the year gone? As you read this January has arrived for some of us with a “Bang.” A year in my new job at Chevron has come and gone and been a good learning year. Speaking of Chevron, I will continue to log the hours I spend working for BRC and Chevron will match every 20 hours with a $500 grant. Unfortunately, they will only give a max of $1000 per organizations, for 40 hours. I will spend much more than that as the President of BRC. I am looking forward to the New Year and the challenges that come with it. Some of these challenges will include what events that we can attend to represent BlueRibbon Coalition as the President, and other trips for fun with my lovely wife. At BRC we will have our usual challenges also with working to hire a new Executive Director (this task maybe complete by the time you read this). Staying focused on land use issues across the nation. As we work to get the new Executive Director upto-speed on things that BRC does, it will be important for him/her to learn
more of the inner workings of BRC and our public lands department. There are many parts of land use and access that BRC tracks, to include upcoming Travel Management rules, Sage Grouse issues on the West Coast. All of these issues are tracked here: http://www.BlueRibbonCoalition.Or g One of my many goals as President of BRC will be to work to increase our membership across the country. If you have ideas on how we can increase our membership, please let me know at brtodd_o@sharetrails.org. With the price of oil down significantly, I am hearing of more people headed out to recreate on our nations trails and public lands. More people are traveling to further destinations with the lower price of gasoline. I think as long as the price of fuel remains low, more people will venture further than in years past. My buddy Del has been playing with creating videos lately. He is getting
good at these too. Here are the links to a couple of them: Letter writing: North American Motorized Recreation Council: The American Bantam Jeep Story: Great information from Del Albright about things that we all need to know. Thanks Del. I know the shopping season is over, but here is a way to help BRC. The Amazon Smile program. They will donate a portion of every sale you make on Amazon to BRC when you pick BRC as your charity of choice. http://smile.amazon.com/ Help us help you share your trails! Be in the fight. OTOGAA Todd Ockert Editor Recreation Nation
Nv – BLM extends comment period Coastal OHV Park
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San Juan National Forest TMP for OHV’s Roughneck Rendezvous
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BRC Membership Application Signs as Communication Tools About Indiana 4WDA
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AA Links
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Navigating the Legislative Terrain UFWDA Membership application Win an Off-Road Trailer – Cal4Wheel Events & Staff
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Empowering Kids for a Motorized Future Kids in the outdoors -- such a crucial part of the future of outdoor recreation. The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club and about every other enviro/eco organization has a focused youth program designed to get kids outside with an indoctrination towards protecting, preserving but not really "using" our resources. Look but don't really touch. Then those of us who love motors and exploring by vehicle have to compete with electronics, video games, ear buds, pods and pads, we have a few OHV groups with great programs for kids, for sure! But I don't think nearly enough. We have to find ways to empower our children to enjoy, use smartly, conserve
wisely, appreciate, and yet be able to ensure a future of access for all. There is a difference in youth involvement between the various motorized sports. Dirt bikers get their kids on a machine nearly as soon as the little one can walk. Hero-worship sets in early for motorbikers too, as their sport is full of champions, races, and heroes. Plus, the kids can go out and ride before they have a license. Four-wheelers have a different path for kids. The kids get to ride; a few might drive under careful supervision in controlled circumstances, but for the most part, for a kid, it's being an "observer" rather than a participant. That doesn't invoke the same commitment and enthusiasm for the
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sport as a dirt biking kid. So we have to find ways to empower our kids, treat them to fun, and show them the excitement, while teaching them our common sense ways of using public lands. You can good samples of kids programs at http://www.nohvcc.org, http://www.treadlightly.org; and other big associations. Just do a search and see what you come up with for your kids. If you were to share a group with a great kids/youth program, who would that be? http://delalbright.blogspot.com/2014/ 12/empowering-kids-for-motorizedfuture.html Reprinted with permission from Del Albright.
YOUTH IS THE FUTURE OF MOTORIZED OUTDOOR RECREATION LET'S GET THEM OUTSIDE!
Z NEVADA - BLM Extends Public Comment Period for the Draft RMP/EIS Las Vegas & Pahrump Field Offices
Don Amador, the Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, stated, "The SVRA staff did a great job of relocating the regularly scheduled field tour of the dunes to an event center. The new indoor "tour" allowed visitors to experience the program via slide shows, oral presentations, and hands-on education stations."
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that the comment period for the Las Vegas and Pahrump Field Offices Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been extended an additional 30 days. The extended timeframe means that the comment period on the Draft RMP/EIS -- originally set to close January 7, 2015 -will now close February 6, 2015. Once finalized, the Las Vegas and Pahrump Field Offices RMP will provide management direction for the 3.1 million acres of public land in southern Nevada managed by the Southern Nevada District Office. Four alternatives were analyzed in the draft RMP/EIS. Alternative 3 is the agencypreferred alternative. OHV recreationists should review the preferred alternative's travel management proposals with regard to how the route designation process will
impact current and future motorized use on said routes and proposed open or special management areas. BRC will be reviewing this document and submitting formal comments . Written comments related to the Las Vegas and Pahrump Field Offices Draft RMP/EIS may be submitted by any of the following methods: Website: http://tinyurl.com/qzvaht7 Email: sndo_rmp_revision@blm.gov Fax: (702) 515-5023 Mail: BLM Southern Nevada District Office, Las Vegas/Pahrump Field Offices Draft RMP/Draft EIS, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130. CDs of the Las Vegas and Pahrump Field Offices Draft RMP/EIS are available in the Southern Nevada
A highly popular off-road state park located on the central coast of California was host last week for a government body that oversees the operation. On December 11 & 12, the California State Park's OffHighway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission met in Grover Beach. Commissioners toured the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Area (SVRA) and discussed many aspects of the CA OHV program statewide including various operational tenets of the SVRA. Over the course of two days, local elected officials including the Mayor of Grover Beach, city council members, the county sheriff, fire fighters, OHV leaders, park concessionaires, park volunteers, and riders learned about the park's popularity and economic impact. Both chairmen from the California State Park Commission and the Boating and Waterways Commission were seated as guests on the dais. According to a 2011 Economic Impact Report, park visitors generate about $171 million dollars in economic benefit to the business community. That activity sustains approximately 2,000 jobs in San Luis Obispo County. Current SVRA information details that about 1.62 million recreationists attended the park in 2013 which is up from the 1.55 million users in 2010. They access about 1,500 acres that are open for OHV recreation and several additional miles of beach routes that are restricted to streetlegal vehicles. Don Amador, the Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, attended the meeting and also toured the SVRA with staff from the OHMVR Division. Leadership from AMA, AMA District 36,
CAL 4WD, CORVA, and Friends of Oceano Dunes were also in attendance. SVRA staff updated the commission on many programs that include interpretation, education, safety, volunteer assistance, air quality, weed control, water quality, habitat monitoring, and habitat conservation. In addition, staff highlighted their very successful western snowy plover and California least tern protection efforts. BLM gave presentations on the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, the West Mojave Travel Planning process, and new OHV planning efforts in the Keyesville and Taft areas. The Forest Service gave at presentation on the Region 5 Wet Weather Soil Study that could help better manage trail access during the rainy season. This could allow for trails to be open during dry periods instead of having trail access restricted via extended seasonal closures. Don Amador, the Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, stated, "The SVRA staff did a great job of relocating the regularly scheduled field tour of the dunes to an event center. The new indoor "tour" allowed visitors to experience the program via slide shows, oral presentations, and handson education stations." "The OHV program and user community has a lot to be proud of. OHV recreation has matured over the last 40 years into a shining example of how a land management agency can provide high quality motorized 2
District Office at the above address or on the following website http://tinyurl.com/qzvaht7. Printed copies are available at Laughlin Library, James I. Gibson Library, Pahrump Community Library, Las Vegas Library, Mesquite Library, Moapa Valley Library, Moapa Town Library, Searchlight Library, Beatty Library and Amargosa Valley Library. Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC. Ric Foster Public Lands Department Manager BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 107
use while at the same time protecting our natural resources and cultural heritage," Amador concludes. Link to Oceano Dunes SVRA http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=12 07 Link to Oceano Dunes Virtual Tour http://www.regal360.com/clients/oh v/index.html Link to OHV Commission Meeting at Grover Beach http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27 160 Link to Article on Region 5 Wet Weather Soil Study http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.co m/2014/03/wet-weather-soil-studynew-trail.html ###
BRC truck and trailer prepares to unload at Oceano Dunes SVRA for tour with OHMVR Division grant staff.
Travel Management Proposal in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest Affects OHV Access The San Juan National Forest has issued a Proposed Action for the Rico-West Delores road and trail system in southwest Colorado. The Rico-West Delores area includes Forest lands on either side of Highway 145 from north of Dolores, Colorado to Lizardhead pass and includes Lone Cone, Fish Creek, Dunton Road, Bear Creek, Ryman Creek, and Lizardhead areas in Delores and Montezuma Counties. This Proposed Action is a starting point for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, and the Forest is seeking public comment on this proposal. This planning area originally had a final travel management decision in 2009. The decision was appealed from both the motorized and non-motorized sides and the original decision was thrown out. In 2011, environmentalists sued the Forest Service to close 14 of the key trails in the area to
motorized use. However, the federal judge ruled against the environmentalists in 2013. Thus, the San Juan National Forest has published this Proposed Action as the first step to establishing a new travel management plan for the area. According to the New Mexico OHV Alliance, while the new plan contains improvements over the original 2009 plan, the current proposal still severely impacts the current access enjoyed by OHV enthusiasts, including long seasonal closures limiting use to 9 weeks each summer (July 1 to September 8th). The proposal, while adding some new trails and connectors, would also close some prime trails with a long history of motorcycle enjoyment. Comments & Public Meeting Comments on the Proposed Action will be accepted until January 30, 2015. It is important that OHV enthusiasts get involved in the designation process by contacting Forest
staff. Send comments online; by email: dkill@fs.fed.us; or by mail: Derek Padilla, District Ranger, Dolores Ranger District, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. A public meeting will be held on January 15, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center located at 400 Riverside Avenue, Dolores, CO 81323. Additional Information View Full Text of Proposed Action and Maps
New style Adventure presented by Ca State Parks. Title: Roughneck Rendezvous VI Date: 01.23.2015 - 01.25.2015 Location: Ocotillo Wells SVRA, 5172 California 78, Borrego Springs, CA, United States
ROUGHNECK RENDEZVOUS VI, Ocotillo Wells SVRA. Off-highway geocaching adventure presented by State Parks. Astronomy, geocaching scavenger hunt, and cache in/trash out. Free barbecue lunch. Visit http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/ocotillowells for info.
Url: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=bGxpM mNicm1qcG9jcmNoazQ4ZDVxMG0zZ28gd2VibWF zdGVyQGNhbDR3aGVlbC5jb20 Capacity: Unlimited Attendees: Copy To: Google Outlook (.ics)
Download event flyer here: http://cal4wheel.com/events/eventregistrations/item/roughneck-rendezvous-vi-january23-25-2015
Map Satellite Description
BLUERIBBON COALITION APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP www.sharetrails.org 1-800-BLUERIB Name $29 ☐ Individual Membership Mailing Address $500 ☐ Individual Lifetime Membership City State Zip $100 ☐ Organizational Membership Phone: $100 ☐ Business Membership Email Address: ☐ $25 ☐$100 ☐$500 ☐Other$ Contributions ☐$50 ☐$250 ☐$1,000 *The BlueRibbon Coalition is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization; all contributions beyond membership are tax deductible ☐ Master Card ☐ Visa ☐ Discoverer ☐ American Express Payment Method ☐ Check Enclosed (payable to BlueRibbon Coalition) Card Number Expiration Date Organization/Business Name Contact Person Link to Join https://www.sharetrails.org/support/join-or-contribute Form provided by Access Army Times Mail to: BlueRibbon Coalition, 4555 Burley Drive, Suite A, Pocatello, ID 83202 3
"Signs" are Important Communication Tools Festive lights at shopping malls, decorated store fronts, and carols playing in many venues are all signs the Christmas season is upon us. Signs are important forms of communication. Land management agencies also use “signs” to communicate their commitment to high quality recreation and resource protection. One example of that commitment is Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located on California’s Central Coast. Managing about 1,500 acres of open OHV sand riding and another 1,500 acres for non-motorized uses requires a complex system of “signs” that include border fencing, travel management placards, and public education. Placards are used to advise users about speed limits, dangerous surf, and where to camp. With over 1.6 million recreationists
visiting the SVRA each year, maintaining those signs is a must. Insuring the integrity of the border fencing that separates the motorized area from the non-motorized section requires a constant vigil due to blowing sand or sand washed in by the tide. Native plants are protected by exclosures in the OHV open area. Exclosures (specific areas fenced in to protect important natural or cultural resources) have proved effective management tools in many sand-based state and federal OHV open areas. QWR believes the ongoing public education program at the SVRA is also an important sign the agency has dedicated a significant amount of time to help users, school children, and local residents understand the many recreational, natural, and cultural resources that reside within the unit. The aforementioned signs are the most effective (and often the only management
tool the public sees) method by which a land agency communicates its commitment to the public and the resource. Other “signs” can include level/type of law enforcement, route markers, and understandable maps. QWR believes the quality of an agency’s signing program is directly proportional to the rate of user enjoyment, public compliance with regulations, and success of the unit’s mission, vision, and values.
About Indiana 4 Wheel Drive Association to four wheel drive recreation. Volunteers you will: be able to network with other from member clubs are always eager to clubs that share trail riding opportunities. help with conservation projects. Receive membership and representation in the organizations IFWDA belongs to. IFWDA currently represents 11 clubs throughout Indiana and Illinois. Receive the Indiana Four Wheel Drive Over 200 individual members in affiliate Associations newsletter clubs, and many supporting businesses. Receive the United Four Wheel Drive Associations newsletter IFWDA is working on the behalf of four Add your voice to our representation in government IFWDA coordinates with the Indiana wheelers to Sponsor and support Events Support four wheel drive recreation in Department of Natural Resources Indiana (IDNR) on various planning boards. Present a positive public image Communicate our concerns to the Link to their home page: This includes participation on the http://ifwda.org/home/4584307174 Indiana Trails Advisory Board, which government sets the direction for trail use on all What are the benefits of joining IFWDA? IDNR properties. Through this Through your individual membership in partnership with IDNR it is hoped that some public lands will be opened IFWDA or by joining a club in IFWDA Formed in 1980, the Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association (IFWDA) acts on the common concern for motorized recreation while practicing stewardship of our natural resources. IFWDA, through its association with other state and national organizations, works to promote and act on issues affecting four wheel drive recreation.
Access Army Links State Associations Arizona 4WDC California 4WDC Colorado 4WDA East Coast 4WDA Great Lakes 4WDA Indiana 4WDA Minnesota 4WDA Montana 4WDA Northeast 4WDA Pacific Northwest 4WDA Southern 4WDC Southwest 4WDA Utah 4WDA Virginia 4WDA Wisconsin 4WDA
National Organizations www.sharetrails.org www.atvaonline.com www.fmdac.org www.americansandassociation.org www.arra-access.com www.quietwarriorracing.com www.nmohva.org/ www.ufwda.org www.nohvcc.org www.treadlightly.org www.muirnet.net www.4x4wire.com www.accessarmy.com www.sema.org
www.naxja.org/ www.ama-cycle.org www.goldprospectors.org www.off-road.com www.militaryjeepers.com Businesses that support Land Use www.extremeterrain.com www.racelinewheels.com www.tntcustoms.com www.poisonspyder.com www.genright.com/ www.bfgoodrichtires.com www.orba.biz www.delalbright.com www.rltc.biz www.outdoorx4.com 4
www.polyperformance.com www.metalcloak.com www.warn.com www.arbusa.com
Navigating the Legislative Terrain How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks Like all niches of the auto hobby, offroading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of OHVs (off- highway vehicles) allows off-roaders to enjoy all that America's landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. However, with increasing frequency, enthusiasts are encountering "road closed" signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing "wilderness" areas. A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands. In fact, allowable use wilderness areas only includes travel on foot or horsebackwithout the luxury of toilets, tables or fire pits. Wilderness does serve an important environmental purpose in protecting plants and animals and America's natural heritage. The issue is the amount of land that needs such a restrictive designation and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres. However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be "cherry-stemmed" so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp. Congress should also consider enacting new "back country" designations - not as drastic as wilderness - that would permit motorized activity on certain lands while simultaneously protecting the environment. In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an
organized effort to lock-up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry-stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on offroad activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities. In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, OwyheeBruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept-up in the closures including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures which could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country! Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed. It is more important than ever to get involved and make your voice heard by government. Joining the SEMA Action Network (SAN) at www.semasan.com is an excellent first step. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a nationwide partnership of vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry who volunteer to protect their 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 recreational opportunities and advocates a number of basic principles including: Implementing OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicleoriented 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. Please select the below links for information on the following topics: SEMA Activities in Support of Racing Major Federal Laws & Regulations Motorized Recreation's Economic Impact Government Agencies Managing Federal lands Major Interest Groups Involved in land-Use Issues
Link: http://www.semasan.com/page.a sp?content=off_roading&g=sem aga
UFWDA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ☐$20 - Individual Member—as an individual member you will receive all of the great benefits plus a free hat or tote ☐$500—Life Member—as a life member you ☐$1,000– Ambassador Member—as an Ambassador Member you will receive all will receive a UFWDA Life Member patch, of the benefits that you receive as a Life Member plus special recognition at the UFWDA Life Member Jacket and Decal UFWDA Annual Meeting and a copy of the Annual Report and meeting minutes. Name City Email Address: Phone: Credit Card Information Card Number Expiration Date Link to web site to join
Address State
Zip
☐ Master Card ☐ Visa ☐ Discoverer ☐ American Express ☐ Check (Address is below)
https://www.ufwda.org/memberapps/join_individual.php Form provided by Access Army Times Mail to: UFWDA, P.O. Box 316, Swartz Creek, Michigan 48473
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Win a fully equipped off-road trailer donated by Schutt Industries. Tickets are only $2 and are available here. Hurry! Online ticket ordering is closing January 1. The trailer includes an overhead tent and cooler by ARB. It will be given away during the International Sportsmen's Expo in Sacramento on January 8-11, 2015. The winner need not be present to win. Due to California gambling laws, we are unable to charge in advance for the tickets. You must pre-order them and return them to our office with payment in order to be entered. All proceeds from the drawing benefit the California Association of 4WD Clubs, Inc.
Winter fun Cal4Wheel Convention International Sportsmen’s Expo TDS Moab Easter Jeep Safari
1/23/2015 2/20/2015 1/8/2015 3/7/2015 3/28 – 4/5
Jeep Beach
4/22/2015
NAME
SCREENAME
MAIN ORGANIZATION
TAA TITLE
NOTES
Kurt Schneider
kurtuleas
OV Rocksports; Pirate4x4
Warrior
Pirate Board
Don Amador
cuttenkid
BlueRibbon Coalition; ThumperTalk
Warrior King
Western States
Todd Ockert
Navy-Jeepster
Access Army, FOTR, Cal4, BRC
Air Warrior
Access Army Times Editor
Del Albright
jeepndel
BlueRibbon Coalition; Cal4
Grand Poobah
Founder
Dale Robins
fermentor
Rubicon Rockheads
Surgeon General
Dispenser of Elixirs
Jacquelyne Theisen
Bebe
Friends of the Rubicon
Grand Poobette
Hummer
Stacie Albright
Lady Red
Various; Social Networks
Warrior Queen
MWIC
Kevin Carey
Uget-it
Land Use Pirate4x4; FOTR
Warrior King
VLLS Graduate
John Stewart
kf6zpl
Muirnet.net; CA4WDC; TDS
Warrior King
www.4x4wire.com
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