Keep our Public Lands OPEN! May 2014 Volume 3, Issue 6 The BlueRibbon Coalition, following member demand, recently launched its new quarterly publication, descriptively titled "The BlueRibbon Coalition UPDATE." This small newsletter is only the first step in BRC's efforts to address the desire of many of its members for a physical method of communication, as opposed to the many electronic methods now available. "It has [long] been a goal of mine to see to the return of printed BRC media," said BRC President, John Parrinello, "I have asked our marketing committee and staff to get our members such a publication sooner rather than later." Parrinello, known to friends and associates as simply "JP," is not the only one who has advocated a return of physical correspondence with members. Many on BRC's Board of Directors and staff have sought it almost since the moment the BlueRibbon Magazine's last hard-copy issue was printed. The timing has simply not been right...until now. "BRC is on top of the communications game," said Del Albright, BRC Director of Operations. "From social networks to hands-on meetings to printed media...we are reaching out in all forms to ensure our members and supporters know who we are, what we do, and what role they play in saving our sports and our trails."
Welcome to the Silver State 4WD & UTV Jamboree Northern Nevada's Week Long Off Road Recreation Destination From the co-creator of Ultra4 Racing and King of The Hammers the largest off road race in the United States comes a completely new Off Road festival. You can find interactive
Years ago, BRC made the switch to being wholly digital, choosing to focus its funding primarily on the battle to protect recreational access rather than trying to be a publisher. Its communication focus was switched to the many faces of the internet, including the emerging powerhouse of social media. At the time, it turned out to be a smart decision. It put BRC ahead of the curve in digital communication and turned the organization's ability to share urgent communications from a snail's crawl, taking weeks for each issue, to a series of rapid fire advocacy efforts that put people into the meetings that needed attending and put comment letters into the mail that needed writing. The new online tools allowed organizational speed that had previously been undreamt of. But while these efforts were a huge success, more and more BRC was hearing from its members and supporters that physical media was also needed, as a vital connection with its membership if nothing else. BRC listened, as it will always listen. "In the end," said BRC's publications editor Michael Patty, "the BlueRibbon Coalition IS its members. What they want is what we want. Sometimes it takes a little time to get these goals in place, but
discussions on Pirate4x4 and UTV Underground Trail Rides, River Floats, OffRoad Racing, Trade Show, Nevada Style Gaming and so Much More. This OHV event has nightlife! We start off the week with an OHV Access Summit, and finish with a 500 horsepower melee at the Wild West Motorsports Park. 1
we are always attentive to what our members have to say." The "BRC UPDATE" is only the first step in this direction, as the publication itself outlines. More is in the works. To make sure that it is all done right, and that vital dollars continue to flow to BRC's efforts at protecting recreational access and are not diverted too heavily to publishing physical media, these first efforts have been kept small and inexpensive. Future plans for larger efforts in this arena are being planned around sponsor funding so as not to impact the organization's continued success at fighting for the recreation rights of its members and supporters. Stay tuned for further developments! BRC will also continue to provide and expand its digital communications and outreach programs. Such efforts remain a very important set of tools in the arsenal of access protection advocacy and BRC has no plans to abandon them. Plans are also in place to include the ability of members and supporters to "opt-out" of receiving physical publications if digital communication is preferred.
Enjoy the nearly unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities that Northern Nevada has to offer during this week long festival dedicated to motorized recreation. UTV’s, Jeeps, Rockbuggies, Toyota pickups and more are invited to experience Northern Nevada.
NPS - Yellowstone
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2014 BFG Outstanding Trails List Hearings on Clear Creek Bill Glamis Ruling
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BRC Membersip Application GLFWDA info
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SFWDA GAINING MOMENTUM AA Links
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Why Join UFWDA
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UFWDA Membership application CA4WDC Sweepstakes Jeep Events & Staff
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Special points of interest: The new BRC Blog is up and running. Content is being posted by our Director of Operations, Del Albright. http://blog.sha retrails.org/
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BlueRibbon Coalitions new Alert System To keep abreast of what's happening in the area where you live and/or recreate, sign up below for any of our lists. We will notify you of pending legislation, national forest planning and other issues of interest to you. NOTE: National alerts will be sent to all Action Alert subscribers, even if you have selected to only receive alerts for your state. Please remember to add noreply@sharetrails.o rg to any safe lists or white lists for antispam software you may have. To subscribe, to here: https://www.sharetrails.org/sec ure/lists/?p=subscribe&id=2
Yellowstone National Park invites the public to a meeting to discuss progress made on the park's winter use adaptive management program on June 4, 2014, in Jackson, Wyoming. The adaptive management program is a collaborative process between park managers, scientists, and the public, which the park will use to evaluate the implementation of the park's new winter use management plan. The program is designed to allow the National Park Service (NPS) to gather more information about the impacts of winter use on park resource conditions through scientific monitoring and to seek additional public input. Managers will consider this additional information to assess and improve the management of winter use in Yellowstone National Park in a manner that reduces impacts on park resources or improves visitor experience. Working groups comprised of members of the public and NPS staff spent the winter drafting
chapters of the winter use adaptive management plan. These chapters will propose priorities for NPS monitoring and research focusing on five impact topics: Wildlife, Air and Sound Emissions, Human Dimensions, Operations and Technology, and the Non-commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. To present and receive feedback on draft priorities for the five impact topics and continue discussions on Yellowstone's adaptive management program, the park will hold a face-toface meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Jackson, Wyoming, at the Center for the Arts from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For people and organizations who cannot attend the meeting inperson, the NPS will offer the option to participate remotely. Interested parties should RSVP to confirm their attendance or remote participation
before May 23, 2014, by contacting Alicia Murphy, Yellowstone's Adaptive Management Coordinator, at (307) 344-2627 or alicia_murphy@nps.gov. NPS staff expects to present a draft adaptive management plan for winter use to the public in late summer 2014, and to complete a final adaptive management and monitoring plan by the 2016-2017 winter season. For more information about the adaptive management program, please visit the program web page: http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/wu amp.htm. Thanks in advance for your support, Jack Welch Special Project Consultant BlueRibbon Coalition 303-489-9477
BFG 2014 Outstanding Trails selections announced. BFGoodrich® Tires, in collaboration with United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and Blue Ribbon Coalition, today announced the winners of the 2014 Outstanding Trails program. Nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following, the trails selected for this year’s program are: Pole Line Trail, Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Pennsylvania Mineral Basin Trail, American Fork Canyon, Utah Billings Canyon Trail, Grand Junction, Colorado Since its inception in 2006, The Outstanding Trails program has been dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of off-road trails. In the last eight years, Outstanding Trails has recognized more than 33 off-road trails throughout the country and has awarded over $130,000 in grants in support of trail conservation efforts. “BFGoodrich Tires is about providing driving enthusiasts the capability to discover the best of what we call Playground Earth,” said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “The Outstanding Trails program is a reflection of that commitment to work with four wheel clubs to enhance the trail system in North America and provide more opportunities to get out and play.” BFGoodrich Tires 2014 Outstanding Trails During the course of the year, BFGoodrich Tires will be at club events associated with these trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location, educate off-road enthusiasts on the responsible use of the trails and present a $4,000 grant
to each club to assist in the preservation of trail access. The Pole Line Trail is part of the 6,500 acre Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, a motorized recreation facility with its trailhead located in Coal Township, Pennsylvania. The AOAA frequently holds events, trials and familyoriented rides along this busy trail. The Mineral Base Trail takes its name from the rich history of mining in the area from the late 1800s and is one of the most popular trails in North Utah. The Dirt Hedz Offroad Club helps maintain the track and they are applying to the Forest Service’s “Adopt- A-Trail” program to become the trail’s official caretakers. The Billings Canyon Trail is 10 years old and one of the early extreme trails in Colorado. It was developed by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club and is still maintained by the club today. Rock Junction and The Grand Mesa Jeep Off-road Show are both held at this magnificent trail. “UFWDA has been honored to be a partner in the Outstanding Trails program,” said Jim Mazzola, President of UFWDA. “The more than 30 grants provided by BFGoodrich as part of the Outstanding Trails program have made a tremendous impact helping preserve some of the most beautiful off-road trails available.” “The three trails and clubs recognized in 2014 truly live up to the name ‘Outstanding Trail’,” said Del Albright, Blue Ribbon Coalition Ambassador. “These clubs are doing 2
some great work to help improve and conserve access to these trails.” About the Outstanding Trails Program The BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing support in the trails’ conservation efforts. Through 2014, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized over 30 off-road trails and clubs across North America. The program has provided more than $130,000 in grants in support of the various trails conservation efforts. Both Blue Ribbon Coalition and UFWDA are non-profit organizations dedicated to responsible and ethical outdoor recreation. BFGoodrich Tires collaborated with these two groups to select the finest off-road trails and continues to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives. http://www.ufwda.org/2014/04/2014 -bfg-outstanding-trails-winners/
Subcommittee to hold hearings on Clear Creek bill On Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. (ET) in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1776 (Farr), To establish the Clear Creek National Recreation Area in San Benito and Fresno Counties, to designate the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness in such counties, to designate additional components of the national wild and scenic rivers system, and for other purposes. “Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act” H.R. 2175 (Johnson, OH), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day. “World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2013” H.R. 2489 (DeFazio), To modify the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument, and for
other purposes. “Oregon Caves Revitalization Act of 2013” H.R. 3806 (Meadows), To authorize payment of funds in accordance with the agreement entered into by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the State of North Carolina, Swain County, North Carolina, and the United States Department of the Interior. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park Agreement Act of 2013” H.R. 4049 (Duffy), To amend the Act to provide for the establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in the State of Wisconsin, and for other purposes, to adjust the boundary of that National Lakeshore to include the lighthouse known as Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light, and for other purposes. “Ashland Breakwater Light Transfer Act” H.R. 4272 (Walden), To stop implementation and enforcement of the Forest Service travel management rule and to require the Forest Service to incorporate the needs, uses, and input of affected communities before taking any travel management action affecting access to units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain, and for other purposes. “Forest Access in Rural Communities Act”
Witnesses are by invitation only. If you need further information, please contact Jim Streeter, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, at (202) 226-7736 or Bryson Wong, Clerk, at (202) 2267736. The meeting is open to the public, and a live video stream will be available at http://naturalresources.house.gov/live/ Editor's Note: Prior to its closure in 2008, Clear Creek Management Area was the traditional site of Cal4Wheel's Molina Ghost Run event.
Epic decision portends new balance for reopening dunes in Glamis Recreational visitors observing a fine flaky substance this morning at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) will be pleased to hear it is not snow but judicial manna. Barely a month following argument, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. Northern District Court of California yesterday issued a long-awaited decision on the 2013 ISDRA management plan, ruling almost entirely on the side of the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and sand-rider organizations, and against the latest challenge led by the Center for Biological Diversity. The ruling sets the stage for implementation of the 2013 plan, which would allow resumption of access to areas placed off-limits to riders through
“interim” closures imposed over a decade ago. The litigation over riding at the ISDRA began in 2000, and has resulted in multiple trips to Judge Illston’s courtroom where BLM, USFWS, and recreation enthusiasts have suffered multiple setbacks. The 2013 plan followed lengthy public input and was designed in response to the Court’s 2006 ruling and new critical habitat designation by the USFWS for the Peirson’s milk-vetch (PMV), the plant species of primary concern at the Dunes. Preservationist plaintiffs raised an array of challenges under the Endangered Species Act and other laws to the new plan, but yesterday’s decision rejected those claims and upheld BLM’s plan, with the limited exception of
finding that a recovery plan for the PMV is overdue and must be issued by 2019 unless the USFWS makes a specific finding that a recovery plan will not promote conservation of the species. A copy of yesterday’s decision can be viewed at this link. Written by David Hubbard/Paul Turcke
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: Contributions ☐ $25 ☐$100 ☐$500 ☐Other$ ☐$50 ☐$250 ☐$1,000 *the BlueRibbon Coalition is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization; all contributions beyond membership are tax deductible Payment Method ☒ Master Card ☐ Visa ☐ Discoverer ☐ American Express ☐ Check Enclosed (payable to BlueRibbon Coalition) Card Number Expiration Date Organization/Business Name Contact Person Form provided by Access Army Times Mail to: BlueRibbon Coalition, 4555 Burley Drive, Suite A, Pocatello, ID 83202 3
Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association Incorporated is a noncommercial association of four wheel drive enthusiasts organized for the promotion of interest in maintaining closer contact between four wheel drive clubs and individuals, to promote cooperation, friendship, conservation, ecology, and to preserve access to public lands through wise management policies. It shall also provide a network of communication in the event of disasters or emergencies, and for the advancement of four wheel drive awareness, the representation of four wheel drive interests in legislative affairs, and for maintenance of fraternalism by encouraging a high standard of conduct.
GLFWDA is an incorporated association, without capital stock, chartered under the laws of the State of Michigan, and is an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986. Its affairs are governed by the Executive Board of Directors, whose voting members are elected every two years by the Directors of each member club. The officers are elected or appointed by the Directors. The Association is noncommercial, and no one who could gain financially from the shaping of its affairs is eligible for membership on the Executive Board. A bona fide interest in four wheeling is the only essential qualification of membership; ownership of a four wheel
drive vehicle is not a prerequisite. Membership is granted to anyone within the United States and Canada. Membership Inquires should be directed to the Membership Secretary. Inquires of a general nature should be addressed to the Corresponding Secretary or a member of the Executive Board. Articles for publication should be sent to the Boondocker Editor. http://www.glfwda.org/boondocker/Boo ndocker_Fall_2013.pdf http://www.glfwda.org/content.php
SFWDA GAINING MOMENTUM On the heels of an exciting first quarter of 2014, SFWDA is building on the momentum of renewed enthusiasm! Following the launch of a new website and logo; and an expansion of its use of Social Media, the second quarter has been very successful. We’ve had three outstanding events. The Rattlerock Club 4 Wheeling for the Cure April event at Windrock Park in Oliver Springs, Tennessee raised over $17,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s hospital. The East Tennessee Four Wheel Drive Club and KnoxOffRoad.com supported this very successful charity fund raising event. Also in April was the 11th Annual Mud 4 Blood held by the Georgia Bounty Runners near Atlanta, Georgia at which 86 pints of blood were collected for Life
South’s Community Blood Centers mission. May was kicked off with the 11th Annual TrailFest, held at Adventure Off Road Park just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This event has grown from 43 attendees in 2013 to over 140 in 2014! Next we look forward to the 28th SFWDA Dixie Run to be held September 25-28, 2014 at Golden Mountain Park in Sparta, Tennessee. Come join our journey and fun weekend in the Tennessee Mountains. Additionally, SFWDA has worked toward broader business engagement and building a member-driven grant process on both public and private lands. The SFWDA Grant program is aimed at advancing the core missions of our association…Conservation, Education, and Recreation…for all OHV enthusiasts. The SFWDA Grant program awarded the first grant to the Friends of Uwharrie and Carolina Trail Blazers 4WD Club for access road
improvements to and within the Uwharrie National Forest. The project is nearing completion and a complete report will be forthcoming to all our SFWDA members and supporters. Up next is the Memorial Day Bash hosted by the Damn Locals 4x4 Club, Tracy City, TN on May 23-26, 2014; and a SFWDA Meet and Ride hosted by the Georgia Bounty Runners on June 14, 2014 at Beasley Knob OHV, Blairsville, GA. Come join our journey and support the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association. If you would like to become a part of Southern Four Wheel Drive Association or to learn more, please check us out atwww.SFWDA.org andhttps://www.facebook. com/groups/SFWDA/.
Access Army Links www.accessarmy.com www.delalbright.com www.rltc.biz www.off-road.com www.sema.org www.muirnet.net www.4x4wire.com www.quietwarriorracing.com www.racelinewheels.com www.tntcustoms.com www.poisonspyder.com www.forbiddenjeeps.com
www.pirate4x4.com/landuse www.ih8mud.com www.tlca.org www.cal4wheel.com http://www.glfwda.org/ http://nea4wd.org/ www.ufwda.org www.nohvcc.org www.sharetrails.org www.treadlightly.org www.arra-access.com www.goldprospectors.org 4
www.ama-cycle.org www.atvaonline.com www.btlrovers.com www.fmdac.org www.americansandassociation.org www.orba.biz
Why Join UFWDA?
The BFGoodrich® Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing support in the trails’ conservation efforts. Through 2013, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized over 33 off-road trails and clubs across North America. The program has provided more than $132,000 in grants in support of the various trails conservation efforts. Trails are nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following. To enter the contest go to the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails 2014 Group
The answer is simple, there is power in numbers! If you want United Four Wheel Drive Associations to be able to continue to make a positive impact on national legislation and in turn on your local level, we need the support of the entire four wheel drive enthusiast community. While what you do on the local level is effective, local legislators follow the lead of the national legislators and we represent you on that level. The success that you have had, has been because of the legislation that is passed and the work that is done on a national level to set that precedent. Without national representation those successes will not continue. Formed in 1976, United Four Wheel Drive Associations has seen its share of ups and downs, good and bad times. Any organization that has been around for over 35 years will tell the same story. What is unique about UFWDA is that we are still the only International Organization that represents you, the 4 x 4 enthusiast, only. United Four Wheel Drive Associations is here to represent you on the issues that impact your lifestyle. Whether you are interested in OHV parks or private lands, UFWDA can benefit you. The Anti-access groups are very well organized and work very hard to close the areas where you enjoy your sport. It is imperative that we have ONE National and United voice that represents you! You can be involved as little, or as much as you like.
Simply joining makes a great difference. Let your voice be heard. Join today and become part of the collective voice! Benefits of Membership Land Use Committee UFWDA has a Land Use Committee that is made up of Land Use Directors from across the country and around the world. There are several purposes of the Land Use Committee, to stay informed of the land use issues throughout the country and worldwide, to share information with other land use directors that may assist their efforts and to allow information to be shared with the Board of Directors to assist the Legislative Advocate with finding cases that have a national impact. Join us today and your land use director could be benefiting tomorrow! For more information on the Land Use Committee please contact our Director of Environmental Affairs at landuse [at] ufwda.org. Education United Four Wheel Drive Associations offers many programs for education. UFWDA has the 4WD Awareness Course which offers the enthusiast the opportunity to learn about the sport of four wheeling, proper equipment and its usage. UFWDA also offers information on how to start a club, where to join a club and whether or not your club should be incorporated.
Last, but not least, we offer the Volunteer Trail Patrol Program which educates the enthusiasts on proper user ethics and how to be a great land steward. Publications UFWDA offers two publications, The UFWDA Voice e-magazine and The UFWDA eNews publication. The UFWDA Voice is distributed on a quarterly basis and has a little bit of everything. The Voice publishes articles and photographs from members, clubs or associations and articles from professional contributors such as Bill Burke of Bill Burke’s 4-Wheeling America. The UFWDA eNews publication is monthly and offers information that is more time sensitive and cannot wait for the Voice publication. You will find great international articles, land use alerts and information, and much more! HOW TO JOIN UFWDA – Click here for details.
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 Address City Expiration Date
Address State
Zip
☐ Master Card ☐ Visa ☐ Discoverer ☐ American Express
State
Zip
Form provided by Access Army Times Mail to: UFWDA, P.O. Box 316, Swartz Creek, Michigan 48473 5
Cal4Wheel Sweepstakes Jeep built by MetalCloak. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a book of 4 and a ticket for a separate drawing for a set of tires.
Tickets will be mailed to you at no charge and must be returned with payment in order to be entered in the drawing. Please indicate the number of single tickets or books that you would like to receive.
We will be giving away the Jeep at our annual convention in California on February 21, 2015. Visit this link for details. Tickets for a chance to win our 2015 Win-A-Jeep, a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport completely customized and built by MetalCloak. Winners need not be present to win.
Metal Cloak Skillz Day PA Jeeps Jeepers Jamboree 62nd All 4 Fun Moonlight Madness Unlimited Off-Road Expo Big Bear Forest Fest
June 21 July 19 - 20 July 24 - 27 July 28 – Aug 5 June 21 - 22 June 20 - 22 June 13 - 15
Sierra Trek High Sierra Poker Run Ca – Hi Desert Roundup Silver State Jamboree
Aug 7 - 10 Aug 29 – Sep 1 May 23 - 25 July 14 - 19
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
Brian Richardson
sincity
Sin City; JustGoodTrails.com
Pending
CO
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
LadyRed
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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