Dec 2014 Volume 3, Issue 8 With the Holidays upon us, it reminds us of how important family and friends are to us. I am thankful for a loving wife, my health and the friends I have across the wheeling community. I would also like to take this time to remind everyone to remember that we have organizations that still need our support during the holidays and don’t forget them while we are giving. Pick your favorite organization and donate to them what you might spend on a gift for yourself. I know I usually buy something for myself and I will take that money to donate to my favorite group. I am also lucky in that Chevron, my employer will also match that donation that I give, so please ask your employer to match your donation. Chevron also gives a grant of $1000 per year for 40 hours of my time donated to BRC. Speaking of donations, Cycle Gear just gave BlueRibbon Coalition a
nice donation of $9100. NAXJA has also donated $5000 to BRC while at the SEMA show. Thanks to both organizations for these nice donations to BRC. After the holidays the pace will pick-up as I will step into the role of the BRC BOD President. Thanks to those that supported me in attaining this position. I look forward to this new role on the BOD, and look forward to the challenges of being at the helm of this great organization. Some of the goals that I have for BRC while I am President, include: 1. Hiring of an Executive Director. 2. Re-launch the magazine 3. Increase our national presence at events. 4. Develop a Certified Volunteer program. 5. Help gather more donations for BRC. There is a great team in place to assist me in keeping BRC moving
forward in the daily grind of the organization. BRC Staff are: Ric and Mary Jo Foster Michael Patty Contractors are: Del Albright – Director of Operations. Don Amador – Western Representative. These folks are able to keep BRC moving forward on a daily basis with little to no guidance from me as President. We have a great BOD’s and we will keep the press on to ensure BRC is there to help keep the fun alive! Happy Holidays to everyone, and let’s all Be Safe out there. Todd AAT Ed.
How to Succeed in Volunteerism (and Landuse) Secrets to Succeeding as a Volunteer Or any job for that matter... By Del Albright Having achieved the rank of Chief in the fire service, as well as being an officer in the military, I would like to share with you the secrets of success from what I've learned, and how it applies to being a volunteer. It's a simple formula. Let's say you're young and want to succeed in whatever you're doing, and you are surrounded by hungry competitors, old timers, "bs'ers," know-it-all's, posers, and some wise, old gray beards. Who do you pay attention and listen to? How do you sort the wheat from the chaff? How
do you rise above the pack? Well, the secret is twofold. First, as I told hundreds of young firefighters who wanted to promote someday, learn to listen. Listen more and talk less. That's step one of the formula. And yes, it takes practice to sort out the good advice from the war stories; but it can be done with a little practice (and experience). Listen for the little details; listen intently with what I call aerobic listening -- fully engaged communication. Then jump to step 2. Step 2 is to ask more and guess less. Ask good questions and listen. When in doubt about an assignment, don't guess what you have to do - ASK! That way you'll be sure to get it right as you're getting it done! In
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many assignments the asking can also come in the form of Expectations. Ask what is expected of you. If you're the boss of a job or assignment, learn to share your expectations of those following you. It's simple. If it makes you smile, write an expectation to achieve it. If it makes you frown, write an expectation to avoid it. Here's a little more on Expectations: http://www.delalbright. com/articles/volunteer_job.html Bottom line to success: learn to listen, then ask more and guess less. Get it right the first time and get further ahead in life faster! ## Del
Comments for Draft Desert Energy plan Extended. Sage Grouse and Oil
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Preserve OHV Use on the Six Rivers NF NMOHVA files suit against Santa Fe Forest TMP BRC Membership Application Az. Forest Restoration Preview Utah Four Wheel Drive Association AA Links
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On Any Sunday.
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UFWDA Membership application Magical Words of a Volunteer Events & Staff
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Z CALIFORNIA - Comment Period Extended on Draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan
Inaccuracies in a recent article by Jay Gore and Joe Perry have come to my attention. The writers suggested that if it weren’t for oil and gas drilling, we’d have significantly greater sage grouse populations. On the contrary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the top threats to sage grouse in the western United States. Energy development is not among the top five. According the USFWS, the primary threat to sage grouse is the loss of habitat due to invasive plant species like cheat grass
In response to public requests, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will extend the public comment period for the draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for 45 days. The comment period, originally scheduled to close on January 9, 2015, will be extended through February 23, 2015. The draft DRECP is an innovative renewable energy and conservation plan covering more than 22 million acres of land in Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The draft is the result of collaboration among the BLM, FWS, CEC, CDFW and other stakeholders.
BRC staff attended the November 13 DRECP public meeting in Sacramento and believe the planning group, in their preferred alternative, have done a good job protecting a number of destination OHV areas. The DRECP in its preferred alternative would place those riding areas in Special Recreation Management Areas. Map of SRMAs http://drecp.databasin.org/datasets/14 d6f6d8874848d0a8e0e8db510b5e9d BRC urges the OHV community to review the preferred alternative on how it might impact current and future motorized recreation including permitted events. Comments should focus on how OHV recreation in the preferred alternative might be enhanced or modified.
A recorded informational webinar to help the public navigate the DRECP documents is available at www.drecp.org. The website also contains instructions for providing written comments on the draft document. The draft DRECP EIR/EIS is available for review and download at www.drecp.org, at local libraries and agency offices, and on DVD. To request a DVD, please send an email request to drecp.info@energy.ca.gov or call (866) 674-9996 and provide a mailing address. For a list of local area libraries and agency offices that have the document on file (most are on DVD), please visit www.drecp.org/draftdrecp. Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Sage Grouse and Oil can Co-Exist The threat of an impending threatened or endangered ruling for sage grouse has prompted many opinions about best management practices. Inaccuracies in a recent article by Jay Gore and Joe Perry have come to my attention. The writers suggested that if it weren’t for oil and gas drilling, we’d have significantly greater sage grouse populations. On the contrary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the top threats to sage grouse in the western United States. Energy development is not among the top five. According the USFWS, the primary threat to sage grouse is the loss of habitat due to invasive plant species like cheat grass. The Montana Petroleum Association supported Gov. Steve Bullock’s decision to establish a council to address made-inMontana strategies in a way that make sense for both economic development and conservation. Unfortunately, some key decisions by the council made its plan more restrictive than the Wyoming plan already approved by the USFWS. In fact, some council determinations impose restrictions that affect oil and gas development. There continue to be many unanswered questions regarding impacts on sage grouse by a variety of identified threats. A key question is how the Cedar Creek Anticline in Fallon County, an area where some of the state’s most extensive and productive oil and gas fields are located, can merit designation as “core” sage grouse habitat, even though historically no extensive restrictions on activities have ever been implemented. Clearly, this brings into serious question the notion that oil and gas development is a
significant threat to sage grouse and its habitat. Some of the purported “scientific evidence” cited by most state and federal wildlife agencies falsely claims that oil and gas development “extirpates” sage grouse populations, or by definition, completely gets rid of, kills off or destroys. In fact, some studies from the Pinedale field in Wyoming include pictures of development-rich areas which opponents of fossil fuels are fond of using to suggest that development has led to the demise of sage grouse populations. How then, can some of the most densely populated sage grouse areas be located in and around those developed areas? And why do federal and state wildlife agencies refuse to re-examine this issue? This is an important consideration given that sage grouse populations are actually on the rise throughout the entire state, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s own figures. During the public meeting tour the council’s draft conservation plan, farmers and ranchers at every stop questioned why predation was not recognized as one of the primary threats to sage grouse populations. Wildlife officials claim predation is not a primary threat; specifically, ravens, fox, coyotes, raptors and skunks do not threaten the bird’s survival. Yet these hardworking people who attended the tour live with the sage grouse every day and have seen that predation is definitely a chief threat to the health of the sage grouse. 2
And then there is hunting. According to wildlife officials, hunting does not affect the mortality of the bird; despite the fact that hunting is the most welldocumented source of mortality with 207,433 sage grouse harvested between 2001 and 2007. At the end of the day, the Endangered Species Act has had an enormously negative impact on Montana’s economy, which will continue long into the future. Currently, lynx and wolverines are being eyed for protective measures in central and western Montana. Meanwhile, sage grouse and Sprague’s Pipit are posing problems in eastern Montana. It is critically important for all management decisions to be based upon unrefuted scientific evidence and need, rather than broad assumptions made by a select few who have chosen to ignore the facts. MPA believes that based upon onthe-ground scientific evidence, revenue generating oil and gas activities have been shown to coexist with Montana’s natural heritage and wildlife, and we look forward to continuing to be part of the solution. *David A. Galt is executive director of the Montana Petroleum Association based in Helena Montana Link to Article: http://balanceduse.org/news/feature d-cbu-quarterly-sage-grouse-oilcoexist/
CALIFORNIA - Help Preserve OHV Use on the Six Rivers National Forest The Six Rivers National Forest in Northern California has a new Forest Supervisor, Merv George. Merv and his family are from the area and I believe it is important for OHV recreationists from across this county who have visited or want to visit this part of California to let him know that you value continued access to historic motorized roads and trails. This part of the state is also home to a number of hard-core anti-access groups who most certainly will be making demands on his office to close roads and trails. Local and out-of-the-area access interests must weigh in to counter these closure demands. There is too much at stake!
The Forest provides for a wide range of both motorized and non-motorized recreational and cultural activities that are important for local residents, small businesses and tourists. It also provides access to historic motorized roads and trails such as the southern entrance to the famous McGrew 4WD Trail. Off-road motorcyclists and ATV riders enjoy the designated trail system on the Mad River Ranger District. The agency's road network offers scenic tours for adventure bike enthusiasts and SUV owners. Please take just a minute to use our letter generator to let Mr. George know that you value access to OHV roads and trails. Thanks, Don Amador Western Representative
BlueRibbon Coalition 925-625-6287
NMOHVA FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST TRAVEL MANAGEMENT DECISION "Stand Here! Fight Now!" The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) filed a lawsuit against the Santa Fe National Forest in federal district court on December 11th. Our lawsuit contests the Forest's Travel Management decision signed by Forest Supervisor Maria T. Garcia on June 12th and upheld by the Region 3 Appeal Deciding Officer on October 2nd. Filing a lawsuit is a major commitment of NMOHVA's time and money. The NMOHVA Board thought long and hard about this and then voted unanimously to go ahead with legal action. "NMOHVA filed this lawsuit on the behalf of our members but it really is for everyone who uses a vehicle in the forest," said NMOHVA President Jim Tyldesley. "Most of the public has no idea that this decision closed 70% of the existing roads and trails, reduced vehicle camping nearly 95%, and virtually eliminated hunters being able to use a vehicle to retrieve game. There are going to be a lot of stunned people next spring when they find out vehicle camping is not allowed anywhere along Forest Road 376. It was the most popular camping area in the whole forest!" Basis for the Lawsuit: Every lawsuit is based on an accusation that a law has been broken. What law was broken when the Santa Fe National Forest decided to close over 70% of the roads and trails to all motorized use? The law being broken is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). When a federal agency closes routes, people might think it is done "under NEPA". But, NEPA itself doesn't "close" anything; the law just requires that the Forest Service follow certain rules when they make land use decisions. Our lawsuit says they didn't follow those rules.
NEPA is an Effective Tool: NEPA requires that a full and fair analysis of environmental impact be made and disclosed to the public. NEPA is our only legal defense against route closures that are made when the Forest Service doesn't use a full and fair analysis. NMOHVA's lawsuit is based on facts in the agency's documents. These facts show the agency violated many NEPA regulations. Violations include how the scientific analysis was completed, lack of data, and failure to properly examine how the closures will affect the public. How the EIS Breaks the Law: If the EIS had been done honestly, it would not propose massive closures, because nothing in the EIS shows that vehicle use is causing significant forest-wide resource damage. There is not a single statement, study or piece of data saying vehicle use caused any specific problem in any specific place. But the EIS is not honest. Here are some examples of what we mean by that: NEPA regulations say the EIS must disclose all the science and analysis and the decision must be based only on what is included in the EIS. But letters from the Santa Fe National Forest to green extremists show the agency decided to close trails in the Jemez Mountain salamander habitat before the EIS process was even started. It is illegal under NEPA to make decisions prior to the EIS. In other words, the EIS analysis of the salamander was just a smokescreen designed to hide the fact that a decision to close trails had already been made. Those dated letters are in the Project Record. The Project Record is the collection of over 900 documents that is the official record of all the work done to prepare the EIS.
The EIS ignores the studies of the agency's own scientists which concluded that motorized use isn't causing significant damage to anything. Those studies are part of the Project Record. Under NEPA, those conclusions cannot be omitted. The EIS made conclusions that contradict its own science. NEPA requires that the EIS be rational, consistent and based on proper science; this EIS violated those rules. The EIS says irrational things. It claims trails must be closed because vehicles could run over a salamander. But the science in the Project Record says the Jemez Mountain salamander lives underground in rock crevices. The only time a salamander comes to the surface is on rainy summer nights. The EIS rigged the results by excluding over 1800 miles of Forest Service system roads and trails from the study. NMOHVA has posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website at www.nmohva.org on both the lawsuit and the Travel Management Decision. We will keep the site updated with all of the latest news and information concerning this action. What Comes Next: It will probably take a year before the case is concluded and the court makes its decision. We often get asked, "What can we do that will really help keep roads and trails open?" With an active lawsuit on our hands, the answer gets really simple: What YOU Can Do: Donate to the NMOHVA Access Defense Fund!
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
ARIZONA- Early Opportunity to Preview Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) FEIS/Draft ROD The Forest Service is providing the public with an early opportunity to preview the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (DROD) for Phase 1 of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). The FEIS and DROD for the first analysis area on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will be available by November 21, 2014, at the 4FRI website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planning In order to allow additional time for public consideration of these extensive documents, online access
to the FEIS and DROD is being made available prior to the official start of the formal objection period.
and a subsequent final ROD for Phase 1 provide the legal authority to accelerate restoration activities.
The FEIS analyzes about one million acres on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona. The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests are proposing 586,110 acres of restoration activities with approximately 355,708 acres on the Flagstaff, Mogollon and Red Rock districts of the Coconino NF and 230,402 acres on the Williams and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab NF. The completed environmental analysis
In accordance with federal regulations, the Forest Service will offer a 45-day formal objection period on the FEIS, which will begin with the publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register. The NOA is expected to be published in early December 2014. Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
About Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association fences in Little Sahara, organized countless cleanups at Five Mile Pass, repaired trails and fences in American Fork Canyon, removed abandoned cars from public land, and even helped the Department of Wildlife Management plant bitter brush for the local deer population. In addition to our many service projects, U4WDA has been an advocate for 4-wheelers across Utah. In 2001 we were instrumental in passing the new vehicle lift law that simplified the rules for lifted vehicles, and increased the legal lift height for street vehicles. We’ve also worked hard to keep our members informed about upcoming legislation, Resource Management Plan comment periods, and other issues that affect the 4x4 community in Utah. We continue to partner with and support groups like USA-ALL, RR4W, UFWDA and BRC in their efforts to keep trails open and protect our access to public lands. Obstacle course in Richfield at the 2006 Summer U4WDA Volunteers building fences in Convention American Fork Canyon U4WDA holds it's meetings on the last Thursday of Over the years, U4WDA has performed service every month at 6:30 pm at the Larry H. Miller projects for nearly every BLM office and Chrysler/Jeep Dealership 10905 South Auto Drive Forest Service District in Utah. We’ve built In the late 1970’s the Utah 4x4 community began to recognize a disturbing trend in public land access. Radical environmental groups and renegade public land managers were closing trails on public lands across the country. Fearing that the same type of closures could occur in Utah, the active clubs banded together and founded U4WDA in 1978. The goal was to organize and unite the 4x4 community in Utah, and protect access to our public lands.
Mall in Sandy in the upstairs meeting room. All members are invited. Please feel free to come. Get directions here. Contact us for more information. Media Requests: bod@u4wda.org Sponsorship Details: Bod@u4wda.org
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
ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER - Passes Torch and Reaffirms our Destiny As somebody who started out riding motorcycles in the 1960s on a pushrod Honda Trail 90, I may not be the best person to offer an unbiased review of On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter but I will try. Last week, I attended the one time showing of the movie at The State Theatre, a 500-seat venue, in Modesto, California on behalf of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national trail-based non-profit recreation group. I want to give some major props to Jerry Fouts, the current president of AMA District 36, for organizing this event as a fundraiser for the BRC Legal Program to help support our collective effort to keep trails and riding areas open for OHV use. Racing legend Kenny Roberts, theatre management, Jerry Fouts, local sponsors, and I welcomed motorcycle and powersports enthusiasts to the SOLD OUT event. Little did we know just how well the broad demographics of those attending Dana Brown’s sequel to his dad’s classic masterpiece would be mirrored in the movie. The film focused on youth riders, family fun, and a new generation of professional competitors from various disciplines. It also weaved in some inspirational stories of riders such as Doug Henry, Jake McCullough, and Ashley Fiolek. Robbie Maddison and Travis Pastrana wowed the audience with their passion for the sport and their unbelievable motorcycle stunts
which often left folks speechless and/or hanging on to their seat. On an international basis, the show featured the current stars of MotoGP, medical staff using motorcycles to serve backcountry areas in Zambia, and busy commuters in Vietnam. The Modesto event was particularly rich because one of the On Any Sunday-era stars, Kenny Roberts, was at the theatre signing posters and visiting with the attendees. That movie was shot 43 years ago by Dana’s father, Bruce Brown. I felt the short interviews with motorcycle icons, Kenny Roberts, Mert Lawwill, and Roger DeCoster appropriately “passed the torch” to this newer generation of riders and professional athletes. In my opinion, the most notable “update” in the film came when several riders talked about the loss of trails and riding areas over the last 40 years. This segment only lasted for about a minute, but it is historic as this is the first acknowledgment (that I know of) by a major production company that “land-use” is now an important aspect of the sport. Maybe it wasn’t an accident that this showing in Modesto was to benefit the legal fight to preserve riding opportunities for current and future generations. As people streamed out of the theatre after the movie ended, I
noticed a lot of smiles on young and old riders alike. For those of us who are passionate about, and hard-wired for, motorcycles, the show was a personal reaffirmation that our sport is not a choice but our destiny. Don Amador is a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition and serves as their Western Representative. Don is also president of Quiet Warrior Racing, a motorized recreation consulting company. He writes on recreation and land-use issues from his office in Oakley, CA. He may be reached at: damador@cwo.com
Star of Original “On Any Sunday”, Malcolm Smith (C) with Ray Kidd (L) and Don Amador (R) at Sound Day at Malcolm's Shop in Riverside
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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Magical Words of a Volunteer "What can I do to help?" Undoubtedly, in the volunteer world, the most magical and important words you can ever speak. Heck, in about any situation, even married life, these are magical words that can change the world you live in. But for volunteer projects, leaders and workers don't always ASK for help. It has to do with saving face; or not wanting to be a bother; or being afraid to be too pushy; or thinking that someone else should read their mind and do something; or whatever. So the solution is to pose the question: "What can I do to help?" When you see someone struggling with a task or project; ask. When you notice you're not being very productive because someone didn't really give you a job; ask. When you know someone is behind the 8-ball; ask; When you can tell someone is way behind on their schedule; ask. Just put this magic to work -- ASK; "What can I do to help?" Del
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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