tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8537801943310417132024-03-12T17:03:13.973-07:00The General's Recreation HQVisit with Don (aka The General) on various land use issues. Find out what he thinks about current topics related to recreation, land use or the environment.Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.comBlogger662125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-66922559845912691422023-09-01T06:10:00.002-07:002023-09-01T06:10:52.017-07:00AMADOR STEPS DOWN FROM AMA D36 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS POST<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuz2Y2EhPFHpqmwRLxJZY9q2lmx-Jb7n7j5aJeolEaVRuS3Z7h9W9GLKWkAlGHKU2NR4okso7xEDomUHYBtbwTJ70mSthS5j20QElEPqruIX7WlQYABEdtMXWGi8l1flgWtWnGYdm_D53pLZNPVUrTEs600BH771ahAUZ4nYLGveMR-OZ3zXjLXFlccRW/s1020/beta%20don%202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuz2Y2EhPFHpqmwRLxJZY9q2lmx-Jb7n7j5aJeolEaVRuS3Z7h9W9GLKWkAlGHKU2NR4okso7xEDomUHYBtbwTJ70mSthS5j20QElEPqruIX7WlQYABEdtMXWGi8l1flgWtWnGYdm_D53pLZNPVUrTEs600BH771ahAUZ4nYLGveMR-OZ3zXjLXFlccRW/s320/beta%20don%202020.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>September 1, 2023</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>AMADOR STEPS DOWN FROM AMA D36 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
POSITION <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is to inform
my OHV family that after careful thought and deliberation I resigned from my position as the LAO
Government Affairs Director for AMA District 36, effective September 1, 2023 to
review other opportunities to represent sustainable OHV recreation in the
legislative and policy arenas. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In my resignation letter to the D36 Board, I thanked them
for the opportunities over the last 3+ years to advocate on behalf of AMA
District 36 clubs and members for responsible OHV recreation before local and
state government officials, legislators, regulators, Governor’s office, State
Parks, OHMVR Commission, Congress, environmental/conservation groups, timber
industry, law enforcement, and federal land agencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I also stated that I was grateful for the opportunity to
work with our lobbyist, Terry McHale on numerous legislation and policy issues
that directly impact camping/staging, casual riding, and competition events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that I wish AMA District 36 all the best.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the meantime, I will continue to champion managed OHV
education through the various education, safety, and training programs at QWR, remain
engaged in the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FireScape Mendocino
collaborative, help PWORA build capacity with post-fire recovery projects, and
support local communities during active wildfires by being an on-call emergency
driver for the North Zone Fire Cache.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Happy Trails,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Don<o:p></o:p></p>Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-24469844039984101902023-01-02T13:13:00.004-08:002023-01-02T13:13:57.969-08:00DONSTRADAMUS 2O23 TOP TEN OHV AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PREDICTIONS<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm6M85Zkpu9cFuz41JEYakL2yJE3UT-xLMIffMRhvUXWre8Z8d_GNbiDkbU-jaGrGX6MgGT3RlUBdTFC96I7CZ-61GJmHiwtmiFvHkNs3Ax0thEH4d_WAPwxPimN13EykEsB1UJW_w5j2orvqy_vOjzDTVcpTpwdAUfbG8pw1REnfkX8nglM-RZaepg/s943/Donstradamus%202014ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="943" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm6M85Zkpu9cFuz41JEYakL2yJE3UT-xLMIffMRhvUXWre8Z8d_GNbiDkbU-jaGrGX6MgGT3RlUBdTFC96I7CZ-61GJmHiwtmiFvHkNs3Ax0thEH4d_WAPwxPimN13EykEsB1UJW_w5j2orvqy_vOjzDTVcpTpwdAUfbG8pw1REnfkX8nglM-RZaepg/s320/Donstradamus%202014ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>The Great
Donstradamus has emerged from his cabin deep in an oak savanna located at a
secret location in the Pacific Northwest with his OHV and resource management
predictions for 2023. He offers insights
into key topics of the day such as Climate Change, E-Vehicles, DMV, OHV Safety,
DAKAR 2023, Health Food, Wildfires, and other issues that affect the outdoor
recreation community.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> <b>DONSTRADAMUS PREDICTIONS FOR 2023</b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">10- The Biden State Department recruits three representatives
from the Dakar 2023 leadership team to serve as ambassadors to several
countries in the Middle East and South America to bolster goodwill and partnerships
with the United States.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">9- A major motorcycle manufacturer announces production of a
hybrid E-Adventure bike that adds a 125cc world engine powered by fossil fuel
to increase driving range in backcountry locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 125cc motor can charge the battery as
needed and have the ability to solely propel a 500 to 600lb ADV motorcycle should
the electric motor or main battery fail.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">8- The US EPA presents a local or regional non-profit trail
stewardship organization with their prestigious Environmental Merit Award for
their work to maintain designated roads and trails on Forest Service and other
public lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The EPA notes their commitment
to work with other user groups and government agencies in a collaborative
manner and for the significant amount of volunteer work done to keep trails
open for both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">7-Federal land agencies make strong commitment to increase
fuel reduction and post-wildfire mitigation projects along road and trail networks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The agencies also continue to incorporate the
addition of companion trails to the project planning process where there is a
need to separate users of larger OHVs such a jeep-type vehicles and Side x
Sides from smaller dirt-bikes and ATVs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The planning goals are to increase safety, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enhance
the travel experience, and provide additional routes to address the post-COVID
growth of OHV use on public lands.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">6- The CA DMV contracts with youthful tech wizards from the
private sector to lead the process to upgrade their antiquated computer system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shift from the DMV’s reliance on
in-house staff to using tech savvy computer experts from the business world with
real work experience making products perform on a tight budget is revolutionary
and hailed by the legislature and political pundits as a ground breaking
move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">5- More states join the effort to increase the safe
operation of SxSs and other OHVs on public lands by requiring said OHV
operators to either complete an online educational safety certification course
and/or field training to operate a SxS or OHV on public lands. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">4- Understanding the growing demand for dirt bikes with
lower seat heights by riders that are less than 6 feet tall or seniors that
have lost height due to degenerative bone disease or compression of the disk
space between vertebras, several motorcycle companies roll out a line of trail
bikes with lower seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These new models
with seat heights of 28-30 inches are based on similar trail bikes with the
taller seat heights of 35-36.5 inches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sales
skyrocket as riders of all ages with shorter inseams celebrate and embrace
these vehicles. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">3- In an effort to depoliticize the highly charged term “Climate
Change,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leaders from the environmental movement,
government, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and energy sectors meet at
an historic conference and agree to use a new term -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Changing Weather” – to describe droughts,
floods, blizzards, fog, rain, sleet, hurricanes, and other weather events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new term acknowledges that weather
changes and will continue to change for future generations and defuses at least
one the political debates that often divides various communities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Key negotiators for this agreement are awarded
the Nobel Prize. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">2- Health experts and nutritionists within the outdoor
recreation communities create a vegan jerky to be used by trail enthusiasts who
want to improve their diet and promote a healthy ecosystem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new product consists of a unique blend
of taro root paste, finely ground biomass from pre and post wildfire mitigation
projects, seaweed harvested by hand from ocean water in the Pacific Northwest,
and organic figs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jerky pulp is then
sundried on cedar planks and then cut into strips, packaged, and distributed to
health food stores, MTB and motorcycle shops, sporting goods stores, and park concessionaires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This timely product is hailed by almost all
who try it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">1- Recognizing the need to significantly increase the pace
and scale of important role the fuel reduction projects on federal and private
timberlands to reduce the number of mega wildfires occurring in the West, the
asthma lobby votes in unison to strongly support expanding the use of
prescribed fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forest managers, rural
communities, and citizens who object to the massive amounts of wildfire smoke
produced during the hot summer months by mega fires in CA, OR, and WA applaud
this new support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most air regulators
agree this will reduce smoke impacts during fire season. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-64089362673646537052022-11-08T08:24:00.000-08:002022-11-08T08:24:11.935-08:00ENGAGED IN THIS ELECTION?<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd6ElV4OWYLZ45WJMt6lvtmxP3S3WOFijyMzPMlF3YDpPR7cdvmp0jbyoP6ajScW8Otx7SNyi3-JsZX-5fha9Y3-gFBLcx1oUIzPRUzCKp1me9abU-yyO3Z34YBenuiMSfOhsmDyAJU5Bvu1lnFS-4GlonYQ8sFGD-Zn1cN6RBCUICLKKFX48IOzMAQ/s459/mike%20johnson%20for%20sheriff.don.ss.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="459" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd6ElV4OWYLZ45WJMt6lvtmxP3S3WOFijyMzPMlF3YDpPR7cdvmp0jbyoP6ajScW8Otx7SNyi3-JsZX-5fha9Y3-gFBLcx1oUIzPRUzCKp1me9abU-yyO3Z34YBenuiMSfOhsmDyAJU5Bvu1lnFS-4GlonYQ8sFGD-Zn1cN6RBCUICLKKFX48IOzMAQ/s320/mike%20johnson%20for%20sheriff.don.ss.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helped at a Candidate's Forum in Redding, CA</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ENGAGED IN THIS ELECTION?- As the founder of the Trail PAC (circa 2012 – 2016), I believe that OHV enthusiasts and other trail interests should be engaged in the political and election process because at the end of the Day… “ALL TRAIL DECISIONS ARE POLITICAL DECISIONS.”</span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">As our nation exercises their right to vote, I want to ask my FB family how they were engaged in this election cycle? Participation includes but is not limited to - donating to a candidate, attending a <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>candidate forum, run for office, working in a campaign, talking with your family/friends, etc. Feel free to post a comment.</div></div>Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-48516066372475365342021-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:002021-12-30T15:15:17.200-08:00Donstradamus Makes Top Ten OHV and Trail-based Recreation Predictions for 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjovG1WeLocbzVXM43j4IX2YTgpvsMJXbQGP5FklAvPDcAnEKgNDnSU-vpg2FH5S_IdY_8L_urrJo0TtSC602c4erPMcK2m9BLuanc3B7yS1dws1B2d5qSC310k32f-vZ02pu1OMkgSndqnyA9BS5yy6P8mOWL2NOtdQ_KpR_YzpEmVXtc-J4DKy5ZB2Q=s943" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="943" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjovG1WeLocbzVXM43j4IX2YTgpvsMJXbQGP5FklAvPDcAnEKgNDnSU-vpg2FH5S_IdY_8L_urrJo0TtSC602c4erPMcK2m9BLuanc3B7yS1dws1B2d5qSC310k32f-vZ02pu1OMkgSndqnyA9BS5yy6P8mOWL2NOtdQ_KpR_YzpEmVXtc-J4DKy5ZB2Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>*<i>After a long hiatus, Donstradamus is back making his OHV recreation predictions for 2022.</i></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">10 - The COVID-related explosion in public land recreation and
resultant sales increase in OHVs inspires state and federal land agencies to
devote more resources to manage roads, trails, and facilities for both casual
use and permitted competition events.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">9 - Firefighting agencies will add recreation and trail
specialists to their interdisciplinary teams to help them better identify
ingress and egress routes that can be used by firefighters and resource
professionals to manage wildfires in the West.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">8- Federal land agencies address challenges created by both
the growing popularity of electric Adventure motorcycles with limited range and
the lack of recharging stations in remote backcountry areas by installing solar
powered charging stations in campgrounds and decommissioned work stations or
lookouts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">7- Environmental groups join forces with off-road
organizations to halt wind and solar farms proposed for installation on sensitive
habitat, scenic areas, or lands used for multiple-use recreation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">6- The CA Air Resources Board reverses current effort to ban
fossil fuel powered outdoor equipment such as generators, chainsaws, and OHVs
after an articulate and passionate presentation given to them by rural
powersports dealers,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mom and pop gas
station owners, RV industry, OHV consultants, and forest/grassland pre and post
wildfire mitigation experts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">5- Tech giant and international businessman, Elon Musk,
assigns team of engineers and scientists to research and once-and-for-all solve
the infamous “jeep death wobble” after reading about numerous complaints on
various 4-wheel drive blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Musk states
this task might be his most difficult challenge and he is committed to find a
solution.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">4- Off-road racing champion partners with Kim Kardashian to
create a new body spray that captures the scent of sweat, chain lube, and
forest loam for use by customers who don’t have time to ride but want to smell
like they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sales soar with
Generation Z and Generation Alpha customers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">3- A software company hires a number OHV advocates to create
a video game where participants pretend to champion OHV issues in the following
venues; state legislatures, land agencies, Congress, counties, and social
media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gamer is considered a winner
if they score a victory in any of the venues.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">2- States that ended their reciprocity related to OHV
registration/decals do an about face when they receive angry complaints by
their residents who now have to pay for out-of-state permits in states with
reciprocity requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>States with
reciprocity enjoy marked increase in permit revenue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">1- Electric bicycle riders in large cities rejoice when
major state and regional parks in California authorize their widespread use of nearby
designated non-paved single-track trail systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The S.F Bay Area sees the largest
celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-39470131286633814462020-11-01T14:29:00.004-08:002020-11-01T14:31:07.103-08:00RECREATION HQ DECISION DESK TO CALL THE ELECTION ON TUESDAY NIGHT <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie194S4zgn6FZz16kMrNJKVPLqGCPI2WSeWRIJFHCjVM_6RRr3t7v3wUBNtOKMWeu9l61kOkD1r5A00HeyVsjKwZ0A23sSZaQKmQzZvcK11jTZVrqrDaSbOuamAKp0AAeXX2eu-l2GrZVH/s447/wash+2017+interiorss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie194S4zgn6FZz16kMrNJKVPLqGCPI2WSeWRIJFHCjVM_6RRr3t7v3wUBNtOKMWeu9l61kOkD1r5A00HeyVsjKwZ0A23sSZaQKmQzZvcK11jTZVrqrDaSbOuamAKp0AAeXX2eu-l2GrZVH/s320/wash+2017+interiorss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Using our many years of political experience combined with
input from nationally respected political operatives, the Recreation HQ’s
Decision Desk is planning to call the election on Tuesday evening before our
supporters call it a night. We know
this is a critical election and want to provide this service to you as part of
our belief that “all land-use decisions are political decisions” --- that will
impact your ability to recreate on designated roads, trails, and areas. You have a right to know. Stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-86530063886994211152019-12-12T11:29:00.002-08:002019-12-12T11:29:33.092-08:00OR DUNES CASE STUDY/VIDEO - COLLABORATION NOT CLOSURE IS KEY TO SUCCESS AT OCEANO DUNES SVRA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARj1HPwtNcWJmyol_llcGQh7AZi8vGnQWMorz1sF0eSyM0XVJZmpGFLwIh-or3AuSsaSA-0grSZoNnjX_sxK3E0nlgeICR9rsPWv7-UpmJw8X85Iy0aaTZ7NR02pML0K4HKPyC_dtzC3j/s1600/jody+pic+talkingssblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="746" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARj1HPwtNcWJmyol_llcGQh7AZi8vGnQWMorz1sF0eSyM0XVJZmpGFLwIh-or3AuSsaSA-0grSZoNnjX_sxK3E0nlgeICR9rsPWv7-UpmJw8X85Iy0aaTZ7NR02pML0K4HKPyC_dtzC3j/s320/jody+pic+talkingssblog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jody Phillips talks about Collaboration at OR Dunes NRA</div>
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OR DUNES CASE STUDY/VIDEO - COLLABORATION NOT CLOSURE IS KEY
TO SUCCESS AT OCEANO<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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The Oceano Dunes Access Alliance (ODAA) believes the
newly released 7 minute video from Save the Riders Dunes and <a href="http://www.saveoregondunes.org/">www.SaveOregonDunes.org</a> can and should be reviewed by government
agencies tasked with managing the Oceano Dunes SVRA for high quality OHV
recreation and related conservation needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFArT9d8Moab48vxGNqjEid4w6o3bSGCzIoYr56j6P6wANoGyytPWLqb6EZdmc8x-iQ5OMn0VvTsRehVLpCwN23J7u8w1t03HXOEVraTGR8lgVqXRTneG3Ad6-wg62WKtiLYyOZXqHBltU/s1600/jody+dozer+workingss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="746" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFArT9d8Moab48vxGNqjEid4w6o3bSGCzIoYr56j6P6wANoGyytPWLqb6EZdmc8x-iQ5OMn0VvTsRehVLpCwN23J7u8w1t03HXOEVraTGR8lgVqXRTneG3Ad6-wg62WKtiLYyOZXqHBltU/s320/jody+dozer+workingss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dozer Removing Artificial Man-Made Foredunes</div>
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LINK TO OR DUNES MANAGEMENT VIDEO<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVx2dNTjywA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR21WhA3WZmKCsss_9aGY81ZRu7a4qQ13bJ4gd7z__n4_o5z7KoLLjKG10w">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVx2dNTjywA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR21WhA3WZmKCsss_9aGY81ZRu7a4qQ13bJ4gd7z__n4_o5z7KoLLjKG10w</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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On November 14, 2019, ODAA members read our comment
letter into the record during public testimony at the APCD Hearing Board
Petition Related to Existing Stipulated Order of Abatement 17-01.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Rth55787WS8B3kmub0qkVOMIjptYVZp8_PxmS-0C8mmRDjvu5DbhKyIjhbpvN9Wcx0SYCNHGOXapdfeo_k-GrD3GsDDHnEVOcrHO8iR3itUKS4_MFp4zxopQzNp8M9u3voSuiuSsVuM/s1600/jody+compare+datesss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="818" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Rth55787WS8B3kmub0qkVOMIjptYVZp8_PxmS-0C8mmRDjvu5DbhKyIjhbpvN9Wcx0SYCNHGOXapdfeo_k-GrD3GsDDHnEVOcrHO8iR3itUKS4_MFp4zxopQzNp8M9u3voSuiuSsVuM/s320/jody+compare+datesss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1952 Open Sand vs. 2006 Loss of Open Sand</div>
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ODAA continues to urge APCD, State Parks, OHV Commission,
and Coastal Commission to review the mistakes (e.g. construction of man-made
foredune structures and ill-advised vegetation projects) made at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
by government agencies and other stakeholders in a misguided effort to “help”
the dunes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, OHV, conservation groups, and agencies are working
together to manage the Oregon Dunes for future generations. Part of that new effort is to restore (e.g.
remove) man-made foredune structures and invasive vegetation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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ODAA believes that collaboration not closure is the best
model to follow for future OHV and other outdoor recreation activities at
Oceano Dunes SVRA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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ODAA thanks you in advance for reviewing this video and
for your ongoing support of managed high quality OHV recreation and camping
opportunities at Oceano Dunes SVRA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-2343426157824320142019-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:002019-11-11T10:34:29.590-08:00VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE - Protect Access to Public Lands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZK6VXHd25MMDqq7bakkZZ1RAZwI25Ufv8HbnMWBskTflhymWzcFzzmZtxO52xdxWBdMJr8KaND2zYLtfjC6UUvYmwsFWCejhoL2KdqQ705ZihkY92MgEDh-puZynNfV4400Une8bgOpA/s1600/Oregon+dunes+don+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZK6VXHd25MMDqq7bakkZZ1RAZwI25Ufv8HbnMWBskTflhymWzcFzzmZtxO52xdxWBdMJr8KaND2zYLtfjC6UUvYmwsFWCejhoL2KdqQ705ZihkY92MgEDh-puZynNfV4400Une8bgOpA/s320/Oregon+dunes+don+blog.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE – Protect Access to Public Lands<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since OHV recreation is a very popular family activity
for those who serve or have served in the military, I think one way to honor
that service on Veterans Day is for those of us who have advocacy roles to
continue fighting for their freedom to enjoy access to public lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ocean-based sand recreation on the West Coast is a
precious commodity and is enjoyed by many military families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the most popular ocean sand OHV areas
are Oceano Dunes SVRA in California and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation
Area (ODNRA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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About 10 years ago, the Forest Service that operates the ODNRA
was developing a travel plan that included onerous closure-oriented management prescriptions
based mostly on political science vs. sound science.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Congress created the ODNRA in the early 1970s it was
a 40,000 acre prehistoric dune complex that was largely open sand with very
little vegetation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost immediately,
the agency and other stakeholders planted invasive plant species to control
moving sand and dust caused by large wind events.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those efforts over many years converted that large open
sand structure into an unnatural forested landscape that was detrimental to critical
species such as the western snowy plover and eliminated<o:p></o:p></div>
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about 90% of the open sand OHV recreation opportunities
that existed at the time of its congressional designation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fortunately, the OHV recreation community got engaged and
is working with the Forest Service and conservation groups to employ effective science-based
management practices that enhance the OHV recreation experience and improves
wildlife habitat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Testimony presented at the recent CA OHV Commission
hearing on Oceano Dunes SVRA has day-lighted <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the fact that most, if not all, of the Park’s
dust mitigation measures are arbitrary and also based largely on political
science instead of sound science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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That reality means the greater OHV community at Oceano must
continue to challenge the ongoing efforts of regulators to close most, or all,
of the park to OHV recreation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, let’s recommit ourselves to protect and preserve
our freedoms to access Oceano SVRA and other public lands in a responsible
manner for current and future generations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-39666008070446868832019-07-21T16:23:00.000-07:002019-07-21T16:23:11.495-07:00DON'T BE A TRAIL TROLL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmaXu0kkKkbB3ixoF0syDZDvS606NQOUe0dxDhiQSh9yttW6Ct9-IjNOdKBmPlgg5UTRko4Tl7HrR3DqNzH5kcHP4kk5eSsCuMSUAeLfM4_XCkKmef5wAnZ_4OzehE45NLCAYdIlfCe7N/s1600/trail+troll+don.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmaXu0kkKkbB3ixoF0syDZDvS606NQOUe0dxDhiQSh9yttW6Ct9-IjNOdKBmPlgg5UTRko4Tl7HrR3DqNzH5kcHP4kk5eSsCuMSUAeLfM4_XCkKmef5wAnZ_4OzehE45NLCAYdIlfCe7N/s320/trail+troll+don.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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DON’T BE A TRAIL TROLL – Engaging in trail trolling is
unprofessional, unethical, distractive, and often confuses OHVers who want to
understand an issue but are getting mixed messages from the troll.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Social media is a great way to communicate with the trail
community on important issues or to find out more info on events and
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing that information is
also a good thing and helps get the word out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, trolling to create the impression that you are,
or have been, substantively engaged - such as submitting timely formal written
comments or attending related ongoing meetings – when you or the organization
you represent have not been engaged in any meaningful way does a great
disservice to OHV recreation advocacy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Resist the temptation to be a trail troll but rather
select the topic you are interested in and invest the time, effort, and fiscal
resources to be robustly engaged in the issue so that your comments reflect well
on you or your organization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # </div>
Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-44527657541821231892019-07-10T05:22:00.003-07:002019-07-10T05:22:48.291-07:00OPINION - Dust Hoax Should Invalidate Agreements at Oceano Dunes SVRA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1Aqco9sJUveCMRqTCaIaNWSE5cHYbz5pyhAC_JYfSUJmsCZMsT3fkGn43z4GEhQi1gTnlSP7FOTYibdzzENw0mN31SlLUELvIRGVcKfH22Bvcps6GdaHXPqrlODm5aMOv5No1KWqVKX3/s1600/slo+opinion+don+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1007" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1Aqco9sJUveCMRqTCaIaNWSE5cHYbz5pyhAC_JYfSUJmsCZMsT3fkGn43z4GEhQi1gTnlSP7FOTYibdzzENw0mN31SlLUELvIRGVcKfH22Bvcps6GdaHXPqrlODm5aMOv5No1KWqVKX3/s320/slo+opinion+don+final.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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OPINION<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
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July 10, 2019<o:p></o:p></div>
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SLO APCD DUST HOAX SHOULD INVALIDATE AGREEMENTS<o:p></o:p></div>
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After attending and/or reviewing video and other
documents obtained over the years from various public meetings related to “toxic
dust ” supposedly created by OHV use at Oceano Dunes SVRA, I have a deep
concern that Coastal Commission Staff have perpetuated and promoted a myth
created by the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (APCD) that the
air in Nipomo Mesa contains dangerous amounts of crystalline silica dust. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Crystalline silica dust is an acute inhalation health
risk. It can cause silicosis and lung cancer and so is regulated by the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) based on exposure during an 8
hour work day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, airborne particulate matter—dust/blowing
sand—encountered in a commercial, residential or rural environment is not
hazardous like silica dust though it is still regulated by federal and state
air quality agencies. These regulations are based on PM10 dust concentrations
averaged over a 24-hour period and assume the dust does not include particles
of acute toxicity, such as crystalline silica.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more than 10 years, the APCD has made unsubstantiated
claims that PM10 detected on the Mesa contains toxic amounts of crystalline
silica dust. Further, the APCD said the silica dust was from OHV use at the
SVRA. These claims were presented in various APCD reports and correspondence,
and stated by APCD representatives at public meetings. The claims were then
repeated and amplified by public officials, agencies, members of the public,
and the local press. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At a March 21, 2018 meeting of the APCD’s Hearing Board,
APCD’s Larry Allen was forced to concede publicly that crystalline silica in
dust on the Nipomo Mesa was not an issue. He stated, “Well, you know it’s a red
herring…it has no bearing whatsoever.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a falsehood that the air of Nipomo Mesa contains
hazardous amounts of crystalline silica dust. It is just one of many falsehoods
and misleading statements made by the APCD in its quest to malign a state park
and legal OHV recreation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The APCD toxic dust hoax should rightfully invalidate the
stipulated order of abatement and other management decisions that were based on
a lie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-71432293201861741022019-07-08T06:50:00.003-07:002019-07-08T06:51:28.015-07:00OPINION - Oceano "Dust" is Fragrant Elixir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uVyIVZKtN8SnNXJYmqRsHavGZ7pTU3VT22docn2TaIDzNBEMA4jUyXT6tXbR9Y2FCLyay_kp6Qo9hSyLziHDmGYGkISDGv1fcVg4dIRTCyMtmaaI2UDxVNfelYdwCQkRL8bMxzppQYpD/s1600/oceano+don+beachss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="481" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uVyIVZKtN8SnNXJYmqRsHavGZ7pTU3VT22docn2TaIDzNBEMA4jUyXT6tXbR9Y2FCLyay_kp6Qo9hSyLziHDmGYGkISDGv1fcVg4dIRTCyMtmaaI2UDxVNfelYdwCQkRL8bMxzppQYpD/s320/oceano+don+beachss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don Amador on Beach on Humboldt Bay</div>
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BLM Samoa Dunes Recreation Area</div>
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OPINION<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
July 8, 2019<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oceano “Dust” is Fragrant Elixir<o:p></o:p></div>
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As somebody who grew up on the North Coast of California,
I remember visiting many non-motorized state and county parks to enjoy walking
on the beach and having a picnic with family and friends. Enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and dealing
with blowing sand aka “dust” into the food was just part of the experience and
something that I treasure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WPBHz4T4qJ3y-KiBcNiyrNV5KqiuV7OMroTuEvfOV1D2Dg6cFAi2qp4T4oP2tijWetPVByF-SHPYyf2qpiPFDRTE5DR6QTZR6hYcZgjNVGasV0gT9C3qHsPZHE5vVGnoUwttUICImgKd/s1600/malibu+beach+home+frontopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1020" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WPBHz4T4qJ3y-KiBcNiyrNV5KqiuV7OMroTuEvfOV1D2Dg6cFAi2qp4T4oP2tijWetPVByF-SHPYyf2qpiPFDRTE5DR6QTZR6hYcZgjNVGasV0gT9C3qHsPZHE5vVGnoUwttUICImgKd/s320/malibu+beach+home+frontopen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8.5M Dollar Beach Front Home for Sale</div>
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Malibu, CA</div>
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Up and down the CA coast, movie stars and business
tycoons often spend a lot of money purchasing homes that are near or on the
beach where they too can enjoy those same coastal dust experiences. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As many of us in the OHV community prepare to attend the
July 11 California Coastal Commission (CCC) hearing in San Luis Obispo, I ask
why the CCC staff’s “dust control” mitigation proposals are largely focused on installation
of barriers, planting of vegetation to cover dunes, and severe restriction and
eventual elimination of OHV recreation at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular
Recreation Area (SVRA)? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoV4RUN52WGYZKipRTABIPQ5EfTpHF2v2y3xPiikig8A-Hb-BHKhcCiKje7WrNC7_J6Z65sbMzqsZo2xV5RllqRYbjc8Q_BeoZ3g4w1QaplfygLt05PdXHWmDgnvmetkvBiltLgsDPhgL/s1600/or+dunes+burnpilesss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="786" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoV4RUN52WGYZKipRTABIPQ5EfTpHF2v2y3xPiikig8A-Hb-BHKhcCiKje7WrNC7_J6Z65sbMzqsZo2xV5RllqRYbjc8Q_BeoZ3g4w1QaplfygLt05PdXHWmDgnvmetkvBiltLgsDPhgL/s320/or+dunes+burnpilesss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Burn Piles from ODNRA Restoration Project</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we have seen at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation
Area (ODNRA), all of those aforementioned treatments have resulted in
conversion of a prehistoric 40,000 acre open dune structure to an artificially manipulated
area that is 90% overgrown with a dense vegetative dune mat that extends to the
waveslope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
LINK TO COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AT ODNRA TO RESTORE OPEN
DUNE STRUCTURE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/294886641722/photos/a.381615961722/10156197122946723/?type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/294886641722/photos/a.381615961722/10156197122946723/?type=3&theater</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While the Forest Service and the ODNRA collaborative try
and restore the open dune structure via vegetation removal projects including
use of prescribed fire to reduce vegetation behind the foredunes and bulldozing
of high foredunes to encourage Western snowy plover habitat, it appears the CCC
is poised to make the same dune mismanagement decisions their Oregon
counterparts made in the 1970s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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LINK TO ODNRA DUNE RESTORATION PROJECT<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev7_007259&width=full">https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev7_007259&width=full</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> </o:p>Let’s hope cool heads prevail so that high quality OHV
recreation remains an important use at Oceano Dunes SVRA and that it is not
replaced with multimillion dollar homes where owners pay good money to inhale the
same ocean dust that is regarded by many as a fragrant elixir more valuable
than gold.</div>
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<br /></div>
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# # # </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Don Amador was born and raised in Eureka, CA. Don currently lives in Oakley, CA where he
works on various land-use, recreation, and resource management issues. He may be reached via email at: <a href="mailto:Damador@cwo.com">Damador@cwo.com</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-21928718161101317942019-06-25T10:48:00.002-07:002019-06-25T10:48:44.734-07:00CODE RED ACTION ALERT - OHV UNDER ATTACK IN CA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm2Uy-Z9z-cuGhmuAIvW3cDaCZjKGjmNPQSsanDdgD6BNJNtp9-YZUpBCBdGhj6Ptu-MT0kz-x-xtYmv20cuPeyh4JEUkKHKnqj1vuR9xfUNYAChHrWbaRhDDvxNL3nxsg4jvRDBaxGSI/s1600/OHV+Logo+Red+Alert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm2Uy-Z9z-cuGhmuAIvW3cDaCZjKGjmNPQSsanDdgD6BNJNtp9-YZUpBCBdGhj6Ptu-MT0kz-x-xtYmv20cuPeyh4JEUkKHKnqj1vuR9xfUNYAChHrWbaRhDDvxNL3nxsg4jvRDBaxGSI/s320/OHV+Logo+Red+Alert.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>CODE RED SB 767 CARNEGIE SVRA ACTION ALERT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-OHV UNDER ATTACK</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">***THIS IS NOT A DRILL***</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>ACTIONS REQUIRED –</b> Send Letters STAT and Attend July 3
Hearing in Sacramento<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As most of you know, the Recreation HQ does not post
alerts unless there is a critical issue that requires action on your part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Well today it is issuing its first CODE RED
action alert in 2019 because anti-OHV interests have adopted and implemented a
highly effective trifecta of litigation, legislation, and regulation to not
only block opening of the acquisition property at Carnegie SVRA but to close
20% or more of the current riding area at the unit.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those efforts are not just limited to Carnegie
SVRA, but include a proposal by Coastal Commission staff to close all of Oceano
Dunes SVRA to OHV use. In addition, those closure efforts are or will also
include Prairie City SVRA and Ocotillo Wells SVRA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many of you have already sent in letters to the
legislature as SB 767 journeyed through the CA Senate and now is on its way
through the CA Assembly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>As the
political temperature of this bill heats up, it is now time, if possible, to
attend a July 3 hearing for SB 767 before the Assembly Accountability and
Administrative Review Committee at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 at the State Capitol</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wear your club’s shirt or jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your attendance will make a strong visual
statement about your support for OHV recreation at Carnegie SVRA and elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today as the bill makes its way through the CA Assembly
we are asking you send to send a letter to your state representative stating
your opposition to SB 767 and include a short personal note about why OHV at
Carnegie SVRA and OHV recreation in general is important to you and your
family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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FIND YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE HERE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.legislature.ca.gov/your_legislator.html">http://www.legislature.ca.gov/your_legislator.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You have answered the call before as we have fought
similar battles for the right to enjoy responsible OHV recreation on public lands
in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now, once again, we
are asking you to answer the call to fight back. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>Let’s remember on this 4<sup>th</sup> of July that FREEDOM
is not FREE and requires constant vigil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Recreation HQ looks forward to standing with you at
the July 3 hearing in support of family-oriented OHV access to public lands. Thanks
for your support of responsible OHV recreation on public lands for current and
future generations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Recreation HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-57582869125689101852019-03-08T14:19:00.003-08:002019-03-08T14:19:56.459-08:00OPINION - IS CA RED STICKER PLAN THE FINAL STRAW?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfJDxHdWztsH_Zhtxa8qUwxT2XLDAUjNyzdzFgTWr3EUz_SOxnoL3MjIW7rA_xBazqRMOfqEmZGhcqDCDr4Op0ZNvxhUwNQpQfDV0t6B4tl9cROWMuixHY6rzcwlnXX3NkwXL_FJ4P7Bc/s1600/carb+don+pic2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfJDxHdWztsH_Zhtxa8qUwxT2XLDAUjNyzdzFgTWr3EUz_SOxnoL3MjIW7rA_xBazqRMOfqEmZGhcqDCDr4Op0ZNvxhUwNQpQfDV0t6B4tl9cROWMuixHY6rzcwlnXX3NkwXL_FJ4P7Bc/s320/carb+don+pic2019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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OPINION – IS CA RED STICKER PLAN THE FINAL STRAW?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
March 8, 2019</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) update
on Proposed OHRV Regulatory Amendments presented at the California Off-Highway
Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Meeting held in Palmdale, California on March 1, 2019,
today starts a 45-day public comment period on their <i>PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
RED STICKER PROGRAM FOR OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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LINK TO CARB OHV COMMISSION PRESENTATION<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/CARB%20OHV%20Commission%20Meeting%20Presentation%20Palmdale.pdf">https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/CARB%20OHV%20Commission%20Meeting%20Presentation%20Palmdale.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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LINK TO CARB 78 PAGE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RED
STICKER PROGRAM FOR OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (scroll down to staff
report on webpage)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2019/redstickeramendments">https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2019/redstickeramendments</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> </o:p>Having worked on various iterations of the “Red Sticker” issue
over the last 20 years, I wanted to share my 30K ft. view and initial reaction
to a quick read of the 78 page CARB staff report.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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First, I and other OHV stakeholders have appreciated the
collaborative and cooperative attitude of CARB staff since this particular
process started in 2013. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years,
they stated that a BAN of competition motorcycles is not being considered nor
is it a goal. CARB staff had also made it clear that they want to work with us
(OEMs, aftermarket, dealers, user groups) in this review process with an end
goal of presenting the CARB board with some “common sense” proposals to address
red sticker motorcycle emissions with a special focus on evaporative/diurnal
emissions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
However in my view, the report falls short of achieving that
common sense objective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, it
continues to rely on incomplete data sets or misguided
understanding of what “competition” means to affected riders, land managers,
rural economies, OHV dealerships, law enforcement of OHV policies, conservation/restoration
efforts, trail ethic education programs, and organized OHV clubs and/or motorcycle
competition sanctioning bodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Over the years, motorcycle competition stakeholders have
stated – to both the EPA and CARB - that “practice riding” (building strength
and muscle memory, tuning the motorcycle, learning to navigate in various
terrains, etc.) on both public and private lands is a critical component of
competition motorcycle riding just as practice driving is important to
long-distance trophy truck racers and similar non-motorcycle competitors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Unfortunately, it appears our efforts to communicate the
importance of riders having access to meaningful practice for competition
events on private, local, state, and federal lands is not being captured by EPA
and CARB.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At this point, I believe the collective weight of the
proposal could have an unintended and devastating impact on competition events,
riders, and other related stakeholders including land management agencies in
the State of California.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Competition motorcycle events (and practice) on public
lands such as enduros or trials on Forest Service lands and GP and/or Hare
Scrambles at BLM areas or state park units have been - and should continue to
be -legitimate, appropriate, and important activities on public lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As some of you know, there is a growing national movement
of public land-based competition events being relocated to private land
venues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reality in many parts of
the country is being driven by a number of compounding factors which include; excessive
government permit fees, burdensome red-tape permitting process, and complicated
stipulations associated with trying to run an event on public lands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My concern if the report is adopted as written is that it
could be the “regulatory straw” that breaks the competition “camel’s back” by
driving legitimate competition use and practice off of public lands and onto
private lands. Rather than being an environmentally sound proposal it could
pave the way for functional deregulation (no sticker fees to cover OHV-related resource
management, LE, restoration of damaged lands or VIN#s) of competition vehicles which
have been (and should continue to be) an important OHV partner that stands in
support of sustainable OHV recreation management on public lands. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Driving competition events and practice off of public
lands is not acceptable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-50370349610596611932019-01-20T06:35:00.000-08:002019-01-20T06:35:02.016-08:00HQ ACCESS ALERT - CLOSURE of SRI CREEK CROSSING AT CARNEGIE SVRA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ1Fo-S_86OxHce62L6leLy1NWe4ZdooTmk7tt5syii3J933Kf9JUbOz6p6nF7YGqFckMjOChptMxQnmEu5HQZJuzAbVRiherpGoTC0zfxjuNUPGxblpWBpwCg4wgVmBk4qRHglSZN5PY/s1600/sri+entrance+sign+carnegie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ1Fo-S_86OxHce62L6leLy1NWe4ZdooTmk7tt5syii3J933Kf9JUbOz6p6nF7YGqFckMjOChptMxQnmEu5HQZJuzAbVRiherpGoTC0zfxjuNUPGxblpWBpwCg4wgVmBk4qRHglSZN5PY/s1600/sri+entrance+sign+carnegie.png" /></a></div>
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As some of you already know, the OHMVR Division has been
given a court order (due to ongoing litigation) to close off public access
across the SRI creek crossing at Carnegie SVRA. The closure becomes effective on
Monday 1-21-2019.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp8vtiGzUjJlwhrIeZSK1K5yvvjcHV6eV-3nuKtPZF4nhyphenhyphenRx5ABdpsJFOsRIOVHPOzI7CeVKxXNmQ_rOdTdwIqBL2Ow6uAcKc0KcynRjTsZM_hNTd2FHed3Pphhb1TbE9I0Z2TIjW8Dyv/s1600/SRI+CrossingMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1100" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp8vtiGzUjJlwhrIeZSK1K5yvvjcHV6eV-3nuKtPZF4nhyphenhyphenRx5ABdpsJFOsRIOVHPOzI7CeVKxXNmQ_rOdTdwIqBL2Ow6uAcKc0KcynRjTsZM_hNTd2FHed3Pphhb1TbE9I0Z2TIjW8Dyv/s320/SRI+CrossingMap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p>SRI Creek Crossing Closure (Red) </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Areas impacted by closure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
• The 4x4 Play Area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
• The MX Track and gravel parking lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
• The Trials Area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Access to Kiln Canyon and SRI Loop will be through Los
Osos Trail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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LINK TO SVRA CLOSURE FLYER with MAP of SRI CLOSURE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172">http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The SVRA is working through the permitting process to
restore public access to the affected areas. It is expected the OHVMR Division
will provide an official update on this issue at the March 1, 2019 OHMVR
Commission meeting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Recreation HQ asks our OHV network to honor the
temporary closure at the east end of the park and thanks you for your patience
in the matter. Stay tuned for future
updates. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-9682312067006101712018-08-06T05:58:00.000-07:002018-08-06T05:58:10.337-07:00Amador Message on Leaving BRC and Post BRC Land Use Efforts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gVa4FiEM0JtyLibkOe_P0IZN3it4WYkt42Z1vGGLxgOwJd_qh9-z9pHCeSO-tWU-Wix00l9xapLOMWFR5LyKUykTnx9K6HjfGXBpT08lAZck00VGTAFqANhhZzEmngatyPNhv4O_u2z6/s1600/post+brc+don.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gVa4FiEM0JtyLibkOe_P0IZN3it4WYkt42Z1vGGLxgOwJd_qh9-z9pHCeSO-tWU-Wix00l9xapLOMWFR5LyKUykTnx9K6HjfGXBpT08lAZck00VGTAFqANhhZzEmngatyPNhv4O_u2z6/s320/post+brc+don.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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Goat Mountain Road Closed to the Public by Ranch Fire</div>
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Stonyford OHV Area - Mendocino National Forest</div>
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Dear OHV Family and Friends,<o:p></o:p></div>
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On August 3, I officially withdrew my name for
consideration for a post in a restructured Sharetrails/BlueRibbon Coalition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It has been an honor and privilege for me to have been a
part of BRC for the past 28 years. I
want to thank BRC founder, Clark Collins, other key BRC leads, public/private partners,
congressional staff, various OHV organizations, land agencies, OHV Industry,
elected officials, and sponsors for their support and mentoring of this outdoor
guy from the Redwood Region of Northern California. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I deeply treasure the diverse experiences gained from working
for BRC in helping craft key legislative plans, empowering the grassroots, addressing
tough political challenges, and fighting numerous legal battles in support of
responsible motorized recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas. I wish
BRC leadership all the best in the coming years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My departure from BRC will allow more time for me at
Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting to focus on SxS training, post-wildfire
mitigation efforts, sustainable OHV/OSV and electric OHV/eMTB trail and area
management prescriptions, workshops, sound education, travel planning, and collaborative
recreation/forest health work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also look forward to reviewing new opportunities in
land and recreation management-related policy, legislation, land management, and legal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Be assured that I will continue being engaged in ongoing
efforts to promote and protect responsible OHV/OSV recreation on public and
private lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best regards,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oakley, CA<o:p></o:p></div>
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Email: damador@cwo.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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President – Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting –
www.quietwarriorracing.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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Core-Team Lead – FireScape Mendocino - https://mendocinofirescape.blogspot.com</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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2018 – Friend of the AMA Award - http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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2016 Inductee - Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame -
www.ormhof.org</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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2013 – Hutzler Award – AMA District 36 - http://ama-d36.org/</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Member, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals -
http://www.recpro.org</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-90498091530355735822018-07-03T14:41:00.000-07:002018-07-03T14:41:42.370-07:00MTB Legal Victory in MT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB4fjyp8iGBxipdJFiAg1A04VQTb-aoTXRPjeV5JUseEjhwmJjIJkAh6WtYuqgWKdQ34qi5ImjkIRC8gXfHRz5K_PKLN_t2zbUcMadQW_f4QmjTaXriG8MAaZtrbh7OtrOWkTBNsrVvvv/s1600/emtb+don.sign.high.resol.ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB4fjyp8iGBxipdJFiAg1A04VQTb-aoTXRPjeV5JUseEjhwmJjIJkAh6WtYuqgWKdQ34qi5ImjkIRC8gXfHRz5K_PKLN_t2zbUcMadQW_f4QmjTaXriG8MAaZtrbh7OtrOWkTBNsrVvvv/s1600/emtb+don.sign.high.resol.ss.jpg" /></a></div>
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Don Amador on OHV Trail</div>
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The Recreation HQ believes that MTB, eMTB, and OHV trail
access interests have a lot in common and commends the joint effort between MTB
, OHV, and OSV interests to mount a legal challenge against recent trail and
area closures on the Bitterroot National Forest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The BRC has posted a statement from the Bitterroot
Backcountry Cyclists about MTB success in the legal effort where the court
directs the agency to review their MTB restrictions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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LINK TO BBC STATEMENT and COURT ORDER<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://sharetrails.org/alert/montana-court-remands-flawed-bitterroot-travel-plan/">https://sharetrails.org/alert/montana-court-remands-flawed-bitterroot-travel-plan/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is a News Article about the Decision<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://missoulian.com/news/local/still-no-snowmobiles-allowed-in-bitterroot-forest-but-bike-ban/article_583b4db3-5296-5200-beaa-9d2c9f85bb2f.html">https://missoulian.com/news/local/still-no-snowmobiles-allowed-in-bitterroot-forest-but-bike-ban/article_583b4db3-5296-5200-beaa-9d2c9f85bb2f.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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It's true that OHV and OSV got the short end of the stick on this travel plan, but at least the court is directing the agency to do it over regarding the MTB trail closures. A win for one of the trail groups could be considered a win for all of the plantiffs in this case. "<i>A rising tide lifts all trails..."</i></div>
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The Recreation HQ believes joint efforts like this
between MTB, OHV, and OSV recreation groups could be a growing trend in
trail-based litigation. It is not just
the cross-over use between vehicles, but there is a common bond/interest in
preserving historic access to public lands.
Working together is more effective and productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-22599125695290496192018-03-20T12:51:00.001-07:002018-03-20T12:51:59.139-07:00COMMENT ON CA OHV GRANTS MADE EASY - DO IT TODAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fzeS0F9NfaKW7mDTOp1cZbYihh_YIkJri1GMCGGW8hkfIiYHO_54TP4CXd9-OT6Oe53OjhQyVfaDG_eQ0qkE2nOxHPez2CkVnmY8t3vjLs3WZ5T_5asouH4Hke2gBw74G-MW2S5nhDLK/s1600/Don+mendocinochad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fzeS0F9NfaKW7mDTOp1cZbYihh_YIkJri1GMCGGW8hkfIiYHO_54TP4CXd9-OT6Oe53OjhQyVfaDG_eQ0qkE2nOxHPez2CkVnmY8t3vjLs3WZ5T_5asouH4Hke2gBw74G-MW2S5nhDLK/s320/Don+mendocinochad.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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IMPORTANT TO COMMENT ON CA OHV GRANTS!!! - Since there are many new OHVers who have
joined various off-road forums, clubs, etc. , The Recreation HQ wanted to try and
help you navigate the OHV grant review and comment process. This is an important opportunity for you to
comment on what you like at your favorite riding area (i.e. trails, agency
staff, maps, volunteer programs, etc.) or to comment on a NEW project such as
the Mendocino Coastal Parks Recreation Planning Grant request to potentially
site a new OHV park near Fort Bragg.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The CA OHV Grant Program staff has done a great job of
explaining how to participate at the main grant website:<o:p></o:p></div>
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CA OHV Grant Webpage<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1164">http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1164</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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However, there are several steps to review projects and
make comments. For starters, the HQ
recommends that you click on the “2017/2018 Public Comments to Preliminary
Grants” link in the upper right hand corner of the main webpage under “Related
Pages.” You can then go down the list of
grant applications from FS, BLM, non-profits, law enforcement, local Districts,
etc. Only the grants that are in BOLD
letters have received comments – so if a grant has light lettering … there are
no comments yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once you have looked at what grants have received comments,
then click on the link below to go to where you can review specific grants and
make comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Review and Comment Here<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://olga.ohv.parks.ca.gov/egrams_ohmvr/user/ReviewProjects.aspx">http://olga.ohv.parks.ca.gov/egrams_ohmvr/user/ReviewProjects.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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To find the list of grant applications you have to click
on the BOLD “3 dot button just to the right of *agency.” For example if you want to comment on the Fort
Bragg OHV Park scroll down until you get to the Mendocino Coastal Parks
Recreation Grant on page 2. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Some sample talking points for the Mendocino Coastal
Parks Grant could be<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A new OHV park in the Fort Bragg area will
provide legal and sustainable OHV recreation for local residents and
visitors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Many OHV recreationists would visit the “coastal”
park during the summer when it is hot inland.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->It would provide an economic boost to local businesses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Local law enforcement would have a place to
direct riders who want to recreate in a legal area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are 3 pages of grants so be sure and click through
those 3 pages to see all the grants.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>The public review and comment period for the 2017/18
Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program begins Tuesday, March 6, 2018, and
ends Monday, April 2, 2018 5:00PM<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Trust me when I tell you that grant applicants look
forward to your comments AND they greatly appreciate it. It is your chance to offer advice and/or
support. Take a few minutes and comment
on some grants! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-1423621391123312792018-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:002018-01-19T07:10:16.327-08:00Don't Use Recreation Access as a Political Pawn in Shutdown Battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKb2xyDbZPduZCUn-6BRDVaA9mNrPqtmZXWGteUa4EYcDfWoE-8xYwhFaPRqQDEValkX45bS8mJkPgvtwRnAL-3_XdC3dlJllFkngowPwPn-2lWCi4c9sjutg1VPF5i-4GiVhioRn7q9G/s1600/shutdown+eureka+don+samoafinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKb2xyDbZPduZCUn-6BRDVaA9mNrPqtmZXWGteUa4EYcDfWoE-8xYwhFaPRqQDEValkX45bS8mJkPgvtwRnAL-3_XdC3dlJllFkngowPwPn-2lWCi4c9sjutg1VPF5i-4GiVhioRn7q9G/s320/shutdown+eureka+don+samoafinal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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2013 Shutdown Closure Sign</div>
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BLM Samoa Dunes Recreation Area</div>
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OP-ED<o:p></o:p></div>
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By Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
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1.19.2018<o:p></o:p></div>
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DON’T USE RECREATION AS A PAWN IN SHUTDOWN BATTLE<o:p></o:p></div>
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If a shutdown occurs, outdoor recreationists could face a
loss of access to federal lands. We all remember the shutdown in 2013 where
OHVers and others were met with a confusing array of closure signs and
inconsistent messages/enforcement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx0EjWn1A8qQ0EjLxvEPOX5fEnPT2ay8O_czLFQ6OWs8qPMw9ZHQjo_vAyW_QDlnmQOo7dferNg3Hb4AtDfMo80RBtHEgEa6NuJuhZHa6TAkfrXyTkES1kGeYgCa12vRWT6ymf9cGrZyC/s1600/shutdown+2018+or+dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx0EjWn1A8qQ0EjLxvEPOX5fEnPT2ay8O_czLFQ6OWs8qPMw9ZHQjo_vAyW_QDlnmQOo7dferNg3Hb4AtDfMo80RBtHEgEa6NuJuhZHa6TAkfrXyTkES1kGeYgCa12vRWT6ymf9cGrZyC/s1600/shutdown+2018+or+dunes.jpg" /></a></div>
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2013 Shutdown Gate Closure at OR Dunes NRA</div>
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Photo Credit: Save the Riders Dunes</div>
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The 2013 shutdown forced the BLM to cancel an AMA
sanctioned motorcycle event. On another
unit, a scheduled cleanup day sponsored by OHV enthusiasts was cancelled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Should we expect that, once again, “closed to the public”
signs will be put up at the entrances to many, if not most, developed
campgrounds on FS and BLM lands? Some
units could also post closed signs on the trails.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although federal recreation programs get a tiny portion
of the budget, they are what the public sees and uses. Regardless of who is in political power,
elected officials should not use agency recreation staff and the users as
political pawns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s hope that they find common ground and avoid a
shutdown.<o:p></o:p><br />
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# # # </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Don Amador writes from his office in Oakley, California on OHV recreation and land-use issues. Don has 28 years of experience in OHV-related recreation management and advocacy. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing, his recreation consulting business. Don is a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org where he serves as their Western Representative. Don was a 2016 inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. </div>
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Don may be reached by email at: damador@cwo.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-59839902761912563582018-01-14T10:21:00.000-08:002018-01-14T10:21:45.964-08:00OP-ED - I Have a Trail Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OP ED</div>
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By Don Amador</div>
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Jan. 14, 2018</div>
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<b>I HAVE A TRAIL DREAM</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2001, I wrote an op-ed entitled<i>; I Have a [Trail] Dream</i>. My dream back then was that someday all trail
users will get along and respect each other's personal choice of recreational
activity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had a belief there are many places where diverse
recreational interests have and do manage to use public lands in a cooperative
fashion. That opinion was based on my personal
experiences riding multi-use trails in places such as Moab, UT, and the Tahoe
National Forest in CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That post 1990s-era “Timber War” missive was based on
what I saw as an initial thawing of the<o:p></o:p></div>
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“political ice”
that was the foundation of the 30 year-old battle between hardcore
environmental groups and conservative land-use interests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was also the early dawning of stakeholder meetings
and/or collaborative efforts between diverse user groups and land agencies. I believe those primal collaborations
established a framework for the current and widely embraced stakeholder process
where traditional multiple-use/environmental interests seek to find common ground on public land
recreation and resource management issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since 2001, there has been a rapid growth in several
recreation activities such as mountain-biking or eBike/eMTB use that may have
been or need to be more substantively engaged in the collaborative process. Other eTrail vehicle manufacturers and users
also need to participate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Side x Side enthusiasts are another group that is often not
engaged and hence under-represented in the “early scoping” stakeholder process for
land-use planning efforts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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User engagement is critical since there are a number of
local, state, and federal land agencies or other stakeholders that have biased/misguided/outdated
views, regulations, or policies related to these new sport modalities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2017 Outdoor
Recreation Economy Report states that outdoor recreation generates $887 billion
dollars in consumer spending and employs 7.6 million Americans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That information highlights the fact that recreation in
most of the country is the number one use of public lands. It also illustrates the need for trail users
of all types to work in a collaborative manner to find common ground on today’s
pressing issues such as eBike use on mechanized trails, enhanced MTB trail
opportunities, creating legal riding and/or touring routes for SxSs, and
securing the commensurate level of funding from legislators for managing all
forms of motorized and non-motorized recreation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The English Oxford Dictionary defines segregation as the
action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe that as the country celebrates Martin Luther
King Jr. Day, diverse trail interests and other recreation stakeholders should
commit to participate in solution-oriented collaborative efforts where finding
common ground is the goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe that dream I had in 2001 will become reality. It’s up to us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Don Amador writes from his office in Oakley, California on
OHV recreation and land-use issues. Don
has 28 years of experience in OHV-related recreation management and
advocacy. Don is President of Quiet
Warrior Racing, his recreation consulting business. Don is a contractor to the BlueRibbon
Coalition/Sharetrails.org where he serves as their Western Representative. Don was a 2016 inductee into the Off-Road
Motorsports Hall of Fame. </div>
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Don may be reached
by email at: damador@cwo.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-57269042190181887192017-12-28T17:17:00.000-08:002017-12-28T17:17:08.621-08:00Op -Ed - 2017 - CA OHVers CHART THEIR OWN DESTINY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1dN1cLWuaDHbNkRdG9BEwaebNgwiNxEigzt35ZfeJhLErPmA5ZqBG675UF_zzRL3DdcykdhctJwNi1zv5w8Pg7_b4RXWVIy3mHka0A7UwaP5h5f12mNcJa6tetUGyzOje7hHq9pOVpFB/s1600/Prairie+City+Donsign2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="943" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1dN1cLWuaDHbNkRdG9BEwaebNgwiNxEigzt35ZfeJhLErPmA5ZqBG675UF_zzRL3DdcykdhctJwNi1zv5w8Pg7_b4RXWVIy3mHka0A7UwaP5h5f12mNcJa6tetUGyzOje7hHq9pOVpFB/s320/Prairie+City+Donsign2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don Amador Enjoying Visit to Prairie City SVRA</div>
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Op-Ed<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dec. 28, 2017<o:p></o:p></div>
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By Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>*Permission to reprint or repost is hereby given. Photos of Don Amador avail. by request</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2017 - CA OHVers CHART THEIR OWN DESTINY</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Reflecting back on the hard fought “SB249” victory including
tough negotiations which - at the 11<sup>th</sup> hour of the legislative session
– produced an amended bill to basically reauthorize the current CA OHV program and
give it permanent status by removing the sunset clause, I am reminded that our
success was actually the result of a two-year process where State Park
leadership started to substantively engage with the OHV community in November,
2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The genesis of that early engagement was the Park
Transformation Process. Agency
leadership actively sought input from OHV enthusiasts, club leaders,
professional consultants, and partners such as the Forest Service and BLM. Often that input was gleaned from large
turnouts by OHV enthusiasts at various transformation public meetings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That information and feedback helped State Park
leadership better understand how the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation (OHMVR) Division and its team of knowledgeable, professional and
dedicated scientists, administrators, engineers, trail specialists, law
enforcement, and planners manage a holistic and sustainable motorized recreation
program that is often cited as a national model.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the SB249 effort, OHV enthusiasts responded en
masse to various legislative alerts to send letters, emails, or make phone
calls to their elected representatives in Sacramento. OHV user engagement was largely responsible
for making “Save the OHV Program” the number one political issue in the Capitol
Building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Based on my 28 years of OHV advocacy working on
legislation, land-use campaigns, commissions, resource advisory councils, etc.,
I have listed the key tenets in the order of the role they had in turning SB249
around and ensuring that the OHMVR Division and its skillsets were not lost in
the transformation process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>One </u></b>– Having an engaged State Park leadership team (with
support from the Governor) over the last 2 years that networked with OHV
enthusiasts, partners, consultants, and lobbyists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Two</u></b> – Having grassroots activists, clubs, and individual OHVers
send in comments and make phone calls when asked - may be the most important
key as they made “OHV Recreation” the number issue noted by legislators and
their staff in Sacramento over the last 12 months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Three </u></b>- Having a professional OHV team of consultants,
OHV commissioners, lobbyists, and grassroots leaders that embraced the
challenge and utilized user engagement to champion our OHV program before
legislators, conservation leaders, media, and the administration. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 shows that active participation by local OHV clubs
and individuals is a critical element in the land-use equation. 2018 will require similar dedication by the
OHV community to ensure the park transformation process honors its commitment to
keeping the OHMVR Division intact and to address a myriad of other local,
state, and federal recreation planning processes, legislation, and legal
challenges.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 proves that now more than ever, you are in charge of
your own OHV destiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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# # # <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Don Amador writes from his office in Oakley, California
on OHV recreation and land-use issues.
Don has 28 years of experience in OHV-related recreation management and
advocacy. Don is President of Quiet
Warrior Racing, his recreation consulting business. Don is a contractor to the BlueRibbon
Coalition/Sharetrails.org where he serves as their Western Representative. Don was a 2016 inductee into the Off-Road
Motorsports Hall of Fame. Don may be
reached by email at: <a href="mailto:damador@cwo.com">damador@cwo.com</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-43169715013635992052017-10-23T08:22:00.000-07:002017-10-23T08:22:47.522-07:00JOIN the Fight - BE a FORCE for GOOD - A Special Request from Don<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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JOIN the Fight - Be a Force for Good</div>
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Last year at this time, I was inducted into the Off-Road
Motorsports Hall of Fame where I joined fellow inductees, Malcolm Smith, Ed
Waldheim, Clark Collins, Del Albright, and many others. I was humbled and deeply honored by Dave
Pickett as he gave my introduction to the ORMHOF. Thanks also to the riders who cut short clips
for use in the video below!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My Induction Video – A Force for Good (short segments
from OHV and Industry Icons)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://sharetrails.org/don-amador-hall-of-fame-video/">https://sharetrails.org/don-amador-hall-of-fame-video/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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On October 30, the ORMHOF will be inducting the Class of
2017 - - Dave Ekins, Cliff Flannery, Bob Gordon, and Bill Savage. I want to send them sincere congratulations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the event, I told the ORMHOF that <u><b>I GOT INVOLVED BECAUSE
I DIDN’T LIKE SEEING TRAILS CLOSED</b></u> and I fight because I want current and
future generations to have the same joy on the trail that I had growing up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also thanked BRC for giving me the opportunity to
represent them for the last 27 years. I
wake up every day with the fire in my belly to fight for trail access.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As part of the run-up to the ORMHOF event, I want to urge
those OHVers who are not members of the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org
(BRC) to JOIN. BRC champions access to
sustainable trail-based recreation on federal lands throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>As you know, memberships are the lifeblood of any
organization especially non-profit OHV advocacy groups such as BRC.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are not already a BRC member, you can join either
at the 1 year premium level and get a
Trail Tech discount card or take advantage of the special 2 year membership
offer that is co-sponsored by Rocky Mountain MC/ATV where they send you a $25
dollar gift certificate when you purchase a 2 year membership. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Link to BRC Membership <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://sharetrails.org/individual/?mem=1">https://sharetrails.org/individual/?mem=1</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, I urge you to send in a donation to the ORMHOF in support for
their long-standing efforts to recognize and honor icons and heroes of the
off-road community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Link to ORMHOF <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://ormhof.org/">http://ormhof.org/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks to the ORMHOF for all they do and to all of you
who support OHV recreation on public lands!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don Amador</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-3127765769970882762017-08-20T09:26:00.001-07:002017-08-20T09:26:54.952-07:00OHV Meets "Challenge" of 21st Century at Torrance Commission Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The recent CA OHV Commission meeting/tour in the LA area made
me Trail Proud and highlighted why the OHV community (consultants, clubs,
lobbyists, industry, partners, supporters, agency, advocates, et al) should
take pride in how this highly popular outdoor activity has matured over the
last 30 years into a sport that has effective professional and volunteer
representation at the grassroots, administrative, legal, and political levels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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CA OHV Commission Meeting in Torrance, CA</div>
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I feel it is important to share with you my quick
takeaways from the last two days. So, I
will break them down into a few of the most important topics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><b>Reauthorization of the CA OHV Program </b></u>– OHV’s collective efforts
over the last 7 months was acknowledged by legislative leads from State Parks
and the Governor’s Office when they stated for the record that the administration
could simply not support Senator Allen’s SB249 as written because it was too
complex and had too many unachievable requirements. Instead they are using the current SB742
language as the basis for reauthorization and meeting with Senator Allen to
review potential language that might address his concerns without destroying
the program. We should see the results
of this effort over the course of the next two weeks as the legislative sausage-making
draws to a close for 2017.<o:p></o:p></div>
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State Park/Administration Leads Give Update on Reauthorization Process</div>
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<u><b>State Parks Transformation Process</b></u> - As many of you know,
there has been an ongoing process over the last 2 years or more by State Parks
to try and modernize the State Park System (both motorized and non-motorized
units) to make it more streamlined, relevant, and responsive to the public. 27 years ago when I started my OHV career,
the OHMVR program was considered more of a bother than an important member of
the Parks’ family. Based on that past
history, many in OHV had concerns that the OHMVR Division/Program would lose
its identity and specialized skills if it was integrated into the “Family.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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L to R - Randy Short, Commissioner CA Boating and Waterways - Paul Slavik, Commissioner CA OHV Program - Don Amador, Trail Guy</div>
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To Parks’ credit, their leadership listened to those concerns
and made a substantive effort to learn about how OHV recreation (and our
powersports sister agency – Boating and Waterways) has become a critical and
important factor in the statewide recreation opportunity spectrum. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e7pg-EIF5sZlnloMF_9K1yJqnT9qUT_iA2tJ7pmacJjkP6mKACVPcrstZ0yKQDoL8mtJfTFkDdoI1xIsN9JHKK_Qu3cczilt50p0vIwUBZPTC2_HkytXtSWffGsEjzQ-Tn7xk6geDdyD/s1600/la+lecture+historic+park.groupss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="515" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e7pg-EIF5sZlnloMF_9K1yJqnT9qUT_iA2tJ7pmacJjkP6mKACVPcrstZ0yKQDoL8mtJfTFkDdoI1xIsN9JHKK_Qu3cczilt50p0vIwUBZPTC2_HkytXtSWffGsEjzQ-Tn7xk6geDdyD/s320/la+lecture+historic+park.groupss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Presentation at Urban State Park in LA</div>
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In fact, commission and executive staff from the CA
Department of Boating and Waterways were at the OHV commission meeting/tour. This represents Parks’ commitment to
cross-pollenate (i.e. better appreciate and utilize) the skills, staff, and
other resources that exist in the various motorized and non-motorized State
Park programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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LAPD Off-Road Patrol talks about their Partnership with the OHV Program</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>The commission tour and meeting which largely featured
how Parks (both motorized and non-motorized) is working to achieve those
aforementioned transformation goals and objectives.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg8Gxemyt6oK9lpE9M5t1abc07Z0sK7F0qYdJQUBPJGsHmaJHrjS27Mhzy5lTShNJx40dMB_4-4Eic8ocAM9A_FxKP4D7wb-e_ig7WMfLk8cjnTm_A7Kgi2_4JNSQLudnCGmOh-gBAl-b/s1600/la+youth+ohv+commissionfinal.ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="765" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg8Gxemyt6oK9lpE9M5t1abc07Z0sK7F0qYdJQUBPJGsHmaJHrjS27Mhzy5lTShNJx40dMB_4-4Eic8ocAM9A_FxKP4D7wb-e_ig7WMfLk8cjnTm_A7Kgi2_4JNSQLudnCGmOh-gBAl-b/s320/la+youth+ohv+commissionfinal.ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Preparing Youth for Service </div>
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<u><b>Youth Movement </b></u>– The meeting/tour also highlighted how
OHV recreation and Parks is playing an important role in serving the children
and teens of South LA. Attendees had the
privilege to tour the Challenger Boys and Girls Club in South LA and see the
many youth development programs they manage.
One of those programs is the National Youth Project Using Minibikes
(NYPUM) that uses small dirt-bikes to teach self-esteem and life values.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO3Az9kjp2b8tLWedt-mlWx395b6G83z_z_DlHqojhIWL5BONzbPLp-Z4i3m4TmfuR9OnAXerx4W8dwCCDQ4WjN8aIDZzZxg6Qj9NkFRguVXm5PI3hGvtME1qeLvG9znGtuCIYIGPKZYe/s1600/la+minibikes.talk.ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="654" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO3Az9kjp2b8tLWedt-mlWx395b6G83z_z_DlHqojhIWL5BONzbPLp-Z4i3m4TmfuR9OnAXerx4W8dwCCDQ4WjN8aIDZzZxg6Qj9NkFRguVXm5PI3hGvtME1qeLvG9znGtuCIYIGPKZYe/s320/la+minibikes.talk.ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Challengers Club Director Talks About NYPUM Training Site</div>
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MYPUM was founded in 1993 and is supported by the
American Honda Motor Company. It is
managed by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps in Boston, MA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We also learned about a recent field trip where youth
from the NYPUM program got to ride dirt-bikes at Hungry Valley State Vehicular
Recreation Area… they had a blast!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><b>Closing Personal Observation</b></u> – It was sort of an
emotional time for me at the commission meeting that was being held at the
Honda Museum since it was several of their Rider Education Program leads (Paul
Slavik and Charlie Keller) in the early 1990s that helped mentor me in the
early part of my OHV advocacy and trail stewardship career. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTyZoI8SeLx3E1in-Ja3Zpax5xsR8rXUQdQirzEzv0WUx0HBKtdlFWQtegGoPVH621gXBYrhM9OxOJ9wXsULmInizKzCPuW1IZOiiRIlXmgorQyKr8-Iq519R2k0is7wCmG1IB0982Koh/s1600/la+don.xr600ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTyZoI8SeLx3E1in-Ja3Zpax5xsR8rXUQdQirzEzv0WUx0HBKtdlFWQtegGoPVH621gXBYrhM9OxOJ9wXsULmInizKzCPuW1IZOiiRIlXmgorQyKr8-Iq519R2k0is7wCmG1IB0982Koh/s320/la+don.xr600ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the years, I put a lot miles on a non-factory version of this Honda XR600</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>As a member and former chairman of the OHV commission
(circa mid/late 1990s), I was proud of that oversight body’s growth and
professionalism over the years that was noted by several folks I talked with at
the meeting. I also want to commend
Commission Chair Cabral, other commissioners, agency staff, and partners for
their ongoing efforts to champion environmentally sound OHV recreation for
current and future generations.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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OHV must remain ever vigilant. But on occasion, it is important for us to
celebrate the many positive steps that we have accomplished over the last 30-50
years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-8391327420242285772017-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:002017-07-14T13:05:04.576-07:00SB 249 Hearing Update with Video of Hearing - Must See OHV TV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZYsrfFhWg8xWjLKK32BPeux1lLOZkF0IkNtD8FNuFbm9MHcTpc5OYszK6e8pisbI_cE69T4vEzADMgGNyifxWgq6AD4vivsb829OP_IAR8ZW3hlUAqeMI9qp7mKo8gau55vjablbUSD/s1600/sb+249+july+hearing+long+liness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="887" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZYsrfFhWg8xWjLKK32BPeux1lLOZkF0IkNtD8FNuFbm9MHcTpc5OYszK6e8pisbI_cE69T4vEzADMgGNyifxWgq6AD4vivsb829OP_IAR8ZW3hlUAqeMI9qp7mKo8gau55vjablbUSD/s320/sb+249+july+hearing+long+liness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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OHV Supporters Line Up to Speak in in Favor of the Currrent OHV Program</div>
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and in Opposition to SB249</div>
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SB 249 Hearing Update (Video of Hearing) – Many OHVers have
heard the term to describe the ugly process of legislation as “sausage-making.” The following 45 min. video (thanks to our
OHV lobby team for making this video available!) gives the general OHV
community a good peek into the dark work of land-use politics. Having been engaged in land use politics for
the past 27 years at the state and federal level, this video (OHV starts at
50:20) starting with SB249 sponsor, Senator Ben Allen, illustrates the
political spin of trying to cast the bill as a pro-OHV bill that simply wants
to basically reauthorize the current OHV program by adding just a few simple
amendments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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LINK to SB249 on my FB Page<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cuttenkid">https://www.facebook.com/cuttenkid</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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After Sen. Allen’s presentation you will find environmental
representatives that make false declarative statements against the OHV program
and by inference … Division staff.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 1:03:23, you will listen to OHV lobbyist, Terry McHale,
strongly defend the current OHV program and highlight SB249’s fatal flaws. He highlights the fact that the program is a
National Model and that SB249 was created in a vacuum without input from
OHV. Terry also points out that SB249
places unreasonable environmental standards on SVRAs (which may even extend to
other “units” of the system which include FS/BLM/County riding areas). He is a
good friend of OHV and one of our best advocates in Sacto. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At 1:08:45, I highlight my concerns about the legal mine
field laid by SB249 and the fiscal impacts it would have on the program… if the
program continues at all in a SB 249-based program. I also join Terry in making a commitment to
work with Sen. Allen and the proponents in a bipartisan manner to address
remaining issues and concerns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At 1:11, a representative for rural farm workers stated his
opposition to SB249 because of the potential impacts to the OHV grants program.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 1:13, you will see various pro-OHV representatives from
rural counties, OHV industry, OHV clubs, and others speak in opposition to
SB249. Am very proud of the OHV
Coalition!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 1:16, the vice chair (a rural legislator and OHVer)
restates the fact the SB249 had no real stakeholder engagement and that the
bill could impact OHV areas in his district and also impact motorized access to
non-motorized recreation. Other
legislators weighed in as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe the most important thing at the hearing happened at
the end when Sen. Allen made a commitment to “work” in a more substantive
manner with rural legislators and OHV representatives to resolve issues. The bill did pass with an 8-5 vote, but that
vote was based on future meetings with affected parties to resolve issues. This battle is far from over. Thanks for taking time to watch this video!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-56567886209800591242017-07-12T15:20:00.000-07:002017-07-12T15:20:01.192-07:00OP-ED - Rebuttal to CNPS's Anti-OHV Political Campaign (SB 249) Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqc8AhtWADdQJtqd2axPL_jkq_uNElS7jWDVqUfCOb7QMS9G4E5mE9NkvsDo7_MuvbsYeereEsCVjIowCJQSRB3JR8j5gJ1A2ok-1ff5jUBJIUrgUScAaB0uG9bIQ4-clg6R5xrZep-qk/s1600/sb+249+restoration+pic+carnegiess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="887" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqc8AhtWADdQJtqd2axPL_jkq_uNElS7jWDVqUfCOb7QMS9G4E5mE9NkvsDo7_MuvbsYeereEsCVjIowCJQSRB3JR8j5gJ1A2ok-1ff5jUBJIUrgUScAaB0uG9bIQ4-clg6R5xrZep-qk/s320/sb+249+restoration+pic+carnegiess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hillside Restoration Project - Carnegie SVRA</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Op-Ed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">July
12, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By
Don Amador<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*Permission
is hereby granted to reprint article<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rebuttal to
CNPS Vol. 47 (July – Sept. 2017) Pro – SB 249 Political Campaign Article: <i>Environmental Damage from OHV Activity is Outpacing
California’s Ability to Repair It<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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LINK TO CNPS
ARTICLE<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.cnps.org/cnps/publications/cnpsbulletin/v47.3_jul-sep2017.pdf">http://www.cnps.org/cnps/publications/cnpsbulletin/v47.3_jul-sep2017.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a response
to a recent California Native Plant Society (CNPS) anti-OHV political campaign
(SB 249) article that was referenced (page 22) in the official California
Department of Parks and Recreation Weekly Digest published on July 7, 2017. <o:p></o:p></div>
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SB 249 was crafted
in the dark of night by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and a small
group of extreme environmental groups over the course of the last two years
without OHV involvement. At this time, not one OHV organization supports SB
249.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The bill fundamentally
redirects this environmentally sound, highly successful and nationally acclaimed
OHV program - with a recreation focus - to a non-OHV program with a
preservation focus that relies on lawsuits and trail closures as primary “management”
tools. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1AEsoOE7AsgeGZY_ArnsydexqOuORtMst32nZGQOjDwGS0h7IPgkA7G_kD5nHet8mrVfIki7C2icCaF8xDdfsHeIoqotZOfR_mArrMp71ve6euEtp8YfglU256EA4bgZLSamVTqdPIyM/s1600/sb+249+engineered+ohv+trail+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1AEsoOE7AsgeGZY_ArnsydexqOuORtMst32nZGQOjDwGS0h7IPgkA7G_kD5nHet8mrVfIki7C2icCaF8xDdfsHeIoqotZOfR_mArrMp71ve6euEtp8YfglU256EA4bgZLSamVTqdPIyM/s320/sb+249+engineered+ohv+trail+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Engineered OHV Trail with OHV Bridge to Protect Stream Course</div>
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Eldorado NF - Supported by CA OHV Grant Program</div>
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Since the
creation of the California OHV program with the passage of the Chappie-Z’Berg
OHV Act in 1971, OHV leaders have played an important role as stakeholders each
time the program has come up for sunset review and reauthorization. OHV leadership has a wide variety of expertise
in all issues relating to OHV recreation, both technical and environmental,
with specific knowledge on the interaction between state and federal land
management processes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAgZrXqLzCbpR35iNsVq3pu7kURb6SkFgCCFYKRTxfgmUNQZpir3bbIqZOQ4zZ1w_uITm7FDKHofUJuF5tGiayR8H5Ff5phmHetmGjW-Q3F5Eclh3xRLy6qrxFWNuuuel7BvxWmNLK8Gj/s1600/sb+249+rubicon+catch+basin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAgZrXqLzCbpR35iNsVq3pu7kURb6SkFgCCFYKRTxfgmUNQZpir3bbIqZOQ4zZ1w_uITm7FDKHofUJuF5tGiayR8H5Ff5phmHetmGjW-Q3F5Eclh3xRLy6qrxFWNuuuel7BvxWmNLK8Gj/s320/sb+249+rubicon+catch+basin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sediment Catch Basin - Rubicon Trail</div>
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Collaborative Project between CA OHV Grant Program, Eldorado County, Eldorado NF</div>
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and OHV Recreationists</div>
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Entire sections of
SB 249 significantly alter priorities in ways that are obviously unacceptable
to active California recreationists. There are also numerous examples of
incorrect definitions, calls for unnecessary reports and demands for
duplicative agency consultation that portray a lack of understanding of the
interplay already required to create best management practices for areas that
host OHV recreation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPA2th1MG_Whwz_BIKTYdPBfRkXeeLVngRvsxzPlhho-N9lpv3gs0hO2drICtb6whn5rB4mq20ZIAwqnv0lABzkWboyGh2EEVed6XkQ7YHu9elSZnRTzeP7caVt-C47sTm9wSECDLnRiw/s1600/sb+249+travel+mang.+sign.carnegie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1095" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPA2th1MG_Whwz_BIKTYdPBfRkXeeLVngRvsxzPlhho-N9lpv3gs0hO2drICtb6whn5rB4mq20ZIAwqnv0lABzkWboyGh2EEVed6XkQ7YHu9elSZnRTzeP7caVt-C47sTm9wSECDLnRiw/s320/sb+249+travel+mang.+sign.carnegie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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OHV Travel Management Sign - Carnegie SVRA</div>
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It is clear that
CNPS and partners crafted this bill with a goal of unduly hampering and
purposely setting roadblocks to a program that is world renowned for its
existing high standards with regards to both recreation opportunities and
environmental conditions. They want the motorized parks to be held to an
environmental standard equal to the non-motorized parks – an absurdity at every
level.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn-X8_KcVY_zicSnMu9dbDM4frRSDGGakkI3MfmHVJs0hljbjMEfJAe4ijC8w-tzEDLdw_YGGwyXwtXrS1xR6W0oGBkTtQ-3d72EU4vK-L0TayakjY8pVCrtdJNy4N3dE7_m3dVHLLsU8/s1600/sb+249+restoration+tahoe+nf.ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="887" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn-X8_KcVY_zicSnMu9dbDM4frRSDGGakkI3MfmHVJs0hljbjMEfJAe4ijC8w-tzEDLdw_YGGwyXwtXrS1xR6W0oGBkTtQ-3d72EU4vK-L0TayakjY8pVCrtdJNy4N3dE7_m3dVHLLsU8/s320/sb+249+restoration+tahoe+nf.ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CA OHV Grant Funded Restoration Project</div>
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Tahoe NF</div>
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Furthermore there
is no accountability for either reliably foreseen or unanticipated consequences
of the drastic measures called for in the bill. Based on estimates from DPR and
OHV experts, the magnitude of the costs to the state for land restoration and mitigation
for federal, city and county lands, as called for by SB 249, could range from
$11M to $20M per year. Expected legal liability
cost estimates could be in the tens of millions of dollars per year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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SB 249 focuses
solely on management of natural and cultural resources while ignoring important
recreation-related water quality and soil erosion mitigation measures and trail
facility maintenance activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z8g-axfmeWAKWio_asbhGEcPSiSjp_D2GaJ_aItYDNGa019__9fPnPwuhl37Aw0UHKRaoMuRelLPOeA1FnMIaAF7sXVcBi6BdhmKYbgAIRiyvuDfNTZVMPuSOuY3EPaMqHj_Dh_5mu6o/s1600/sb+249+carnegie+engineered+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1417" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z8g-axfmeWAKWio_asbhGEcPSiSjp_D2GaJ_aItYDNGa019__9fPnPwuhl37Aw0UHKRaoMuRelLPOeA1FnMIaAF7sXVcBi6BdhmKYbgAIRiyvuDfNTZVMPuSOuY3EPaMqHj_Dh_5mu6o/s320/sb+249+carnegie+engineered+trail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Engineered Contour OHV Trail</div>
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Carnegie SVRA</div>
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SB 249 contains
errors in the description of adaptive management as it is used in conjunction
with a monitoring program. To those experienced in land policy, adaptive
management is an ongoing process of evaluation leading to changes in operations
to improve on-the-ground conditions. Many components are part of this process,
although the bill stresses solely natural and cultural resources.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdhNfai2bkEZES_NUpHl3KkYCA6IqRXt5zoQRLznVJFq4_QSupVKoZ70J9VUlC8QTDH1ZWrqj7TxkhBT8kj8HZUDkUopON5xrrp9aAaI1mRcievAk21mHGGoTA9PNwMMYp8znXwoQVouj/s1600/sb+249++catch+basin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdhNfai2bkEZES_NUpHl3KkYCA6IqRXt5zoQRLznVJFq4_QSupVKoZ70J9VUlC8QTDH1ZWrqj7TxkhBT8kj8HZUDkUopON5xrrp9aAaI1mRcievAk21mHGGoTA9PNwMMYp8znXwoQVouj/s320/sb+249++catch+basin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Engineered OHV Trail with Rolling Dip and Sediment Catch Basin</div>
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Eldorado NF</div>
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OHV stakeholders believe that water quality,
erosion and sedimentation evaluations are equally critical, although none of
these important issues are mentioned. Furthermore, natural and cultural
resources are mentioned many times in the bill without adequate definition
which will only lead to confusion in future decisions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX99f55wrR1zHLCROhitVkNDH9EUpwdavQl8Nnm_G2VefmQfPHGvTDcqvUWqJpruQxtdnWXOyna5iZ7DlZLkdtOrYDfv8piX2StlynqTzK5fEPme0F8bMxIosuKDH7XoaTmQV8ElKOyPzl/s1600/sb+249+hull+clavey+meadowss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="781" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX99f55wrR1zHLCROhitVkNDH9EUpwdavQl8Nnm_G2VefmQfPHGvTDcqvUWqJpruQxtdnWXOyna5iZ7DlZLkdtOrYDfv8piX2StlynqTzK5fEPme0F8bMxIosuKDH7XoaTmQV8ElKOyPzl/s320/sb+249+hull+clavey+meadowss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CA OHV Grant Funded Meadow Restoration Project</div>
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Stanislaus NF</div>
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SB 249 seeks to prohibit
use of existing roads in state vehicular recreation areas that were created by
previous land owners. The bill would require the state to compile reports of
accidents, citations and other infractions from all areas of the state,
including federal lands, where off-road recreation occurs. This is a burden
placed on no other unit of state parks, the information is not currently
collected by state parks, nor is it required by any federal agency. Furthermore
there is no justification for the need for this report, leading OHV leadership
to conclude this is an unwarranted data collection effort that will be used by
SB 249 proponents to discredit public land agencies and off-road recreationists.
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI_C-Drd_HMWVuaSVz2flFKLCbgzLq37ee8szc7kgLIKSyYqebrEjYgFYR72vVmXNFZS356DFjxyVDVTlMRAcOuq3l9L9FtIG42hsPocvSydtJ_Uypnr3ayqcrojURfxfy7tG9yg33H-b/s1600/sb+249+multi-use+trail+Eldorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI_C-Drd_HMWVuaSVz2flFKLCbgzLq37ee8szc7kgLIKSyYqebrEjYgFYR72vVmXNFZS356DFjxyVDVTlMRAcOuq3l9L9FtIG42hsPocvSydtJ_Uypnr3ayqcrojURfxfy7tG9yg33H-b/s320/sb+249+multi-use+trail+Eldorado.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CA OHV Grant Funded Multi-Use Trail</div>
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Eldorado NF</div>
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SB 249 requires
the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division to change its purpose
from managing for sustainable off-road recreation to primarily managing for non-recreation
focused on the protection of natural and cultural resources. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOzRlnfuuYCVNw3fSt6O4QaEWC2T2Rc8f2nS-i9qXBt4FYNkco8CyBDK8tUBKUEZmIAhEZ7hjq7XoaOf3opy-_TgTTZ1uWvFK4r3vXltAz0d1S9HfLdF8iVOiHO6LKAQq3X6a3dpxOae/s1600/sb+249+trail+main.+equipment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOzRlnfuuYCVNw3fSt6O4QaEWC2T2Rc8f2nS-i9qXBt4FYNkco8CyBDK8tUBKUEZmIAhEZ7hjq7XoaOf3opy-_TgTTZ1uWvFK4r3vXltAz0d1S9HfLdF8iVOiHO6LKAQq3X6a3dpxOae/s320/sb+249+trail+main.+equipment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Specialized Equipment to Maintain Trails</div>
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Supported by CA OHV Grant Program</div>
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SB 249 seeks to
portray and require restoration work to be done in an absolute fashion and be
fully mitigated no matter the cause of the damage. Wildfires, earthquakes, rain
and other weather phenomena can cause considerable damage, yet the effect of
this damage is not differentiated from ongoing maintenance due to OHV
activities. Other state parks are not responsible for acts of Mother Nature and
it is inappropriate to place that burden on this program and this division.
Minimizing impact to land from all forms of human interaction, whether through
motorized or non-motorized activities is a goal already undertaken by all park
units to the extent possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-NMQO71wkaN45Is_N-IyhSBLhLLrQEgc5OpylKOhI_6e7g2PlWxGYoVHjfoa8AqiRgtF5nLY2SNIYPHc3fllQVRmboyN0d423s8RS7GIYKNI47BDzQmTgyO5zb5L_nt1LMa1zLBq8bGc/s1600/Rubicon+SSTss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="986" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-NMQO71wkaN45Is_N-IyhSBLhLLrQEgc5OpylKOhI_6e7g2PlWxGYoVHjfoa8AqiRgtF5nLY2SNIYPHc3fllQVRmboyN0d423s8RS7GIYKNI47BDzQmTgyO5zb5L_nt1LMa1zLBq8bGc/s320/Rubicon+SSTss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sanitation Facilities to Protect Water Quality - Supported by CA OHV Grants</div>
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Rubicon Trail - Eldorado NF</div>
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SB 249 adds
numerous agencies for consultation and written reports as requirements to be
produced, which does nothing to improve environmental conditions on the ground.
The redirected time will make performing environmental activities and
restoration difficult, be extremely time consuming and add a considerable cost
consideration for all entities concerned when there is no indication that
anything is amiss in the current program. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-JNcW7iJQAE4IH9oz7nEkSeXERG0J6ohhseLa78-JDv6Ud-PW0s3f1gnCR5pWLOpO61n8uKBMH0oIRy5ebavvujHsOQ_8YC2NjEmSMXvNN4tJmTpWPLePJyayqRYQ-4tNyozJNpE4-Wo/s1600/sb+249+restoration+sign..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="863" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-JNcW7iJQAE4IH9oz7nEkSeXERG0J6ohhseLa78-JDv6Ud-PW0s3f1gnCR5pWLOpO61n8uKBMH0oIRy5ebavvujHsOQ_8YC2NjEmSMXvNN4tJmTpWPLePJyayqRYQ-4tNyozJNpE4-Wo/s320/sb+249+restoration+sign..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CA OHV Grant Funded Restoration Project </div>
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Stanislaus NF</div>
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The OHMVR Division
does much more than manage State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs). Its efforts include everything from law
enforcement to supporting the economic viability of rural counties. The program also supports OHV recreation on
lands managed by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and counties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_UOltvk_dmVSUrjUsBPpQwtr6KTgk4rSN0lb5rJ8eydcuC8UEz0dNDU2VAu1Kx5_NFWmtP_jv03eS-darlxQc22Mh3ozGroH0tsKCoZTHVUn2LDpoYOQ_m7PFm3w3LhD68LuR1EJ5wfo/s1600/sb+249+plumas+sheriff+jeepss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="748" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_UOltvk_dmVSUrjUsBPpQwtr6KTgk4rSN0lb5rJ8eydcuC8UEz0dNDU2VAu1Kx5_NFWmtP_jv03eS-darlxQc22Mh3ozGroH0tsKCoZTHVUn2LDpoYOQ_m7PFm3w3LhD68LuR1EJ5wfo/s320/sb+249+plumas+sheriff+jeepss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CA OHV Grant Program Supports County LE/Search and Rescue Programs</div>
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Again, I believe
the regulatory mandates and related compliance requirements place the entire
program (SVRAs and units managed by the USFS/BLM/counties) in both legal and
fiscal jeopardy. The legislation creates
a target rich environment for future litigation based on the alleged failure of
the OHVMR Division and other units to comply with a host of new and unwarranted
regulations and reporting schedules.<o:p></o:p></div>
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OHV organizations
are urging legislators and the Governor to support reauthorization of the
current program that was substantially improved upon 10 years ago in a
bipartisan manner under the leadership of Senator Darrell Steinberg (SB 742).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Don Amador was a member of the 2007
bipartisan legislative team that drafted SB742 upon which the current OHV
program is based. Don works as a
consultant to the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org. Don is president of Quiet Warrior Racing, a
recreation consulting business. Don is a
2016 inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. Don was also an OHMVR Commissioner
(1994-2000) Don may be reached by email at: </i><a href="mailto:damador@cwo.com"><i>damador@cwo.com</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-32907822529576569302017-06-15T12:31:00.001-07:002017-06-15T12:31:22.195-07:00Take the BRC/Sharetrails.org Challenge this Summer - JOIN or DONATE TODAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJejJ5qH8BTmvykAiysNvREv8WsGZFrvrVaw5HISTy1BZA9kWWyuRQM7THQzEc8sbvtJNPLESrNx1h-gNp4CRmCLWv6pvpDvwe3OAnbGd8zeNSOm4OKM4VIdT-5nbnHTkdtQ3dJJdX22ck/s1600/challenge+brc+june+2017jpeg..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJejJ5qH8BTmvykAiysNvREv8WsGZFrvrVaw5HISTy1BZA9kWWyuRQM7THQzEc8sbvtJNPLESrNx1h-gNp4CRmCLWv6pvpDvwe3OAnbGd8zeNSOm4OKM4VIdT-5nbnHTkdtQ3dJJdX22ck/s320/challenge+brc+june+2017jpeg..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As many of you are gearing up to enjoy various summer OHV
activities (both casual and permitted), I want reach out to <u>those of you who
are not members</u> of BRC/Sharetrails.org or <u>those of you who have not made
a donation this year.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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Many of you who are on my email list are BRC members and
generous donors who support the sport.
However, for those of you who want to help support BRC’s grassroots,
legislative, administrative, or legal efforts please JOIN or DONATE today. <u>This is the only time this summer that I will
ping you on this subject.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of having
you support our efforts to keep trails open for OHV recreation. </u><o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>I would not ask you to do anything that I would not do,
so since I can’t JOIN BRC (I am already a member), I made a donation today</u>… it
is simple to take the challenge by clicking on the link below and either JOIN
or DONATE. There are various donation
accounts for your selection.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TAKE THE JOIN OR DONATE CHALLENGE HERE<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://sharetrails.org/sharetrailschallenge/">https://sharetrails.org/sharetrailschallenge/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope to see many of you out on the trail this summer!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don Amador<o:p></o:p></div>
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Western Representative<o:p></o:p></div>
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BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org<o:p></o:p></div>
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Web: <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org/">www.sharetrails.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853780194331041713.post-65287522085297307422017-06-02T08:03:00.000-07:002017-06-02T09:04:04.991-07:00SB 249 Update - Death by a Thousand Lawsuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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QUICK UPDATE ON SB
249 SENATE VOTE YESTERDAY – First, I want to thank all of you who took time – (on
short notice) yesterday to contact your state senator. <u>Because
of your efforts yesterday and past efforts on this subject, there was much
stronger bi-partisan opposition to SB 249 than the bill’s author expected. </u> The final vote was Yes – 22, No – 15. I believe the vote tally will help our fight in the assembly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The OHV Coalition remains in strong opposition to SB 249.
I remain convinced that any SB 249-based
OHV Program would actually kill the current program that has been acclaimed as
a “National Model” for managed/sustainable OHV recreation. <u>It would open all OHV areas that receive grant
funds (i.e. SVRAs, BLM, FS, County) to an endless parade of environmental
lawsuits under the premise</u> that the units are not in compliance with local
and regional “conservation plans” from entities such as Resource Conservation
Districts, East Bay Regional Parks, other agency and NGO conservation or
resource plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>SB 249 remains a kill-shot bill directed at all local,
state, and federal OHV units.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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The good news is that there are other hearings and as you know - this
battle will now be fought in the assembly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I expect the fight to continue through the end of
August. It’s going to be a long hot
summer!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don Amador</div>
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The Recreation HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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PS - Death by a Thousand Lawsuits - Another takeaway from
the hearing yesterday were the comments by Allen and/or another supporters
about the numerous lawsuits against Carnegie SVRA with the subtle inference
that “lawsuits” might be a good reason to severely restrict OHV use on a unit
or maybe even close that unit (local, state or fed) to OHV and sell or transfer/transform
it for non-motorized activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Don Amadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13045787382896008473noreply@blogger.com7