ACTION ALERT FOR OCOTILLO WELLS SVRA - Comments Due April 6, 2015!

Desert Safari 2014

(photo credit: John Stewart)

The Recreation HQ is issuing a special ACTION ALERT urging OHV recreationists and related businesses to send in a comment letter on the Draft Preferred Alternative/Proposed Action (PA) for Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Notice of Intent (NOI) to conduct an environmental review for the Ocotillo Wells Recreation Area in Imperial County.

SVRA Plan Link

http://ocotillowells.s3.amazonaws.com/static/OcotilloWellsSVRA_PrefAltPropAction_2015.03.03.pdf

BLM NOI Link

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2015/february/ocotillo.html

This hybrid planning effort by State Parks and the BLM will guide management and OHV use at the SVRA for the next 10-20 years.

The HQ believes it is important for the OHV community to weigh on this planning effort in a large numbers to show support for continued OHV recreation at the park.

Please take a few minutes to utilize the some or all of the comments below in a personal letter to the agencies.  It will make a difference!!!

COMMENTS DUE ON OR BEFORE APRIL 6, 2015

SAMPLE COMMENT LETTER

____________________________________________________________________________

Date:

Tina Robinson

General Plan Project Manager

5172 Highway 78, #10

Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Email: info@planocotillowells.org

Carrie Simmons

BLM, El Centro Field Office,

661 S. 4th Street

El Centro, CA 92243

Email: BLM_CA_Ocotillo_Wells_RAMP@blm.gov

Dear Planning Team:

Please accept my comments on the Draft Preferred Alternative/Proposed Action (PA) for Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Notice of Intent (NOI) to conduct an environmental review for the Ocotillo Wells Recreation Area in Imperial County.

[INSERT BUSINESS NAME, PERSONAL STORY, HOW FAMILY USES OCOTILLO WELLS SVRA, ETC]

I am concerned with the plan’s “trails-only” focus in an area that has historically offered an important mix of trails and open riding opportunities.  I urge State Parks and the BLM to include “Open” designations where appropriate in the final plan.

I believe the agencies should develop a streamlined event permitting process to expedite the approval of competitive and other permitted events that are well-known, historic, and reoccurring. This can be accomplished through known “pre-approved” routes or areas from which an event organizer can choose.

I support the SVRA’s already outstanding efforts to educate the public regarding the many important values and resources that exist in the project area. I also support efforts by State Parks and the BLM to acquire non-public lands to further enhance and consolidate recreational opportunities in the project area.

I am concerned about the focus on “primitive” camping.  Historically, the term primitive camping is limited to tent camping.  I believe the term as currently interpreted could result in a functional ban of trailer/RV camping throughout most of the project area.  I urge the planning team to review historic trailer/RV/tent camping patterns and adjust the final plan to accommodate, to the maximum extent possible, trailer and RV developed and dispersed camping.

I am concerned the proposed plan indicates areas will be identified where OHV events MAY be allowed in future planning efforts.  I believe that permitted events should be granted the same status and areas that are authorized in the plan for “California State Parks Sponsored Special Events Only”.

Thanks in advance for reviewing my comments and I look forward to working with the SVRA and BLM on this project.

Respectfully submitted,

[JOHN DOE]

Thanks for taking time to send in a letter.  Please forward to your riding network.

Travel Management for MTB and Equestrians at CA State Parks

The Recreation HQ has long supported the concept of land agencies designating roads, trails, and areas for OHV use.   Although we disagreed with a number of tenets in the 2005 FS Travel Management Rule, TMR is here to stay.  HQ believes public involvement, a genuine collaborative process, sound management tools, and line-officers that are committed to have a quality trail program are key elements to sustainable OHV recreation for years to come.

TMR also includes wet-weather or seasonal closures to help prevent trail damage during wet conditions and that is why it looks like the CA State Park proposal to designate routes and times of use to better manage MTB and other trail users is appropriate and needed.

CA State Park Rule Proposals (Comments due April 4)

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/795/files/ccr_amended_draft_regulations.pdf

Some units of the Forest Service open and close designated routes and areas to OHV, MTB, and equestrians to avoid severe impacts to the trail system during wet conditions and HQ believes those Best Management Practices should be used at state parks (SVRAs already use wet weather closures and trail designations to manage OHV) to manage MTB and equestrian use.

OHV, MTB, and Equestrian Trails Opened or Closed Due to Wet Weather

I don’t think the MTB community does itself any favor when they oppose the use of modern trail management tools at regular state parks.  

Amador on Bike Week Radio Show - Topics: OHV grants, DS motorcycles, leadership at state parks, grant scandal, Imperial Dunes, 2014 midterms

HQ’s, Don Amador, had a radio interview yesterday with the gang at Bike Week Radio.  Scott Cox and the crew at the station started the show off with KTM’s Kurt Caselli who was followed by motorcycle legend, Peter Starr.

 

We talked about a lot of important issues during my “OHV” segment at the end of the show.  Topics covered  includes: OHV Grants being adjusted back to 31M, buying a dual-sport motorcycle (Factory plated vs. bikes that comply with 2003 DMV cutoff rules), new leadership at state parks and OHV division, 2012 state park scandal,  Imperial Sand Dunes reopening 50K acres and legal history of that fight,  and 2014 midterm elections.

 

Amador’s segment starts at 47:31 at the show’s archive link for the July 14 Show

http://www.bikeweekradioshow.com/archive.html

 

Thanks for your interest and support!

 

# ##

 

 

CA OHV Grant Comments Ends TODAY - Many Riding Areas Have NO Comments

The Recreation HQ wants to remind OHVers in CA to be sure and comment on OHV grants related to your favorite riding areas.   This is YOUR chance to get engaged with the OHV program in a substantive manner.    The public comment periods ends TODAY at end of business.

 

Many popular riding areas and related grant applicants have not received a SINGLE comment from the user community.  The following link will take you to the full list of OHV grant applicants for the 2012/2013 grant cycle.  You can’t complain about the legislature taking money from the program if you are not willing to send in a comment letter.   To date, very popular riding areas such as Chappie Shasta, Cow Mountain, and the Samoa Dunes have not gotten a single comment!  Please write your support letter today!

Link to OHV grant applicants who have or have not received public comments (those who have received public comment are noted in blue)

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27308

 

The Recreation HQ issued an alert about this earlier and it has links and instructions that will get you to the comment section for the preliminary OHV grants.  Send in your comments today and urge your rider network to do the same.   

 

Link to grant comment alert with instructions

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2013/03/reviewcomment-on-ca-ohv-grants.html

 

Thanks for taking time to be engaged in the CA OHV program.

Review/Comment on CA OHV Grants including NEW OHV Park in Yolo County

OHV Bridge on FS Lands Supported by CA OHV Grant Program

 

The Recreation HQ wants to alert riders in CA (and riders from other states who visit CA OHV areas) to submit a comment on grants where you ride.   BRC issued an ACTION ALERT today with easy instructions on how to find and review your favorite grants and hopefully make a comment.

 

BRC ACTION ALERT ON 2012/2013 OHV GRANTS

http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2013/03/13/california--ca-ohmvr-division-accepting-comments-20122013-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-program

 

As you know, establishing a NEW riding area is almost as rare as a Blue Moon.  However, Yolo County has submitted a planning grant for a new 80-100 acre OHV riding area outside of Woodland, CA.  Getting some legal riding opportunities in this part of the Central Valley is very important.

 

Yolo County is having a public meeting on March 20 at 6:30pm in Woodland.  It is important for

OHVers to attend and show support for new riding opportunities in this area of the state.  PLEASE share with your rider networks.

 

Yolo County Public Meeting Announcement

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Yolo_county_March_20meeting2013.0001.pdf

 

 

March 20, 2013

Yolo County Admin. Building

625 Court Street

Woodland, CA 95695

*Meet in Atrium Training Room B02

 

Hope to see you there.

 

Valentine Day Present to OHV - CA State Auditor Releases Park Scandal Report

The state auditor released its report today on the infamous state park scandal regarding the 54M dollar slush fund.   After doing an initial quick review of the 60 page report, HQ believes it shows that agenda-driven “sloppy accounting” had become institutionalized at State Parks and has existed for several decades and through many administrations.

Link to State Auditor Report

http://www.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2012-121.1.pdf

 

HQ believes that an ‘accounting subculture’ comprised of non-appointed 2^nd and 3^rd tier bureaucrats

had devised this scheme to create an internal slush fund for reasons not clearly identified in the 60-page report.
 

OHV recreationists owe a great deal of thanks for the work that OHV lobbyist Terry McHale did last year along with a number of OHV representatives.  The OHV program in 2013 is in much better shape because of those efforts.

 

Link to video and other info in last year’s scandal fight in Sac.

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2012/08/ca-ohv-trust-fund-battle-remains-hot.html
 

The only good news in this story is that Governor Brown has appointed General Anthony Jackson to bring accountability and transparency to Parks. 

 

QWR/Amador blog on the appointment of General Jackson

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-new-ca-state-park-director-service.html
 

HQ believes that the final chapter on this issue has yet to be written.  Also, we want to thank all of you who sent in letters and made phone calls last year to the Governor’s Office – it did make a difference!

 

See you on the trail.

 

Don

 

CA OHV Trust Fund Battle Remains Hot Issue (with Video)

As we head into the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, it only seems appropriate for the Recreation HQ to give riders an update on the fight to protect our OHV Trust Fund.

This has been the most intensive 4 month period of time for me on a professional basis since I started working on land-use issues in 1990.  Fighting to protect the OHV Trust Fund has been one of the toughest state fights  combined with an additional host of federal land use challenges.

I want to borrow a recent quote from Terry McHale who is an OHV lobbyist in Sacramento (you can see him in action at 1:39:19 in the video below) where he said, ”Things are better than they were.”

After watching the almost hour long video below where the legislature debates on how to use the 34M dollars found in the scandal at State Parks,  I agree with Terry that OHV has become more of a front and center issue.  Never before have I seen a state legislative body discuss in detail the three funding pots for OHV (e.g.  registration fees, park fees, and off-road fuel tax monies).

It is clear to me that they had been briefed in detail and were painfully aware of how hot an issue this has become.   HQ recommends you watch the entire OHV portion of the video so you too may understand the import of this debate.  You will see the Department of Finance give circular answers to the elected officials.  Both Democrats and Republicans challenge the Department of Finance to give accurate accounts of the 34M. 

Video (OHV starts at 55:05) of 8/23/12 Budget Committee Hearing on AB1478

http://vimeo.com/48412668

There are a lot of good quotes in the video but one of the best was when Senator Simitian stated (1:03:10) that he had “taken a lot of hell” from  users regarding his original plan to gut the local assistance grants program and cap it at 10M.  You will see an effort by him to restore 11M on top of that 10M cap to make the grants program partially whole again.  However, I don’t think we will know if that happens until the Attorney General completes his investigation later this year.

Thanks to all who worked so very hard on this issue and to those of you who supported us  or sent in letters, made phone calls, and got your county board of supervisors to weigh in.

The OHV Trust Fund Saga continues…

July 29 Bike Week Radio Features DPR Cabal/Scandal

HQ’s – Don Amador – was on Bike Week Radio on July 29 talking with Scott Cox and the gang about the ongoing budget scandal at CA State Parks.   We covered a lot of issues related directly or indirectly with this issue.  Topics included; culture of corruption at DPR,  institutional bias at DPR against OHV,  wild variances from year to year of funds coming (or not coming) to OHV,  CA Parks Foundation/Green cabal, anti-OHV scheme to defund OHV program and then sue when trails are not maintained,  the look-the-other-way credo at DPR, etc.

This is a hard hitting interview with NO punches pulled.  BE ADVISED – it is not for the weak of heart or for those who do not want to believe that hard-core anti-OHV groups are scheming to get motorized recreation  banned on public lands

My interview runs from 33.24 to 45.37.  The hosts also discussed the issue between themselves until the close of the program – Good on them… they get it!

Click Here to Listen to the July 29 Bike Week Radio Archived Show

http://www.bikeweekradioshow.com/archive.html

Thanks for your support!

Carnegie Lawsuit Win Makes Local Press

Some of the Crew at the 2009 Carnegie Rally

Although the green’s attack on the CA OHV grants program continues to be a hot issue, a local newspaper did a story on the recent lawsuit settlement (a big OHV win) at Carnegie SVRA.

June 29, 2012 Tracy Press Article

http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Recreation+area+to+remain+open%20&id=19144209#cb_post_comment_19144209

What the story fails to highlight is that the plaintiffs had to pay about $500K of their own legal fees.

That is huge win for OHV since the courts often grant “paid in full” tax-payer funded legal fees to environmental lawyers.

This story draws attention to the fact that this country needs tort reform.  Here is a recent DOJ report that shows millions of dollars were paid to CBD – the main anti-OHV litigation firm in the country.

DOJ Report

http://naturalresources.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=301242


PS - Here is another article with a green spin including sharp comments from Congressman John Garamendi's sister who lives next to the park and has fought to close it.
http://www.independentnews.com/news/article_edc89080-c15c-11e1-aae2-0019bb2963f4.html#.T-3A5SPaGL4.facebook
They too forgot to mention that the greens had to pay 500K of their own legal fees.

Thanks for your interest!

As the Stomach Turns - The CA Budget Fight

TV soap operas are where make believe people try and solve torrid love affairs, financial woes, and family tragedies.   The good news - at the end of the day - is that the aforementioned issues are all phony and are simply there for your viewing pleasure.

Unfortunately, the CA “budget soap opera” being played out in Sacramento is all too real.  As I talk with my political contacts in the Capitol, it is my fear that not only is the CA OHV Program in potentially grave trouble, but many non-park related state programs, government employees, and public services will face the budget axe in the near future as well.

HQ believes it is fool hardy for lawmakers to propose an increase in taxes as a tool by which the state can be rescued from running off the proverbial cliff.   Appropriating funds from successful self-funded user-pay/user benefit programs such as OHV is one of the surest signs that the legislature is mentally bankrupt and is not able or willing to make the cuts needed to bring California back from this fiscal crisis.

Basing California’s future on the current fiscal house of cards (increased taxes, taking money from programs such as OHV, etc.) only acts as a catalyst that motivates a growing number of residents to leave the state for greener pastures.     

Be assured that HQ is acutely aware, engaged, and monitoring Parks (will Ruth Coleman stay or be replaced and by whom) and OHMVR (will Daphne come back or who will take her spot)? Will the OHV grants program become a casualty in this budget fight?   There is a lot that will shake out in the next few days and weeks.

This political soap opera is all too real and nobody that I know of (including Donstradamus) has a crystal ball.

SACBEE Op-Ed on Brown's Decision to Dismiss Daphne Greene at OHMVR

As someone who has known and worked with Daphne Greene since the late 1990s, I felt it was important to try and articulate what she has meant to the OHV program and larger community. That is why I submitted an Op-Ed to the SacBee.


December 30, 2011 SacBee Op-Ed on Daphne Greene
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/30/4152007/ohv-officials-dismissal-signals.html

I also want to thank all of you who worked hard sending in support letters to the Governor’s office asking him to retain her. Remembering that her position is a political appointment and that “all land-use decisions are political decisions” – I really don’t know what is going to happen over the next few days regarding her reappointment or the appointment of somebody else to that position.

Be assured the thousands of letters from OHVers, staff from sister land agencies, local elected government officials, state park employees, industry, and others have made a large impact on the administration.

Thanks for your continued support of responsible OHV recreation and their managers.

Political Turmoil at CA State Parks - Rangers Ask Gov. to Replace Coleman

Sometimes the irony of an issue requires a comment. Just as thousands of OHV enthusiasts, local and national recreation organizations, government park rangers, and elected officials ask Governor Brown to reappoint Daphne Greene as Deputy Director of the CA OHV Program, a large group of state park law enforcement officials are asking that Ruth Coleman (Director of CA State Parks) be replaced.


SACBEE Article on Replacing Coleman
http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_19586349

I know Coleman and have worked with her department on many issues and I too like her on a personal level. However, I believe Coleman’s greatest weakness was her inability to make the non-motorized units of State Parks relevant to Californians in this day and age of decreased budgets and low visitor usage.

Rather then make the non-motorized state park system relevant (which should have included converting several of them to SVRAs), it appeared that Coleman, some non-profit foundations, and the legislature relied on the OHV Trust Fund (and a bogus statewide fee initiative that was rejected by voters) as an easy crutch to prop up a broken department.

Just what the Governor does with the Coleman and Greene appointments will be a signal as to the longevity and/or viability of either program. Will Coleman get support letters coming in from politicians and user groups, as is the case with Greene? (see below examples)

State Senator Joel Anderson Letter in Support of Greene
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Daphne_Greene_Letter_Joel.pdf

BRC Letter in Support of Greene
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/BRC_Letter_to_Gov_Brown_on_Greene_Reappointment_12.19.12_FINAL.pdf

As many OHVers get ready to take a few days off to enjoy the holidays, it appears that some of us will have to monitor events in Sacramento. OHV politics does not respect any holiday season including Christmas.

HQ ACTION ALERT - Christmas Miracle Needed at CA OHV Program

HQ does not want to waste your time with an extensive recap of the past week’s news that Daphne Greene (Dep. Director for the CA OHV Program) was given a termination notice by the Governor’s Office. December 31, 2011 is currently her last day on the job.


While state and national OHV groups reviewed this issue last week (a smart thing to do in politics), there arose a massive grassroots movement led by YOU – the OHV enthusiast.

OHVers starting sending in letters to the Governor's Office and made phone calls as well. Local legislators were also contacted. As noted in the SacBee article below, OHV Commission Chairman, Eric Lueder, sent in a strong letter of support for Greene’s reappointment.

Dec. 17 SacBee Article on Greene Issue
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/17/4128694/the-buzz-off-road-enthusiasts.html#disqus_thread
\
After spending several days digging thru the political swamp that exists in Sacramento, HQ believes Greene’s termination was prompted by a nasty smear campaign (yes, politics is a nasty business) led by a few extreme anti-OHV non-government and government activists.

HQ believes that unlike most political appointments, the Governor does not have an immediate replacement already selected. In fact, his office may be open to Greene’s reappointment if the OHV community makes a strong case on her behalf.

ACTION ITEMS


If you are a rider, club leader, environmentalist, OHV business, conservationist, or fellow land manager, there are several ways you can make your views known to Governor Jerry Brown and other state officials.

1 – Send a short (they are most effective) letter of support for Greene’s reappointment to:

Governor Jerry Brown
State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX: 916.558.3160
Email: veronica.ortiz-torres@gov.ca.gov\


2 – Utilize CAL4WD’s Letter Generator

CAL4WD Alert and Letter Generator
http://capwiz.com/cal4wheel/home/

3 – Send a copy of your letter to State Senator Joel Anderson. He will hand carry your letters to the Governor.

Email Senator Joel Anderson
saveohv@gmail.com

Let’s turn this potential OHV-related “Lump of Coal” into a Christmas Miracle.

CA Governor Makes Political Decision to Replace Current OHMVR Deputy Director

                                                         OHMVR's Daphne Greene
HQ has a motto that “All land-use (and staffing selections) decisions are political decisions.” Well, that axiom came to life yesterday via the announcement by Daphne Greene, deputy director for the California OHV Program at State Parks, that she is being replaced on December 31 by another Governor’s appointee. That news sent a violent shockwave through the OHV community.


During her tenure of almost 8 years, the OHV Division went through a number of much needed reforms that improved all aspects of the program. Some of those milestones include; streamlining the grants program, improving the wildlife habitat monitoring, fiscal accountability for the OHV Trust Fund, creating new soil standards and guidelines, opening new OHV areas, funding important trail restoration projects, and the list goes on and on.

As OHV leadership continues to assess this new political development, I believe that we will learn a lot by the person who is appointed to take over Daphne’s post. HQ hopes the Governor will appoint somebody that will continue Daphne’s legacy of accountability, environmental stewardship, and commitment to the program and the community it serves.

Stay tuned for future developments on this issue and during this Christmas and Holiday Season let’s give thanks for Daphne’s (and her staff) unwavering commitment and service to you and your family’s favorite form of outdoor recreation over the last 8 years.

OHV HISTORY LESSON FROM THE DARK AGES
BRC News Release in 2005 –Describes How the anti-OHV Commission was abusing their position and power to corrupt the OHV program and steps the OHV community was taking to address that issue.
http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2005/12/14/ohv-groups-call-disbandment-ca-ohv-commission

# # #

Gov. Signs AB42 - Link to More SVRAs in CA?

HQ was pleased to see the Governor sign AB 42, which allows for non-profit organizations to manage various state parks that have low visitation or are otherwise unable to sustain themselves. HQ believes that counties should also be given the opportunity to manage state park units that are in fiscal trouble.


Article on AB42
http://www.sonomanews.com/News-2011/Gov-signs-state-parks-bill/

HQ believes this bill could open the pathway for OHVs to use several non-motorized state parks units that are in fiscal trouble. Two examples come to mind. Henry W Coe State Park near San Jose is a perfect candidate for being operated as a State Vehicular Recreation Area. Also, Tolowa Dunes State Park near the Oregon border is also a great candidate for OHV use because its last management plan authorized ATVs at the site.

Community Support for Tolowa Dunes SVRA
http://www.triplicate.com/20060211103532/Opinion/Editorials/Our-View-Lets-get-an-OHV-park-on-countys-fast-track

The OHV community should be looking for ways to assist state parks and the local economy by finding a way to help manage these parks for motorized recreation. Henry Coe SVRA would help elevate overcrowding at both Hollister Hills and Carnegie SVRAs. Tolowa Dunes SVRA would provide much needed ocean/sand opportunities for OHV use on the North Coast.


Let’s all think outside of the box on this one. Comments are welcome here at the HQ on this issue.



Raley's Supermarket to Rescue CA State Park Budget Mess?

Official HQ/BRC Land Use Battle Wagon

The Recreation HQ was encouraged recently when it read about Raley’s effort to raise funds to help keep regular California State Parks in the black.

Fresno Bee Article on Supermarket Fundraiser
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/07/02/2451584/raleys-to-donate-a-nickel-to-california.html

For several years, HQ has been encouraging California State Parks that the best way to keep regular parks open is to think out-side-of-box and make their program more relevant and self-sustaining. HQ also cautioned state park leadership and the legislature against continuing to lean on OHV Trust Fund monies as a “fiscal crutch.”

March 10,2010 Blog on Encouraging Parks to Become Relevant and Use Creative Ways to Stay Open
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2010/03/california-state-parks-initiative-18.html

Please take the poll in the upper left hand corner of this blog page. The idea for ads and coupons that could be placed in state park mailings came to me as an idea when I opened some correspondence from the U.S Postal Service and they had a number of local ads. Several of which I intend to take advantage of.

Feel free to share your ideas on how State Parks can stay in the black.

Thanks in advance for your service and ideas!

70 State Park Units to Close in 2012?

Official Quiet Warrior Land Use Battle SUV

Today HQ reviewed the long-awaited list of 70 proposed state park units that are slated for closure in 2012 pending the outcome of the current budget battle. No SVRAs appear to be on the list. There are about 272 state park units, 8 of which are SVRAs.

Article with list of proposed closures
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/05/california-officials-70-state-parks.html

HQ has urged state park leadership to make state parks relevant to the public as a way to bolster visitation and enhance revenues. HQ believes that some non-motorized park units (i.e. Henry Coe in the S. Bay Area, etc.) would make a great addition to the 8 existing SVRAs. Closure does not have to be the only option.

So far it does not look like any SVRAs are on that list as of today. OHV leadership (including The General) will have to keep a sharp eye on the state budget battle, as things are sure to get real ugly over the summer.

A California Native Sends Letter to Budget Committee to Protect the "Trust" in the OHV Trust Fund

The Recreation HQ wants to thank all the OHVers (and even those few from the environmental community) who have already sent in letters and/or made phone calls to state government officials urging them not to raid the OHV Trust Fund.


HQ also wants to thank all the OHV groups such as AMA, D36, BRC, ROC, ARRA, CORVA, CAL4, D37 and many others who either sent in letters on company letterhead, posted alerts, and/or attended hearings.

As the Budget Conference Committee meets over the next few days, HQ believes it is important now for you to send in your personal letter on this subject NOW.

Don Amador, as a California Native, submitted the letter below this a.m. to the committee members and also sent it to his own representatives. Keep those letters coming in. I believe they have already made a difference and if the OHV Program survives it will the result of YOUR involvement.

LETTER SENT TODAY BY DON AMADOR
***************************************************************

February 25, 2011


Budget Conference Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 92449

RE: Don’t Betray the “Trust” on the OHV Trust Fund

Dear Budget Conference Committee Members:

I write to you today as a California native and a strong supporter of the California Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program. And, I urge you not to betray the public “trust” again by illegally taking user-pay/user-benefit monies from the OHV Trust Fund.

As a teenager in the late 1960s-70s, I remember filling out a state gas tax refund form where I got a refund from the state treasurer based on the amount of fuel I used when driving my OHV off-road (non-paved dirt roads). I also remember the promise made to me by the proponents of the Chappie-Z’berg Act of 1971 (that established the California OHV Program) that they would use these dedicated “trust” funds to manage motorized recreation. I trusted them.

Over the years, that trust has been betrayed on a number of occasions by both Republican and Democrat officials. In fact, there have been two lawsuits filed by the OHV community that successfully challenged the state government’s legal authority to raid the OHV Trust Fund.

As a member of the negotiating team (OHV, environmentalists, legislature, Governor’s Office) that met throughout the summer of 2007 to hammer out SB742 (the new OHV Program), I remember the group worked hard to make sure that protecting the “trust” in the OHV Trust Fund was a key statutory tenet of that legislation.

Today, I urge your committee to not betray the public-trust again by taking OHV money that is not yours to take.

Sincerely,


Don

Don Amador
California Native
555 Honey Lane
Oakley, CA 94561
Phone: 925.625.6287
Email: damador@cwo.com

***********************************************************


Keep those letters coming and thanks for your service!

MUST SEE OHV TV - View Feb. 10 Assembly Hearing on OHV Program

Last week you got an alert from HQ about a run on the OHV fund by the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3. As I stated in my alert, HQ got the news from AMA’s Nick (Paul Revere) Haris on the night before the hearing.


************ Background Info ************************************

Feb. 10 Alert with BRC Letter and Other Info
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/02/code-red-alert-ohv-trust-fund-under.html

Feb 11 Thank You from HQ
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/02/ohv-hearing-victory-in-sacramento-thank.html

**************************************************************

Thanks to the California Channel you can view the hearing. Some riders ask what do you professional OHV advocates do for us? Well, here is one time where you can see us standing up for you in front of a legislative body that has proposed to borrow (some call it stealing) or reallocate (fungible) OHV Trust Funds for other non-OHV uses.

Starting at about 1:56 into the video you will see the OHV hearing segment. Shortly after it starts you will see state park officials defend the OHV program. Then you will see my good friend Reed Addis (green lobbyist) support the assembly staff’s recommendations to steal money from the OHV fund. Then you will see Nick Haris (AMA), Terry McHale (OHV Lobbyist), Don Amador (BRC), Dave Picket (D36) and representatives from CAL4WD, RTF/Pirate4x4, ROC, and others. You will also see the post testimony discussion by the elected officials. There are a number of interesting comments. Watching this video is an important lesson in why OHV has to be involved in the legislative and political process.

Link to Video (Must see OHV TV)
http://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewVideo/2036

Thanks again to all who wrote letters and called their elected officials. It has and will continue to make a difference. This episode only reinforces the axiom here at the HQ that… “All land-use decisions are political decisions.”

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OHV Hearing Victory in Sacramento - Thank You!

HQ has been in involved in OHV politics for over 20 years and has seen almost every kind of gamesmanship played in various venues. However, the game that ensued yesterday will go down in the OHV history books as the “Day OHV Stood Up and Fought Back.”


I testified before the committee that as a member of the negotiating team for SB 742 (the current OHV program) that met almost every weekend over the summer of 2007 --- I was stunned that I only found out about hearing’s assault on the OHV program at 6 p.m. the night before. And, I had to ask for their understanding if my letter had a few typos because I had to stay up until midnight reviewing online documents and then get up at 3:30 a.m. to write a letter to the committee members and send out an OHV alert.

I also told them that the attempt to reclassify most of the OHV Trust Funds as fungible (i.e. we can spend it on anything we want) was in conflict with the tightly crafted statutory requirements of SB 742. So that between the Governor “sweeping” the $26 million dollar OHV reserve fund on Tuesday, proposing to take $5 million dollars for bogus ranger patrols in closed parks, and calling our funds “fungible” – they would basically destroy the OHV program as enacted by SB 742.

HQ was proud of all the OHV representatives that showed up and gave factual and professional presentations. Also, state park executive staff defended the program and challenged many committee staff assumptions and recommendations.

HQ wants to thank all of you who took action yesterday when we sent out our CODE RED “Broken Arrow” Alert. HQ got calls on its cell phone from riders up and down the state who sent letters and/or made phone calls to their elected officials.


The quote of the day was when Chairman Richard Gordon said – after hearing all the testimony - he was pulling the OHV agenda items because …”there is something going on here that is way above my pay grade.” HQ believes he was right. There was something going on and it was a clear attempt by anti-OHV political forces to gut the OHV program.

Yesterday was a victory for responsible OHV recreationists. But as all of you know, there will be other battles to be fought in Sacramento and elsewhere. The OHV War saga never ends. HQ is thankful the OHV community has grown stronger over the last few years and is up to the task. Stay tuned for the next update on activities under the Dome in Sacramento.
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*Funny side note: For those of you who watched the hearing on the video feed, you missed the strong odor of bacon frying during the discussion of the High Speed Rail Authority. The smell of pork was so strong that it made several people hungry enough to go eat a second breakfast. On the other hand, it made a large number of people sick when they heard about the hundreds of millions of dollars that are being flushed down the toilet on this pie in the sky project.