Famous Eco-Law Group Closes its Doors

By now, many HQ riders know about the recent departure of Carl Pope from the Sierra Club and the 31 % cut in staff made by The Wilderness Society over the last year.


HQ believes much of that is based on a downturn in the economy that has hit basically all non-profit land advocacy groups. Also, with most if not all “Wilderness quality” lands being already designated by Congress as federally designated Wilderness, pro-Wilderness groups may have become less relevant in 2011.

HQ was also surprised to learn today that a rather famous environmental law-firm had recently closed its doors. Wildlaw, who had hired a former Bush-era cabinet member as their lobbyist in Washington DC, specialized in anti-OHV and anti-timber lawsuits.

Wildlaw Hiring Mark Rey as their Eco-Lobbyist
http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/mark-rey-resurfaces/Content?oid=1148317

Wildlaw Statement on its Closing
http://www.wildlaw.org/

HQ believes there is a paradigm shift underway in this country. The proponents of hard-left land-use politics will fall by the trailside and be replaced (or evolve) into more mainstream environmental or conservation groups who have a desire to work collaboratively with OHV organizations and leaders on projects that both protect the environment and allow for responsible OHV recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas.

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Man Up and Join BRC Today

The General wanted the OHV community to be aware of the new BRC membership promos that are directed at dirt-bikers, ATVers, and 4wd owners. With these very cool membership and benefit programs… there is NO excuse for you and your riding buddies for not joining BRC.

*Photo at right – The General has had several Monteros before (I like Monteros!) and recently purchased this BF Goodrich Tire equipped used 2001 Montero from a BRC member in Reno at High Sierra Auto

Dirt-Bikers/ATV – Rocky Mtn. ATV - $25 dollar Gift Card when you join BRC for $29 dollars
https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/rmatvmc/

4WD Owners - 4Wheel Parts - $25 dollar Gift Card plus up to 15% off of other parts when you join for BRC for $29 – See Del’s Video/info in link below
http://www.sharetrails.org/tv/4wp/

AND

BFGoodrich Donates $5 bucks per tire promo
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=658

I know we are in hard times. However, land-use battles are not going away. In fact, The General believes we are facing some very tough access issues now and in the coming year or two. Now is the time to man-up or woman-up and join the fight. Becoming a BRC member is a good first step. A salute to those of you who are BRC members and/or members of a state or local OHV club.

July 29 Update on Parks/OHV - Video Included

Based on feedback from a number of riders wanting to know the bottom line on the OHV Program and the State Park System, I wanted to give you my “quick and dirty” overview of the status as it stands today from my perspective.

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Photo at right is BRC's Don Amador on Tolowa

State Park near the OR Border - a park

that could be on the chopping block

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OHMVR – The Good – The core OHV program (SVRAs and grants – approx. 60 million dollars) stays intact.


OHMVR - The Bad - $112 million dollars “borrowed” from several special accounts. Who knows when it will be repaid? The prospect of purchasing new lands for OHV at anytime in the near future looks grim.

STATE PARKS - More Bad - They take a $52 million dollar hit (or 21% reduction) for this year and next. Park administration will wait until after Labor Day to close up to 100 or more non-SVRA units.

5 MONTH BUDGET CYCLE – Even Worse - Sacramento will have to do this all over again (another round of budget cuts at best guess) in a few months.

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Don Amador’s Video Message to Users – Stay Engaged and Involved – Also take advantage of new Rocky Mtn. ATV/BRC Membership Program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHpxsczkSp8

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Rocky Mtn. ATV/BRC Membership Drive
https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/rmatvmc/

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Thanks for your interest and support on land use issues.