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. 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. The final vote was Yes – 22, No – 15. I believe the vote tally will help our fight in the assembly.
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. 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 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.
SB 249 remains a kill-shot bill directed at all local,
state, and federal OHV units.
The good news is that there are other hearings and as you know - this
battle will now be fought in the assembly.
I expect the fight to continue through the end of
August. It’s going to be a long hot
summer!
Thanks,
Don Amador
The Recreation HQ
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.
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