OHV MEETING ALERT - Attend OHMVR Commission Tour at Pismo (Dec. 11) and Full Commission Meeting (Dec. 12)

*** Update - 12/8/14 4:30 pm - Outdoor Beach Tour CX'd due to Weather - Due to weather warnings put out by the National Weather Service, the December 11, 2014, Oceano Dunes SVRA tour has been relocated indoors to the Oceano Depot, 1650 Front Street, Oceano, CA, beginning at 9:00 am.

I may still try and get there about 2pm on Wed. and do a pre-storm tour of the SVRA.  Let me know if you will be there on Wed. for the pre-storm tour.  Send RSVP to: damador@cwo.com

The Recreation HQ would like to invite all interested OHVers to attend the CA OHMVR Commission tour of Oceano Dunes SVRA at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2014 and the OHVMR Commission meeting on Friday, December 12, 2014 Friday, 8:30 a.m. – until adjournment, Marie Callender’s Conference Room, 2131 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.

Link to Official OHMVR Commission Announcement

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/01-notice_dec-11-12-2014_comm_tour-meeting.pdf

Link to Dec. 12 OHMVR Commission Agenda

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/02-agenda-ohmvr-commissionmtg-dec-12-2014.pdf

This will be a great opportunity for OHV interests to attend the commission meeting to learn about important issues such as the DRECP, new SVRA acquisitions, federal land agency reports, etc.

The Recreation HQ will be there both days.  Please look for the BRC's land use F250 and QWR’s official SxS (Teryx 800) at the tour and meeting.

This is your program and it is important for you, if possible, to attend and let the OHMVR commission hear your views.

See you there!

Questions?  Send email to: damador@cwo.com

Are you "Trail Proud?"

As I enter 25 years of service with BRC and QWR celebrates its 5^th year anniversary in 2015, I believe that OHV has a lot to be proud of.

OHV is no longer relegated to the political sidelines like we were during the Spotted Owl battle in the early 1990s.  Motorized recreation has matured and now joins other public land stakeholder groups as a respected and important member of the land use equation.

Being “Trail Proud” is a term that OHV should consider adopting as a way to express our passion for the sport and to codify our belief that responsible motorized recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas is here to stay.

Sierra,Sequoia, Inyo NF's Extend Wilderness Evaluation Comment Deadline to Sept. 24 at Noon

Don Amador Near Bass Lake on the Sierra NF

The Recreation HQ wants to alert motorized recreationists who value OHV recreation on the Inyo, Sierra, and Sequoia National Forests about the Forest Service extending the public comment period

For the Wilderness Evaluation until 12:00 pm (noon) on Wednesday, September 24, 2014.

Here is text from the FS update:

Due to agency internal technical errors, our database for accepting wilderness evaluation comments (Talking Points) shut down prematurely on Monday, September 22 at midnight (12:00am instead of 8:00am).

The Forest Service is re-activating the Talking Points website to extend the wilderness evaluation comment period until 12:00pm (noon) on Wednesday, September 24, 2014.

Link to FS update:

http://my.usgs.gov/ppgis/studio/launch/16850

Link to Wilderness Evaluation Webpage

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/planning/?cid=STELPRD3803608

BRC Comments on Wilderness Evaluation

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/BRC_Cmnts_Adopter_Forests_Wilderness_Evaluation_ISS_09.22.14.pdf

HQ reminds riders that there are many high quality OHV opportunities in all three of these National Forests.   It is vital that you send in comments and attend public meetings.  The public comments for the Forest Plan Revision process are due on Sept. 29.

OHV Bridge Installed to Protect Water Quality

Sierra NF

BRC Alert on Forest Plan Revision Process

http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2014/09/03/california--inyo-sequoia-and-sierra-national-forests-announce-scoping-public-workshops-for-forest-plan-revisio

Update on those meetings

I/BRC attended the Early Adopter Forest’s public meeting last week in Fresno, CA,  regarding  the Forest Plan Revision process for the Sierra, Inyo, and Sequoia National Forests (early adopter forests) might impact fire related vegetative treatments, provide sustainable wood products for local timber or biomass businesses, and enhance recreational opportunity.

However, the lack of detail on the maps at the various stations made it hard for stakeholders to identify historic motorized and non-motorized areas and routes.  It was also confusing since the agency appeared to have a two tiered route/area analysis where they tried to clearly identify destination/developed OHV recreation areas but did not seem to focus as much detail on, or inclusion of, several important high elevation backcountry and alpine-type routes and areas.

 Although the agency has improved the “recreation” narrative, it appears that more attention should be given to development of a more substantive “recreation strategy” in the planning process.

We talked with agency staff at the “Fire” station about how the Forest Service should protect and mitigate engineered system trail infrastructure during any pre or post-fire treatments or in forest health vegetative projects.  Those projects should be reviewed as to how they might potentially impact motorized use on designated roads, trails, and areas.

I remains concerned that the Early Adopter Forest’s proposed action’s plan will apparently create “quiet recreation” expectations on all landscapes including both motorized (non-quiet) and non-motorized land classifications could be problematic on a number of fronts. Those impacts include obliteration of the trail or removal of water control structures such as rolling dips and catch basins.  Those soil erosion measures can often cost $15,000 to $20,000/mile to install (or replace).  Other sections such as at-risk species, water quality, and ecosystems have the same recreation mitigation deficiencies.

What may be of equal importance to the information gleaned at the public meeting is the visible presence of OHV leadership at the event.  That commitment was noted and appreciated by agency staff.  At the Fresno meeting, BRC was joined by representatives from AMA, AMA District 36, and CAL4WD.

If you value access to public lands, please take some time and review these plans and show that you have a vested interest in recreation by attending a meeting and sending in a comment letter.

Thanks!

Essential for FS to Use Discretionary Authority in TMR Plans

Don Amador Reviewing Draft Smith River 

NRA Travel Plan with Local Access Leader

As BRC states in its June 9 comment letter on the Smith River NRA Draft Travel Plan,  it believes it is both legally necessary and pragmatically essential that the agency use its discretionary authority to formally establish a functional yet sustainable network of designated routes. 

June 9 BRC Comment Letter with Legal Citations

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/smith_river_DEIS_comments_FINAL_June_2014.pdf

As both agency staff and recreationists know, various preservationist and anti-access special interests will always incant a litany of alleged legal violations that prevent adoption of an Alternative that designates any meaningful network of vehicle route.  They are certainly entitled to voice their opinions, but the agency should carefully evaluate any such claims and realize they are thinly veiled efforts to advance an agenda that includes significantly reducing, if not eliminating, recreational use of vehicles in the National Forest System. 

HQ believes the agency is empowered to reject these anti-access positions through correct interpretation of the law, as reflected in various recent court decisions cited in the aforementioned comment letter.

There is a growing body of legal decisions that debunk the notion that “minimization” means the elimination of OHV recreation on Forest Service lands.

UPDATE - Mendocino NF Subpart A Travel Management Meetings - Red Bluff is Tonight!

FS Road Spokesman, Ken Wysocki, Reviews Road Maint. Cost Chart

The Recreation HQ attended the Mendocino NF’s Subpart A Road meeting last night in Ukiah.  The Forest had prepared various “discussion stations” where agency specialists were available to review the road network and how they relate to resource, fire, and recreational activities.

Lone Motorcycle at the Ukiah Mendo Road Workshop

 HQ believes that access interests should come prepared for tonight’s meeting in Red Bluff with ideas and suggestions on how forest roads are used and/or could be used for forest health, resource management, and recreation.

Based on last night’s meeting, I suggest that you should be able to:

Highlight existing OHV recreational opportunities and how roads relate their use.

Identify ML 3 roads that could be reclassified as ML 2 roads for backcountry OHV touring and extended loop opportunities.

Identify ML1 roads (many are administratively closed to the public) that could provide looped OHV opportunity if they were open and managed as a motorized trail.

Identify ML 3 roads that should be designated as Mixed-Use to provide connectivity for non-street legal OHV recreation and touring opportunities.

Identify County road segments that could provide connectivity to the OHV trail network.   Work with county officials to have the county designate them as Combined Use (for paved sections) or Non-Highway (for native surfaced county roads) for use by green-sticker vehicles.  HQ believes that counties have an important role to play as a partner with users and the FS to create new OHV tourism opportunities.

Link to Meeting Information

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3798728

 

The start/end time for the event is 3:30pm – 6:30pm the last meeting is listed below (however, I understand the Forest might hold another meeting in June)

May 14 - Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Camp Discovery Group Camp

Shannon Pozas, the Forest’s road engineer states, “ To be clear, this is not a proposal or decision document, but a transportation study that will help inform future road management planning and can serve as an additional resource in future multiple resource projects,” said Pozas.  “Similar to the MVUM, this document will continue to evolve and change over the years, with opportunities for interested public to share their thoughts and engage in the process.”

As you may know, Forest Service System Roads are the backbone of the Mendocino National Forest’s OHV program.  Many are managed as OHV trails for dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, and 4WD use.  Some roads are designated as “Mixed Use” which allows for use by non-street legal OHVs. Other roads provide connector routes between the trail systems and Ranger Districts.  Roads also provide general public access for hunting, firewood, and driving for pleasure.

HQ has been disappointed in the turnout so far by access interests.  The turnouts have been dismal.  HQ hopes folks will attend the meeting tonight and share their views with the agency. 

ACTION ALERT - Mendocino NF Holds Subpart A "Road" Meetings May 8-14

M5 is a FS System Road that allows for Mixed-Use by

Green-Sticker OHVs

The Recreation HQ wants to alert OHV enthusiasts about the ongoing public meetings (May 6-14 at various locations) the Mendocino National Forest are holding related to Subpart A of the Travel Management Rule.    

Link to Meeting Information

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3798728

  

The start/end time for each event is 3:30pm – 6:30pm and dates/location are as follows:

May 8 - Covelo Round Valley Library Community Room (23925 Howard St, Covelo)

May 13 - Ukiah BLM Field Office (2550 North State Street)

May 14 - Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Camp Discovery Group Camp

Shannon Pozas, the Forest’s road engineer states, “ To be clear, this is not a proposal or decision document, but a transportation study that will help inform future road management planning and can serve as an additional resource in future multiple resource projects,” said Pozas.  “Similar to the MVUM, this document will continue to evolve and change over the years, with opportunities for interested public to share their thoughts and engage in the process.”

As you may know, Forest Service System Roads are the backbone of the Mendocino National Forest’s OHV program.  Many are managed as OHV trails for dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, and 4WD use.  Some roads are designated as “Mixed Use” which allows for use by non-street legal OHVs. Other roads provide connector routes between the trail systems and Ranger Districts.  Roads also provide general public access for hunting, firewood, and driving for pleasure.

HQ urges riders and clubs to attend these meetings if at all possible.  If you can’t make it, try and have a friend or representative attend.  HQ believes it is important for users to attend these public formats to show your support for access to the Forest. 

I will be attending the May 13 meeting in Ukiah on behalf of BRC and QWR.  Thanks for your review of this alert.  

*Please fwd. to your OHV network.

Public Comments for CA OHV Grants Ends on April 7, 2014 - Send in a Comment Now

The Recreation HQ wants to send out a simple reminder about the public comment period for the CA OHV Preliminary Applications for the 2013/14 Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program that ends on April 7, 2014.

This is your chance to submit a comment letter. HQ believes it is important for local users to review the preliminary grant applications and offer your views.   It is a great time for your club to weigh in with a support letter for those land agencies that are trying to offer the OHV community some high quality managed motorized use on roads, trails, and areas.

Please go to the CA OHV Grant website below and follow the directions.  You will see that many units have not yet received a single comment letter.

CA OHV Grant Website

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/

You don’t have to comment on every single grant, but please try and comment on the riding areas that you like to frequent.  Agency recreation staff and leadership read each one of these letters and I believe it is important for us to let them know that we appreciate their effort.

Thanks for your review of this request.

Sierra Club Smear Campaign Against Carnegie and the Entire SVRA System

Dishonesty and disingenuousness are not admirable traits in either our personal or professional lives.  Over the years you have seen the Recreation HQ chronicle such behaviors by faux recreation groups and some hard-core anti-access groups.

The most recent example of this is where Kathryn Phillips, Director of the CA Sierra Club, has embraced the aforementioned undesirable traits via their ongoing campaign to attack the CA SVRA system with a disinformation blitz of unequaled proportion.

Sierra Club Attack on SVRAs

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=355188.0&dlv_id=312260

Link to History of Eco Campaign to Ban OHV Use at Carnegie/Telsa

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2014/02/ohv-challenges-greens-claim-to-divine.html

As many of you know, I often work with environmental groups in various stakeholder processes.  Some of those efforts to find common ground have been productive.  The key to any collaborative process is based on the personal and professional integrity of the participants.

I would have refrained from this missive if the Sierra Club had acknowledged the hard work by SVRA staff and volunteers to manage those units in a sustainable manner.  Phillips’ disingenuousness is highlighted by the fact she never mentioned the new engineered contour trails that have been constructed and the many historic hillclimbs that have been closed and restored to a natural condition over the last 35 years. 

A Hillside Restoration Project Ignored by Sierra Club

Also, she failed to cite the many trail delineators, signing efforts, and water quality structures installed to protect natural and cultural resources.

Resource Protection Project Ignored by Sierra Club

It is my hope that some of the mainstream leaders in the environmental community will urge their colleagues to abandon their outdated and tired attack strategies and work with the SVRAs and OHV user groups on effective on-the-ground projects that protect resources and provide quality motorized and non-motorized recreational opportunities throughout the state.

OHV Challenges Green's Claim to Divine Right for Use of Tesla at Livermore City Council Meeting

In response to yet another attempt by some anti-OHV environmental groups and the East Bay Regional Park District to ban or “interfere” with future OHV use on the Tesla portion of Carnegie SVRA, over 200 members of the OHV community – including many youth - attended the Livermore City Council meeting last night to express their support for Carnegie SVRA and future OHV use at Tesla.

In January, a cabal of anti-OHV groups presented the Council with their distorted and perverted view that the Tesla property was actually theirs by Divine Right.  They urged the Council to join and support their politically motivated quest to ban OHV use at Tesla, a use for which that property was purchased – and approved by the legislature – in the 1990s.

Jan. 17 Article on Anti-OHV Cabal at Livermore City Council

http://www.independentnews.com/news/article_18d21f60-7ee6-11e3-86f5-001a4bcf887a.html

A large number of Livermore residents gave their personal testimony about what an important role that Carnegie SVRA has played in their family’s life.  AMA District 36 representatives, 4WD groups, and others talked about the park’s history and its economic value to the local area. 

BRC’s western representative, Carnegie user, and former OHMVR commissioner (circa 1994-2000) Don Amador, explained the OHV community’s original vision for Tesla regarding it being the perfect site for a high quality backcountry trail experience on designated routes for both non-street legal and street-legal OHVs including 4WDs, SxSs, and SUVs.

Amador also presented the Council with several letters that detailed the inappropriate relationship between environmental groups and East Bay Regional Park District.  Those documents highlight what appear to be violations of CEQA and the Public Resources Code.

HQ credits Livermore Mayor John Marchand for his acknowledgment of the Council’s jurisdictional limitations when it comes to formal actions they can take regarding the Carnegie planning process.  The Mayor did say that city staff will review – per standard protocol – the Carnegie Draft EIR for potential impacts to the city.

Link to CEQA and PRC Violations

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2013/07/east-bay-park-district-votes-to.html

The Recreation HQ commends the OHV community for their determination to fight for Carnegie SVRA and to challenge those agenda driven environmental groups who want to interfere with responsible OHV recreation at the Park.

*If you attended the meeting… please leave a comment on this forum and tell your story to our readers.

Movie Review - Why We Ride - A Cinematic MRI of the People and Sport

Memories - Visiting with My Off-Road Hero, Malcolm Smith

After experiencing the new movie – Why We Ride – yesterday at its Sacramento debut, I did not get much sleep last night because I was so pumped up by the film and was looking forward to sharing my thoughts about it with you today.

Memories - Riding with my son, Jonathan, and his friend, Robby Edwards

I don’t want to give away too much of the movie.  However I can tell you that for us motorcyclists, the film explores, explains, and captures the very essence of what it means to be a member of the motorcycle family.  It takes the viewer on a journey through time.  From the sport’s humble beginnings where racers competed on wooden tracks in 1905 to family motorcycle campouts at OHV areas, the movie delves into the people of the sport.   It is cinematic MRI that unveils the passion we feel for the sport.

Memories - Riding with my wife, Ellen, last summer

Who should see this movie?

Motorcyclists – It is preaching to the choir.  Bring some Kleenex for those warm tears of joy and happiness.

Future Motorcyclists – It provides the elements needed to germinate that dormant “motorcycle gene” that might be part of your DNA.

Land Agencies – It is a must see for agency recreation staff, line officers, and specialists who are involved in managing OHV recreation.  It will help you understand the people who enjoy off-road motorcycles.

Stakeholder groups – For environmental organizations, conservation groups, outdoor industry, and media, it will help you better understand (and maybe even appreciate) the passion  we feel when riding on trails, carving canyons, touring, camping with the family, or participating in a permitted event.

Memories - Exploring the Backcountry

Here is a link to the movie trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxGNI4jpzL4

Find out where it is playing and see it live (or get it for a club or org. viewing)

http://whyweridefilm.com/screenings-videos.html

Purchase DVD Here (it will also be avail. at MC shops)
http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Ride-Kenny-Roberts/dp/B00GHYIQ18/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A3LQ2KBQZVPHG4

Memories - Cooling off after death trail ride in 113 degree heat

Please feel free to post a comment after you have seen the film.

Thanks,

Don

Govt. Shutdown Causes Cancelled Off-Road Events and Reduces Access

Watch for "Closed" Signs at Developed Campgrounds

 

The Recreation HQ has been contacting various federal land managers today regarding the government shutdown’s impact to OHV recreation.

Already, an AMA sanctioned motorcycle event on BLM lands has been cancelled.  On another unit, a scheduled cleanup day sponsored by OHV enthusiasts for this upcoming weekend has been cancelled.

HQ expects that “closed to the public” signs will be put up over the next few days at the entrance to many, if not most, developed campgrounds on FS and BLM lands.  Some units will also post closed signs on the trails.

 

Closure Sign at OR Dunes NRA near Florence

*Photo credit: Save the Riders Dunes

 

Deer hunting season is in full swing right now and that user group will be impacted by the closure of some facilities.  Hunters may find it difficult to get their deer tags signed by FS or BLM recreation staff since those non-essential personnel have been furloughed.

HQ urges all outdoor recreationists to be aware that reduced access to public lands has become a reality in the budget fight.

D.C. Budget Fight Could Impact OHV Recreation

As the threat of a government shutdown looms at midnight tonight, HQ is concerned that OHV recreation (especially permitted events) could be an unintended victim in this fight.

While many, if not most, national parks are expected to be closed, HQ believes it is unclear just what will happen at OHV areas managed by the Forest Service and BLM. 

There are many federal OHV riding areas  that could be impacted. At developed sites, will garbage be picked up?  Will the bathrooms be cleaned?  Will there be resource protection or law enforcement officers patrolling the unit?  Will there be recreation staff available to answer questions or hand out a map?  On units funded by state OHV grants, will those dedicated monies be used to keep an area open during the shutdown?

HQ does not believe the FS or BLM will barricade county or state roads that enter public lands, but this could result in the agencies cancelling any permitted OHV events that are scheduled during the shutdown.

Stay tuned as the budget battle continues in D.C.

OR Dunes Update -Major Dune Work Party - Sept. 21/22, 2013

The Recreation HQ wants to commend the Save the Riders Dunes organization for becoming an effective local force for protecting OHV recreation at, and promoting responsible resource management of, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Oregon.

HQ's Don Amador on 2011 Dune Tour

 

 

Some of you remember our 2011 CORDRAM Tour up the Oregon Dunes to review important recreation and resource issues with local riders and the Forest Service.   Those tours included all three major riding areas, visiting with local OHV-related businesses, talking with county officials, and a one day field trip with the Forest Supervisor.

 

Blog on 2011 CORDRAM Tour 

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/08/hq-announces-2011-cordram-tour.html

 

This effort has led to a substantive change of direction in the travel planning process.  The initial FS travel planning had no tenets to address the real danger to the dunes and that is destruction of the dunes by non-native vegetation.  Today the FS and users are working together on a resource project as cited below.

STRD Members ID Popular Riding Area on 2011 Tour

 

 

This weekend on Sept 21-22, 2013, STRD and US Forest Service are coordinating the start of the Oregon Dunes Restoration Project.  They are asking interested parties in the area to join them at Bullrun Staging Area, North Bend at 10am.  They are asking you to bring your work gloves and digging tools!

 

For more information on this weekend's project contact the event lead; Jody Phillips at

coleman.phillips@hospira.com

 

 

Kiosk at OR Dunes

This is a good case study of what happens when OHV recreationists organize and engage the agency and other user groups in the management of an area.   HQ salutes STRD for their effective advocacy and dedication to protect the sport and also champion responsible resource management.

 

STRD Website

http://www.savetheridersdunes.com/About-Us.html

 

Again, this story highlights the importance of OHV recreationists being engaged at a landscape level with the agency, county, green groups, businesses, and other user organizations. 

 

Eldorado SEIS Appeal Resolution - Enviros Get Another Bite at the Apple

One of the "18" Closed Routes - The "Mud Lake" Trail

 

 

 On September 11, 2013 the Eldorado NF reached an appeals resolution with appellants of the June 14, 2013 SEIS and Record of Decision that would have immediately reopened 24 of the “42 meadow routes”  and opened another 18 routes after corrective action (mitigation, such as hardening a meadow crossing, fixing drainage, etc.) was taken.

 

Copy of Agreement

http://www.peer.org/assets/docs/ca/9_16_13_Final_Eldorado.pdf
 

List of the 24 open routes and 18 closed routes

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5435815.pdf
 

FS News Release on Agreement

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5435834
 

Those corrective actions could range from a couple of hours of work with a pick and shovel to project-level NEPA efforts that might include a significant reroute or even installation of an OHV bridge.

HQ is still reviewing the resolution agreement, but it appears that environmental groups have managed to create an extra layer of red-tape by requiring the agency to allow them early review of any proposed   meadow project for those 18 routes.

 

The goal of many anti-OHV groups is to create an additional planning hurdle that must be crossed by the agency before that project can be developed.  It appears that goal has achieved in the resolution by creating a new modified NEPA process where those groups can gum up the project before it even gets off the ground.

Although the anti-OHV groups have succeeded in gaining some leverage in mitigation planning for those 18 routes, HQ believes that user groups should hold the agency’s feet to the fire by working hard to effect the Forest Supervisor’s promise to “get on with repairing the other 18 routes.”

 

Stayed tuned on this never ending saga.

 

 

NV Sage Grouse Update - OHV Concerns noted by State Grouse Council at Carson City Meeting

Don Amador Riding in Pine Nuts

*Area Noted as a High Value Sage Habitat Reserve

 

The Recreation HQ wanted to give OHVers and racers who ride in Nevada a quick update on today’s meeting of the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Council in Carson City, Nevada.

 

As some of you know,  this State of Nevada effort is running concurrently with two other federal Greater Sage-grouse planning efforts.  

 

BRC remains concerned about the fact that motorized recreation was not afforded a seat on the council.  As you will see in BRC’s comment letter today, we reaffirmed that concern and noted our OHV casual use and permitted event-related comments submitted to the council in May 2013 had not been addressed in any of the staff reviews and/or related reports.

 

BRC Sept. 12, 2013 Comment Letter to the Council

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Nevada_Ecosystem_Council_BRC_comments_Sept.12.3013.pdf

 

While watching the meeting on a live video stream, it was gratifying to note that BRC’s comment letter today was referenced several times by agency staff and council members as providing important information regarding OHV use that had not been considered as of yet.

 

While the FS representative basically stated he did not anticipate significant impacts to existing OHV use on designated trails and areas, I continue to be concerned about unintended consequences to OHV recreation if we are not actively engaged on all three processes.

 

You can find meeting schedules and other info at the websites below:

 

ONE – State of NV

 

NV Sagebrush Ecosystem Council

http://sagebrusheco.nv.gov/

 

NV Sagebrush Ecosystem Council Meetings/Documents

http://sagebrusheco.nv.gov/Meetings/Sagebrush_Ecosystem_Council_Meeting/

 

TWO – Forest Service

 

Humboldt-Toiyabe NF Bi-State Greater Sage-grouse Forest Plan (be sure and click on DEIS link)

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=40683

 

THREE - BLM

BLM Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Planning Effort

https://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/nv-ca-usfs-blm-release-draft-bi-state-sage-grouse-eis

 

BRC Greater Sage-grouse home page with updates, etc.

http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/10-state-sage-grouse-planning

 

HQ wants to encourage NV OHVers to try and be engaged in these processes.  I will be up at the Ride Reno 200 DS Ride this weekend so feel free to stop by and visit me at the BRC booth on Friday night or catch me at the Sat. night dinner.

BREAKING NEWS - OHV Division Weighs in on East Bay Park District Tesla Vote

 

Many S.F. Bay Area fans of Carnegie SVRA have been following the ongoing and often quite nasty saga regarding East Bay Regional Park District’s attempt to ban future OHV recreation on the Tesla property.

As you know,  I attended and spoke at the July 16, 2013 District meeting where BRC challenged the park board vote to approve the master plan's effort to obtain the Tesla property at some future date.

 

Link to BRC story on July 16, 2013 District Vote

http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2013/07/17/bay-area-park-board-votes-block-motorized-recreation-ohv-park
 

HQ got a call today from a reporter who wanted my comments on an August 21, 2013 letter from the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to the District.  I told the reporter if he wanted my comments in time for an upcoming article that I would need a copy of the letter.  The reporter sent me the letter.

 

After receiving the letter below from the reporter, I asked myself the question, ”How did this reporter get a copy of the letter since it had only been sent to government officials?”  It appears that some official in the District leaked the document to the media or some environmental group in order to generate more controversy.

 

If the District did leak this letter, I feel it shows a lack of professionalism and good taste.  Rather than reflecting well on the District, this communication appears to show discord and a lack of respect for the public and the law.

 

OHMVRD Aug. 21, 2013 Letter to East Bay Regional Park District

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Tesla_letter_from_Parks_Dept_08.21.13.pdf

It will be interesting to see how the media covers this story and if they will give OHV a fair shake.  Thanks for your interest and support on this important issue.

 

# # #

 

 

 

Take Time to Enjoy Family OHV Recreation

Ellen Amador on her Yamaha TTR225 on Auk Auk Ridge

 

While Congress is still on their August recess, I wanted to take a short break from the land-use battles to share a lighter moment regarding family-oriented OHV recreation.   Here at the HQ, we spend a lot of time out with clubs, user groups, and agency folks working on access and recreation issues.  We don’t often highlight the fun aspects of our sport and how it can provide for some great family time.

 

Earlier this summer, I took my wife, Ellen, out for a camp trip on the Mendocino NF to tour the trails impacted by the 2012 Mill Fire and to also ride on some of our old favorite routes.

 

Ellen had not been on a trail bike for a number of years and it was great to see her out having fun and riding her bike.

 

Please enjoy this short video of Ellen on 18N03 about 2 miles south of where 18N03 intersects with M3.

 

Video of Ellen on Her TTR225

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucr4IQm0SVo&feature=youtu.be

 

Have a great rest of the summer and here is to a great riding season!  See you on the trail.

 

Don

Off-Road Hall of Fame Offers New Club Member Program - Very Cool

The Recreation HQ was up at the 2013 Sierra Trek this past week.  While running the BRC booth on vendor row, I had a chance to visit with Shelby Hall from the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.

 

Many great off-road legends have been inducted in the Hall.   In 2006, I had the privilege to attend the 2006 ceremony where BRC’s Clark Collins (I accepted the award on behalf of Clark Collins) was inducted along with Sal Fish, Bob Ham, Corky McMillin, and Ivan Stewart.

Shelby told me the Hall is working hard on better outreach to the OHV community.  One of their new programs is the Club Affiliation membership for $100/annually.  Shelby said that any OHV-related club (e.g. motorcycle, SxS, ATV, 4x4, etc.) is eligible for this program.  HQ believes this is a great way to try and engage clubs in honoring our off-road heroes.

Shelby’s contact info is below for any questions you may have.

 

Shelby Hall

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame

Find us on Facebook

www.ormhof.org

775.815.4892

 

# # #

Early Report on QWR/BRC 2013 Summer Northcoast Redwood Access Tour

Del Norte County BOS Building

 

Although HQ is officially closed until Monday, we wanted to get a short story out for weekend readers who want to know how the 2013 Summer Northcoast Redwood Access Tour turned out.  In simple words, it was a huge success.  



NPS/State Park HQ in Orick

 

HQ will go into more details next week, but we attended a number of meetings and/or tours with county officials, users, and agency staff to discuss and review a wide range of state and federal OHV recreation-related issues.

The Land Use Battle Wagon at the Largest (or one of the largest flags) Flag in CA

"Wes Greene's Tractor Service in Arcata"

 

At the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors video link below (44:24 to 52:12) you will find BRC’s, Don Amador, giving public comment to the officials on the following subjects: noting board’s history of fighting for access, non-highway designations for county roads, asking FS to revisit 1999 project level NEPA decision to close 40 miles of routes in High Plateau, county RS2477 filing/request, restoring green-sticker vehicle access at Tolowa Dunes State Park,  potential for a county ATV park, ask county to review its standing/statute of limitations regarding the biology scandal involving Mad River Biologists, and listing the Last Chance Grade Bypass plan as an emergency.

 

Video Link (if you have trouble with Internet Explorer… try launching video in Google Chrome)

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/36301919

 

Popular OHV Route on Smith River NRA

 

 

Thanks to all who helped support this tour.  Watch for more tour-related stories in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity counties.

 

# # #