CA Trail Users Alert - Ask Gov. Brown to Keep CA in the RTP

 

The Recreation HQ is asking all of our non-motorized and motorized readers in CA to take a minute and send a short letter to Governor Brown today asking him to keep California in the National Recreational Trails Program (RTP).   If California opts-out, it could start the dominos falling in other states.

BRC and other recreation groups have issued alerts with info about this issue.

BRC Alert on RTP Alert for CA Trail Users

http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2013/05/10/california-rtp-in-danger-once-again

 

In many states - particularly in states with no OHV program - OHVers rely entirely on funds from RTP for their motorized projects.   HQ believes Governor Brown may take the advice from some in Sacramento and opt-out of the program UNLESS he gets a short message from you.

 

HQ has a link below to all of the RTP grants given in California between 1993-2012.  Many of them are related to OHV or OSV.  You can check and see what motorized or non-motorized group, county, or agency has received a RTP grant in CA.

Link to RTP Report of Grants from 1993-2012

Here is a draft letter that HQ has prepared for those of you to use if needed.  Send in a letter today and also consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.  (Yes, I have already sent in my personal letter and sent a letter-to-the-editor of my local newspaper)

SAMPLE LETTER 

_________________________________________________________

Governor Jerry Brown

State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX: 916.558.3160

 

Re: Keep CA in the National Recreational Trails Program

 

Dear Governor Brown:

 

As a trail user in California, I urge you to continue this state’s participation in the federal government’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP).   If California opts-out of RTP is could have a devastating impact on the entire program.  The success of RTP depends in each state being an active participant in the program. 

 

RTP is an environmentally sound program that supports both non-motorized and motorized trail projects.   It is a program that benefits trail-based tourism in California and helps support local economies and businesses.

 

Again, I urge you to please continue California’s participation in RTP.

  

Sincerely,

 

Joe Trail User

Any town, CA

____________________________________________________

HQ thanks all trail users in advance to taking time to send in a short letter that will benefit trail enthusiasts on a national basis.

 

HQ ACTION ALERT - Congress Attempts to Steal OHV Money from RTP

Earlier this year, I testified before the California State Legislature urging them not to steal money from the “user-pay/user-benefit” CA OHV Trust Fund. They were informed such an action would create an even greater distrust of state government if they did so. But as many of you already know, they took votes to approve the theft when pro-trail politicians were absent (using the sanitation facilities for 5 mins.) from the committee.


HQ Blog on the Stealing of CA OHV Trust Funds
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/02/california-native-sends-letter-to.html

Info and Copy of Letter to CA State Legislature
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/02/code-red-alert-ohv-trust-fund-under.html

Now it seems our federal elected officials plan to steal and/or gut the Recreation Trails Program (a national version –more or less – of the CA OHV Program).

HQ wants to issue a national “all hands on deck” alert asking you to send a letter to your Congressional representative on this issue. Both AMA and ARRA have set up easy to use (I used them myself) alerts with letters they will send for you.

AMA Alert with Letter to Save RTP
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/issueslegislation.aspx

ARRA Alert with Letter to Save RTP (go to “Action Needed” Section and click on RTP)
http://www.arra-access.com/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage

HQ says, “good luck” to future government bodies who ask us to “pay our own way” on recreation projects. What sort of message is government sending when it breaks a promise and then steals or guts a non-taxpayer funded user-pay/user-benefit dedicated fiscal stream to OHV and other forms of recreation? Talk about a thumb in the eye!