**********************
05/25/2013 11:39**********************
Wrong Address for Protest Letters
Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 13:23:14
-0700
Subject: BLM to Accept Returned Clear Creek Protest Letters
From: dchristy@blm.gov
To:
BLM to Accept
Returned Clear Creek Protest Letters
The Bureau
of Land Management will accept returned protest letters on the Clear Creek
Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS) mailed to an incorrect address until June 14.
The mailing
address for filing public protests listed on the BLM postcard and website for
the PRMP/FEIS was incorrect. The correct address was shown on the Dear
Reader Letter inside the PRMP/FEIS and on the official Federal Register
Notice.
If you submitted
a protest during the protest period using the incorrect address provided on the
BLM postcard and/or website, you may resubmit your protest package with proof
of the original postmarked envelope to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail:
Director (210)
Attention: Brenda Hudgens-Williams
P.O. Box 71383
Washington, D.C. 20024-1383
Overnight
Mail (non-USPS delivery service):
Director
(210)
Attention: Brenda Hudgens-Williams
20 M St SE, Room 2134LM
Washington, D.C. 20003
All resubmitted
protests should be postmarked no later than June 14, 2013, to be considered.
Please note that
this is not an extension of the original protest period. New protests or
protests without proof of original submission by the protest end date of May 6,
2013, will not be considered.
More information
about the public protest period and resolution process is available at the BLM
Resource Management Plan Protest Resolution informational web page http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area/CCMA_RMP.html
Following the
public protest period, BLM must resolve protests before approving any changes
to the CCMA's land use decisions. The final Record of Decision for the
PRMP/FEIS will replace the current temporary
closure order
for the Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
BLM’s practice
is to make protest letters, including names and home addresses of respondents,
available for public review and disclosure subject to the Freedom of
Information Act. Before including your address, phone number,
e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your protest, be
advised that your entire protest letter—including your personal identifying
information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request
BLM withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from organizations
and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives
or officials of organizations and businesses, will be available for public
inspection in their entirety.
Copies of the
PRMP/FEIS have been sent to affected federal, state, and local government
agencies and to interested parties. Copies of the PRMP/FEIS are available for
public inspection at the BLM Hollister Field Office, 20 Hamilton Court,
Hollister, CA 95023 Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. Hard copies and CDs are also available by request at this location as
well.
The
Environmental Protection Agency has been a cooperating agency in this effort
because of concerns expressed by EPA and the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control regarding the potential for human health risks from exposure
to naturally occurring asbestos in the area. The Clear Creek Management
Area RMP/EIS will fulfill the needs and obligations set forth by the National
Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and BLM
management policies.
For more
information, contact Brenda Hudgens-Williams at (202) 912-7212.
--
David Christy
BLM Central California Public Affairs
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-3146
cell: (916) 206-1520
fax: (916) 941-3199
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04/25/2013 07:41**********************
Clear Creek Special Meeting
State of California The Natural Resources Agency
Edmund G Brown Jr Governor
OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR
VEHICLE RECREATION COMMISSION
1725 23rd Street Suite 200 Sacramento CA 916-324-4442 ohvinfo@parks.ca.gov
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Paul Slavik, Chair Breene Kerr, Vice Chair Ernest
Cabral Kevin Murphy Edward Patrovsky Diana Pérez Teresa Villegas
AGENDA
Special Meeting of the OFF-HIGHWAY
MOTOR VEHICLE RECREATION COMMISSION
May 3, 2013
Holiday Inn
1350 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112
10:00 a.m. I.
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B.
Roll Call
II.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA (1)
III. BUSINESS ITEM (1)(2a)(2c)
The OHMVR Commission will consider and may take action on submitting a
letter to the Bureau of Land Management protesting the approval of the Clear
Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan (PRMP) and Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
11:30 a.m.
Public Comment Period (2b)(2c)
Adjournment
(1) Unless the order
is revised by majority vote the Commission will proceed through the agenda in
order until the agenda is completed. The Commission may take action
following presentation public comment and Commission discussion of those
matters listed under Business Items. [Gov. Code §§ 11122, 11125 (a) and (b)]. The
agenda will be interrupted at approximately 11:30 a.m. for public comment. The
Commission will take a lunch recess at approximately noon.
(2) PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Agenda items: The
Chair will entertain public comment as the Commission takes up agenda items.
Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. Those individuals wishing to
comment on agenda items should fill out the green “Public Comment - Agenda
Items” form and submit it to the Commission recording secretary.
(b) Public comment
period for all non-agenda items: Those persons wishing to address the
Commission on non-agenda items during the 11:30 a.m. public comment period
should fill out the blue “Public Comment Form for Items Not on the Agenda” form
and submit it to the Commission recording secretary.
(c) Written materials: Members of the public
presenting written or graphic materials as part of their public comments to the
Commission are requested to provide fourteen (14) copies to the Commission
recording secretary.
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03/27/2013 18:49**********************
BLM Releases Clear Creek Proposed Plan
BLM Releases Clear Creek Proposed Plan
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hollister Field Office has released the Clear Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. The CCMA encompasses approximately 63,000 acres of public lands in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties.
BLM issued an order to close public lands in the Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern portion of CCMA on May 1, 2008, to protect persons, property and public land resources while the RMP was developed. The temporary closure was issued in response to the results of the Environmental Protection Agency?s CCMA Asbestos Exposure and Human Health Risk Assessment, which determined that asbestos exposures measured by EPA for many recreational activities at CCMA exceed the acceptable risk range for carcinogens.
Under the Proposed RMP, off-highway vehicle use would not be authorized in the ACEC. However, limited motorized entry would be allowed within the ACEC to provide access to key areas of interest for non-motorized recreation. Vehicle touring in the ACEC would be limited to a 32 mile scenic route loop. Access into the ACEC would be authorized by permit only, with vehicle touring limited to less than five days/year and pedestrian activity limited to less than 12 days/year.
BLM has also included adaptive management criteria in the propose RMP which will allow BLM to periodically reassess land use plan decisions if significant new information on human health risks from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers becomes available.
?The release of this proposed RMP is a big step in opening the area to public use,? said Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office Manager.
A 30-day protest period on the Proposed RMP/Final EIS runs from April 5 through May 6. During this period, any person who participated in the planning process and believes they may be adversely affected by approval of the plan may submit a protest. A final decision on the RMP will not be issued until protests are resolved. Procedures for filing protests are available at the website:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/planning/protest_resolution.html
The Proposed RMP/Final EIS is available on-line for public review at the Hollister Field Office webpage: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area/CCMA_RMP.html.
Compact disks of the document are available by request from the Hollister Field Office Bureau of Land Management, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023. For additional information contact the Hollister Field Office at (831) 630-5000.
Here's info on the protest process
The PRMP/FEIS is available for a 30-day public protest period beginning on the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the Notice of Availability of the PRMP/FEIS in the Federal Register. Pursuant to BLM?s planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5-2, any person who participated in the planning process for this PRMP and has an interest which is or may be adversely affected by the planning decisions may protest approval of the planning decisions within 30 days from date the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.
The regulations specify the required elements of your protest. A protest may raise only those issues which were submitted for the record during the planning process.
(1) The protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Director.
(2) The protest shall contain:
(i) The name, mailing address, telephone number and interest of the person filing the protest;
(ii) A statement of the issue or issues being protested;
(iii) A statement of the part or parts of the plan or amendment being protested;
(iv) A copy of all documents addressing the issue or issues that were submitted during the planning process by the protesting party or an indication of the date the issue or issues were discussed for the record; and
(v) A concise statement explaining why the State Director's decision is believed to be wrong.
(3) The Director shall promptly render a decision on the protest. The decision shall be in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the decision. The decision shall be sent to the protesting party by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(b) The decision of the Director shall be the final decision of the Department of the Interior.
Resource Management Plan Protest Critical Item Checklist
The following items must be included to constitute a valid protest whether using this optional format, or a narrative letter (refer to 43 CFR 1610.5-2).
? Name of Resource Management Plan (RMP) or Amendment (RMPA) being protested
? Protester?s Name
? Address
? Phone Number
? Your interest in filing this protest (how will you be adversely affected by the approval or amendment of this plan?)
? Issue or issues being protested
? Statement of the part or parts of the plan being protested (including Chapter, Section, Page, and/or Map)
? Attach copies of all documents addressing the issue(s) that were submitted during the planning process by the protesting party, OR an indication of the date the issue(s) were discussed for the record (including dates)
? A concise statement explaining why the State Director?s decisions is believed to be wrong.
Take care to document all relevant facts. As much as possible, reference or cite the planning documents or available planning records (e.g. meeting minutes or summaries, correspondence, etc.).
Emailed and faxed protests will not be accepted as valid protests unless the protesting party also provides the original letter by either regular or overnight mail postmarked by the close of the protest period. Under these conditions, the BLM will consider the emailed or faxed protest as an advance copy and will afford it full consideration. If you wish to provide the BLM with such advance notification, please direct faxed protests to the attention of Brenda Hudgens-Williams- BLM protest coordinator at 202-245-0028, and emailed protests to: Brenda_Hudgens-Williams@blm.gov.
All protests, including the follow-up letter to emails or faxes, must be in writing and mailed to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Director (210) Director (210)
Attn: Brenda Hudgens-Williams Attn: Brenda Hudgens-Williams
P.O. Box 71383 20 M Street SE, Room 2134LM
Washington, D.C. 20024-1383 Washington, D.C. 20003
BLM?s practice is to make protest letters, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review and disclosure subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your protest, be advised that your entire protest letter?including your personal identifying information?may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request BLM withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations and businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety.
The BLM Director will make every attempt to promptly render a decision on each protest. The decision will be in writing and will be sent to the protesting party by certified mail, return receipt requested. The decision of the BLM Director shall be the final decision of the Department of the Interior on each protest. Responses to protest issues will be compiled and formalized in a Director?s Protest Resolution Report made available following issuance of the decisions.
Upon resolution of all land use plan protests, the BLM will issue an Approved RMP and Record of Decision (ROD). The Approved RMP and ROD will be mailed or made available electronically to all who participated in the planning process and will be available to all parties through the ?Planning? page of the BLM national website (http://www.blm.gov/planning), or by mail upon request.
--
David Christy
BLM Central California Public Affairs
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-3146
cell: (916) 206-1520
fax: (916) 941-3199
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**********************
03/07/2013 00:37**********************
Friends OF Oceano Dunes 11th Annual Crab Feed to Save Pismo Beach
Friends OF Oceano Dunes
11th Annual Crab Feed
March 16, 2013
Its time to mark your calendars and send in your money
to save a spot
You don?t want to miss out on the best party of the
year
You?ve heard about this one Its going to be fun
So get your
Hawaiian shirts hula skirts and even your Lei and come out to help support the
Friends Of Oceano Dunes as they work hard to keep Pismo Beach open for ALL of
us to play
Salad Pasta and all you can eat.
Drinks from the World Famous Tiki Bar
Catering by Anthony Freitas
Madera County Fairgrounds
Hatfield Hall
5:00 p.m. till ?
$50.00 per Person
$90.00 per Couple
$450.00 for a table of 10
$80.00 per Person at the Door
Event Ticket Info
www.oceanodunes.org
or
Call Richard Dellanini
WHAT HAPPENS AT
THE CRAB FEED WONT NECESSARLIY STAY AT THE CRAB FEED
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10/25/2012 02:06**********************
Salinas Ramblers ATV/UTV Play Days
Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club
Weekend ATV/UTV Play Days
November 10th and 11th, 2012
Obstacle Courses
Rodeo Events
Guided Rides
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Extreme Alternate Routes
Cry Baby Creek
Victims Canyon
Rocky Uphill
Poker Run & 50/50 Drawing
Guided Saturday Night Ride
Saturday Dinner/Dance
In Advance Pricing At Event
(prior to 11/05/12) Pricing
Per Quad (incl. 1 Dinner) $25 $30
Per Side X Side (incl. 2 Dinners) $50 $60
Additional Dinner Tickets $10 $15
Dinner: BBQ 10oz. Center Cut Top Sirloin Steak, Beans, Green
Salad, Garlic Bread
** There will be a limited number of Dinners available for
purchase at the event **
FREE Dry Camping at the Event Location
Motels available in Coalinga, CA (approximately 40 miles from
Event Location)
VERY EXCLUSIVE Private Property ? Salinas
Ramblers Club Property
22201 Old Coalinga Highway
Coalinga, CA
For Advance Tickets/Information: Derrick Morris
831-970-5562
caquadgod@gmail.com
No Refunds after October 26th, 2012 -- Remember you are a Guest of
the Ramblers
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**********************
10/15/2012 16:13**********************
California: Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 22!
 |
 |
 |
| California: Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 22! |
More Info |
| Register to vote, it's easy! |
| |
The November elections are closer than you think, and your state voter registration deadline is rapidly approaching!
The California voter registration deadline for the coming general election is Oct. 22.
The good news is that you don?t even have to leave your desk to register. Just click here and follow the four simple steps to register right now.
To protect the motorcycle lifestyle, we need people like you to support the candidates who pledge their support for motorcycling. And the best way to get involved and make a difference in the political process is to vote.
To access election information and a list of candidates running for statewide or federal office, click here.
So take a moment to make sure that your voice is heard in November. And encourage your fellow riders to do the same by utilizing the ?Tell-A-Friend? feature included in this alert.
Wondering if your voter registration is current? This non-partisan site will check your status!
Thank you for taking an active role to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of riding. |  |
| |
AmericanMotorcyclist.com . Alert Center . Contribute to the Cause . State Legislation . Motorcycle State Laws . Register to Vote
AMA Facebook Page . RSS Feed |
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10/12/2012 16:33**********************
Comment Period El Dorado National Forest
Fri, October 12, 2012 12:11:29 PMEldorado National Forest to review 42 routes
Comments due November 7 for Eldorado review More Info
42 routes are to be considered
CA4WDC has been involved with Travel management planning in the El Dorado National Forest for many years. This process went through all the NEPA hoops and a final plan was signed by the Forest Supervisor.
Litigation to block implementation of the plan was brought by anti-access groups wishing to have a court imposed result they could not achieve in the public process. This litigation focused on 42 routes in the Forest that had been proposed open under the plan. The court ordered these routes temporarily closed until the Forest could do future analysis of their proximity to and effects on meadows.
The challenge hinges on a forest rule that the court recommended be changed. The Forest has now done a complete field survey of all the routes and has offered the solution in this release. All of the Forest?s high value/traveled 4X4 routes except the Rubicon are on this list. They included Barrett Lake, Strawberry, Deer Valley aka Blue lakes, Pardoe, Long Valley and many other fun and historic routes. We are very pleased the Forest Service has made this action a priority and offered a quality solution. We need your outpouring of support for this plan. Please review and comment by the Nov 7 deadline.
Please visit this link to view the documents and submit your comments.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldora...TELPRDB5362046
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10/02/2012 17:59**********************
Membership Drive Optional Dual Sport Adventure Temporarily Postponed
|
Stewards
of the Sierra National Forest
4th
Annual
Membership
Drive, BBQ Fundraiser
&
Optional
Dual Sport Adventure
Elks Lodge in
Oakhurst California
October 13 & 14 2012
Temporarily Postponed Till July 2013
Due
to Record Setting Heat
and
Extreme
Dangerous Fire Conditions
|
Just a quick note to say Thank You to all of you who have already signed up for
the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest 4th Annual Membership
Drive, BBQ Fundraiser, and Optional Dual Sport Adventure that was scheduled to
be held in Oakhurst California on October 13-14, 2012 at the Oakhurst Elks
Lodge.
Due to the Record
Setting High Temperatures in September and now going into October with no chance
of rain in sight we felt it would be better to postpone the event to a later
date in 2013 when better ground conditions exist. Because of the extreme late intense heat and
tinder dry conditions the Sierra National Forest has issued an EXTREME FIRE DANGER
ALERT for the Sierra National Forest. We have not had any rain and the ground conditions
for our Optional Dual Sport Adventure would be extremely dusty.
I would like to personally apologize to all of you for any inconvenience this
date change may cause. For those of you who have sent in your
registration forms and donations we have not deposited any of your donations
yet. I will be contacting each and every
one of you personally to see how you would like your donation to be
handled. We do ask you to consider leaving the donation
in place to help the Stewards keep your favorite roads and trails open for you
and your families enjoyment. If this is
not possible we will be more than happy to send it back.
Thank You in advance for your understanding in the date
change due to the conditions on the ground and for all of your public support
in helping to keep Public Lands Open To The Public Not From The Public.
Thanks for your support.
Mike Wubbels
Executive Director
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest
2011 National Volunteer Trail Group of the Year
USDA/USFS
www.sotsnf.org
info@sotsnf.org
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09/11/2012 12:04**********************
4th Annual Membership Drive BBQ Dual Sport Adventure
Stewards
of the Sierra National Forest
4th
Annual
Membership
Drive, BBQ Fundraiser & Optional Dual Sport Adventure
Elks
Lodge in Oakhurst California
October
13 & 14, 2012
It?s that time of year again to come out
and help show your support for the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest
(SOTSNF) which were voted as the 2011 Volunteer Trail Group of the Year, for
the Sierra National Forest, Region 5 All of California, and the USDA/USFS
Nationwide. This will be our 4th
annual fundraising event for the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest an
organization dedicated to keeping Public Access to the Sierra National Forest
open for all to use and enjoy.
Donation
Your Tax deductable donation of $85.00 per
person includes a Saturday Night BBQ, SOTSNF T-Shirt, and Membership to the
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest a (Division of CTUC a 501-C3 not for profit).
Raffle
There will be a raffle table full of swag and
prizes after the BBQ on Saturday night and some well deserved awards given out
to those who braved our Optional Dual Sport Adventure.
Dual Sport Adventure (Optional)
On Saturday and Sunday there will be an Optional
Self Guided Dual Sport Adventure through the Sierra National Forest north of
Oakhurst and the Bass Lake area. Roll
Charts and GPS tracks will be provided to guide you along the scenic routes (bring
a camera) which will consist of great back roads and trails throughout the
area. The route will be approximately 100 miles on Saturday and 75 miles on
Sunday. . Optional hard way splits for the more experienced rider. The adventures
will start and end at the Elks Lodge in Oakhurst, CA (Hwy 41/Rd 222
North of Oakhurst).
On Saturday?s route, food and gas will be
available for purchase at the lunch/gas stop at the Triangle store. Sunday?s route is a 75 mile loop and there
will be NO gas/food stop. If you choose
to participate in the Optional Dual Sport Adventure, your bike must be street
legal, be able to do 75 miles on a tank of gas, and meet the USFS 96db sound
level and spark arrestor requirements.
Please share the road and trails responsibly and remember to:
Tread lightly
ON LAND AND WATER
Lodging
|
Camping at Elks Lodge Campground Motor Homes &
Trailers ($15.00 a night discounted
rate)
|
There
are multiple hotels located in the Oakhurst area just minutes from the Elks
Lodge
|
Optional Meals
|
Fish
& Chips Dinner Friday Night $12.00/person
(6:00 to 8:00p.m.)
|
Additional
BBQ Dinner Saturday Night $17.00/
person
|
Breakfast
Buffet Sunday Morning $9.00/person (6:00 to 8:00 a.m.)
|
FOR MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION FORMS GO TO:
WWW.SOTSNF.ORG OR WWW.FOCCMA.ORG
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08/03/2012 18:58**********************
Urge Governor Brown to make sure RTP is protected in California
 |
|
In Your State...
Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages.
Share ARRA!
If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters.
Help ARRA!
To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com. Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send. Thank you. | |
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You Acted and Congress Responded by Saving RTP. Now Weigh-In with Your Governor to Ensure that the RTP is Protected in your State.
As you know, the RTP faced elimination in the recent transportation reauthorization showdown in Congress, but thanks to the commitment of key U.S. Senators, including Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Risch (R-ID), Shaheen (D-NH) and Burr (R-NC) along with long-standing champions in the House of Representatives including Representatives Petri (R-WI) and Rahall (D-WV), the RTP was fully funded by the legislation that ultimately became law.
There was one necessary compromise that was made to ensure that full funding is available for RTP: Governors can choose to opt their state out of the Recreational Trails Program. While we anticipate that the overwhelming majority of states will elect to continue to fully fund the RTP we must do our part to ensure that all 50 Governors hear from as many RTP advocates as possible.
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email urging your Governor to fully fund RTP.
TAKE ACTION!  | |
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Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
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**********************
08/02/2012 22:06**********************
Breaking News - Clear Creek National Recreation Bill Introduced Today
BREAKING NEWS - Clear Creek National Recreation Bill Introduced Today Thursday, August 2, 2012 6:15 PM
BREAKING NEWS - Clear Creek National Recreation Bill Introduced Today
Dear Public Land Access Interest,
Today will go down as a major landmark in effective land use advocacy as the House introduces legislation to reopen a closed area to OHV recreation. Some of you may remember the BLM closed the 70k acre Clear Creek Management Area to all user groups in May 2008.
The BlueRibbon Coalition News Release on Friday will highlight some of the issues surrounding that closure and the new legislation. Again, the formal BRC news release will not be available until Friday. However, QWR has the non-numbered Clear Creek National Recreation Bill avail. for your review. QWR understands that Cong. Sam Farr introduced this bill at about 5:30pm EDT today in the House.
The long journey that started the process to have Congress intercede on our behalf began with my congressional testimony in June 2011 where I asked Congress to correct the closure by designating the Creek as a National Recreation Area. (see video below)
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| Testimony Amador at June 22, 2011 Congressional Hearing on Clear Creek |
The next step in the process was to ask the San Benito County Board of Supervisors (they too want the area reopened) to pass a resolution asking Congress to designate the unit as a National Recreation Area. Riders and other outdoor recreationists followed the county lead and also sent in letters asking Congressman Farr to designate the Creek as a National Recreation Area - Good on them!
There will be a lot of work ahead to help push this through the House and Senate, but I am optimistic that we can do it. Again, thanks to all the dedicated and tireless efforts by hundreds of OHV recreationists, OHMVR Commissioners/Staff who wrote letters, attended meetings, empowered new science research, and made donations. This is a result of that team approach.
If you would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities at QWR to help defray travel expenses and other operating expenses which allows us to work 24/7/365 for our clients and you on all aspects of effective OHV advocacy, please check out the link below:
If you see a sponsor at QWR, please send them a thank you. If they are a business - go buy something from them. If they are a club - join them. I can honestly tell you that without their support... this bill would not have happened - PERIOD!
Also, consider a donation to BRC!
Thanks in advance for your support!
Don Amador, President
Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting
555 Honey Lane
Oakley, CA 94561
Office: 925.625.5309
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| Bill to Reopen Clear Creek to OHV Use is Introduced in House Today!!! |
|
Dear Public Land Access Interest,
Today will go down as a major landmark in effective land use advocacy as the House introduces legislation to reopen a closed area to OHV recreation. Some of you may remember the BLM closed the 70k acre Clear Creek Management Area to all user groups in May 2008.
The BlueRibbon Coalition News Release on Friday will highlight some of the issues surrounding that closure and the new legislation. Again, the formal BRC news release will not be available until Friday. However, QWR has the non-numbered Clear Creek National Recreation Bill avail. for your review. QWR understands that Cong. Sam Farr introduced this bill at about 5:30pm EDT today in the House.
The long journey that started the process to have Congress intercede on our behalf began with my congressional testimony in June 2011 where I asked Congress to correct the closure by designating the Creek as a National Recreation Area. (see video below)
| |
| Testimony Amador at June 22, 2011 Congressional Hearing on Clear Creek |
The next step in the process was to ask the San Benito County Board of Supervisors (they too want the area reopened) to pass a resolution asking Congress to designate the unit as a National Recreation Area. Riders and other outdoor recreationists followed the county lead and also sent in letters asking Congressman Farr to designate the Creek as a National Recreation Area - Good on them!
There will be a lot of work ahead to help push this through the House and Senate, but I am optimistic that we can do it. Again, thanks to all the dedicated and tireless efforts by hundreds of OHV recreationists, OHMVR Commissioners/Staff who wrote letters, attended meetings, empowered new science research, and made donations. This is a result of that team approach.
If you would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities at QWR to help defray travel expenses and other operating expenses which allows us to work 24/7/365 for our clients and you on all aspects of effective OHV advocacy, please check out the link below:
If you see a sponsor at QWR, please send them a thank you. If they are a business - go buy something from them. If they are a club - join them. I can honestly tell you that without their support... this bill would not have happened - PERIOD!
Also, consider a donation to BRC!
Thanks in advance for your support!
Don Amador, President
Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting
555 Honey Lane
Oakley, CA 94561
Office: 925.625.5309 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 925.625.5309 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting | 555 Honey Lane | Oakley | CA | 94561 |
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06/06/2012 13:53**********************
Action Alert, stop the theft of OHV funds!
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In Your State...
Access
Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the
National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages.
Share ARRA!
If
you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice
by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use
our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay
informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and
newsletters.
Help ARRA!
To
better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages
you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com. Also,
if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a
Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into
the webform and send. Thank you. | |
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Yesterday, we contacted you regarding the
relevant Assembly and Senate Budget subcommittees passing the "Sustainable Parks
Proposal" which would shift up to $31 million from the OHV Trust Fund in order
to pay for the State Parks budget shortfall. Now we also need to urge the
Governor to veto the provision in the state budget.
Again, this represents a broken promise as OHV enthusiasts had been assured
that user funded programs, such as the OHV program that take NO money from the
General Fund, would be protected.
The law provides that the OHV division of State Parks shall be equal to other
State Parks, and that budget impacts should be equally shared, yet the State OHV
Parks have had millions of dollars taken over the last 3 years.
This is tantamount to placing an
additional tax on OHV users that provides no benefit to those who pay. We need
to send a message to the Governor to veto this proposed transfer from the OHV
Trust Fund!
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email to the
Governor to save the OHV Program.
TAKE
ACTION!  | |
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Americans
for Responsible Recreation Access
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05/15/2012 12:41**********************
OHV Trust Fund Under Attack!
We know that a few people have wanted to see the California
OHMRVD moth balled. Ever since SB 742 was passed it has kept the environmental
hands out of "our" cookie jar. Now certain environmentalists want the
Division to go away, this has been stated during public meetings. Therefore, it
is not hard to believe that the push to raid the OHV Trust Fund may be coming
from environmental concerns.
Enter ?Sub-Part A? of the USFS Travel Management Plan.
Environmentalists are claiming the USFS doesn?t have the resources to maintain ?system
routes? therefore the system should be right sized for the budgets available.
What better way to reduce access and recreational opportunity than to go after
the funds that keep them open. Environmental concerns do not want responsible
OHV use in the forest; they want OHV ?out? of the forest.
The funding comes from gas taxes paid by those that use the
fuel for off-highway use. Those taxes are to support our road systems. Being
the State and Cal-Trans does not want to maintain off-road routes and, they do
not want to "re-fund" our taxes, the OHV Trust Fund and OHMVR
Division was created. Fuel tax and registration fees are paid for a specific purpose
and are not part of general funds. When you slide your credit card through a
gas pump you are paying for the fuel and taxes with the understanding that
those taxes will go to a specific use. Diverting money to "other"
uses goes outside of the original tax law and agreement between the state and
the public. There are many that feel what the State is doing is a breach of
contract. OHV users agreed through SB 742 to pay additional registration fees
so long as those funds went back into OHV related projects. Once again, by
diverting those funds to another use or to the general fund, the State is breaking
the law according to SB 742.
There have been several instances of lawsuits that have been
filed against the state due to the fore mentioned reason. The First-Five
lawsuit would be a perfect example.
For more information and to get involved go to www.ohvdc.org
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05/02/2012 14:30**********************
BLM Advisory Council Plan Meeting in Bridgeport
BLM
Advisory Council Plans Meeting in Bridgeport
Land management
issues for Central California
will be on the agenda when the Bureau of Land Management?s Central California
Resource Advisory Council meets in Bridgeport on May 18-19.
A business
meeting will be held Friday, May 18, at the Mono Memorial Hall, 100 Sinclair
St., beginning at 8 a.m., followed by a field trip that afternoon to BLM lands
in the Bodie Hills.
Members of the public are welcome to attend
the field trip and meeting. Field trip participants must provide their own
transportation and lunch. On May 19, the meeting will resume at 8 a.m. at
Bridgeport Ranch Barns and Terrace, 68 Twin Lakes Road, Bridgeport (behind the
Shell station). Time for public comment is reserved from 9 a.m. to 10
a.m.
?The advisory
council provides a valuable forum for BLM and the public to exchange views on
management of public lands,? said Este Stifel, Central California District
manager.
For more
information, contact David Christy, BLM Central California District public
affairs officer, at (916) 941-3146.
The 12-member
council, one of 24 such advisory councils in the western states, is comprised of
members who represent broad natural resource interests including livestock
grazing, environmental groups, recreation, wild horse and burro management,
history and archaeology, the academic sector, local government and the public at
large.
David Christy
BLM Central California District Public
Affairs
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-3146
Cell: (916) 206-1520
Fax: (916) 941-3199
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04/07/2012 12:03**********************
What the Wilderness Society wants for the Sierras and your Family
If you and your family value your freedom to
access your Public Lands in the Sierras you had better take a moment to read
this. The Wilderness Society has
formulated a closure agenda against all Americans who value their freedom to
recreate with their families on Public Lands.
It is this type of behavior by a select
proclaimed few who wish to eliminate your access to Public Lands and lock all
of you who truly enjoy the Great Outdoors from accessing the Public Lands your
hard earned tax dollars help support to keep open for you and your families
enjoyment.
The information listed below was taken
directly from the Wilderness Society web page www.wilderness.org
please take a moment and visit their web page to see the selfish
behavior a select few wish to impose on you the recreating public.
Mike
CALIFORNIA
From majestic forests to desert beauty our California campaigns are protecting wildlife habitat, enhancing recreation and promoting smart renewable energy statewide.
Sierra Nevada Forest Protection and Restoration Project
The Wilderness Society, working in coalition with Sierra Forest Legacy and other partners, is actively working to protect and restore the Sierra?s national forests. These forests are governed by an outdated, Bush-era management plan - known as the 2004 Framework - that promotes commercial logging at the expense of old growth forests and wildlife habitat. Our lawsuit challenging that plan ? known as the 2004 Framework ? has succeeded in blocking or delaying numerous logging projects that have targeted the Sierra?s remaining large trees.
While our legal challenge to the 2004 Framework is pending, our coalition is developing a conservation strategy to influence the Forest Service?s forest plan revision process. Towards that goal, The Wilderness Society recently prepared a comprehensive research paper, Managing the Risk of Climate Change to Wildlands of the Sierra Nevada, that makes the case for careful Sierra management to maintain key ecological building blocks. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing large, connected reserves that will allow species to migrate and move, if necessary, in response to climate change.
The Wilderness Society and our coalition partners are working with scientists, federal and state agencies, and the public to protect the Sierra Nevada. Through advocacy at all levels of the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture, we are pushing the Obama Administration to adopt a science-based management plan to protect and restore the Sierra?s outstanding forests, streams and wildlife.
Travel Management and California Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Initiative
Public roads are arguably the largest source of environmental damage to our federal forests. Roads can disrupt water flows, increase runoff, and deposit sediments in streams. They fragment habitat and are barriers for sensitive animal species. Traffic also creates noise and visual disturbances to people and wildlife.
The sheer magnitude of California?s national forest road system is far too large and expensive to maintain, leaving roads in poor condition. The 11 national forests in the Sierra Nevada are riddled with more than 25,000 miles of roads. Many are obsolete, unneeded and deteriorating. These roads are soiling our national forest streams and rivers that are the drinking water source for millions of Californians. Our Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Initiative is using the Forest Service?s travel management process to stop damaging off-road cross-country travel on approximately 10 million acres of forest land and close more than 7,000 miles of unnecessary vehicle routes illegally created by off-road vehicle users. We are now working with the Forest Service to identify the minimum necessary road system, and this should lead to the closure or reclamation of thousands of additional miles of unneeded, environmentally damagingroads. We will also continue to lobby Congress, which has already resulted in more federal funding ($90 million for 2009) for forest road projects.
photo: Sierra Nevadas. Photo by puliarf, Flickr.
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02/14/2012 10:13**********************
Reopen Your Public Lands
Help Reopen your Public Land
CORVA California Off-Road Vehicle Association is
asking everyone to sign this attached petition to get the BLM to reopen the
Clear Creek Management Area. As most of
you know Clear Creek has been closed to all entry since 2008 due to a study by
the EPA on Asbestos. We also know that
the State of California has done their own review of the science used by the
EPA and has found a completely different outcome and that recreating in the
Clear Creek Management Area is not harmful to you or your family.
CORVA's Amy Granat has a meeting February 22ND
with the California BLM Director Jim Kenna and she would LOVE
to have as many people sign this petition as possible.
If you could also send it on to your friends and
even post it up on your favorite club website. Clear Creek is the PUBLIC's
land but the public is being kept OFF of it! We need to show the BLM Director
that OHV'ers
ARE a group that needs to be listened too. There are over 1.3 million OHV's
registered in California and over 14% of ALL California residents own OHV's.
Many different groups use Clear Creek, hikers, hunters, jeepers,
mountain bikers, dual sporters, rock hounder's and the more that sign the
petition the more the BLM will see we need Clear Creek
open.
Thank You for your signature and no SPAM will
come from this. Help save PUBLIC land to be used! Not closed off forever.
CORVA petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/help-corva-reopen-clear-creek/
Mike Wubbels
Executive Director
Friends of Clear Creek Management Area
www.foccma.org
info@foccma.org
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The OHV and Public Access Community Needs Your Help
The
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest, The Friends of Clear Creek Management
Area and a VERY LARGE COALITION of
well organized OHV GROUPS and PRO PUBLIC ACCESS GROUPS here in the
State of California and NATIONALLY are
in the process of putting together a Picture Video to send to your elected
officials in Sacramento. This video is
to let them know just how fed up you are with the representation they are
providing you and your family and how they constantly misuse your OHV dollars
and the OHV Trust Fund.
As
most of you know Governor Brown and your elected officials in Sacramento seem
to believe that the OHV Trust Fund is nothing more than a great big slush fund
that they can continue to steal from year after year. They also believe they can spend your
dedicated OHV dollars as they please and not return them to the OHV Trust
Fund. Remember your OHV Trust Fund is
completely SELF FUNDED and receives no monies from the general budget.
THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP
We
need everyone who values your Public Access and would like to keep it intact to
send us some of your favorite Public Access and OHV pictures showing any kind
of Public Access and OHV use. This would
include any and all of the following.
Dune
Buggies, Motorcycles, Hunting, Sand Rails, Quads, Mountain Biking, UTVs, Fishing,
Jet Skis, ATVs, Trucks, Snow Mobiles, Jeeps, Rock Climbing, Shooting
We
are especially interested in the ones with your kids and your family enjoying
your favorite outdoor sport and also pictures that may show how you have been
denied Public Access to your favorite area.
Please send them A.S.A.P to one of the following:
info@foccma.org or info@sotsnf.org
Then
sit back and let us put them together over the next week or so and see which
one of your pictures makes it into the video and the hands of your elected
officials in Sacramento. Remember these
are your public lands which were set aside for you and your family?s
enjoyment. We will be releasing a new
site for you to view the video on and get you more information on you can help
take back your public lands.
Thanks
in advance for all of your help.
Mike
Wubbels
Executive
Director
Friends
of Clear Creek Management Area
www.foccma.org
Stewards
of the Sierra National Forest
www.sotsnf.org
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**********************
01/07/2012 01:18**********************
ANAHEIM 1 SEASON OPENER VIEWING PARTY
FAULTLINE POWERSPORTS
ANAHEIM 1
"THE SEASON OPENER"
VIEWING PARTY
SATURDAY
JANUARY 7, 2012
RELAX
GRILLIN & CHILLIN
3650
SAN JUAN RD. HOLLISTER CA.
83-636-1010
TV
COVERAGE STARTS AT 7:00 P.M.
GET
THERE EARLY FOR A GOOD SEAT
RAFFLE
TO BENEFIT FOCCMA
FOR
MORE INFO CALL 831-637-8550
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12/19/2011 13:46**********************
OHV Division Deputy Director Needs Your Help!
| OHV Division Deputy Director Greene Needs Your Help! |
Take Action! |
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Recently Governor Brown's office notified the Deputy Director of the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) of State Parks, Daphne Greene, that her appointed term would end as of January 1, 2012. Director Greene, a democrat who has served under both the Davis and Schwarzenegger administrations, has been a strong ally for the OHV community. Nonetheless she has also brought a much needed balance to and long term vision for the OHV program. To remove her now from this important position would be a mistake.
Perhaps most significantly, in 2009, after intensive interaction and involvement from all communities of interest, under her guidance and leadership, the OHV Division submitted their Strategic Plan to the Governor and the Legislature. This plan, which outlined a clear direction for the future, is based on the principles of sustainability, transparent decision-making, a commitment to working with volunteers and consideration of the needs and concerns of all affected stakeholders. All eight State Vehicle Recreation Areas (SVRA's) have seen notable improvements in facilities, maintenance, resource management, as well as increased environmental protections under Director Greene's watch.
Riders, law enforcement and agency personnel statewide have been contacting the Governor's office requesting he reconsider this decision. Removing Director Greene simply because she was appointed by the previous administration is a mistake.
The Governor's office needs to hear from all of us!! | |
| |
AmericanMotorcyclist.com ? Alert Center ? Contribute to the Cause ? State Legislation ? Motorcycle State Laws ? Register to Vote
AMA Facebook Page ? AMA Photo Gallery ? AMA YouTube Page ? RSS Feed |
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12/15/2011 10:09**********************
Daphne Greene to lose appointment as OHMVR Deputy Director
We are sad to report that Governor Brown has decided to replace Daphne Greene, Deputy Director of the California OHMVR Division.
Daphne has done a great job as Deputy Director and the Governor will be hard pressed to find anyone with the experience, knowledge, and work ethic to fill the position.
Time and time again Daphne has stood up for responsible motorized recreation, now it is time for us to stand up for Daphne.
Click on th link below to take action:
http://www.cal4wheel.com/action-center
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10/04/2011 17:40**********************
San Benito County BOS votes on CCMA issue
San Benito County BOS votes on CCMA issue
October 4, 2011
San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send a letter to Congress requesting that Clear Creek Management Area be designated as a ?National Recreation Area? and that the area be re-opened to the public immediately.
Many thanks to San Benito County for standing up for ?public access? and, standing against ?biased and agenda driven rhetoric? from EPA.
Thank you to all who have been involved in this fight to preserve the public?s right to access public lands.
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08/30/2011 21:40**********************
Here comes the new head of Fish and Game - this is a disaster of epic proportions!!!!
Meet the new director of DFG just appointed by Jerry Brown ... Chuck Bonham. He is not confirmed yet so we need to launch a major protest with our representatives. We are outnumbered in the Assembly and Senate so we need everyone in California to help us. Please send this urgent call for help to all you know in California. Ask them to call, email and fax to deny the confirmation. Please contact any group who might be open to helping us.
Trout Unlimited (Non Governmental Group) in one of the major signers of the KBRA (Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement) whose intent is to remove FOUR hydro-electric dams in Siskiyou County. This environmental group along with 8 others stand to receive millions of our taxpayers dollars for the "restoration" of these rivers to their "natural" state. Just follow the money!!!
It is interesting to note that 150 years ago they wouldn't allow horses to drink out of the river - they called it "putrid". It is naturally very warm and carries an extremely high level of natural "pollution". The hydro-electric dams have served to provide power, create deep reservoirs behind the dams which cool the river, and retain the heavy metals and sediment thereby filtering the river. Farmers and ranchers irrigating along this river utilize the incredibly high phosphorous content as a natural fertilizer so the water returns to the river in much better condition than it arrived. The environmentalists who do not live or work in this area seek to destroy the hydro-electric dams in the name of fish habitat. Their focus is the "endangered" coho salmon despite the fact that this fish is NOT indigenous to the area. I could go on but you can probably see the end game - forfeit your land so it can become wilderness again.
This appointment is a death blow to a dying county and they need your help. Their largest town, Yreka (population 7,500) just closed the only movie theater, only bowling alley and one of two laundromats they had. Logging has been crushed, mining has been stopped and now this. We can see the end of ranching and farming in the very near future under his leadership. THEY NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!
A series of radio interviews on this area have been done on www.WeThePeopleRadio.us (sound files below) We will be doing a program specifically on the dams on 9/11 and one specifically on the fraud of the Coho Salmon that is being used to destroy their area on 9/18.
Remember folks, these guys are coming for you next. Please do everything you can to get the word out on this crushing appointment that Jerry Brown has planned.
Proposed head of CA Dept of Fish and Game:
2239 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 528-4164 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (510) 528-4164 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Charlton ("Chuck") H. Bonham is Trout Unlimited's California Director responsible for developing, managing, and implementing TU's programs in the state. He is also a senior attorney for the organization. Chuck received his J.D. and Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College, in Portland, Oregon. Before TU, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, West Africa, and an instructor and guide at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, in Bryson City, N.C.
We are in even deeper trouble that I previously thought. We need EVERYONE To contact our DEMOCRAT Californian Legislators unless your Republican representative is an environmental sympathizer. This is most certainly a partisan issue since they totally control the assembly, senate and governor's mansion. This is a really really bad thing for all of us who think we have rights in this country.
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08/26/2011 17:06**********************
Should 40 million acres of land be removed from federal protection and opened to mining, logging and
Go to this site and vote!
http://online.wsj.com/community/grou...ion-acres-land
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08/19/2011 18:39**********************
CORVA needs our help!
CORVA needs your help to combat the State Water Resources Control Board. The California State Water Resources Control Board has released a draft waiver and new draft Best Management Practices handbook to force the Forest Service to adhere to a myriad of rules and regulations to have motorized events occur on Forest Service land - all 17 forests in California. CORVA thinks these rules are biased and unfair and targets all who travel on forested roads and trails. CORVA has hired an attorney that specializes in water board policies to go through this document and submit comments on the draft procedures representing CORVA and all the other partners joining us in these efforts.
Secondly, we need affidavits from all those that would be affected should these new regulations become public. If you ride or drive an OHV in California and want to keep enjoying your forests, please fill out the affidavit below, and pass it on to your friends and neighbors that want to support your right to access. Either fax it back to: 509-275-4744 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 509-275-4744 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, scan it and then send it to: amy.granat@corva.org or mail a hard copy to Amy Granat, PO BOX 298, Clarksburg, CA 95612.
And we always need your help and monetary support - nothing happens without money in California.
This takes a little more than the normal effort, but here are the directions:
1. Download this affidavit: Affidavit (PDF format)
2. Print it and sign it
3. Send it to Amy Granat who will deliver all of them for us to the water board.
You can do that one of three ways:
1. Mail it to PO BOX 298, Clarksburg CA 95612
2. Scan it after you sign it and e-mail it to: amy.granat@corva.org
3. Fax it to: 509-275-4744 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 509-275-4744 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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08/19/2011 10:59**********************
GOOD TIMES AND GREAT FOOD TO BE HAD BY ALL
BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure
8/19/2011 Attention 8/19/2011
LAST CALL TO COME OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME
AND EAT SOME GREAT FOOD
I just
wanted to take a quick moment and say Thank You to everyone who got their
entries filled out and sent away to us for our 3rd Annual BBQ,
Fundraiser, and Dual Sport Adventure.
For those of you who would still like to come up and have a good
time.
All is not lost!
We still have
some room left for our Annual Dual Sport Adventure and will be taking registrations
on Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
If the Dual Sport Adventure is not what you are
seeking and just want to come out and have a good time!
Do
not give up hope!
Grab
your wife and kids our just your best friend and come on out for a great dinner
on Saturday night August 20, 2011 and help support the ongoing work the Stewards
of the Sierra National Forest are doing to keep your public lands open for you
and your families enjoyment. The
Oakhurst Elks will be serving a delicious Tri Tip dinner at 6:30 p.m. on
Saturday night August 20, 2011. The
admission is free and the dinner is just $17.00 per person. The Oakhurst
Elks Lodge is located at:
Oakhurst Elks Lodge #2724
42484 Hiway 41
Oakhurst, California 93644
559-683-2717
Just remember do not delay as time is running out
for you and your friends to come out and have a great time and help support all
of the hard work that the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest do to keep
your favorite trails and roads open here in the Sierra National Forest for you
and your families enjoyment. Without
your support for your public lands we would not be able to keep as many trails
and roads open as we have. If you have
any questions please give us a call and we will do everything we can to help
you out.
Mike 831-801-1111 or Larry 559-877-4514
We are very much looking forward to meeting each and
every one of you at this years event and thanking you for doing your part to
help keep your PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC.
Also remember to keep it RUBBER SIDE DOWN, THREAD
LIGHTLY, and practice TEAM STEALTH.
Mike/Larry
For more info go to:
www.sotsnf.org
or www.foccma.org
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08/16/2011 09:23**********************
Mail In Flyer Cutoff Date
BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure
8/15/2011 Attention 8/15/2011
MAIL IN FLYER CUTOFF DATE:
August
15, 2011
I just
wanted to take a quick moment and say Thank You to everyone who got their
entries away in the snail mail for our Annual BBQ, Fundraiser, and Dual Sport
Adventure. For those of you who still
have to get your entry forms sent away there is no longer time left to do so by
snail mail and ensure your entry makes it to us in time.
But wait do not give up hope yet!
You can
still download your entry form, fill it out, scan it and send it to info@sotsnf.org or fax it to 559-645-4417 and
we will hold a spot for you and your friends to have the time of your life at
our event. We will also be accepting
registrations on Friday night August 19, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and
again on Saturday morning August 20, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the
Oakhurst Elks Lodge located at:
Oakhurst Elks Lodge #2724
42484 Hiway 41
Oakhurst, California 93644
559-683-2717
Just remember don?t delay as time is running out for
you and your friends to come out and have a great time and help support all of
the hard work that the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest do to keep your
favorite trails and roads open here in the Sierra National Forest for you and
your families enjoyment. Without your
support for your public lands we would not be able to keep as many trails and
roads open as we have. If you have any
questions please give us a call and we will do everything we can to help you
out.
Mike 831-801-1111 or Larry 559-877-4514
We are very much looking forward to meeting each and
every one of you at this years event and thanking you for doing your part to
help keep your PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC.
Also remember to keep it RUBBER SIDE DOWN, THREAD
LIGHTLY, and practice TEAM STEALTH.
Mike/Larry
For more info go to:
www.sotsnf.org
or www.foccma.org
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07/27/2011 16:30**********************
Travel Management Alert for OHVers in the West
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
National Legislation Impacting California Recreationist
Travel Management Alert for OHVers in the West
As Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, I am deeply concerned that anti-access groups and their supporters in Congress will try and have Section 446 stripped when the House considers H.R. 2584, the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Section 446 is Congressman Wally Herger's pro-access language that attempts to fix some anti-access tenets from Region 5's version of the Travel Management Rule. Section 446 is almost identical to bill language in Herger's H.R. 242 that was introduced in February 2011.
The main issue is the Forest Service has proposed to close hundreds if not thousands of miles of old logging roads to non-street legal OHV use. This access is important for continued recreational access, connectivity between existing OHV trail systems, and the rural economy.
BRC is asking you to contact your local House member and ask them to oppose any effort to strip Section 446 from H.R. 2584. If you need help identifying your U.S. Representative, the BlueRibbon Coalition has a handy tool in our Rapid Response Center at www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/. All you need to do is type your zip code in the "Contact Lawmakers" box and click GO. Click on your representative's name and then click on the "Contact" tab to locate their phone number.
Here is a link to the July 26 Letter from Congressman Herger to his Colleagues.
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Herger-Protect_Access_to_National_Forests_in_California-1.pdf
If you recreate in California's National Forests, you need to take action today and send a letter to Congress.
Here is a link to a news article in the Redding Record Searchlight
Editorial: Herger bill brings sense to road plan
http://www.redding.com/news/2011/jan/10/herger-bill-brings-sense-to-road-plan/
Thanks in advance for your attention to this request.
Don Amador
Western Representative
BlueRibbon Coalition
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07/20/2011 10:09**********************
DOI Secretary Salazar Pushs for More Wilderness!
Release Date: 07/19/11
Contacts: Megan
Crandall , 202-912-7411
BLM to Engage State, Local, and Tribal Governments in
Bipartisan Wilderness Agenda
WASHINGTON ? As part of Secretary of the Interior Ken
Salazar?s push to build a bipartisan wilderness agenda that can be enacted in
the 112th Congress, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) state offices will solicit
suggestions and recommendations from state and local elected officials, Tribes,
and other federal land managers on areas that deserve wilderness protection and
that have broad support for congressional designation.
?The focus of this effort is to identify lands that have
strong backing for protection as wilderness and that might be appropriate for
congressional action,? BLM Director Bob Abbey said. ?The best ideas for
conservation come from the ground up, and we hope this effort will help lay a
foundation for a bipartisan wilderness agenda in this Congress. We?ve heard
from the public and many people have expressed how much they value wilderness
areas.?
This effort is an extension of Secretary Salazar?s June
10, 2011, letter to Members of Congress requesting their ideas on ?crown jewel?
areas of public lands that have strong local support for permanent protection
as Wilderness under the Wilderness Act. This fall, the Department of the
Interior will submit to Congress a list of ?crown jewels? that it believes are
ready for Wilderness designation by Congress based on the combined input from
Congressional, state, local and tribal partners.
In addition, the BLM will issue updated guidance to its
offices affirming ? as directed by a June 1, 2011 Secretarial memo ? that
pursuant to the 2011 Continuing Resolution, the BLM will not designate any
lands as ?Wild Lands.? As required by the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act (FLPMA), the BLM will continue to maintain inventories of public lands and
their resource and other values, including lands with wilderness
characteristics. Also, consistent with FLPMA and other applicable authorities,
the BLM will consider the wilderness characteristics of public lands, in
accordance with its multiple-use mandate, when undertaking land use planning
and when making project-level decisions.
Secretary Salazar has directed Deputy Secretary David J.
Hayes to work with the BLM and interested parties to develop recommendations
regarding the management of BLM lands with wilderness characteristics.
The BLM?s Instruction Memorandum is available at http://on.doi.gov/mUeSTZ .
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than
any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public
Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau,
with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of
sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use
mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the
use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this
by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral
development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical,
cultural, and other resources on public lands.
--BLM--
Last updated: 07-19-2011
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06/29/2011 16:03**********************
California OHMVR Commission Send Letter to Congress!
CA OHV Commission Sends Letter to Congress on Clear CreekAs many of you know, the OHV commission held a hearing on April 5, 2011 in Hollister to discuss many issues - but the focus of the meeting was to daylight the new OHMVR Asbestos Study that was released on March 22, 2011.
BRC Letter to OHV Commission for April 5 Hearing
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Hollister_CCMA_BRC_Comment_Letter_April.5.20110001.pdf
After a lot of public testimony, the OHV commission voted to send a letter to Congress expressing their views on Clear Creek.
HQ has obtained copies of a June 21, 2011 letter that was sent by the OHV Commission to the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
June 21, 2011 OHV Commission Letter to the House
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Commission_CCMA_Letter_House_June_21.20110001.pdf
June 21, 2011 OHV Commission Letter to the Senate
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Commission_CCMA_Letter_Senate_June_21.20110001.pdf
HQ agrees with the tone and direction of this OHV Commission letter where in its summary it states the continued and proposed permanent closure of CCMA does not appear to be supportable nor in the best interest of the public.
HQ believes this OHV commission letter only strengthens the points made during Amador's testimony/exhibits about the HFO/EPA's flawed decision-making process and how that process - based on junk science and personal agendas ? was designed to create a defacto-Wilderness area at Clear Creek.
Amador will request this OHV commission letter be added to Exhibit C in his written testimony.
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06/22/2011 16:57**********************
Video Link of House Subcommittee Hearing
Here is the link for the video of today's House Subcommittee meeting. Don Amador speaks at the 1 hour 4 minute mark.
http://naturalresources.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=246553
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06/20/2011 19:05**********************
Don Amador to Testify at House Subcommittee Hearing!
QWR President to Testify at House Subcommittee Hearing on June 22, 2011
Don Amador, president of QWR, just received his confirmation from the House that he will testify before the House Subcommittee on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. The focus of the hearing is in regards to Recreational Opportunities (or lack thereof) on Public lands. This will be Don's first trip as QWR owner to Washington DC to testify at a Congressional Hearing. Don will also be representing BRC at the hearing.
Info on June 22 Hearing ? It will have live video
Amador will question the BLM?s decision-making process associated with the ongoing landscape level functional closure of the 75,000-acre Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) to all user groups on May 1, 2008. This unit is managed by the Hollister Field Office (HFO) and is located in Fresno and San Benito Counties in the Central Coast Mountain Range of California.
Amador expects to include in his testimony information from the new OHMVR Health Study, comments from previous public input, San Benito County, motorcycle riders, and other stakeholders.
Amador will also be ready to field questions from House Members regarding travel management.
QWR believes that land management decisions should be made on good science and not based on the personal or political agendas of unelected government officials.
The entire witnesses list below:
Panel I
Mr. Russ Ehnes
Executive Director
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
Mr. Scott Jones
Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition
Mr. Dick Lepley
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Ms. Karen Umphress
Board Member
Coalition of Recreational Trails Users
Minnesota Motorized Trail Coalition
Panel II
Mr. Don Amador
Blue Ribbon Coalition
Mr. Tom Crimmins
Lead Spokesman
Professionals for Managed Recreation
Mr. Sutton Bacon
CEO
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Mr. Jim Akenson
Executive Director
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
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06/15/2011 19:06**********************
Two Minutes to Oppose Park Service Take Over!
|
Stewards of the Sequoia-Monument ALERT |
Dear Freinds,
I hope you will take TWO MINUTES to send a letter opposing the transfer of our Giant Sequoia Monument Lands from the Sequoia Forest Service to the Park Service.
You may recall past efforts by the closure folks to transfer the Giant Sequoia National Monument to the Park Service. Now they are urging the President to make a Proclamation. Stewards members were able to stop them before and with your help we will stop them now and forever.
If the Park Service takes over these 327,769 acres of your public lands, they will soon want to take over other areas of the Sequoia National Forest and restrict your access even further, making this issue important to everyone who enjoys trails anywhere in the Sequoia Forest, even outside the Monument.
The Sequoia Forest Service has been doing a great job managing these lands for over 100 years promoting forest health and providing recreation. As a matter of fact a scientific report found the Giant Sequoia Groves under Forest Service management were healthier than those on Park Service lands. So why transfer? Apparently it is not about forest health, so it must be about locking you out.
Currently the National Forest Service manages the Monument under their Land of Many Uses Mandate. The Forest Service allows many uses which the Park Service is unlikely to such as licensed OHV's on dirt roads and mountain bikes on trails.
The Park Service would restrict many of the uses the public currently enjoys such as :
- Dispersed camping (outside of a developed campground) is not allowed in national parks.
- Horseback riding is severely restricted in national parks (and not allowed in many areas).
- Mountain Biking is rarely allowed on trails in national parks.
- Entrance fees are required into national parks.
- Hunting is not allowed in national parks.
- Snowmobiles are not allowed in national parks.
- Recreation residences (summer cabins) are not allowed in national parks.
- Firewood cutting is not allowed in national parks.
- Livestock grazing is not allowed in national parks.
Together we can help keep our trails open!
You can read more about this on our website at
http://stewardsofthesequoia.org/alert_Monument%20Petition.html
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06/15/2011 18:49**********************
Stop Wilderness Proclamations!
Stop Locking Up Millions of Acres of Public Lands with Presidential Proclamations
Dear Friends,
As you may recall documents were exposed last year regarding the Obama administration's apparent intention to misuse the Monument Proclamation to designate millions of acres. With the stroke of his pen Obama could lock up millions of acres of your publc lands, or YOU CAN TAKE TWO MINUTES TO STOP HIM
You may recall President Clinton misused the Monument Proclamation to designate numerous large Monument areas against the wishes of local residents and even Governors. DO YOU WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN?
Congressman Nunes (CA) has reintroducing his National Monument Transparency and Accountability Act (HR758). This much needed reform legislation will address a number of abuses possible in the current legislation, so President's will no longer be able to use the stroke of their pen to lock up millions of acres of your public lands. BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO URGE CONGRESS TO PASS HR758.
This legislation would PREVENT THESE ABUSES FOREVER by reducing the amount of land that the President can designate as a National Monument, and require Congressional approval within 2 years of any Executive Order pursuant to the Antiquities Act.
| Please Take TWO MINUTES To Send a Letter Supporting HR758 |
|
It has been pretty rare of late that Congress has produced reasonable bills-and this is one of those rare times. Chris do not miss your opportunity to SUPPORT Legislation to STOP the ABUSE of this Presidential Proclamation loophole.
http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=51
Take Action NOW and support keeping your public lands open to all.
Please check the List of Co Sponsors to see if your Congressman is supporting this bill. If not then please contact them and urge their support |
You can read the draft language as well as a section-by-section summary of the bill at:
SUMMARY OF BILL
http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/OnePager-NationalMonumentTransparency2011.pdf
FINAL DRAFT OF BILL
http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/Legislation-112th-Final-MonumentTransparency2011.pdf
BROCHURE OUTLINING BENEFITS OF THE BILL
http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/HR758-NationalMonumentTrifold.pdf
Thanks for your help to keep the Proclamation of Monuments to what the law intended and not a loophole to allow public lands to be locked up without public support.
Many thanks to Congressman Devin Nunes for drafting and introducing this legislation.
Chris Horgan and your friends at Save the Trails |
|
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SaveTheTrails/9ca793b9e3/edd638a77a/cf0c92bc97 href="Forward this message to a friend
Post this on your website and tell everyone who wants to preserve public access to public lands and protect property rights
This alert sent by your friends at www.Save The Trails.us
| |
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**********************
06/11/2011 02:04**********************
Salazar wants more Wilderness!
| Release Date: 06/10/11 |
|
| Contacts: |
| Kendra Barkoff |
, 202-208-6416 |
| |
|
Salazar Takes Next Steps in Push for Bipartisan Wilderness Agenda |
WASHINGTON ? As a follow-up to the memo issued last week and as part of his push to build a bipartisan wilderness agenda that can be enacted in the 112th Congress, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today asked Members of Congress for their ideas of ?crown jewel? areas of public lands that have strong local support for permanent protection as Wilderness under the Wilderness Act. The Obama Administration?s 21st century conservation agenda marked the historic enactment of the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 and implementation of the President?s America?s Great Outdoors initiative includes designating wilderness as a key component in preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
Noting the bipartisan success of Congress and the Obama Administration to designate approximately 2 million acres of Wilderness in 2009, Secretary Salazar said that he will deliver to Congress, by October 15, 2011, a list of areas overseen by the Bureau of Land Management that he believes are ready for immediate Wilderness designation by Congress.
In the memo last week, Secretary Salazar announced plans to work with Members of Congress, states, tribes, and local communities to identify public lands that may be appropriate candidates for congressional protection under the Wilderness Act.
Secretary Salazar?s letter today also asks Members for input to inform Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes?s efforts to develop recommendations for how the Bureau of Land Management should manage the millions of acres of public land that are not protected under the Wilderness Act, but that have wilderness characteristics.
Secretary Salazar will be discussing this letter today at 2:00pm during a live web chat at: doi.gov/live.
The text of Secretary Salazar?s letter is below.
Dear Member of Congress:
As an integral part of our effort to conserve America?s lands and wildlife for future generations, I will work with Members of Congress to identify public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management for permanent Wilderness protection under the Wilderness Act. I want to continue these efforts.
Both Democratic and Republican Members of Congress support providing permanent protection for some BLM lands under the Wilderness Act. In this current session of Congress, several Members have already introduced legislation to create new areas of Wilderness. For example: H.R. 41, the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act from Representative Darrell Issa; H.R. 113, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act from Representative Michael Simpson; S. 667/H.R. 1241, the Rio Grande del Norte Conservation Establishment Act by Senator Jeff Bingaman and Representative Ben Ray Luj?n;and S. 766/H.R.1413, the Devil?s Staircase Wilderness Act by Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Peter DeFazio.
I believe these bills ? and others that have been introduced with strong local support ? provide a foundation from which we can build a strong, bipartisan wilderness agenda in this Congress. To help advance this effort, the Department of the Interior will, by October 15, 2011, submit to Congress a list of ?crown jewel? areas that we believe are ready for immediate Wilderness designation by Congress. This list will include some areas that would be protected by bills that are currently pending before Congress and that have strong local, state, tribal, and congressional support. It may also include some areas that are not currently being considered for protection, but that the Department of the Interior believes have widespread support and are worthy of Wilderness designation.
To help inform this conservation effort, I respectfully ask that you identify BLM-managed public lands where there is strong support in the local community and among elected officials for permanent protection, and that you believe are ready for designation as Wilderness by this Congress.
Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes will also be working with the BLM and interested parties on recommendations for how the Agency should manage the millions of acres of public land that are not protected under the Wilderness Act, but that have wilderness characteristics. Because public lands with wilderness characteristics can offer unique hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities ? along with potential energy, mineral, and other resource values ? it is important that the BLM have clear guidance when undertaking its multiple-use land management planning and when making project-level decisions that could impair wilderness characteristics. I welcome your input on this important policy matter as well.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to develop and advance a strong, bipartisan wilderness agenda for our children and our grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Ken Salazar
|
.
|
| --BLM--
Office of the Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street N.W. Washington, DC 20240 |
|
| Last updated: 06-10-2011 |
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BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure
The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision has been
out for some time now and we are just waiting for the Motor Vehicle Use Maps
(MVUM) to come out. Once it is released
all cross country travel on the forest will be closed which will eliminate many
of the traditional trails we have used for many years. Many of the trails we
use and ride also need mitigation issues addressed to bring them up to USFS
standards. Once the mitigation issues have
been completed the trails will be added to the MVUM and once again will be open
for the public to enjoy. This is where
we need your help.
The Stewards of the Sierra National Forest have been working closely with
the USFS to get as many of these mitigation issue resolved as quickly as
possible. All of this takes time,
energy, manpower, and capital. The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard
for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open. This will be an ongoing process over the next
couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and
Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest.
This is where you and everyone you know can help. Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and
come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship. We will also be having a raffle table full of
great stuff.
New Date: August 20/21, 2011(Changed
from July 9/10, 2011
DUE TO RECORD SETTING SNOW PACK
Suggested Donation: $85.00
Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies
Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra
National Forest
(If
you are not already a member)
(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a
registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)
(No Refunds after July 31, 2011)
Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a
night (discounted rate)
Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge
(Fish & Chips) $12.00 per
person
Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge
$9.00 per
person
*Optional Self Guided Dual Sport Adventure*
No charge (Free!) Saturday August 20/Sunday August 21
Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails
Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders
Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 North of
Oakhurst)
Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)
120+ miles Saturday (with
gas/lunch stop) 100+ Miles Sunday (with gas/lunch stop)
If you choose to participate, bikes must be street legal and meet
USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements. Please share the road/trail responsibly
GPS Seminar Friday night. Chris Crawford from C.O.R.E. and Dan
Yuknavage from D-37 will host
For More Info and registration forms go to:
www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org
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**********************
06/08/2011 12:34**********************
Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011
Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011
We Need Your Help to Enlist Cosponsors for S. 1087!
As you will recall, U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) introduced H.R. 1581, the �Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011,� in April. Now Senator Barrasso (R-WY) has introduced identical companion legislation (S. 1087) in the Senate. These important draft bills would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and direct that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.
As it stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas are not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictate that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. S. 1087 would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Senators to sign on as cosponsors of S. 1087.
https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=293&JServSessionIdr004=4iwtv6nvk3.app332a
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**********************
06/05/2011 12:58**********************
Membership Drive/Dual Sport Adventure
Fundraiser, BBQ, Optional Dual Sport Adventure
The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision has been
out for some time now and we are just waiting for the Motor Vehicle Use Maps
(MVUM) to come out. Once it is released
all cross country travel on the forest will be closed which will eliminate many
of the traditional trails we have used for many years. Many of the trails we
use and ride also need mitigation issues addressed to bring them up to USFS
standards. Once the mitigation issues have
been completed the trails will be added to the MVUM and once again will be open
for the public to enjoy. This is where
we need your help.
The Stewards of the Sierra National Forest have been working closely with
the USFS to get as many of these mitigation issue resolved as quickly as
possible. All of this takes time,
energy, manpower, and capital. The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard
for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open. This will be an ongoing process over the next
couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and
Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest.
This is where you and everyone you know can help. Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and
come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship. We will also be having a raffle table full of
great stuff.
July 9/10, 2011
Suggested Donation: $85.00
Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies
Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra
National Forest
(If
you are not already a member)
(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a
registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)
(No Refunds after June 15, 2011)
Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a
night (discounted rate)
Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge
(Fish & Chips) $12.00 per
person
Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge
$9.00 per
person
*Optional Dual Sport Adventure*
No charge (Free!) Saturday July 9/Sunday July 10
Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails
Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders
Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 North of
Oakhurst)
Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)
120+ miles Saturday (with
gas/lunch stop) 100+ Miles Sunday (with gas/lunch stop)
If you choose to participate, bikes must be street legal and meet
USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements. Please share the road/trail responsibly
GPS Seminar Friday night. Chris Crawford from C.O.R.E. and Dan
Yuknavage from D-37 will host
For More Info and registration forms go to:
www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org
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**********************
05/31/2011 20:24**********************
BLM Steps Up Enforcement at CCMA
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2011 CA-CC-11-59
Contact: David Christy (916) 941-3146
BLM Steps Up Enforcement at Clear Creek Management Area Due to Increased Trespass Activity
The Bureau of Land Management has increased law enforcement patrols at Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) due to increasing resource damage caused by unauthorized motorcycle use.
Trespass motorcycle use is taking a toll on the San Benito Research Natural Area (RNA). During the last nine months the RNA has experienced considerable resource and property damage. ?Protective fences for the RNA have been cut and trespass trails have been built on the public land,? said Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office manager.
Motorcyclists have cut a three-mile trespass trail across public lands in the CCMA to access the area currently closed to public use. BLM law enforcement rangers patrol the area and will cite individuals riding or driving in the closed areas. In some cases, trespass riders have run when discovered and confronted by BLM employees and law enforcement rangers.
Trespasser riders face possible penalties of a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, anyone attempting to evade or elude a federal law enforcement ranger will be aggressively prosecuted and face arrest, fines and imprisonment, the impounding of the motor vehicle, and restriction/suspension of driving privileges.
?The misuse of public lands by motorcyclists is unfortunate,? said Cooper. ?We would appreciate cooperation from the public in helping meet our objectives for resource protection.?
CCMA is currently closed to public access pending completion of a Resource Management Plan. The area closure was issued in 2008 following release of a report by the Environmental Protection Agency that states that public visitor use in CCMA for more than one day per year could increase visitor?s excess lifetime cancer risk due to asbestos exposure, adding that ?children may be at greater risk?because of their life expectancy.?
For more information, contact Chief Law Enforcement Ranger Brian Martin at (831) 630-5000.
-BLM-
Central California District, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
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05/03/2011 18:28**********************
SuperCross Viewing Party in Hollister - May 7th
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**********************
04/02/2011 11:27**********************
Support Access for all Americans
|
|
In Your State...
Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages.
Share ARRA!
If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters.
Help ARRA!
To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com. Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send. Thank you. | |
|
Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the ?Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act?
U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans. The very important draft bill would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and directs that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.
As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictates that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.
The Members? ?Dear Colleague? letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here.
A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy?s office can be viewed here.
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation.
TAKE ACTION!  | |
|
Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
|
|
|
|
In Your State...
Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages.
Share ARRA!
If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters.
Help ARRA!
To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com. Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send. Thank you. | |
|
Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the ?Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act?
U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans. The very important draft bill would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and directs that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.
As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictates that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.
The Members? ?Dear Colleague? letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here.
A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy?s office can be viewed here.
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation.
TAKE ACTION! | |
|
Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
|
|
|
|
In Your State...
Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages.
Share ARRA!
If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters.
Help ARRA!
To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com. Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send. Thank you. | |
|
Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the ?Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act?
U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans. The very important draft bill would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and directs that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.
As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictates that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.
The Members? ?Dear Colleague? letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here.
A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy?s office can be viewed here.
Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation.
TAKE ACTION! | |
|
Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
|
|
Back to top
**********************
03/27/2011 14:17**********************
April 5 & 6, Hollister OHV Commission Meeting
April 5 & 6, 2011
OHV Commision meeting, Veterans Hall, Hollister, California
|For more information go to:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21853
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03/23/2011 11:18**********************
NEW CCMA Asbestos Report!
For Immediate Release: March 22, 2011
Contact: Phil Jenkins (916) 324-5801(OHMVR Division) and Dave Christy (916) 206-1520 (BLM)
New Report Examines Asbestos Exposure at Clear Creek Management Area
near Hollister, California
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks today released a new independent report analyzing naturally occurring asbestos exposures associated with motorcycle riding and hiking in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA). The report was completed by scientists from the International Environmental Research Foundation (IERF), the Department of Physics at Harvard University, and the Center for Applied Studies of the Environment at the City University of New York. The OHMVR Division commissioned the IERF report to gather more data to determine if management and operational strategies could be employed at the CCMA to mitigate risk while still allowing access to this premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation destination. Daphne Greene, Deputy Director for the OHMVR Division commented, ?This report provides additional data which needs to be considered, along with the data from the EPA report, before any final decisions are made concerning long term recreation opportunities at the CCMA. We look forward to continuing discussions with the BLM.? Jim Abbott, Acting BLM State Director, said BLM's number one priority has always been protecting the public health and safety. The 2008 closure of CCMA was based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s (EPA) conclusions that "the asbestos exposures for recreational users at CCMA were above the acceptable level of risk for public health.? Abbott says he "welcomes the dialog" with the OHMVR Division, noting that BLM is in the final stages of completing a long-term plan for managing the CCMA. ?We have requested that EPA review the new study, and we will wait until the scientists have had time to consider the new information in the report before any final land use decisions are made," he said. The new report is available online at: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov The original EPA study is online at http://www.epa.gov/region9/toxic/noa/clearcreek/index.html . Information about BLM's CCMA Resource Management Plan is available at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html . David Christy
BLM Central California Public Affairs
Phone (916) 941-3146
FAX (916) 941-3199
Cell (916) 206-1520
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
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02/24/2011 16:38**********************
OHV Community Needs your HELP
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP
We are putting together a PICTURE VIDEO to send to our elected officials in Sacramento to let them know just how fed up we are with these repeated assaults on our OHV Funds. We need everyone to send us a few of your favorite OHV pictures showing any kind of OHV (Dune Buggy, Motorcycle, Sand Rails, Quads, UTVs, Jet Skis, Trucks, Snow Mobiles, Jeeps, ETC). Especially the ones with your kids and your family enjoying your sport. Please send them to one of the following:
info@foccma.org or info@sotsnf.org and see which one of your pictures makes it into the video and the hands of our elected officials.
As you have probably heard by now the State of California Assembly Budget Committee on 2/18/2011 voted to steal $27,000,000.00 ($27 MILLION) of your money from the State OHV Program. This is not a loan and would continue year after year. Also, Governor Jerry Brown is proposing to steal another $21,000,000.00 ($21 MILLION) from the OHV fund in a separate move which would devastate the California OHV Program which is a role model for most of the rest of the states. Over the last 3 years the State has already taken $112,000,000.00 ($112 MILLION) from the OHV fund with a promise to pay it back. They have not.
These actions would result in the closures and cut-backs to California?s OHV Parks ? Carnegie, Clay Pit, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Mammoth Bar, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The Snow Grooming program and State Sno-Parks will also be greatly affected or closed. This could be the end of the OHV program as we have enjoyed it for the last 40 years. This represents over a 40% reduction to the operating budget of the OHV parks. The OHV Division is a user funded program, taking NO money from the General Fund.
This year?s budget proposes only an $11 million cut for 270 State Parks, yet a cut of $27 million is proposed from the OHV division which has only 8 State OHV Parks. Our State OHV Parks are all about children, and offering them opportunities to recreate outdoors. The OHV parks encourage families to go camping, and offer urban residents the chance to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. Our OHV parks have enjoyed a 150% increase in attendance over the last 10 years, which State Parks cannot equal.
The Law says the OHV division of State Parks should have equal priority among the other State Parks. Budget impacts should be equally shared....yet the State OHV Parks have had $112,000,000.00 taken over the last 3 years. Now the Assembly and the Governor proposes to gut the program, favoring less popular State Parks. This is certainly discriminatory, and counter to the law. The OHV community has given more than its fair share of the OHV Trust Fund. These are dedicated user fees.
The OHV community has taken legal action for two other attempts of this kind...and the State has lost! We sued the State and won $21.5 million. We are willing and able to do this again, and the State will lose even more money before all this is over. We will pursue all legal remedies to stop this action, and stop the discrimination against the State OHV Program and affiliated activities.
Thanks for all of your Help
Mike Wubbels
Executive Director
Friends of Clear Creek Management Area
www.foccma.org
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest
www.sotsnf.org
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| Update: Tell the State Legislature Hands Off the OHV Trust Fund!! |
Take Action! |
| Latest proposal would "borrow" millions and cut the OHV Division's operations budget! |
| |
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As many of you already know, the ongoing state budget crisis has resulted in yet another proposed "loan" from the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) fund. Recent budget committee meetings have outlined a plan to take $22 million of the reserve funds, as well as to cut an additional $27 million from the OHV division's yearly operating budget. This despite that the program uses no general tax revenues and is in fact paid for exclusively through OHV registration and related fuel tax revenues.
These funds are specifically designated to be used for OHV program related expenses and to administer and expand the State Vehicle Recreation Areas (SVRA's) system, not to be "borrowed" from during times of fiscal crisis.
Before another dollar is ?borrowed? from this model state program, it first needs to be repaid the $112 million (total) that was "borrowed" in 2008 and 2009. In fact, now is the time to identify those State Park facilities that would be better run by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.
Click on the "Take Action" button at the top of this alert to make your voice heard! | |
| |
AmericanMotorcyclist.com ? Rapid Response Center ? Contribute to the Cause ? Get Involved ? Register to Vote
AMA Facebook Page ? RSS Feed |
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02/23/2011 00:43**********************
ACT NOW to save the OHV program!!!
We must ACT NOW to save the OHV program!
The Issue: On Friday, February 18th, the Assembly Budget Committee voted to take $27 million out of the OHV operating budget. This would NOT be a loan, and would continue unstopped year after year. It would result in closures and cut-backs to the California OHV Parks ? Carnegie, Clay Pit, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Mammoth Bar, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The Snow Grooming program and State Sno-Parks will also be greatly affected or closed. In addition, the Governor is proposing to take $21 million more from the OHV program. This could be the end of the OHV program as we have enjoyed it for the last 40 years.
This Wednesday, February 23rd, the Conference Committee will meet in the State Capitol to iron out difference between the State Assembly and Senate Budget Committees. We have to influence the following Conference Committee members through our elected legislative representatives: Senator Leno, Vice Chair; Senator Lowenthal, Senator Negrete McLeod , Senator Huff, and Senator Emmerson, and Assemblyman Blumenfield.
What can you do: ACT NOW! and contact your legislative members ASAP. Find your representatives here, and use the speaking points below, or add some of your own: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html
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The budget proposes only an $11 million cut for 270 State Parks, yet a cut of $27 million is proposed from the OHV division which has only 8 State OHV Parks. This represents less than a 10% cut to State Park operations, but over a 40% reduction to the operating budget of the OHV parks. The OHV Division is a user funded program, taking NO money from the General Fund.
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The State OHV Parks are all about children, offering them opportunities to recreate outdoors. The OHV parks encourage families to go camping, and offer urban residents the chance to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. The OHV parks enjoyed a 150% increase in attendance over the last 10 years, which State Parks cannot equal.
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The Law says the OHV division of State Parks should have equal priority among the other State Parks. Budget impacts should be equally shared....yet the State OHV Parks have had $112 million dollars taken over the last 3 years. Now the Assembly proposes to gut the program, favoring less popular State Parks. This is certainly discriminatory, and counter to the law. The OHV community has given more than it's fair share of the OHV Trust Fund. These are dedicated user fees.
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The OHV community has taken legal action for two other attempts of this kind...and the State has lost! We sued you and won $21.5 million. We are willing and able to do this again, and the State will lose even more money before all this is over. We will pursue all legal remedies to stop this action, and stop the discrimination against the State OHV Program and affiliated activities.
Please send this to all your friends, networks, clubs and forums. This is a serious issue, and only we can make a difference.
Thanks,
Amy
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02/21/2011 23:18**********************
Congress Votes for 7 Month Time-Out on Road Closures
WEEKEND UPDATE - Congress Votes to Give TMR a 7 Month "Time Out"
Congress Votes for 7 Month Time-Out on Road Closures
Trail Party Voters have a lot to be proud of on this President?s Day Weekend. On Friday night while many of you were heading out with your families to various OHV and other multiple-use recreation sites, Congress was working hard on a couple of items that are of great concern to the Off-Road Voter.
As you watch the video below, you will hear Congressman Herger (R-CA) articulate why he (Amendment #177) asked Congress to push a national ?7 month pause button? on the 2005 Travel Management Rule. ORVers know that on many Forests, TMR was used to effect landscape level closures.
The Trail Party believes that access issues should be non-partisan and we commend both the GOP and DEM members of Congress who voted for the people?s right to be heard by federal land agencies.
Video of Congressman Herger Asking for 7 Month ?Time-Out? on TMR
Roll Call Vote on Herger Amendment #177 (Check and see how your Representative Voted)
I am sure that enviro groups will try and spin this vote as an effort to allow OHVers and other access interests to roam free and destroy the land in some lawless state. But I don?t think that will work. Reasonable people will see this as an effort to reintroduce the public into the decision-making process. The Trail Party believes this 7-month time-out does not suspend the thousands of existing federal statues, laws, and regulations that govern public use of Forest Service lands that were and are in place before TMR was created.
What you will not see in any news articles is the fact that many Forest Service staffers (I have talked with some off-the-record) believe the recreation public got hosed by TMR in several states and that TMR had more to do with implementing the political agenda of far-left anti-access groups then it did with protecting the environment.
Also, the fact that the Plumas County Sheriff said he was not going enforce FS trail closures may have helped push #177 (see article below)
Plumas County News Article
http://www.plumasnews.com/home/7904-sheriff-refuses-to-enforce-federal-laws.html
PS - MORE GOOD NEWS
Congressman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) had her EAJA reform amendment placed into H.R 1, the Continuing Resolution. It also pushed the ?pause? button on the green lawsuit scam where they shotgun a number of lawsuits to stop OHV or other projects and then demand that taxpayers pay their attorney fees.
EAJA Reform
The Trail Party wants to commend all of you who voted and sent donations to access candidates. You can see by these proposals that YOUR vote does matter.
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02/10/2011 11:37**********************
Picacho Creek Challange - National Hare Scramble
Charlotte Gomes Memorial-Picacho Creek Challenge, National Hare Scramble
February 19 & 20, 2011
|For more information go to:
http://www.salinasramblersmc.org/HS/2011%20Flyer.pdf
This will be the "Premier" event of the season, don't miss it!
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02/10/2011 10:41**********************
OHV TRUST FUND UNDER ATTACK IN SACRACAMENTO!!!
CODE RED ALERT - OHV Trust Fund Under Attack in Sac - Letters Needed by 9:30am Today
HQ is sending out a ?broken arrow? alert, which means ?all hands on deck? -- our OHV program is under attack. Your help with a letter or by attending the Assembly Budget Committee #3 Hearing today at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 at the State Capitol is urgently requested.
Thanks to a heads-up by my good friend, Nick Haris (AMA), late yesterday, HQ found out that the Assembly Budget Committee #3 Hearing on Monday February 7 had said they would not look at OHV budget issues until sometime in May. Suddenly on Wednesday, Nick finds out that the committee plans to review OHV budget issues TODAY!
One of the most outrageous proposals by the committee is to consider most if not all of the OHV Trust Fund to be ?fungible.? In simple terms? that means that the legislature or bureaucrats can use that money for almost anything they want including non-OHV issues. Yes folks, that means we would not have an OHV program.
Secondly, they want to take $5 million dollars to hire state park rangers to patrol a yet to be determined list of ?closed parks? to protect them from an assumption that there will be illegal OHV activity there. If there is trespass, that is a local crime issue that should be handled by the sheriff. If they are going to hire park rangers to patrol closed parks, why not have the park rangers patrol an open park?
I am asking you to FAX or email the Assembly Budget Committee # 3 today by 9:30 am. TODAY. I will be there in person to testify. If you cannot attend, I believe they will be broadcasting it on video feed (check assembly website for link)
Contact info for committee members
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/subcommitteeframe.asp?subcommittee=20OHV First Up on Agenda Today
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/subcommitteeframe.asp?subcommittee=20Governor?s Budget
http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/pdf/GovernorsBudget/3000/3790.pdfFor reference, I will cut and paste my BRC letter to the committee on the concerns I have. Remember to be respectful when you send in letters. However, passion about your sport is encouraged at the HQ.
ORIG. SENT ON BRC LETTERHEAD
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01/28/2011 14:42**********************
Support HR 242 & help reopen roads and trails
HQ ACTION ALERT - Help Cong. Herger (HR 242) Fix TMR and Reopen Road and Trails
Help Cong. Herger (HR 242) Reopen Closed Roads and Trails
The Recreation HQ is proud to announce the fact that access champion Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA2) had his legislation H.R. 242 introduced into the
Congressional Record on January 26, 2011.
BRC Issued a TMR Alert Today with a Link to the
Congressional Recordhttp://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1293HQ believes the alert offers trail users an historic opportunity to engage their own House Member on access issues by having them co-sponsor Congressman Herger?s effort to address the many closure tenets of the 2005 Travel Management Rule as enacted in California?s 19 National Forests.
If you feel OHVers got shafted by TMR in your neck of the woods, you may want to encourage your own House Member to introduce a bill similar to Congressman Herger?s H.R. 242. There may be even county supervisors or county commissioners who want to pass resolutions in support of H.R. 242 or petition their local House Member to co-sponsor the bill or file one for their own state.
As you know, thousands of miles of historic roads and trails have been closed or proposed for closure by the Forest Service. TMR was never supposed to be about landscape level closures of roads and trails used by woodcutters, hunters, OHVers, and other outdoor interests. It got messed up along the way and now it is up to Congress to fix it.
HQ encourages you to act promptly to show your support for Congressman Herger?s effort to champion responsible access to public lands.
# # #
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FYI - This is posted on the Hollister website
Clear Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (CCMA PRMP/FEIS)
Status Update: Clear Creek Management Area Proposed RMP and Final EIS
Due to the complexity of working with other local, State, and Federal governments the Clear Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (CCMA PRMP/FEIS) has taken longer to complete than originally anticipated. The Hollister Field Office has submitted the Notice of Availability (NOA) for the CCMA PRMP/FEIS for review and approval by the BLM California State Office and BLM Washington DC National Office. The new anticipated date for the CCMA PRMP/FEIS available for public review will be March/April 2011.
BLM will announce release of the PRMP/FEIS through local newspapers and the CCMA mailing list once the NOA is published in the Federal Register. A 30-day public protest period begins upon release the PRMP/FEIS. More information about the public protest period and resolution process is available at the BLM Resource Management Plan Protest Resolution informational web page.
Following the 30-day public protest period, BLM must resolve protests before approving any changes to the CCMA's land use decisions. This usually takes 3-6 months. The final Record of Decision (ROD) for the CCM PRMP/FEIS will replace the current Temporary Closure Order for the Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern. |
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10/07/2010 11:41**********************
Fundraiser, BBQ, Dual Sport
Fundraiser, BBQ, Dual Sport Adventure
The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision is out and many of our traditional routes are on the chopping block and will be eliminated from the maps. We need your support.
We sent in an appeal package to Region 5 and ALL of the appeals sent to the Region for the Sierra National Forest were TURNED DOWN BY THE REGIONAL FORESTER.
The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open. This will be an ongoing process over the next couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest.
This is where you and everyone you know can help. Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship. We will also be having a raffle table full of great stuff. Our last raffle table had over $5000.00 of swag that we gave away.
October 23/24, 2010
Suggested Donation: $75.00
Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies
Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra National Forest
(If you are not already a member)
(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)
(No Refunds after October 1 2010)
Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a night (discounted rate)
Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge
(Fish & Chips) $8.00 per person
Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge
$8.00 per person
*Optional Dual Sport Ride*
No charge (Free!) Saturday Oct 23/Sunday Oct 24
Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails
Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders
Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 No. of Oakhurst)
Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)
120 miles Saturday, 80 Miles Sunday
If you choose to ride, bikes must be street legal and meet USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements. Please share the road/ trail responsibly
For More Info and registration forms go to:
www.sotsnf.org
Click on the link at the top of the page
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05/16/2010 00:11**********************
USFS Release Record of Decision for Sierra NF
Attention all Stewards of the Sierra:
Now that the Record of Decision (ROD) has been released by the Forest Service it is more important than ever to stay engaged with the process to help keep our PUBLIC LANDS OPEN FOR THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC.
The Forest Service will be holding a series of open houses and public workshops for the Sierra National Forest Travel Management Decision. If you cannot make it to one of the workshops, they will be holding a webinar on-line to hear an overview of the decision and opportunity to ask questions.
Below please find the dates and locations for the open houses and a brief overview of the massive amounts of closure of Public Access to both roads and trails and also the loss of access to seasons of use for the Forest.
Public Workshops and Webinar
May 17, 2010 Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B, Oakhurst, 6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).
May 18, 2010 Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, Liberty Rm, 808 4th Street, Clovis, 6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).
May 20, 2010 Foothill Middle School, Multi-Purpose Rm, 291147 Auberry Rd, Prather,
6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).
May 26, 2010 Virtual Webinar-Join us on-line for an overview of the Decision, 7-8:30pm. To sign-up for the webinar please visit the following website: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/539264808
May 27, 2010 Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 5100 Chambers Street, Mariposa 6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).
Highlights of the Decision:
1. The decision provides 2,189 miles of roads and 127 miles of trails for motorized travel on the Sierra National Forest.
Trails added to the System:
67 Total miles of Trails in the Motorized System.
88 miles open to All Vehicles.
33 miles open to vehicles less than 50? .
6 miles open to motorcycles only.
Roads added to the System:
15 miles (logging roads and spurs to dispersed campsites)
Total miles of roads in the System:
1,665 miles open to all vehicles.
524 miles open to highway vehicles
Areas added:
20 areas added for 105 acres (7 acres-parking/staging and 98 acres of areas)
Total number/acres of parking/staging facilities open to all vehicles = 64 (49 acres)
Total number/acres of motorized areas open to all vehicles = 15 (173 acres)
Definitions of an Area and Parking/Staging areas:
Area: An area is open to all vehicles for motorized recreation
Parking/Staging Areas: Parking for Highway Legal Vehicles
2. The decision prohibits cross country travel by motor vehicles on the Sierra National Forest.
Parking is allowed within one vehicle length (includes a towed vehicle) of a road, trail or area, unless otherwise prohibited.
3. The decision protects the Natural and Cultural Resources.
Protects watersheds, cultural resources, endangered, threatened and sensitive species (including plants, animals and their habitat) and adds no new roads or trails in inventoried roadless areas.
4. The decision provides a Season of Use for roads, trails and areas for the Sierra National Forest.
Changes to the Season of Use were made to 1,688 miles of roads and 43 miles of trails.
460 miles of roads have no restrictions.
The decision establishes 20 Seasons of Use to allow access to the greatest extent possible.
Over Fifty percent of the roads and trails are (1,317 miles) open for motorized travel from May 20th to December 1st.
Nearly twenty percent (464 miles) is open year around for motor vehicle travel.
5. The decision maximizes recreation opportunity by changing 178 miles of roads which were open to highway legal vehicles only to a new designation allowing mixed use. Also converts 12 miles of roads to trails allowing for additional motor vehicle opportunities.
Changing the vehicle class to mixed (green/red sticker) use allows for both highway legal and non-highway legal vehicles (as defined by the California Vehicle code) to use NFTS roads.
Results in uninterrupted connectivity between key roads, trails and areas, enhancing motorized recreational opportunities
6. The decision changes the Maintenance Levels and Use on some Forest Roads.
In order to be in compliance with Forest Service policy, 181 miles of Maintenance Level (ML) 1 roads will be opened as ML 2 roads, which will allow public use by green/red sticker vehicles.
65 miles of ML 2 roads, previously closed, will also be open for public use.
Appealing the Decision
This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215. In accordance with the April 24, 2006 order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Missoula Division of the District Court of Montana in Case No. CV 03-119-M-DWM, for those individuals and organizations who provided comments during the comment period are eligible to appeal [36 CFR 215.11(a), 1993 version]. Appeals must be filed within 45 days from the publication date of the legal notice in the Fresno Bee (Monday, May 10, 2010). The appeal period ends June 23, 2010. Detailed procedures for appealing the decision are located in the ROD.
We look forward to seeing you.
Betty
Betty Mathews
Acting Forest Supervisor
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04/30/2010 20:58**********************
Clarification Part 2
Everyone,
In reponse to questions that have recently been raised about the timeframe of the CCMA temporary closure, we would like to offer the following comments:
The Instruction Memorandum that has been circulated may not be a regulation, but it is a policy statement from the Washington DC BLM staff sent to the BLM State and Hollister Field Office. The IM was issued in response to their request for clarification of this issue. Although we might disagree with the closure, BLM is the agency charged with making this decision, and it has been affirmed by the Washington Office.
The Clear Creek DEIS is the planning process that deals with the supposed health concerns that led to the temporary closure. Although a temporary closure cannot last indefinitely, it remains in effect for the duration of the planning process (DEIS process) which ends only when the record of decision has been issued and all administrative options and or legal actions have been exhausted.
The public has been advised by the BLM that the closure remains in effect. We could challenge his decision with a lawsuit, but we believe this would be unlikely to succeed. We therefore ask everyone to work within the planning process toward resolving the issues related to Clear Creek in the most favorable way that we can.
To violate the closure order shows that we are unable to work with the agency and is likely to result in a citation that will do little to further our cause.So let's focus on preparing for the agency decision and if necessary an appeal of that decision.
We need your help, please respect the closure.
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04/29/2010 18:00**********************
CCMA clarification on temporary closure
We just received this today. It is the response from BLM on the timeline of the CCMA "temporary closure".
There have been a lot of questions and we hope this clears things up for now.
The Friends of CCMA encourages everyone to recreate in a responsible manner that is in accordance with all county, state, and federal rules and laws, .
Steve,
I have been informed there are questions from the public related to the
term of the May 1, 2008 Closure Order for the Clear Creek Management Area?s
Serpentine ACEC, specifically related to the release of WO Instruction
Memorandum 2010-28 on December 11, 2009. This Instruction Memorandum
establishes a new BLM policy requiring that temporary closures or
restrictions must be 24 months or less in duration. If the justification
for a closure or restriction order has not been addressed within the
24-month period, a new temporary closure or restriction order must be
established in accordance with this IM. The purpose of this new policy is
to ensure temporary closures and restrictions are implemented for the
shortest time and in the smallest area necessary to protect resources,
public health, and safety.
Some have interpreted that BLM must apply the IM retroactively to the May
1, 2008 closure order. This is not correct.
The Instruction Memorandum is guidance for future application of temporary
closure authorities and does not affect or void closures currently in
place.
I confirmed this with the Acting State Director Jim Abbott who is in
Washington this week and he confirmed that with Washington Office Division
Chief in Administration.
Instruction Memorandums are intended to provide guidance for future
decisions and rarely apply retroactively to decisions already in place.
The term for the May 2008 Closure Order is the completion of the final
Record of Decision for the Clear Creek Management Area RMP/EIS as stated in
the Federal Register Notice in April 3, 2008. This decision was reviewed
and approved by the Washington Office and was approved for full force and
affect implementation by Interior Board of Land Appeals.
The public visiting the Serpentine ACEC must stay on the County Roads as
defined in the County?s Resolution. Deviating off those roads is a
violation of the closure order.
As to your question about routes and trails outside the ACEC; there are
some routes and trails that are outside the ACEC that are technically not
closed. However those routes and trails can only be reached by using
closed trails in the ACEC, unless individuals have permitted access through
private land. Hollister has been consistent in its reply to the public on
this question.
Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office
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04/27/2010 00:00**********************
Clear Creek Protest Day
Clear Creek Protest Day
The promoter of the Clear Creek Protest day scheduled for Sunday May 2, 2010 at the entrance to Clear Creek has moved it to the BLM?s Hollister Field Office. The protest will start at 10:00 a.m. and last till? Come out and voice your concerns over the closure of your PUBLIC LANDS by our government.
The office is located at:
BLM Hollister Field Office
20 Hamilton Ct.
Hollister Ca. 95023
Please come out and show your support and help provide a united front in the quest to reopen Clear Creek. For more information go to the South Bay Riders forum and look for more info on the subject.
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04/15/2010 10:39**********************
Where does all your MONEY GO
ENVIRO LITIGATION GRAVY
Ever wondered how so called environmental groups can afford to keep filing more and more lawsuits each year? You think it is because they win huge awards, well think again. Most people are unaware that these groups legal fees are reimbursed by our government under the Equal Justice Act. That is correct we the taxpayers are paying them to sue us. This means each lawsuit they file is a money maker for them. That is why most of the suits filed today actually harm the environment instead of helping. It's about the money not the environment.
For example:
- There are much needed Forest fuel reduction projects which would reduce dangerously high fuels loads in our unnaturally overgrown National Forests. Enviro Groups file lawsuits blocking these projects, a death sentence for the Forest which ends up incinerated along with all the wildlife and destruction of the watershed.
- Or lawsuits forcing trail closures which concentrate use and increase impacts on the land.
- Or lawsuits to ban fish stocking which cause native trout population to become over fished and also severely reduced the food supply to native wildlife like eagles
Reports show Enviro Groups like the Wilderness Society, Forest Guardians and Center for Biological Diversity have been paid over $4 BILLION of your tax dollars to file lawsuits from 2003-2007.
Lawsuits filed under the guise of preservation which harm the environment in order to make money, show the true colors of such groups as Litigation Machines using pseudo Environmental Fronts.
Read more here http://www.SaveTheTrails.us/EnviroLitigationGravy.html
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04/07/2010 02:03**********************
Best News in 23 Months
The Best News in 23 Months
Today April 6, 2010 the San Benito County Board of Supervisor made history by voting unanimously to reopen all of the closed roads in the Clear Creek Management Area. This does not mean that you can go out and ride in Clear Creek, but you can once again travel any of the county roads without the fear of being ticketed or thrown in jail. This was done over the requests of the BLM?s Hollister Field Office Manager Rick Copper who asked that the board keep the roads closed till the Record of Decision comes out. Mr. Copper was asked by the board when that was and he replied maybe as early as January 2011?
We ask that all Americans who will be visiting and driving thru the Clear Creek Management Area in the near and foreseeable future to observe the rules by staying on the county roads and not go off of them. We must learn to police ourselves thru these trying times knowing that the ultimate outcome will be a full return to the type of riding we used to know at the creek. If just a few abuse this sweet victory it will be short lived and give cause for the BLM to find ways to revoke what we have fought so hard to achieve.
If you see someone breaking the rules, please take a moment and educate them to what is at stake for all of the OHV community and the public if we lose this victory. I believe full heartedly that if we stand united together, that in the foreseeable future we will once again ride and enjoy all that the Creek has to offer every one of us and the family experiences it has provide for many of us throughout the years.
This day will forever live in the history books as a pivotal point for the OHV community and the American Public. The impacts of today?s decisions are being watched all across this great country of ours, and the impacts of these decisions will shape the future of OHV and the way our Public Lands are managed. After all Public Lands belong to the Public and not the government agencies managing them. Remember the CONSTITUTION says that the federal government CAN NOT OWN OUR PUBLIC LANDS but can only manage them.
Please pass this information on to as many people as you can, and remember that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. Please remember that there is still a great amount of hard work ahead for all. Enjoy this hard fought victory, but do not let up the pressure to accept anything short of full unrestricted access to the Clear Creek Management Area.
Mike
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04/05/2010 06:25**********************
Emergency Action Needed
Your Presence is Requested
A very important day has finally come. The San Benito County Board of Supervisors will be meeting this Tuesday April 6, 2010 to vote on reopening all 25 miles of county roads in the Clear Creek Management Area. We are requesting that as many people as possible show up and support the reopening of these PUBLIC ROADS, and the County Supervisors and County Council in their quest to better serve the citizens of San Benito County and the surrounding areas.
This would be the first giant step in having one of the top ten riding areas in the nation reopened for public use since it was closed two years ago by the BLM's Rick Copper of the Hollister Field Office. Please make the time show up to this meeting to show our local government that as Americans we are willing to stand up and fight for what we believe is right.
SAN BENITO COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
County Administration Building ? Board of Supervisors Chambers, 481 Fourth Street, Hollister, California
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
APRIL 6, 2010
Mission Statement
The County Board of Supervisors will recognize the public trust it holds, will on all occasions conduct business with honesty, integrity, and respect for the individual, and will hold the organization of County government to that same standard.
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors welcomes you to this meeting and encourages your participation.
? If you wish to speak on a matter which does not appear on the agenda, you may do so during the Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Please complete a Speaker Card and provide it to the Clerk of the Board prior to the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda. When addressing the Board, please state your name for the record. Please address the Board as a whole through the Chair.
? If you wish to speak on an item contained in the agenda please complete a Speaker Card identifying the item(s) and provide it to the Clerk of the Board prior to consideration of the item.
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Each individual speaker will be limited to a presentation total of three (3) minutes.
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AFTERNOON SESSION 1:30 P.M.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT ? A. Henriques:
24) Review staff report, and draft comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management Clear Creek Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and provide comments and direction to staff.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ? S. Wittry:
25) Adopt a Resolution to re-open unmaintained County roads upon the installation of appropriate information signage referencing a potential for human health risks within surrounding terrain in the BLM Clear Creek Management Area; and direct staff to maintain quarterly inspections of signs in the area. 26) Receive the County Service Area quarterly report encompassing
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03/06/2010 00:46**********************
BLM Extends Public Comment Period
Release Date: 3/5/10
Contacts: Jan Bedrosian 916-978-4616
John Dearing 916-978-4622
News Release No. CA-CC-10-48
BLM Extends Comment Period on Clear Creek Draft Plan
The public comment period for the Clear Creek Management Area draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement has been extended by 45 days by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
?Because the plan addresses potential long term restrictions on public lands,? said BLM Acting California State Director Jim Abbott, ?we are extending the comment period to allow further public input?
The Clear Creek Management Area in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties has a long history of public recreational use. But because of increased awareness of potential health risks caused by asbestos, the area has been temporarily closed since May 2008. The closure was in response to results of an Environmental Protection Agency?s human health risk assessment. The temporary closure remains in effect until the new management plan is approved.
The draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement was released in December 2009 with a 90 day comment period. Three public meetings were also held in Coalinga, Hollister and Santa Clara in January 2010 to gather comments. The initial 90-day comment period ends today.
Comments must be postmarked or received by April 19, 2010. Written public comments may be submitted by mail to BLM, Attn. CCMA RMP/EIS, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023. Comment may also be provided via email: cahormp@ca.blm.gov, or fax: 831-630-5055.
For more information contact the Hollister Field Office at 831-630-5000.
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03/05/2010 23:51**********************
DAYTONA SUPERCROSS FOCCMA RAFFLE
FAULTLINE POWERSPORTS
PRESENTS
DAYTONA SUPERCROSS VIEWING PARTY
AND
RAFFLE TO BENEFIT
FRIENDS OF CLEAR CREEK MANAGEMENT AREA
LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
NOW THAT THE BLM HAS GIVEN THE PUBLIC A 45 DAY EXTENSION TO THE COMMENT PERIOD PLEASE COME OUT AND GRAB A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND RELAX WITH FRIENDS AND TALK ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. THE FOOD IS GOOD, THE SERVICE IS GREAT.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
AT
RELAX GRILLIN' & CHILLIN
3650 SAN JUAN RD., HOLLISTER CA.
TV COVERAGES STARTS AT 5:00 P.M.
FOR MORE INFO CALL:
831-637-8550 OR 831-636-1010
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03/03/2010 23:04**********************
Two Minutes to Save Clear Creek
Two Minutes to Help Save Clear Creek
At this very critical time we need to ask everyone to take less than two minutes to send in a comment to the BLM so we can SAVE CLEAR CREEK AND THE FUTURE OF OHV IN CALIFORNIA AND NATION WIDE. The comment period ends March 5, 2010. Please go to the link listed below and follow the instructions to fill out a comment and send it to the BLM it?s the American thing to do.
Thanks in Advance for every ones help to save the sport we love.
http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=44
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02/28/2010 17:30**********************
A letter from one of our members to Rick Cooper
Rick Cooper, Hollister BLM Field Office Manager,
Kathy Hardy, Central District Manager BLM,
Jim Abbott, Acting California State Director BLM
Robert Abbey, Head of the Bureau of Land Management,
The Clear Creek Management Area has been closed since May of 2008. The BLM released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on December 4, 2009 that plans to virtually close that area permanently to ALL use. The 700+ page document was released right before Christmas, the BLM employees in the Hollister Field Office went on vacation shortly afterward and were unavailable for questions and comments. Furthermore, the BLM didn't hold any Public meetings for over 30 days and just recently on February 22, 2010 held a meeting with business owners and land owners affected by the closure. To say the least there were more questions raised than answers given.
I am a Hollister resident, I have been for over 10 years, growing up in San Martin. I moved to Hollister to raise a family away from the hustle of San Jose and to be close to the only places left in the area to ride.
My brother and I grew up riding dirt bikes. Our family vacations as kids were to places where we could ride like Pismo, Clear Creek, Hollister Hills and others. 35 years ago we used to ride in the open dunes of Pismo and over the years watched it little by little be taken away from us. Now there are threats of full closure of my Children's favorite place to camp since the closure of Clear Creek. We had always taken great pride in the fact that no matter what they did to Pismo, we always had Clear Creek right in our back yard... Until May 2008.
Now with families of our own, we camp, ride and race at Clear Creek, well until almost 2 years ago when it was wrongfully taken from us as well. My three kids are being denied the opportunities I had growing up and when they ask, ?Why we can?t go ride or camp at Clear Creek, like you always did Dad??, the saddest part is... No matter how many meetings I attend or documents I read or emails I may send, I am unable to answer my kids.
I could go down the road of asking how you sleep at night knowing you are stripping so many families of the opportunity to enjoy PUBLIC land we all grew up enjoying, but berating you all would serve no purpose. This is not the intent of my letter. I honestly believe you do understand where we are coming from when we demand Clear Creek access be fully restored for all to enjoy as we have for decades. I?ve sat in these meetings and watched the frustration in the crowd grow with every unanswered question. I am of the belief you are in the same situation as I with not knowing what to tell my kids truthfully why we cannot return to Clear Creek.
The 700+ page DEIS/RMP for the Clear Creek Management Area is a large, complicated document that requires time and patience to not only read, but fully understand. I sincerely believe not only have we the people not been provided ample time to review this document, I feel BLM has not had enough time themselves. This is proven by the content within the document itself.
As a tax paying local resident and avid recreationalist who has invested more than your yearly salaries to support my family?s recreation, I demand attention to this matter and respectfully request a 90 day extension for public review of the DEIS/RMP for the Clear Creek Management Area. I refuse to stand by silently and watch this wrongful closure proceed further without proper action and vow (and encourage all copied on this email) to continue sending emails throughout the chain of our Government until I get an answer to my kids? question... ?When can we ride Clear Creek??
In closing, I thank you for your attention and leave you with 2 final questions.
How many of you and your families have used Clear Creek for recreation, if any... Why are you not helping to restore access? Please, help us.
Michael
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02/20/2010 00:07**********************
Emergency Action Needed
EMERGENCY ACTION
NEEDED
2-18-2010
The following letter was sent in good faith to Mr. Rick Cooper, head of the BLM Hollister Field Office for the Clear Creek Management Area requesting a 90 day extension to the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement comment period, which is slated to end March 5, 2010.
OUR REQUEST WAS DENIED
This will be the most critical land use battle in California History
The Clear Creek Management Area has been closed since May of 2008, and the BLM has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on December 4, 2009 that plans to virtually close that area permanently to ALL use. The 700+ page document was released right before Christmas, and the BLM employees in the Hollister Field Office went on vacation shortly afterward, and were unavailable for questions and comments. Furthermore, the BLM didn't hold any Public meetings for over 30 days, and still hasn't held a meeting addressing concerns of local businesses, counties and local governments affected by the closure.
For the reasons above, and because of the shear complexity of the document, we now we need your help to flood the BLM computers and fax machines with e-mails and faxes till they melt down requesting a 90 day extension to the comment period.
This is one of the LARGEST, ERRONEOUS, PUBLIC LAND CLOSURES ever attempted by a government agency. Please, if you value your freedom, take a moment to send a quick e-mail and fax to the following demanding the BLM grant this extension.
Rick Cooper, Hollister Field Office Manager,rick_cooper@ca.blm.gov Fax: (831) 630-5055
Kathy Hardy, Central District Manager, Kathryn_Hardy@blm.gov Fax: (916) 978-4657
Jim Abbott, Acting California State Director, Jim_Abbott@blm.gov Fax: (916) 978-4416
Robert Abbey, Head of the Bureau of Land Management, Robert_Abbey@blm.gov Fax: (202) 208-5242
February 12, 2010
Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023
Dear Rick,
The following organizations, each representing and advocating on behalf of thousands of members throughout California and the United States, are requesting a 90-day extension to the comments period for the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
u American Motorcyclist Association
u California Off-Road Vehicle Association,
u CA4WDC,
u BlueRibbon Coalition,
u District 36 AMA,
u AMA District 37 AMA
u Friends of Clear Creek Management Area,
u Off-Road Business Organization
u Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club
u Timekeepers Motorcycle Club
There are numerous reasons for this request for this extension including, but not limited to, the following:
- The BLM took 18 months to produce a 735-page document dealing with very technical, complex issues and 90 days is not a sufficient time frame for the public to research the issues and provide substantial comments.
- The BLM released this document just prior to the Christmas/New Year holiday season when the public was distracted and members of the BLM staff were on vacation.
- The printed copies of the document were not immediately available to members of the public who do not have access to the internet.
- The first public meeting was not held until 40 days into the public comment period, denying the public the opportunity to receive presentations and additional information about the document.
- A meeting to discuss the financial/economic impacts of the actions suggested in the plan will not be held until February 22, 2010 leaving less than two weeks for comments based upon discussions and questions raised in this meeting.
The OHV community desires to provide the BLM with comprehensive and constructive comments and in order to do so will require a greater length of time than the 90-day period currently afforded us.
We trust the BLM will understand the need for the public to review, understand, and comment on this document and will affirm our request for this extension. Please inform us as regarding the new due date as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Nick Harris: AMA
Bruce Whitcher: CORVA
Amy Granat: CA4WDC
Don Amador: BRC
Dave Pickett: District 36
Jerry Grabow: District 37
Mike Wubbels: FOCCMA
Matt Beck: SRMC
Terry Pederson: TMC
Fred Wiley: ORBA
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02/15/2010 11:17**********************
OHV groups request time extension
CCMA DEIS Time Extension Request
February 12, 2010
Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023
Dear Rick,
The following organizations, each representing and advocating on behalf of thousands of members throughout California and nationwide, are requesting a 90-day extension to the comments period for the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
u American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
u District 36 AMA
u District 37 AMA
u BlueRibbon Coalition
u California Off-Road Vehicle Association
u California Association of Four Wheel Drives
u Friends of the Clear Creek Management Area
u Off-Road Business Organization
u Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club
u Timekeepers Motorcycle Club
There are numerous reasons for this request for this extension including, but not limited to, the following:
- The BLM took 18 months to produce a 735-page document dealing with very technical, complex issues and 90 days is not a sufficient time frame for the public to research the issues and provide substantial comments.
- The BLM released this document just prior to the Christmas/New Year holiday season when the public was distracted and members of the BLM staff were on vacation.
- The printed copies of the document were not immediately available to members of the public who do not have access to the internet.
- The first public meeting was not held until 40 days into the public comment period, denying the public the opportunity to receive presentations and additional information about the document.
- A meeting to discuss the financial/economic impacts of the actions suggested in the plan will not be held until February 22, leaving less than two weeks for comments based upon discussions and questions raised in this meeting.
Rick Cooper
Comment Extension Request
February 12, 2010
Page 2
The OHV community desires to provide the BLM with comprehensive and constructive comments and in order to do so will require a greater length of time than the 90-day period currently afforded us.
We trust the BLM will understand the need for the public to review, understand, and comment on this document and will affirm our request for this extension. Please inform us as regarding the new due date as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Nick Haris Bruce Whitcher Amy Granat Don Amador Dave Pickett
AMA CORVA CA4WD BRC District 36
Jerry Grabow Mike Wubbels Matt Beck Terry Pederson Fred Wiley
District 37 FOCCMA SRMC TMC ORBA
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02/03/2010 15:09**********************
AMA Urges Action to Prevent Trail Funding From Being Slashed in Budget
AMA Urges Action to Prevent Trail Funding From Being Slashed in Budget
| President's Budget Proposal Would Slash Trail Funding |
Take Action! |
| Write your Senators and Representatives Today! |
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On February 1, President Obama submitted his proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2011 to Congress. One proposed cut could be disastrous for motorized trail users.
Buried in the nearly 200-page document is one paragraph dealing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Capital Improvement and Maintenance (CIM) program. The CIM program funds improvements, maintenance and the operation of U.S. Forest Service roads, trails and recreation infrastructure.
Under the budget proposal, the CIM program would be cut by $100 million -- from a $538 million appropriation in FY 2010 to a proposed $438 million in FY 2011. In justification for the proposed cut the Administration says that it wants to focus the Forest Service on "road decommissioning, erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration."
The proposed cut is particularly disturbing in light of the Forest Service's recent work on off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel management. Many National Forest's have only recently completed their travel management plans and will need funding for implementation. As these plans were developed local Forest Service staff repeatedly told OHV enthusiasts that they lacked sufficient funding to maintain existing trails, provide trailhead facilities or to adequately inventory existing trails.
Furthermore, funding for good trail design, construction and maintenance is essential to meeting the Administration's stated goals of erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.
The OHV enthusiast community has done all it can to assist the Forest Service in funding trails. In partnership with the Forest Service, OHV enthusiasts provide thousands of hours of volunteer hours each year to maintain trail systems. In addition to consistently asking Congress to provide adequate appropriations, enthusiasts also fostered the federal Recreational Trails Program and state level motorized trail programs that provide non-Forest Service funding for trails. The OHV community even supported the Forest Service's controversial Recreation Fee program to get badly needed funds on the ground. But it is incumbent on the agency to seek and provide a reasonable level of funding for trails in its own budget.
Congress will be considering the President's budget proposal over the next few months. The American Motorcyclist Association urges its members to contact their federal elected officials and request that they oppose any cut in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's CIM budget.
You can find contact information for your elected officials at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and enter your zip code in the "Find your Officials" box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your federal elected official immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.
Please write or call your Senators and Representative today and ask them to oppose any cut in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's CIM budget.
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01/19/2010 10:49**********************
Learn how to protect trails
NOHVCC Creates Videos To Help Protect Trails
The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) has created a Public Land Advocacy Video Workshop series with help from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. via their OHV Access Initiative, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the Specialty Vehicle Institute of American (SVIA), and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA). The workshops are designed to give riders the skills they?ll need to keep trails open in their areas; covering everything who the enthusiasts are, planning a trail system, writing effective comments, moving forward from route designation, and much more.
The series consists of 14 easy to watch sessions ranging from 15 to 30 minutes each. The content is based on NOHVCC?s successful onsite workshop sessions with NOHVCC topic experts. The sessions are designed to give the people who can?t participate in an on-site workshop or a webinar the tools they need to help keep their trails open.
Russ Ehnes, Executive Director of the NOHVCC said ?These are tight economic times and we need to take advantage of technology to help riders get the information they need. This program is helping us reach thousands of OHV activists and riders who otherwise wouldn?t have a chance to take part in a NOHVCC workshop. This may be one of the best tools that we have created so far for not only the enthusiast?s toolbox, but for program managers as well.?
The workshop modules were developed in cooperation with the American Motorcyclist Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and United Four Wheel Drive Associations
To order a DVD, e-mail us at trailhead@nohvcc.org or call us at 800-348-6487. The DVD will be shipped to you free of charge, courtesy of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative.
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01/14/2010 03:15**********************
Coalinga CCMA DEIS meeting update
The meeting was very well attended, over 150 people showed up. The public was calm and respectful throughout the meeting.
The format has changed and is different than previous meetings. The agenda was as follows:
Open House: 5:30-6:30 pm
Please Sign-In
Speaker Registration located at the NEPA Station
Citizens Guide to NEPA located at NEPA Station
Public Comment Forms available at all Stations
Q&A with BLM, and EPA specialists, NEPA Facilitators
Formal Presentations: 6:30-7:00 pm
RMP/EIS Overview & Schedule - Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office
Public Involvement & Ground Rules for Speakers - Kelly Bayer - Facilitator, Tetra Tech, Inc.
Public Comment Session 7:00-8:30 pm
Allow three minutes for each (registered) public speaker top provide comments
Closing Remarks / Next Steps
The public should expect this format at the next two meetings in Hollister and Santa Clara.
This meeting did not really yield any new information. Most comments that were made were requesting that the area be reopened. There were quite a few members from rock and gem clubs that commented. Two people made reference to the fact that there is no "physical evidence" that supports the EPA risk analysis, "no bodies".
Others commented on that there must be more to this closure than just asbestos, there is something else going on.
Don Amador of BRC commented on the collaberative efforts by BRC, CORVA, AMA, Cal 4x4, Salinas Ramblers, Timekeepers, and other groups working to get CCMA reopened.
Comments were also made by Nick Harris and Dave Pickett of AMA.
Mike Wubbles of FOCCMA.org and Amy Granat manned the FOCCMA,org information table outside of the meeting. Mike and Amy answered a lot of questions about the process and comment writing.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
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01/08/2010 11:47**********************
Public Comments for Clear Creek
DO NOT MAKE PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME.
Public comments are not due until March 4, 2010. There will be a great deal of new information that comes out as a result of the public meetings in Janaury.
You as a citizen are not required to pick a specific alternative and this is not a "vote" per say. There will be a "comment writing seminar" for the OHV community shortly after the public meetings. This is a great way to learn about the process and learn how to make sure your comments are effective. We recommend that anyone who is interested in the public process attend this seminar.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
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01/08/2010 11:41**********************
Clear Creek Public Meetings
BLM to Host Public Meetings for Clear Creek Draft Plan
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hollister Field Office will host three public meetings to gather comments on the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in January 2010.
"We encourage the public to attend these meetings to find out more about Clear Creek and help us plan for its future management," said Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office manager. The draft RMP/EIS covers about 75,000 acres of public lands administered by BLM in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties. The draft RMP/EIS does not include public lands outside of the CCMA.
The draft RMP/EIS was developed through a public planning process and considers seven alternatives. The primary issues addressed are public health risk from asbestos exposure in CCMA, recreation, protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources, energy and mineral development, land tenure adjustments, and other planning issues identified during the public scoping process.
Each public meeting will begin with an open house where the public can gather information, talk with BLM specialists, and provide written comments on the draft RMP/EIS. Following the open house, the BLM will give a brief introduction followed by an opportunity for the public to provide oral comments on the draft RMP/EIS. Although oral comments will be noted on flip charts, BLM will only respond to written public comments in the proposed RMP and final EIS. Comments must be postmarked or received by BLM no later than March 5, 2010.
The public is encouraged to attend the public meetings to gather information and provide comments on the draft RMP/EIS. All public meetings will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at:
January 13, 2010: Harris Ranch Garden Ballroom, 24505 W. Dorris Ave., Coalinga
January 14, 2010: Veterans Memorial Hall, 649 San Benito St. Hollister
January 20, 2010: Santa Clara Convention Center, Great America Meeting Rooms, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
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12/23/2009 23:23**********************
OHV ORGANIZATIONS JOINT STATEMENT ON CCMA DEIS
OHV ORGANIZATIONS JOINT STATEMENT ON CCMA DEIS
With the release by the Bureau of Land Management of the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), OHV organizations including the BlueRibbon Coalition, California Off Road Vehicle Association, California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, American Motorcyclist Association, American Motorcyclist Association District 36, Timekeepers Motorcycle Club and the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club have joined together in a collaborative effort to respond to this document.
These groups will continue their ongoing efforts to analyze and respond to the DEIS by the March 5 deadline for public comments. It is important for the local recreationists and other stakeholders who have been arbitrarily locked out of Clear Creek by the BLM's temporary closure to attend the public meetings in January 2010.
MEETING SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2009/december/CC1012_clearcreek_draftplan_meetings.html
The OHV organizations mentioned above will be providing analysis and suggested comments to their respective organizations and utilizing the Friends of the Clear Creek Management Area web site: http://www.foccma.org/ as a clearing house for DEIS related information.
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07/08/2009 19:58**********************
BRC Challenges Decision Process Regarding CCMA Closure
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06/23/2009 20:08**********************
Two Minutes to Stop Closure of 780 miles of Trails in the Sierra National Forest
In just Two Minutes you can help stop the proposed closure of 780 miles of roads and trails which are vital for recreation as well as access for management to promote forest health in the Sierra National Forest.
Please ACT NOW there only a few days left to get your comments in by the 6/30/09 deadline
These trails lead to vistas, scenic byways, secluded lakes, creeks and primitive camping. None of these trails have been proven to affect water quality, habitats, or plants. However unless more people speak up in favor of preserving these great trails it is likely they will be lost forever.
Please ACT NOW as comments are due before 6/30/2009. Click below and create your own personalized letter to the Sierra National Forest to help keep trails open by using pre-drafted and your own comments in just Two Minutes.
http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=39
Please share this email with your lists and post it on blogs and everywhere else you can.
~Thanks your friends at Stewards of the Sierra National Forest
This campaign is supported by Save The Trails, Stewards of the Sierra National Forest, Recreation Outdoors Coalition, Sierra Access Coalition, CORVA, National Off Road Association and others
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06/12/2009 20:36**********************
Wanted: Three Rocks Riding Memorabilia
We are looking for Three Rocks Riding Memorabilia. Anything like posters, sign up sheets, flyers, and pictures. If you have some of these hidden treasures please contact srmc@salinasramblersmc.org <srmc@salinasramblersmc.org> .
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One of our members asked that this be posted, it is an update he received from Rick Cooper of the BLM Hollister Field Office.
"I have to admit that this is the most complex land use plan I have been involved
with. Analyzing 7 alternatives to address all the resource decisions for
the area, as well as the human health risks, has been a challenge. BLM is
making long term management decisions on a number of resources for the
area. Recreation is one of several uses we are evaluating in this EIS."
"We are poised to brief the Washington Office this month. They may take up
to three weeks to review and provide us their comments and/or their OK to
put the document out on the street. It is my hope we get the draft out in
July followed by a 90 day public comment period."
Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office
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05/20/2009 10:41**********************
Will EPA be more forthcoming with information?
On May 15, 2009 BRC filed a FOIA request with EPA in regards to Clear Creek Management Area. Hopefully EPA will do a better job suppling information than BLM.
Both EPA and BLM have not been responsive to information requests by the public, hopefully these FOIA requests will supply the public with the information they have been asking for.
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05/19/2009 10:59**********************
New England Journal of Medicine says EPA overestimated Asbestos Risk
Here is evidence of conflictring science. It appears that EPA had inflated risk in the below mentioned study. If this is also the case with CCMA, perhaps there is a possibility that the area can be re-opened.
Hopefully the BRC's FOIA request will shed some light on the subject.
Here is the link to the abstract:
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/338/22/1565
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05/15/2009 21:12**********************
Clear Creek Trail Restoration
According to sources, BLM has been restoring trails in the Clear Creek Management Area. We hope the public understands what "trail restoration" means in government speak. "Restoration" is rehabilitating an area to remove any evidence of a trail or route. In other words completey removing the trail and any evidence of such.
BLM is using "Green Sticker" funds to pay for the current restoration work. One question that arises is why is BLM restoring trails in a closed area?
Stay tuned in for more information as it comes available.
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05/15/2009 21:05**********************
BLM doesn't respond to information request, BRC files FOIA
BRC has requested information from BLM to no avail. Unfortunately BRC has had no choice but to file a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. On May 6, 2009 Don Amador of BRC sent in a formal FOIA request. We are eagerly awaiting a response from BLM. Please stay tuned for upcoming developments.
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05/27/2008 23:16**********************
BLM Thinks Central Valley Not Important
FOCCMA and lots of other users from the valley recently sent in e-mails and requests for the BLM to hold Public Scoping meetings in Fresno and Visialia on the Clear Creek Closure. Here is a copy of the request and the official response from Rick Cooper of the BLM
request comment = Dear Rick Cooper
During the last 2 scoping meetings in Santa Clara and Hollister we have
asked you to have meetings in Fresno and Visalia. We have not received any
response. The OHV community in the valley is a very large and powerful
group and we feel that we should also be included in the scoping process.
Most people can not take off work in the middle of the day and drive 2 to 3
hours to make a meeting. Please consider our request to have a meeting in
Fresno and Visalia.
THE BLM RESPONSE:
Mike,
We will not schedule another scoping meeting in the Central Valley area.
Please encourage the valley OHV community to submit their issues and ideas
on what the CCMA RMP/ EIS must address, either in writing or by email. The
Hollister BLM webpage www.blm.gov/ca/hollister has the scoping form on it.
They can also write our office for a form if they do not have a computer or
just send a letter with statement that this is a scoping issue for CCMA. BLM
will consider all scoping related issues received by June 21, 2008 in its
Scoping Report for the RMP/EIS.
We will be scheduling other outreach opportunities through the Central
California Resource Advisory Council, during the draft RMP/EIS development
and then during the BLM scheduled comment period to the draft RMP/EIS.
OUR RESPONSE BACK:
Once again we the OHV community of the valley seem to be brushed aside by our government.
Mike
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05/21/2008 00:18**********************
Hollister BLM Meeting
The second meeting with the BLM for their public scoping process was held in Hollister on Mon night 5-19-2008 at the Veterans Memorial Building. The meeting was well attended by the OHV community but did not pack the house. The BLM gave a outline of how they would be conducting the scoping process of the meeting before we got started. They had everybody break into groups and give input into different sections of Clear Creek and how the public thought it should be managed and how the BLM could improve its management of the Creek.
From what I could see and hear everybody was very positive about their involvement in the planning process, and we all hope that Rick Cooper and his office staff will listen to what the public and OHV community have said and what they want to have happen in the area.
The Friends of Clear Creek Management Area had a Booth set up inside of the meeting hall and was accepting Legal defense Fund donations and also had bumper and swing arm stickers as well as trail buttons available.
We will be looking forward to seeing everybody at the San Jose meeting on Wed night and hope to have the booth set up again for all to come by and visit.
Mike
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05/03/2008 10:48**********************
Our Goverment at Work Again
United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Managment
Hollister Field Office
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister Ca. 95023
831-630-5000-Office
831-630-5055-Fax
www.blm.gov/ca/hollister
EMERGENCY CLOSURE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2008 OF 31,000 ACRES WITHIN THE
CLEAR CREEK MANAGEMENT AREA
INFORMATION FACT SHEET
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began conducting a study in 2004 on asbestos exposures experienced by CCMA users during typical recreational activities. The study was conducted to provide BLM with information to manage and minimize human health risks at the CCMA and to update a similar study conducted by the BLM in 1992.
On May 1, 2008 the EPA released the report, ?CCMA Asbestos Exposure and Human Health Risk Assessment.? The report stated the exposures measured by EPA for many recreational activities at CCMA are ?above the EPA acceptable risk range of lifetime cancers.? It also notes that children ?have greater risk than adults due to higher exposure measurements [and] are of special concern because their exposures occur earlier in their lives.
Based on the findings in the report, BLM simultaneously enacted an immediate temporary closure on May 1, 2008 of 31,000 acres of the area to all public access/entry upon release of the EPA report while a Resource Management Plan (RMP) to determine the long-term management of the area is underway. The BLM?s number one priority is to protect the public?s health and safety.
Over the next two years, BLM will be preparing a Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement to guide the long-term management of public lands within the CCMA. EPA and BLM will host a public meeting to discuss the results of the EPA Human Health Risk Assessment and BLM will discuss the need for the temporary emergency closure on May 8, 2008.
The Fee Program has been suspended and partial refunds will be issued to all persons who purchased a Season Pass.
Public Meetings
May 8, Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, EPA and BLM, open house from 3:00 ? 5:00 pm, meeting from 6:00 ? 9:00 pm
May 19, Veteran?s Memorial Hall, 649 San Benito St., Hollister, 6:00 ? 8:00 pm
May 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Library Room 225, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 6:00 ? 8:00 pm
For More Information
Contact the Hollister Field Office at (831) 630-5000 or visit our website at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html
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03/26/2008 09:56**********************
It?s Club Nite at Yamaha 99.
It?s Club Nite at Yamaha 99.
28615 Green Ct.
Madera Ca. 93637
559-645-4545
We have been asked to include all the local OHV clubs in our monthly party nite.
Sounds great to us at Yamaha 99!
We love off roading just as much as the next guy or gal!
So please come by and enjoy the festivities Saturday April 5th form 4:00 to 10:00 pm.
Bring out your rigs and show them off.
We will have several bands that night, a great BBQ, prizes, show and shine, Big Love Boxing and some other fun stuff. It?s a time for socializing and sharing experiences.
To all our OHV friends it can be a time to connect and talk about the proposed closures in our National Forests and elsewhere in the state, and develop stronger ways to network and work as a team to keep open the trails we love.
Please join us the evening of April 5th from 4:00 to 10:00 pm for lots of fun and fellowship.
Thanks,
Jim Riley
Owner- Yamaha 99
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The pictures of the SRMC BBQ have been posted in the membership section under pictures.
Please log in and have a look. Tell all your friends to become members and for everyone to please donate. Without your help we can not afford the fight to keep the creek open.
mike
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BRP and the Salinas Ramblers MC hosted the first annual Fun Ride on 12-7-9-2007 The event was held at the SRMC property to raise money for the Clear Creek Legal Defense Fund. The weather was its usual at Clear Creek. On Thursday and Friday we received just about 1 inch of rain which was badly needed. This proceeded to turn the front camp into a mush pit, but put an end to the very dusty conditions on the trails. Over the course of the weekend there were about 500 plus people who showed up to have a great time and support the cause. We also had many vendors show up with all kinds of goodies to offer all of those who attended.
Saturday morning started out with overcast skies and sign ups in the SRMC building for the guided rides to be put on by the various clubs that attended and for those who did not exactly know where to go. The guides took out groups by skill levels and toured them around the Clear Creek area. One of the main focus points of the rides was to show people what the closures have done to the area and what is currently being attempted to open more of the trials and roads back up.
There was also a 4.9 Mile Hare Scrambles course for all to enjoy. The course started out in the back of camp and took riders around the surrounding hillsides and canyons on SRMC property. This course was also used for the poker run and featured both a high and low hand for adults and kids. At this point the weather was still holding with a mix of sun and clouds.
As the various groups started to arrive back at SRMC camp it was evident by the smiles on their faces that everybody was having a really good time. Most of the riders came back to the building to sign up for another ride or to find anybody they could go out with again. It was reported that the conditions on the trails were incredible and the riding was just fantastic.
The SRMC BBQ crew started up the pit about 1:00 p.m. and started to get ready to feed the very hungry riders that had a great day out on the trail and all of those that volunteered their time and efforts to make this event a huge success. About 2:30 after the BBQ was loaded with Tri Tip and the beans were cooking away the weather at Clear Creek as usual started to change. By 3:00 p.m. we were having a mix of rain and snow (SNOW IN CLEAR CREEK?). How could this be? Fortunate for all concerned it only lasted a short time and we went back to a mix of clouds and sun. Dinner was served from 4:30 p.m. to about 7:00 p.m. There were a lot of smiling faces after dinner as everybody looked like they had some of the best riding and food all in one great day.
After dinner the band started playing at the SRMC building and the stories started flowing as everybody was recounting the great day of riding they had. There was a huge raffle that could only be accomplished by the generosity of all of the vendors and donors to the event. It seemed that the raffle just went on forever as there was so many goodies donated. The band played till about 1:00 a.m and a good time was had by all.
Sunday morning it was COLD at 7:00 a.m. it was only 26 degrees but the skies were clear and the sun was shining. There was a Continental breakfast at the SRMC building and sign ups for the guided rides into Clear Creek. Once again as the riders came back into camp they had smiles on their faces and were looking for anybody to go out with again.
All in all everybody had a great time and said they were looking forward to next years Fun Ride to support Clear Creek. Once again thank you to all of the vendors and sponsors of the event who made it all possible.
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