Blue Ribbon Coailiton
America's Great Outdoors Initiative Additional "Listening Session" Announces for UT & MN
BRC ACTION ALERT
America's Great Outdoors Initiative Additional "Listening Session" Announces for UT & MN
Greetings BRC Action Alert Subscribers!
On April 16, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically change the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which, among other things, will take public input on how to conserve public and private lands and how to promote outdoor recreation among young Americans.
It is important that off-highway vehicle and mountain bike users participate. OHV, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are family oriented activities that connect millions of Americans to the out-of-doors.
Additional "Listening Sessions" have just been announced for Salt Lake City, Utah and Minneapolis, Minnesota. (See schedule below) These events are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Listening Sessions (more to come)
Salt Lake City, Utah: August 3, 1:00 to 4:30 PM
The session will be held at the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, 215 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, (801) 531-7500, http://www.radisson.com/.
RSVP: For planning purposes, it would be helpful if you would pre-register by Wednesday, July 28 by sending an email to americasgreatoutdoorsslc@blm.gov or a fax to (801)-539-4074 with your name, the name of any organization you are affiliated with, telephone number, and email address. If you have questions, please contact Jeanette Matovich at (801) 539-4232 or americasgreatoutdoorsslc@blm.gov.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: August 4, 4:00 to 7:30 PM
The session will be held at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Registration and other information
http://epa.gov/region5/news/features/americasgreatoutdoors.html
If you have questions, please call Jennifer Ostermeier at (312) 353-0618.
There is also an online forum that allows folks to make suggestions and comment on ideas others have suggested. We encourage you attend the meetings and/or to log on and express your opinion. We've included a brief explanation that will help you understand what is happening and how to make your opinion known.
BRC and others are wondering aloud if this America's Great Outdoors Initiative is connected to the Treasured Landscape Initiative and the leaked memo outlining plans for 14 new or expanded national monument designations on 13 million acres of public and private land.
We'll have more on that later. For now, BRC is asking our members and supporters to respond to the Action Alert below. There is limited time to give input into this new Initiative. Please take action today.
Keep an eye on your inbox for additional information and analysis.
Thanks!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS: Don't miss what Governor Bill Richardson said about this new initiative. We pasted parts of his speech below. It's going to be a wild ride!
BRC Action Alert – America's Great Outdoors Initiative
What you need to know:
On April 16, 2010 President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically reshape the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate with the Interior and Agriculture Departments on a program to promote conservation and outdoor recreation.
According to Obama's Memorandum, the goals of the Initiative shall be to:
1. Reconnect Americans, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts, including: promoting community-based recreation and conservation, including local parks, greenways, beaches, and waterways; advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation; supporting existing programs and projects that educate and engage Americans in our history, culture, and natural bounty.
2. Build upon State, local, private, and tribal priorities for the conservation of land, water, wildlife, historic, and cultural resources, creating corridors and connectivity across these outdoor spaces, and for enhancing neighborhood parks; and determine how the Federal Government can best advance those priorities through public private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.
3. Use science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations.
The Memorandum listed three “functions:” 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the listening session mentioned above and directs that special attention should be given to bringing young Americans into the conversation. The coordination function directs the EPA, CEQ, Dept. of Ag and Interior to work with various agencies of the federal government to “identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals.” The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.
Why this matters to you:
There is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the “conservation community” whatever is on its latest wish list.
But you don't need to take my word for it. Here are a few excerpts from a speech New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made at the April 16 conference:
"We need new outdoor initiatives that retain the basics and core of conservation and I’m going to talk about them today. Expanding our wilderness systems and parks protecting our air, water and habitat the basics, the Mo Udall, the Stewart Udall, the Bruce Babbitt agendas that were so worthy of American support. And now with Ken Salazar emerging, somebody that is driving this excellent agency into another period of excellence."
"… We have to work together to develop landscape conservation legacies that include a new series of parks, new monument, new management strategies for public lands. This isn't a decades-long fight, it should happen now. What do we need first?"
"I would say an omnibus wilderness bill, wilderness legislation consolidated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in Colorado, Berryessa Snow-Mountain Conservation in California, the bills to provide Yute [Ute] Mountain and Rio Grande Del Norte as well as the Organ Mountains in New Mexico and other proposed landscape protections in Arizona, in Idaho, in Nevada and across the west."
"Secretary Salazar has wasted no time in protecting treasured landscapes working in partnerships with the states. I urge the Interior Department to move forward quickly on its expanded national monument plan and I commend Secretary Salazar for engaging the governors early on this initiatives."
What you need to do
First of all, don't panic. Governor Richardson's fondness for the “bad old days” of Clinton era land grabs notwithstanding, Secretary Salazar seems to be pushing back a bit from adopting the Wilderness Society's wish list, at least not all of it. As if to hint at this, Secretary Salazar made the following comment to Governor Richardson immediately after his speech: “Governor Richardson, thank you for your presentation and your great ideas. We agree with most of them. [Laughter] But you were never shy.”
One other reason not to panic: Recreational advocates are way more organized than in the past. Where protective area designation is inappropriate, recreation groups are successfully opposing their designation. Where recreation area designations can offer a benefit to the recreation community, we actively support the designation.
What recreationists need to do is to get involved now. Participation in the “outreach” portion of President Obama's Memorandum is MANDATORY.
BRC is encouraging our members to attend the meetings with as many friends and family that can show up. We have details on the July 8 Los Angeles, CA, meeting below but the RSVP deadline has passed. Still, organizers say they will endeaver to accommodate everyone, so if you can go please send an email to sun.nelly@epa.gov with your name, the name of the organization with which you are affiliated, if any, your telephone number and email address.
The meeting is at Thorne Hall on the Occidental College Campus in Los Angeles on July 8, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (1600 Campus Road). (See map at http://www.oxy.edu/x6307.xml)
Additional listening sessions are scheduled for Asheville, NC, Minneapolis, MN, Hudson River, NY, Maine/New Hampshire, Anchorage and Denver. More meetings will be announced soon. (Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert email list for regular updates and info.)
IMPORTANT: The DOI has an online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Finally, call your congressional representatives! With all that is going on in Washington these days, your Congressman and Senator may not even know about this initiative. Make sure he or she knows and remind them that it is their (Congress) responsibility for provide oversight and represent constituents' interests – especially when access to public lands is at issue. Easily find your Congressman's contact info via our Rapid Response webpage. http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/
MORE ON THE WEB:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Organizers-Toolkit.cfm
Remarks by The President at America's Great Outdoors Conference
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-americas-great-outdoors-conference
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE:
You can email your information to: ago@ios.doi.gov or mail a hard copy to: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, America’s Great Outdoors, 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The DOI has a online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for, and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Ideas for America's Great Outdoors Initiative
This initiative is partly motivated by a need to enhance recreational opportunities on public lands. But increased recreation opportunities will not flow from a whisk of a pen in Washington D.C. Any successful recreation management policy must be accompanied by adequate budget, staffing, and above all, management’s priority to achieve critical on-the-ground goals.
Federal agencies' allocation of budget, staff, and management effort should reflect the developing reality that outdoor recreation provides a greater good for more Americans than any other aspect of its multiple-use mandate. The time has come to make managed recreation the BLM and Forest Service’s top priority.
Prioritize all efforts on clearing the repair/maintenance/improvement backlog in the National Park Service before designating any new National Parks or other similar protective area designations. (The National Park Service alone estimates that it would need an extra $9.5 billion to clear a backlog of repairs and improvements.)
All too often "conservation" means reducing public access and recreational uses. The AGO Initiative should explore ways to enhance a diverse range of recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreational uses, across federal, state and private lands.
Federal land managers too often limit or restrict public recreation activities. Federal land managers should focus on recreation friendly management plans that are not restrictive and embrace a wide range of diverse recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreation.
The administration has prided itself in being open and transparent, yet Representative Rob Bishop and Representative Doc Hastings have not yet received a response to their requests for documents. It will benefit the outreach function of this Initiative if the Department of the Interior would respond to H. Res. 1406.
The new National Park Service management policy emphasis is on preservation of our National Parks. This limits land managers' options insofar as what recreation opportunities a Park may provide. The initiative should study a supplement to National Park management guidelines to emphasize providing a wide range of recreational uses for the visiting public. Similar supplemental guidance may be appropriate for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The initiative and the public will benefit from a full understanding of the various public and private conservation efforts currently underway. Accurate information is critical for good decision making. Statements that state large areas of our nation's natural landscape have been lost to population growth and development, or that a changing climate and new sources of pollution are affecting wildlife and watersheds, must be put into an accurate context. The initiative must disclose how much land is being conserved. The initiative should work with the over 1,600 privately run land trusts to find out how much land has been protected in recent years. The initiative should disclose how much land is conserved via federal conservation efforts, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program. In addition, it would help to disclose how much federal dollars are being spent on the various conservation efforts. Finally, the initiative should disclose the conservation efforts underway via the Land and Resource Management Plans of units of the National Forest System, the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
Millions of American families enjoy motorized recreation. It often forms a bond between parents and their children as they experience the great outdoors together.
The OHV community supports conservation efforts including support of the “travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas” paradigm as outlined in the Forest Service travel management regulations and BLM’s planning directives. The OHV community also supports conservation through environmental review and analysis in route designation processes, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the OHV infrastructure. The OHV community supports conservation efforts by contributing substantial funds to implement OHV management and volunteers tens of thousands of man hours in volunteer work projects. Much of this funding is made available to federal land managers via state OHV programs. These programs exist today because years ago motorized recreationists voluntarily “taxed ourselves” via state OHV registration programs. Some of these funds are used to supplement the agencies' law enforcement efforts.
ATV and off-highway motorcycle riding encourages and promotes physical fitness. OHVs provide access to the Great Outdoors for Americans of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
If you participate in the idea generator:
The agency is asking for comment on four “topics.”
Challenges - What obstacles exist to achieving your goals for conservation, recreation, or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
What Works - Please share your thoughts and ideas on effective strategies for conservation, recreation and reconnecting people to the outdoors.
Federal Government Role - How can the federal government be a more effective partner in helping to achieve conservation, recreation or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
Tools - What additional tools and resources would help your efforts be even more successful?
Here are some ideas for “Challenges”
The inefficiency of federal bureaucracy is a significant challenge. Disengaged or uninterested land management staff is also a challenge.
The problem known as “analysis paralysis” is a major concern. It should be a priority to review the reasons the U.S. Forest Service is having problems writing Forest Plans.
More and more land is being placed into protective designations. The increased focus on conservation in these areas lead to restrictive land use plans. In Wilderness for example, there are many restrictions including a group size limit. These group size limitations hurt scouting and other youth programs.
There are two key challenges related to funding federal outdoor programs. One problem is that much too much money is being spent on overhead and infrastructure and not on recreational infrastructure. The initiative should find ways to focus agency budget spending on recreational infrastructure, including roads, trails and winter sports areas (including ski areas).
The other problem is the lack of funding, especially appropriated funds. The initiative has ambitious goals but we must face the fact that federal budgets aren't going to be significantly increased, and may be decreased in coming years. The initiative must focus on locally based cooperative efforts to accomplish its goals.
An excellent example is leveraging the various State off-highway vehicle programs. Many states benefit from millions of dollars made available for OHV trails and snowmobile areas via these “user pay” programs. The initiative should enhance these programs where they exist and encourage their formation in states where they lack an off-highway vehicle program.
Here are ideas for “What Works”
Active management of recreational use works. With management (maps, kiosks, partnership agreements, adopt a trail, on the ground signing, etc) land managers increase capacity while decreasing impacts to natural resources.
Involvement of federal land managers with local communities works. Community based FACA committees formed from a broad base of stakeholders can well serve as advisory councils to assist the land manager in critical planning and decision-making efforts.
Here are ideas for “Federal Role”
The federal land managing agencies serve a critical role in supplying a diverse range of recreational opportunity to the American public. Recreation is a key multiple use value. The federal agencies should seek to enhance recreational opportunities on lands that they manage.
Training for local recreation program managers is essential, especially in the area of developing funding opportunities through private sector and federal grant programs such as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT Program or the Recreational Trails Program at the federal/state level.
Here are ideas for “Tools”
Have units embrace substantive volunteer programs. Utilize proven management principles such as the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum and ensure that all aspects of ROS are served.
Wyoming BLM Schedules Bighorn Basin RMP Revision Field Trips
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
BLM Announces Bighorn Basin RMP Revision Field Trip Schedule
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody and Worland Field Offices are offering a series of field trips this summer in preparation for the public comment period on the Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). (See schedule below)
The purpose of these field trips is to help the public become familiar with some of the RMP key issues and to prepare them to make effective comments during the 90-day comment period, currently scheduled to begin in January 2011.
Date Destination and Objectives Departure Time and Location Friday,July 23
West slope of the Bighorn Mountains (in the vicinity of Ten Sleep and Big Cedar Ridge): RMP issues to be discussed include travel management, visual resource management (VRM), off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, paleontology, ACECs, multiple use lands with wilderness characteristics, land tenure adjustment, wildlife habitat and sage-grouse, oil and gas management,renewable energy, and social and economic considerations.
8:00 a.m. at the Worland Field Office: 101 South 23rd Street in Worland Thursday,
July 29
Tatman Mountain/Fifteen Mile: RMP issues to be discussed include travel management, VRM, OHV use, wilderness study areas, multiple use lands with wilderness characteristics, wild horse management, wildlife habitat and sage-grouse, and social and economic considerations.
8:00 a.m. at the Worland Field Office: 101 South 23rd Street in Worland Saturday,
July 31
Legend Rock/Grass Creek Oil Field/LU Ranch: RMP issues to be discussed include geothermal leasing, travel management, VRM, cultural resources, oil and gas management areas, multiple use lands with wilderness characteristics, social and economic considerations and vegetation management (fire/fuels).
8:00 a.m. at the Thermopolis High School parking lot: 231 Park Street in Thermopolis Thursday,
August 5
Carter Mountain ACEC: issues pertinent to the ACEC to be discussed include fragile soils, wildlife habitats, threatened and endangered species, geology and minerals, and oil and gas leasing.
8:00 a.m. at the Meeteetse Conservation District Office: 910 Park Ave. in Meeteetse Tuesday,
August 10
Little Mountain: RMP issues to be discussed include cultural resources, caves, travel management, wildlife habitats, land acquisitions and fuels management.
8:00 am at the NPS Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center: 20 East, Highway 14A in Lovell Saturday,
August 14
McCullough Peaks: RMP issues to be discussed include the wild horse herd management area, oil and gas exploration/ development, recreation, VRM and paleontology.
8:00 am at the Cody Field Office: 1002 Blackburn Avenue in Cody
WHAT TO BRING: high-clearance vehicle (carpooling is encouraged), water, lunch, notebook and camera. Be prepared for a day in the outdoors.
Field trips may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
For more information, call the field offices at 307-578-5900 (Cody) or 307-347-5100 (Worland) or visit the RMP website at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Planning/rmps/bighorn.html.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
Public Meeting To Discuss Locations For Possible OHV Trail On National Forest - TONIGHT
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
Public Meeting To Discuss Locations For Possible OHV Trail On National Forest - TONIGHT
Attention Texas Recreationists!
Potential locations for an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail on either the Angelina or Sabine National Forest will be presented at a public meeting on Tuesday, July 20, in Hemphill.
The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the J.R. Huffman Library, 375 Sabine St., Hemphill.
A committee representing the environmental community, trail rider associations, local and state agencies, and the U.S. Forest Service has completed preliminary work on possible locations for an OHV trail and will present their findings at the meeting. The public is invited to comment on the potential locations.
Local motorcycle, four-wheeler and all-terrain vehicle riders need to attend and give their input on the proposed off-highway vehicle trail.
For more information, contact Angelina/Sabine District Ranger Eddie Taylor at 409-625-1940.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your involvement.
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
Carlsbad BLM Begins Rmp Revision With Public Scoping Period
BRC PARTNER ALERT
CARLSBAD BLM BEGINS RMP REVISION WITH PUBLIC SCOPING PERIOD
Dear BRC Members and supporters in New Mexico,
We wanted to pass along an alert sent this morning by the folks over at the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA). The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Carlsbad Field Office have just kicked off their Resource Management Plan (RMP) Revision with the announcement of several public Scoping meetings.
There is more information in the alert, which is pasted below, and also available on NMOHVA's Current Issues webpage. Keep up to date on this and other OHV issues by subscribing to NMOHVA's email Action Alert list.
As always, call or email if you have any questions or comments.
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
ACCESS ALERT!
Carlsbad BLM Starts Revision of Resource Management Plan with Public Scoping Period
The Bureau of Land Management's Carlsbad Field Office has announced their intention to revise and update its Resource Management Plan (RMP) for public lands in Eddy, Lea, and southwestern Chaves Counties. The official process begins with public scoping and will include a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The full process is expected to take approximately four years to complete.
A formal announcement initiating the official public scoping period and the BLM's intention to prepare an EIS for the proposed project was published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2010. The official public scoping period will last through August 30, 2010 (30 days after the last public scoping meeting).
Scoping provides the first opportunity for public comment. The BLM is asking the public to help identify issues to be addressed in the plan revision as well as offer potential solutions. The BLM will use the information it receives during scoping as it prepares the Draft RMP and an associated Draft EIS.
Comments which identify or discuss a resource issue will be most helpful to the process. A planning issue usually results from some type of conflict between or among different types of use or between uses and resource conservation. See the Issues page for a list of preliminary issues. If you have concerns or interest in a specific resource or use, you may also choose to include suggestions for uses or conservation of these resources or lands for the BLM to consider when they develop alternatives for the RMP/EIS. You may also comment on the preliminary planning criteria, which are also displayed in the preliminary planning criteria page.
The BLM will also hold a series of ten public Scoping meetings at five locations in the area. The locations and dates are available below and have been added to the NMOHVA calendar on our web site.
The Preparation Plan document, located to the left, gives the details on the history, purpose and need, and the plan for how the Carlsbad office intends to revise the existing RMP.
To have your name added to the BLM's Carlsbad Resource Management Plan Revision mailing list, contact James B. Smith at (575) 234-5986
You can e-mail your scoping comments to:
nm_cfo_rmp@blm.gov
or your may send mail your comments to:
BLM
Carlsbad Field Office
Resource Management Plan Project Team Lead
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Remember, you must submit your Scoping comments by August 30, 2010!
Public Scoping Meeting Schedule
Scoping Meetings for the Carlsbad Resource Management Plan Revision there will be two meetings at each location: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.
* Date: July 19
o Location: Artesia, NM
o Address: Artesia High School Gymnasium
* Date: July 20
o Location: Carlsbad, NM
o Address: Pecos River Conference Center-Carousel House Room, 711 Muscatel Drive
* Date: July 22
o Location: Hope, NM
o Address: Hope Community Center
* Date: July 26
o Location: Jal, NM
o Address: Jal Community Center, 109 West Panther
* Date: July 27
o Location: Hobbs, NM
o Address: NM Junior College/Training Outreach Facility
Read the Bureau of Land Management Documents Here:
UTAH - Email BLM today: Alternative Formation Key in BLM's St. George Travel Plan
IMPORTANT ACTION ALERT
Email BLM today: Alternative Formation Key in BLM's St. George Travel Plan
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber in Utah,
As we alerted you previously, the St. George office of the BLM is formulating a Travel Plan. Today is the comment deadline, and we thought we'd blast a quick sample comment letter for folks to email.
We apologize for being late on these comment suggestions. Please forgive. There is a lot going on in Utah.
BUT WAIT!! I need to give a heartfelt MUCHO APPRECIADO AMIGOS to several Utah clubs who are organizing for action in Southern Utah.
I know I'll miss someone, so apologies in advance, but Tri County OHV Association, Sage Riders/Buzzards MC and the Utah Four Wheel Drive Association. Also a hat tip to Mike Swenson over at USA-ALL.
As noted above, the deadline for comments on the Scoping phase of BLM's planning process is today. At its essence, scoping is about Issues and Alternatives. We've put together some talking points for folks who may not be familiar with the area but still want to help the local OHVers. It's super easy and won't take you more than a couple of minutes (literally).
Thanks in advance for your effort.
Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster
Public Lands Policy Director Public Lands Department Manager
208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107
PS: These folks I mentioned above, especially individuals with the valued "local knowledge," are taking time from work and family to meet with the BLM's planning team as well as other stakeholders regarding OHV opportunities. They are doing their best to see that the BLM ends up with a adequate OHV opportunity and have certainly earned your support. As Alan Peterson puts it: Join - Participate - Donate:
Utah Shared Access Alliance http://www.usaall.org/
Tri State ATV Club http://www.atvutah.com/tristateohv/
Utah Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.u4wda.org/
Sage Riders MC http://www.sageridersmc.com/
ACTION ALERT:
BLM AMENDING MANAGEMENT AND TRAVEL PLAN FOR ST. GEORGE FIELD OFFICE
COMMENTS NEEDED TODAY
SITUATION:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) St. George Field Office has formally kicked off the planning process that will result in a Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management Plan. This plan will include specific route designations for motorized and mountain bike use. Meaning - if it's not on the map - it's closed! To learn more, visit the new St. George Field Office website at: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george.html
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Send a short email to the BLM. The BLM is in the "Scoping" phase of the planning process. At its essence, scoping is about Issues and Alternatives. We've put some key comment suggestions below.
NOTE: PLEASE STILL SEND AN EMAIL EVEN IF YOU MISSED THE JULY 19 DEADLINE (BLM allows, but does not require, comments to be considered after the deadline)
Send your email to:
St. George RMP and Travel Plan Planning Team at: utsgrmp@blm.gov
Take just a minute to add a bit about where you live, where you like to ride and how much trail-based recreation means to you. If you can add any trail-specific information or personal testimony about your experiences enjoying this spectacular area, please take a minute to add that to your comments
SAMPLE COMMENTS
Dear BLM St. George RMP and Travel Planning Team,
Other BLM units in Utah have shown that OHV use can be sustainably managed with existing resources available through agency budget, Utah's State OHV Program and cooperative working relationships with user groups and local governments. The end result of this plan should include an enjoyable and sustainable road and trail system that provides adequate opportunity for existing and future use.
I do NOT support being presented with a "range" of Alternatives in which all represent a reduction in OHV opportunity. Neither the letter nor spirit of the BLM's planning policies, BLM's existing Resource Management Plan or the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act suggests, let alone mandates, an aggressive closure plan.
The agency must develop a wide range of Alternatives, including an Alternative that enhances motorized and mountain bike trail-based recreation.
I would like to suggest two Planning Issues: I suggest that the cumulative loss of motorized recreational opportunity be brought in as a formal Planning Issue. Motorized recreational opportunities have been reduced throughout the region. Recent planning efforts in all management areas surrounding the planning area have closed thousands of miles of roads and trails. Additional future closures can be expected on the Arizona Strip. The amount of closures has reached a critical mass. Every single mile of motorized route that is open today is extremely important. Further closures will have a larger impact than those in the past. This issue should be brought into the analysis and incorporated into the decision making process.
The second Planning Issue I suggest is "trail experience distinct from road experience" issue. It is important to recognize the distinction between "trails" and "roads" during this planning process. Providing an arguably adequate road system does not in any way begin to address the demand for motorized single track, full sized 4x4 and ATV trails.
Thank you for considering my comments,
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
BRC Montana Update -- Montana Wilderness Association Appeals Lewis and Clark Decision
BRC MONTANA LAND USE UPDATE
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber in Montana,
We wanted to alert everyone that the Montana Wilderness Association just filed an appeal of the Lewis and Clark National Forest Lawsuit.
I know some of you just said “duh,” but we wanted every one to know that this is a real threat, but one that the Montana Trail Vehicle Association and BRC were expecting.
It is not known at this time if the U.S. Forest Service will appeal.
I imagine we'll see MWA's side of the story in the media any day, so be prepared...
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS: The Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association has been doing the yeoman's work on this case. They have certainly earned your support. Please join at http://www.mtvra.com/ and click the Membership Application on the left.
BRC's Media Release on the Court's decision:
Court Adopts Lewis and Clark Remedy - Restores Access
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=701&filter=media
AGO Initiative Announces Additional "Listening Sessions" for NC, CO, NM, CA and PA
BRC ACTION ALERT
America's Great Outdoors Initiative Announces Additional "Listening Sessions" for NC, CO, NM, CA and PA
Greetings BRC Action Alert Subscribers!
On April 16, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically change the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which, among other things, will take public input on how to conserve public and private lands and how to promote outdoor recreation among young Americans.
It is important that off-highway vehicle and mountain bike users participate. OHV, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are family oriented activities that connect millions of Americans to the out-of-doors.
Additional "Listening Sessions" have just been announced for North Carolina, Colorado, New Mexico, California and Pennsylvania. (See schedule below)
Upcoming Listening Sessions (more to come)
Asheville, North Carolina: July 15, 1-4 pm
Registration and other information
Denver & Grand Junction, Colorado: July 16
Registration and other information
Youth Listening Session Information
Albuquerque, New Mexico: July 17
Registration and other information
San Francisco, California: July 23
Youth Listening Session information
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: July 27
Registration and other information
There is also an online forum that allows folks to make suggestions and comment on ideas others have suggested. We encourage you attend the meetings and/or to log on and express your opinion. We've included a brief explanation that will help you understand what is happening and how to make your opinion known.
BRC and others are wondering aloud if this America's Great Outdoors Initiative is connected to the Treasured Landscape Initiative and the leaked memo outlining plans for 14 new or expanded national monument designations on 13 million acres of public and private land.
We'll have more on that later. For now, BRC is asking our members and supporters to respond to the Action Alert below. There is limited time to give input into this new Initiative. Please take action today.
Keep an eye on your inbox for additional information and analysis.
Thanks!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS: Don't miss what Governor Bill Richardson said about this new initiative. We pasted parts of his speech below. It's going to be a wild ride!
BRC Action Alert – America's Great Outdoors Initiative
What you need to know:
On April 16, 2010 President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically reshape the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate with the Interior and Agriculture Departments on a program to promote conservation and outdoor recreation.
According to Obama's Memorandum, the goals of the Initiative shall be to:
1. Reconnect Americans, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts, including: promoting community-based recreation and conservation, including local parks, greenways, beaches, and waterways; advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation; supporting existing programs and projects that educate and engage Americans in our history, culture, and natural bounty.
2. Build upon State, local, private, and tribal priorities for the conservation of land, water, wildlife, historic, and cultural resources, creating corridors and connectivity across these outdoor spaces, and for enhancing neighborhood parks; and determine how the Federal Government can best advance those priorities through public private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.
3. Use science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations.
The Memorandum listed three “functions:” 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the listening session mentioned above and directs that special attention should be given to bringing young Americans into the conversation. The coordination function directs the EPA, CEQ, Dept. of Ag and Interior to work with various agencies of the federal government to “identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals.” The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.
Why this matters to you:
There is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the “conservation community” whatever is on its latest wish list.
But you don't need to take my word for it. Here are a few excerpts from a speech New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made at the April 16 conference:
"We need new outdoor initiatives that retain the basics and core of conservation and I’m going to talk about them today. Expanding our wilderness systems and parks protecting our air, water and habitat the basics, the Mo Udall, the Stewart Udall, the Bruce Babbitt agendas that were so worthy of American support. And now with Ken Salazar emerging, somebody that is driving this excellent agency into another period of excellence."
"… We have to work together to develop landscape conservation legacies that include a new series of parks, new monument, new management strategies for public lands. This isn't a decades-long fight, it should happen now. What do we need first?"
"I would say an omnibus wilderness bill, wilderness legislation consolidated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in Colorado, Berryessa Snow-Mountain Conservation in California, the bills to provide Yute [Ute] Mountain and Rio Grande Del Norte as well as the Organ Mountains in New Mexico and other proposed landscape protections in Arizona, in Idaho, in Nevada and across the west."
"Secretary Salazar has wasted no time in protecting treasured landscapes working in partnerships with the states. I urge the Interior Department to move forward quickly on its expanded national monument plan and I commend Secretary Salazar for engaging the governors early on this initiatives."
What you need to do
First of all, don't panic. Governor Richardson's fondness for the “bad old days” of Clinton era land grabs notwithstanding, Secretary Salazar seems to be pushing back a bit from adopting the Wilderness Society's wish list, at least not all of it. As if to hint at this, Secretary Salazar made the following comment to Governor Richardson immediately after his speech: “Governor Richardson, thank you for your presentation and your great ideas. We agree with most of them. [Laughter] But you were never shy.”
One other reason not to panic: Recreational advocates are way more organized than in the past. Where protective area designation is inappropriate, recreation groups are successfully opposing their designation. Where recreation area designations can offer a benefit to the recreation community, we actively support the designation.
What recreationists need to do is to get involved now. Participation in the “outreach” portion of President Obama's Memorandum is MANDATORY.
BRC is encouraging our members to attend the meetings with as many friends and family that can show up. We have details on the July 8 Los Angeles, CA, meeting below but the RSVP deadline has passed. Still, organizers say they will endeaver to accommodate everyone, so if you can go please send an email to sun.nelly@epa.gov with your name, the name of the organization with which you are affiliated, if any, your telephone number and email address.
The meeting is at Thorne Hall on the Occidental College Campus in Los Angeles on July 8, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (1600 Campus Road). (See map at http://www.oxy.edu/x6307.xml)
Additional listening sessions are scheduled for Asheville, NC, Minneapolis, MN, Hudson River, NY, Maine/New Hampshire, Anchorage and Denver. More meetings will be announced soon. (Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert email list for regular updates and info.)
IMPORTANT: The DOI has an online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Finally, call your congressional representatives! With all that is going on in Washington these days, your Congressman and Senator may not even know about this initiative. Make sure he or she knows and remind them that it is their (Congress) responsibility for provide oversight and represent constituents' interests – especially when access to public lands is at issue. Easily find your Congressman's contact info via our Rapid Response webpage. http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/
MORE ON THE WEB:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Organizers-Toolkit.cfm
Remarks by The President at America's Great Outdoors Conference
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-americas-great-outdoors-conference
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE:
You can email your information to: ago@ios.doi.gov or mail a hard copy to: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, America’s Great Outdoors, 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The DOI has a online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for, and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Ideas for America's Great Outdoors Initiative
This initiative is partly motivated by a need to enhance recreational opportunities on public lands. But increased recreation opportunities will not flow from a whisk of a pen in Washington D.C. Any successful recreation management policy must be accompanied by adequate budget, staffing, and above all, management’s priority to achieve critical on-the-ground goals.
Federal agencies' allocation of budget, staff, and management effort should reflect the developing reality that outdoor recreation provides a greater good for more Americans than any other aspect of its multiple-use mandate. The time has come to make managed recreation the BLM and Forest Service’s top priority.
Prioritize all efforts on clearing the repair/maintenance/improvement backlog in the National Park Service before designating any new National Parks or other similar protective area designations. (The National Park Service alone estimates that it would need an extra $9.5 billion to clear a backlog of repairs and improvements.)
All too often "conservation" means reducing public access and recreational uses. The AGO Initiative should explore ways to enhance a diverse range of recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreational uses, across federal, state and private lands.
Federal land managers too often limit or restrict public recreation activities. Federal land managers should focus on recreation friendly management plans that are not restrictive and embrace a wide range of diverse recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreation.
The administration has prided itself in being open and transparent, yet Representative Rob Bishop and Representative Doc Hastings have not yet received a response to their requests for documents. It will benefit the outreach function of this Initiative if the Department of the Interior would respond to H. Res. 1406.
The new National Park Service management policy emphasis is on preservation of our National Parks. This limits land managers' options insofar as what recreation opportunities a Park may provide. The initiative should study a supplement to National Park management guidelines to emphasize providing a wide range of recreational uses for the visiting public. Similar supplemental guidance may be appropriate for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The initiative and the public will benefit from a full understanding of the various public and private conservation efforts currently underway. Accurate information is critical for good decision making. Statements that state large areas of our nation's natural landscape have been lost to population growth and development, or that a changing climate and new sources of pollution are affecting wildlife and watersheds, must be put into an accurate context. The initiative must disclose how much land is being conserved. The initiative should work with the over 1,600 privately run land trusts to find out how much land has been protected in recent years. The initiative should disclose how much land is conserved via federal conservation efforts, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program. In addition, it would help to disclose how much federal dollars are being spent on the various conservation efforts. Finally, the initiative should disclose the conservation efforts underway via the Land and Resource Management Plans of units of the National Forest System, the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
Millions of American families enjoy motorized recreation. It often forms a bond between parents and their children as they experience the great outdoors together.
The OHV community supports conservation efforts including support of the “travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas” paradigm as outlined in the Forest Service travel management regulations and BLM’s planning directives. The OHV community also supports conservation through environmental review and analysis in route designation processes, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the OHV infrastructure. The OHV community supports conservation efforts by contributing substantial funds to implement OHV management and volunteers tens of thousands of man hours in volunteer work projects. Much of this funding is made available to federal land managers via state OHV programs. These programs exist today because years ago motorized recreationists voluntarily “taxed ourselves” via state OHV registration programs. Some of these funds are used to supplement the agencies' law enforcement efforts.
ATV and off-highway motorcycle riding encourages and promotes physical fitness. OHVs provide access to the Great Outdoors for Americans of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
If you participate in the idea generator:
The agency is asking for comment on four “topics.”
Challenges - What obstacles exist to achieving your goals for conservation, recreation, or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
What Works - Please share your thoughts and ideas on effective strategies for conservation, recreation and reconnecting people to the outdoors.
Federal Government Role - How can the federal government be a more effective partner in helping to achieve conservation, recreation or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
Tools - What additional tools and resources would help your efforts be even more successful?
Here are some ideas for “Challenges”
The inefficiency of federal bureaucracy is a significant challenge. Disengaged or uninterested land management staff is also a challenge.
The problem known as “analysis paralysis” is a major concern. It should be a priority to review the reasons the U.S. Forest Service is having problems writing Forest Plans.
More and more land is being placed into protective designations. The increased focus on conservation in these areas lead to restrictive land use plans. In Wilderness for example, there are many restrictions including a group size limit. These group size limitations hurt scouting and other youth programs.
There are two key challenges related to funding federal outdoor programs. One problem is that much too much money is being spent on overhead and infrastructure and not on recreational infrastructure. The initiative should find ways to focus agency budget spending on recreational infrastructure, including roads, trails and winter sports areas (including ski areas).
The other problem is the lack of funding, especially appropriated funds. The initiative has ambitious goals but we must face the fact that federal budgets aren't going to be significantly increased, and may be decreased in coming years. The initiative must focus on locally based cooperative efforts to accomplish its goals.
An excellent example is leveraging the various State off-highway vehicle programs. Many states benefit from millions of dollars made available for OHV trails and snowmobile areas via these “user pay” programs. The initiative should enhance these programs where they exist and encourage their formation in states where they lack an off-highway vehicle program.
Here are ideas for “What Works”
Active management of recreational use works. With management (maps, kiosks, partnership agreements, adopt a trail, on the ground signing, etc) land managers increase capacity while decreasing impacts to natural resources.
Involvement of federal land managers with local communities works. Community based FACA committees formed from a broad base of stakeholders can well serve as advisory councils to assist the land manager in critical planning and decision-making efforts.
Here are ideas for “Federal Role”
The federal land managing agencies serve a critical role in supplying a diverse range of recreational opportunity to the American public. Recreation is a key multiple use value. The federal agencies should seek to enhance recreational opportunities on lands that they manage.
Training for local recreation program managers is essential, especially in the area of developing funding opportunities through private sector and federal grant programs such as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT Program or the Recreational Trails Program at the federal/state level.
Here are ideas for “Tools”
Have units embrace substantive volunteer programs. Utilize proven management principles such as the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum and ensure that all aspects of ROS are served.
Attempted Hijack of Colorado OHV Program Underway!! IMMEDIATE ACTION NECESSARY!
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT
IMMEDIATE ACTION NECESSARY!!
Dear BRC members, supporters and action alert subscribers,
According to documents obtained by the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the rabidly anti-OHV Colorado Mountain Club and their lobbyist are working with two members of the Colorado Parks Board in an attempt to radically change the Colorado's OHV Program – completely behind closed doors and without the knowledge of Department staff or the citizens who purchase OHV registrations.
We have posted the COHVCO alert with links to all the documents here: http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=cohvco-01
COHVCO discovered this secret effort just in time. The Parks Board is set to make a key decision on review of the OHV program in two days, on July 16, 2010.
We need you to send an email to the Parks Board TODAY.
Instructions below. Please do it now.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS: Please forward this to any friends or family you know who purchases OHV registrations.
COLORADO OHV PROGRAM ACTION ALERT:
Situation: The Colorado Mountain Club is trying to push through changes to the OHV program. Changes could be voted on at a July 16 meeting of the Parks Board.
What you need to do: If possible, please attend the meeting at the Red Lion Inn, 3200 S. Parker Road in Aurora, CO. The OHV issue will be addressed at 10:05 am. (Please arrive by 8:00am.)
If you can't attend the meeting, please send an email to Dean Winstanley, Colorado State Parks Executive Director. A sample email is below.
The email address is: trails@state.co.us
__________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Winstanley and members of the Parks Board;
I am a resident of Colorado, and I own vehicles registered under the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program.
As a participant in the OHV program I have a vested interest in how the OHV Program is administered. I have read emails obtained by the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, and I urge you delay making any changes to the OHV Subcommittee at this time.
I urge the Parks Board to review the emails and determine if any inappropriate or improper relationships exist between Laurie Mathews and Jim Prybil and the Colorado Mountain Club and/or the lobbyist for Responsible Trails America (Scott Chase).
Regarding the proposed changes to the OHV Subcommittee I would like the Parks Board to consider the following comments:
It is NOT correct to say that “everyone should have a say in how OHV grants are managed.”
Everyone has a say in where we can ride our OHVs. That is via the federal land management planning process. This is an open and public process, with full opportunity for the Colorado Mountain Club and their representatives, as well as any other citizen or citizens group to review and comment on the development of Travel Management Plans. The federal land planning process gives full opportunity to review the environmental analysis and even appeal any decisions made.
Everyone does not have a say in how the OHV program funds are spent. The Parks Board is required to implement the program in a way that is consistent with the legislation that established the program. The OHV grant Subcommittee was established so that those paying the fee may have a say in how the funds are spent.
I want to emphasize again that the Legislative Audit Committee found no problems whatsoever with the OHV program. The US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have repeatedly cited our program as model for the rest of the country, fair and environmentally balanced. Of the nearly 700 OHV grants processed over the past 19 years only 3 have been controversial and the existing recommendations now address that by asking the simple question about potential controversy.
The Colorado Mountain Club and others say that OHV use is undergoing rapid expansion and claim such use causes a growing amount of resource damage and conflict with other users. These claims lack the proper perspective and are out of context. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are in the process of implementing regulations specifically designed to address the impacts of increased motorized use. The regulations require limiting all vehicle use to designated roads, trails and areas. The designation process mandates public involvement, thorough environmental analysis, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the OHV infrastructure. Many BLM offices in Colorado are in the process of implementing recently completed travel plans. The Forest Service is expected to complete the travel planning process by the end of this year.
It is important for the Board to consider that the OHV subcommittee was formed to provide active user group participation in the grant process. The subcommittee is not supposed to be well balanced in the manner the outgoing Director is proposing. The OHV subcommittee is designed to provide OHV user group (those paying the fee) input into the Parks' OHV grant process (how the funds are to be spent).
I appreciate the Parks Boards' role in active and effective management of OHV recreation in Colorado. I respectfully ask that you look in to improper relationships between Laurie Mathews and Jim Prybil and the Colorado Mountain Club and/or the lobbyist for Responsible Trails America (Scott Chase).
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
America's Great Outdoors Initiative - What you need to know
BRC Recreation Advisory
America's Great Outdoors Initiative - What you need to know
On April 16, 2010 President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically reshape the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate with the Interior and Agriculture Departments on a program to promote conservation and outdoor recreation.
According to Obama's Memorandum, the goals of the Initiative shall be to:
Reconnect Americans, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts, including: promoting community-based recreation and conservation, including local parks, greenways, beaches, and waterways; advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation; supporting existing programs and projects that educate and engage Americans in our history, culture, and natural bounty.Build upon State, local, private, and tribal priorities for the conservation of land, water, wildlife, historic, and cultural resources, creating corridors and connectivity across these outdoor spaces, and for enhancing neighborhood parks; and determine how the Federal Government can best advance those priorities through public private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.
Use science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations.
The Memorandum listed three "functions:" 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the listening session mentioned above and directs that special attention should be given to bringing young Americans into the conversation. The coordination function directs the EPA, CEQ, Dept. of Ag and Interior to work with various agencies of the federal government to "identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals." The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.
Why this matters to you:
There is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the "conservation community" whatever is on its latest wish list.
But you don't need to take my word for it. Here are a few excerpts from a speech New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made at the April 16 conference:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Americas-Great-Outdoors-Conference-Video.cfm
"We need new outdoor initiatives that retain the basics and core of conservation and I'm going to talk about them today. Expanding our wilderness systems and parks protecting our air, water and habitat the basics, the Mo Udall, the Stewart Udall, the Bruce Babbitt agendas that were so worthy of American support. And now with Ken Salazar emerging, somebody that is driving this excellent agency into another period of excellence."
"... We have to work together to develop landscape conservation legacies that include a new series of parks, new monument, new management strategies for public lands. This isn't a decades-long fight, it should happen now. What do we need first?"
"I would say an omnibus wilderness bill, wilderness legislation consolidated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in Colorado, Berryessa Snow-Mountain Conservation in California, the bills to provide Yute [Ute] Mountain and Rio Grande Del Norte as well as the Organ Mountains in New Mexico and other proposed landscape protections in Arizona, in Idaho, in Nevada and across the west."
"Secretary Salazar has wasted no time in protecting treasured landscapes working in partnerships with the states. I urge the Interior Department to move forward quickly on its expanded national monument plan and I commend Secretary Salazar for engaging the governors early on this initiatives."
What you need to do:
First of all, don't panic. Governor Richardson's fondness for the "bad old days" of Clinton era land grabs notwithstanding, Secretary Salazar seems to be pushing back a bit from adopting the Wilderness Society's wish list, at least not all of it. As if to hint at this, Secretary Salazar made the following comment to Governor Richardson immediately after his speech: "Governor Richardson, thank you for your presentation and your great ideas. We agree with most of them. [Laughter] But you were never shy."
Participation in the "outreach" portion of President Obama's Memorandum is MANDATORY.
BRC is encouraging our members to attend the meetings in Asheville, NC, Minneapolis, MN, Hudson River, NY, Maine/New Hampshire, Anchorage and Denver. Meeting time and locations as well as additional meetings will be announced soon. (Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert email list for regular updates and info.)
IMPORTANT: The DOI has an online "idea generator." There are many good ideas that you can "vote" for and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a "tell your story" webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Finally, call your congressional representatives! With all that is going on in Washington these days, your Congressman and Senator may not even know about this initiative. Make sure he or she knows and remind them that it is their (Congress) responsibility for provide oversight and represent constituents' interests - especially when access to public lands is at issue. Easily find your Congressman's contact info via our Rapid Response webpage. http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/
MORE ON THE WEB:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Organizers-Toolkit.cfm
Remarks by The President at America's Great Outdoors Conference
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-americas-great-outdoors-conference
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE:
You can email your information to: ago@ios.doi.gov or mail a hard copy to: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, America's Great Outdoors, 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The DOI has a online "idea generator." There are many good ideas that you can "vote" for, and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a "tell your story" webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Ideas for America's Great Outdoors Initiative:
This initiative is partly motivated by a need to enhance recreational opportunities on public lands. But increased recreation opportunities will not flow from a whisk of a pen in Washington D.C. Any successful recreation management policy must be accompanied by adequate budget, staffing, and above all, management's priority to achieve critical on-the-ground goals.
Federal agencies' allocation of budget, staff, and management effort should reflect the developing reality that outdoor recreation provides a greater good for more Americans than any other aspect of its multiple-use mandate. The time has come to make managed recreation the BLM and Forest Service's top priority.
Prioritize all efforts on clearing the repair/maintenance/improvement backlog in the National Park Service before designating any new National Parks or other similar protective area designations. (The National Park Service alone estimates that it would need an extra $9.5 billion to clear a backlog of repairs and improvements.)
All too often "conservation" means reducing public access and recreational uses. The AGO Initiative should explore ways to enhance a diverse range of recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreational uses, across federal, state and private lands.
Federal land managers too often limit or restrict public recreation activities. Federal land managers should focus on recreation friendly management plans that are not restrictive and embrace a wide range of diverse recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreation.
The administration has prided itself in being open and transparent, yet Representative Rob Bishop and Representative Doc Hastings have not yet received a response to their requests for documents. It will benefit the outreach function of this Initiative if the Department of the Interior would respond to H. Res. 1406.
The new National Park Service management policy emphasis is on preservation of our National Parks. This limits land managers' options insofar as what recreation opportunities a Park may provide. The initiative should study a supplement to National Park management guidelines to emphasize providing a wide range of recreational uses for the visiting public. Similar supplemental guidance may be appropriate for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The initiative and the public will benefit from a full understanding of the various public and private conservation efforts currently underway. Accurate information is critical for good decision-making. Statements that state large areas of our nation's natural landscape have been lost to population growth and development, or that a changing climate and new sources of pollution are affecting wildlife and watersheds, must be put into an accurate context. The initiative must disclose how much land is being conserved. The initiative should work with the over 1,600 privately run land trusts to find out how much land has been protected in recent years. The initiative should disclose how much land is conserved via federal conservation efforts, such as the Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program. In addition, it would help to disclose how many federal dollars are being spent on the various conservation efforts. Finally, the initiative should disclose the conservation efforts underway via the Land and Resource Management Plans of units of the National Forest System, the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
Millions of American families enjoy motorized recreation. It often forms a bond between parents and their children as they experience the great outdoors together.
The OHV community supports conservation efforts including support of the "travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas" paradigm as outlined in the Forest Service travel management regulations and BLM's planning directives. The OHV community also supports conservation through environmental review and analysis in route designation processes, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the OHV infrastructure. The OHV community supports conservation efforts by contributing substantial funds to implement OHV management and volunteers tens of thousands of man hours in volunteer work projects. Much of this funding is made available to federal land managers via state OHV programs. These programs exist today because years ago motorized recreationists voluntarily "taxed ourselves" via state OHV registration programs. Some of these funds are used to supplement the agencies' law enforcement efforts.
ATV and off-highway motorcycle riding encourages and promotes physical fitness. OHVs provide access to the Great Outdoors for Americans of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
If you participate in the idea generator:
The agency is asking for comment on four "topics."
Challenges - What obstacles exist to achieving your goals for conservation, recreation, or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
What Works - Please share your thoughts and ideas on effective strategies for conservation, recreation and reconnecting people to the outdoors.
Federal Government Role - How can the federal government be a more effective partner in helping to achieve conservation, recreation or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
Tools - What additional tools and resources would help your efforts be even more successful?
Here are some ideas for "Challenges"
The inefficiency of federal bureaucracy is a significant challenge. Disengaged or uninterested land management staff is also a challenge.
The problem known as "analysis paralysis" is a major concern. It should be a priority to review the reasons the U.S. Forest Service is having problems writing Forest Plans.
More and more land is being placed into protective designations. The increased focus on conservation in these areas lead to restrictive land use plans. In Wilderness for example, there are many restrictions including a group size limit. These group size limitations hurt scouting and other youth programs.
There are two key challenges related to funding federal outdoor programs. One problem is that much too much money is being spent on overhead and infrastructure and not on recreational infrastructure. The initiative should find ways to focus agency budget spending on recreational infrastructure, including roads, trails and winter sports areas (including ski areas).
The other problem is the lack of funding, especially appropriated funds. The initiative has ambitious goals but we must face the fact that federal budgets aren't going to be significantly increased, and may be decreased in coming years. The initiative must focus on locally based cooperative efforts to accomplish its goals.
An excellent example is leveraging the various State off-highway vehicle programs. Many states benefit from millions of dollars made available for OHV trails and snowmobile areas via these "user pay" programs. The initiative should enhance these programs where they exist and encourage their formation in states where they lack an off-highway vehicle program.
Here are ideas for "What Works"
Active management of recreational use works. With management (maps, kiosks, partnership agreements, adopt a trail, on the ground signing, etc) land managers increase capacity while decreasing impacts to natural resources.
Involvement of federal land managers with local communities works. Community based FACA committees formed from a broad base of stakeholders can well serve as advisory councils to assist the land manager in critical planning and decision-making efforts.
Here are ideas for "Federal Role"
The federal land managing agencies serve a critical role in supplying a diverse range of recreational opportunity to the American public. Recreation is a key multiple use value. The federal agencies should seek to enhance recreational opportunities on lands that they manage.
Training for local recreation program managers is essential, especially in the area of developing funding opportunities through private sector and federal grant programs such as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT Program or the Recreational Trails Program at the federal/state level.
Here are ideas for "Tools"
Have units embrace substantive volunteer programs. Utilize proven management principles such as the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum and ensure that all aspects of ROS are served.
Court Adopts Lewis and Clark Remedy - Restores Access
- Phone: (208) 331-1800
- Fax: (208) 331-1200
- Email: pat@msbtlaw.com
Russ Ehnes, VP-Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association
- Phone: 406-899-0898
- Webpage: http://www.mtvra.com/
Date: 07/07/2010
GREAT FALLS, MT (July 7)--Recreation groups are applauding a victory for public access announced in federal court in Montana on July 2, 2010. The Court found legal flaws in a 2007 Travel Plan issued by the Lewis and Clark National Forest, and adopted the remedy proposed by the Forest Service and Plaintiffs in the case. As a result, restrictions on over 200 miles of trail will be modified, and travel for dispersed camping restored on over 80,000 acres within 300 feet of certain routes.
"This is an unprecedented result for the recreation community," observed Brian Hawthorne, Public Lands Policy Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition. "Too many agencies have erred on the side of eliminating access, and we hope that this decision sends the message that the law requires balance, and that recreationists should never give up hope participating in the process," Hawthorne concluded.
The recent order came in the "remedy phase" of the litigation, and followed the Court's ruling on the merits on March 10, 2010. A judgment largely concluding proceedings in the district court was filed on July 6, 2010. Preservationist intervenors Montana Wilderness Association have indicated they are likely to appeal.
For additional information view-
http://www.mic.org/news070210.cfm (MIC-SVIA news release July 2, 2010)
http://m.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100703/NEWS01/7030302/-1/WAP&template=wapart (Great Falls Tribune article July 3, 2010)
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_d85e5eda-87c7-11df-a228-001cc4c002e0.html (Missoulian article July 4, 2010)
# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
BRC UPDATE - Great American Outdoors Initiative ads meeting at U.C. Davis July 7, 2010
Dear California BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The California Wilderness Coalition is sending emails alerting their members to another Great American Outdoors glistening session at the Vanderhoef Studio Theater in the Mondavi Center at U.C. Davis. The meeting is July 7 at 11 am.
As of this minute, this meeting is NOT on the official Great American Outdoor website:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
In the Action Alert we sent yesterday I speculated that there is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the “conservation community” whatever is on its latest wish list.
Well, I guess I can say I told you so. CWC's alert encourages their supporters to push adminstration officials to designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area, a 100 mile swath of public land stretching from Lake Berryessa to Snow Mountain. The Berryessa NCA is one of the 14 National Monuments mentioned in the now infamous leaked memo from the Department of the Interior.
Lets not let that happen. The fact that we have to learn of meetings from the CWC is NOT a good sign. Please take a minute to respond to our action alert and if possible, please attend one or more of the meetings.
We'll try our best to keep you updated.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
BRC UPDATE - Meeting added for America's Great Outdoors Initiative:
California Wilderness Coalition Alert: http://www.calwild.org/ftp/ftp/alerts/AGO_Davis.htm
The Obama Administration has scheduled a last minute America's Great Outdoors listening session in Davis, CA. Top Administration officials will be there to hear from YOU about what places you want to protect. This is a rare opportunity to have your voice heard up close and in-person. Take off for lunch and get to this event. You will make a huge difference in moving President Obama’s initiative forward and making our region a priority.
When: Wednesday, July 7 th at 11am.
Where: Vanderhoef Studio Theatre in the Mondavi Center at UC Davis. (Link for directions: http://www.mondaviarts.org/aboutus/directions.cfm ).
Who: Hosted by Representative Mike Thompson. Attended by Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Will Shafroth, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior; Ed Burton, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA; and others.
To RSVP, email Rep. Thompson's Legislative Director, Jonathan Birdsong (jonathan.birdsong@mail.house.gov) by Tuesday, July 6th. Please RSVP to this email address ONLY if you are planning to attend the event.
CALIFORNIA - BRC Action Alert - "Listening Session" for America's Great Outdoors Initiaitve
BRC ACTION ALERT
America's Great Outdoors Initiative “Listening Session” at Occidental College Campus in LA July 8, 2010
MANDATORY: California recreationists need to respond to outreach from Obama administration
Greetings California BRC Action Alert Subscribers!
On April 16, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically change the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which, among other things, will take public input on how to conserve public and private lands and how to promote outdoor recreation among young Americans.
It is important that off-highway vehicle and mountain bike users participate. OHV, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are family oriented activities that connect millions of Americans to the out-of-doors.
There will be a public meeting at Thorne Hall on the Occidental College Campus in Los Angeles on July 8, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (1600 Campus Road). There is also an online forum that allows folks to make suggestions and comment on ideas others have suggested. We encourage you attend the meeting and/or to log on and express your opinion. We've included a brief explanation that will help you understand what is happening and how to make your opinion known.
BRC and others are wondering aloud if this America's Great Outdoors Initiative is connected to the Treasured Landscape Initiative and the leaked memo outlining plans for 14 new or expanded national monument designations on 13 million acres of public and private land.
We'll have more on that later. For now, BRC is asking our members and supporters to respond to the Action Alert below. There is limited time to give input into this new Initiative. Please take action today.
Keep an eye on your inbox for additional information and analysis.
Thanks!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS: Don't miss what Governor Bill Richardson said about this new initiative. We pasted parts of his speech below. It's going to be a wild ride!
BRC Action Alert – America's Great Outdoors Initiative
What you need to know:
On April 16, 2010 President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically reshape the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate with the Interior and Agriculture Departments on a program to promote conservation and outdoor recreation.
According to Obama's Memorandum, the goals of the Initiative shall be to:
1. Reconnect Americans, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts, including: promoting community-based recreation and conservation, including local parks, greenways, beaches, and waterways; advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation; supporting existing programs and projects that educate and engage Americans in our history, culture, and natural bounty.
2. Build upon State, local, private, and tribal priorities for the conservation of land, water, wildlife, historic, and cultural resources, creating corridors and connectivity across these outdoor spaces, and for enhancing neighborhood parks; and determine how the Federal Government can best advance those priorities through public private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.
3. Use science-based management practices to restore and protect our lands and waters for future generations.
The Memorandum listed three “functions:” 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the listening session mentioned above and directs that special attention should be given to bringing young Americans into the conversation. The coordination function directs the EPA, CEQ, Dept. of Ag and Interior to work with various agencies of the federal government to “identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals.” The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.
Why this matters to you:
There is a very real possibility this might just end up being a giant vehicle to hand the “conservation community” whatever is on its latest wish list.
But you don't need to take my word for it. Here are a few excerpts from a speech New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made at the April 16 conference:
"We need new outdoor initiatives that retain the basics and core of conservation and I’m going to talk about them today. Expanding our wilderness systems and parks protecting our air, water and habitat the basics, the Mo Udall, the Stewart Udall, the Bruce Babbitt agendas that were so worthy of American support. And now with Ken Salazar emerging, somebody that is driving this excellent agency into another period of excellence."
"… We have to work together to develop landscape conservation legacies that include a new series of parks, new monument, new management strategies for public lands. This isn't a decades-long fight, it should happen now. What do we need first?"
"I would say an omnibus wilderness bill, wilderness legislation consolidated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in Colorado, Berryessa Snow-Mountain Conservation in California, the bills to provide Yute [Ute] Mountain and Rio Grande Del Norte as well as the Organ Mountains in New Mexico and other proposed landscape protections in Arizona, in Idaho, in Nevada and across the west."
"Secretary Salazar has wasted no time in protecting treasured landscapes working in partnerships with the states. I urge the Interior Department to move forward quickly on its expanded national monument plan and I commend Secretary Salazar for engaging the governors early on this initiatives."
What you need to do
First of all, don't panic. Governor Richardson's fondness for the “bad old days” of Clinton era land grabs notwithstanding, Secretary Salazar seems to be pushing back a bit from adopting the Wilderness Society's wish list, at least not all of it. As if to hint at this, Secretary Salazar made the following comment to Governor Richardson immediately after his speech: “Governor Richardson, thank you for your presentation and your great ideas. We agree with most of them. [Laughter] But you were never shy.”
One other reason not to panic: Recreational advocates are way more organized than in the past. Where protective area designation is inappropriate, recreation groups are successfully opposing their designation. Where recreation area designations can offer a benefit to the recreation community, we actively support the designation.
What recreationists need to do is to get involved now. Participation in the “outreach” portion of President Obama's Memorandum is MANDATORY.
BRC is encouraging our members to attend the meetings with as many friends and family that can show up. We have details on the July 8 Los Angeles, CA, meeting below but the RSVP deadline has passed. Still, organizers say they will endeaver to accommodate everyone, so if you can go please send an email to sun.nelly@epa.gov with your name, the name of the organization with which you are affiliated, if any, your telephone number and email address.
The meeting is at Thorne Hall on the Occidental College Campus in Los Angeles on July 8, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (1600 Campus Road). (See map at http://www.oxy.edu/x6307.xml)
Additional listening sessions are scheduled for Asheville, NC, Minneapolis, MN, Hudson River, NY, Maine/New Hampshire, Anchorage and Denver. More meetings will be announced soon. (Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert email list for regular updates and info.)
IMPORTANT: The DOI has an online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Finally, call your congressional representatives! With all that is going on in Washington these days, your Congressman and Senator may not even know about this initiative. Make sure he or she knows and remind them that it is their (Congress) responsibility for provide oversight and represent constituents' interests – especially when access to public lands is at issue. Easily find your Congressman's contact info via our Rapid Response webpage. http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/
MORE ON THE WEB:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Organizers-Toolkit.cfm
Remarks by The President at America's Great Outdoors Conference
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-americas-great-outdoors-conference
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE:
You can email your information to: ago@ios.doi.gov or mail a hard copy to: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, America’s Great Outdoors, 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The DOI has a online “idea generator.” There are many good ideas that you can “vote” for, and you might want to submit your own. http://ideas.usda.gov/ago/ideas.nsf/
We've posted a few ideas and talking points below. Feel free to use these if you wish.
The DOI also has a “tell your story” webpage. If you enjoy OHV and snowmobile riding with your family, please consider taking a minute to jot down a personal anecdote on this webpage. http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Feedback.cfm
Ideas for America's Great Outdoors Initiative
This initiative is partly motivated by a need to enhance recreational opportunities on public lands. But increased recreation opportunities will not flow from a whisk of a pen in Washington D.C. Any successful recreation management policy must be accompanied by adequate budget, staffing, and above all, management’s priority to achieve critical on-the-ground goals.
Federal agencies' allocation of budget, staff, and management effort should reflect the developing reality that outdoor recreation provides a greater good for more Americans than any other aspect of its multiple-use mandate. The time has come to make managed recreation the BLM and Forest Service’s top priority.
Prioritize all efforts on clearing the repair/maintenance/improvement backlog in the National Park Service before designating any new National Parks or other similar protective area designations. (The National Park Service alone estimates that it would need an extra $9.5 billion to clear a backlog of repairs and improvements.)
All too often "conservation" means reducing public access and recreational uses. The AGO Initiative should explore ways to enhance a diverse range of recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreational uses, across federal, state and private lands.
Federal land managers too often limit or restrict public recreation activities. Federal land managers should focus on recreation friendly management plans that are not restrictive and embrace a wide range of diverse recreational uses, including motorized and non-motorized recreation.
The administration has prided itself in being open and transparent, yet Representative Rob Bishop and Representative Doc Hastings have not yet received a response to their requests for documents. It will benefit the outreach function of this Initiative if the Department of the Interior would respond to H. Res. 1406.
The new National Park Service management policy emphasis is on preservation of our National Parks. This limits land managers' options insofar as what recreation opportunities a Park may provide. The initiative should study a supplement to National Park management guidelines to emphasize providing a wide range of recreational uses for the visiting public. Similar supplemental guidance may be appropriate for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The initiative and the public will benefit from a full understanding of the various public and private conservation efforts currently underway. Accurate information is critical for good decision making. Statements that state large areas of our nation's natural landscape have been lost to population growth and development, or that a changing climate and new sources of pollution are affecting wildlife and watersheds, must be put into an accurate context. The initiative must disclose how much land is being conserved. The initiative should work with the over 1,600 privately run land trusts to find out how much land has been protected in recent years. The initiative should disclose how much land is conserved via federal conservation efforts, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program. In addition, it would help to disclose how much federal dollars are being spent on the various conservation efforts. Finally, the initiative should disclose the conservation efforts underway via the Land and Resource Management Plans of units of the National Forest System, the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
Millions of American families enjoy motorized recreation. It often forms a bond between parents and their children as they experience the great outdoors together.
The OHV community supports conservation efforts including support of the “travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas” paradigm as outlined in the Forest Service travel management regulations and BLM’s planning directives. The OHV community also supports conservation through environmental review and analysis in route designation processes, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the OHV infrastructure. The OHV community supports conservation efforts by contributing substantial funds to implement OHV management and volunteers tens of thousands of man hours in volunteer work projects. Much of this funding is made available to federal land managers via state OHV programs. These programs exist today because years ago motorized recreationists voluntarily “taxed ourselves” via state OHV registration programs. Some of these funds are used to supplement the agencies' law enforcement efforts.
ATV and off-highway motorcycle riding encourages and promotes physical fitness. OHVs provide access to the Great Outdoors for Americans of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
If you participate in the idea generator:
The agency is asking for comment on four “topics.”
Challenges - What obstacles exist to achieving your goals for conservation, recreation, or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
What Works - Please share your thoughts and ideas on effective strategies for conservation, recreation and reconnecting people to the outdoors.
Federal Government Role - How can the federal government be a more effective partner in helping to achieve conservation, recreation or reconnecting people to the outdoors?
Tools - What additional tools and resources would help your efforts be even more successful?
Here are some ideas for “Challenges”
The inefficiency of federal bureaucracy is a significant challenge. Disengaged or uninterested land management staff is also a challenge.
The problem known as “analysis paralysis” is a major concern. It should be a priority to review the reasons the U.S. Forest Service is having problems writing Forest Plans.
More and more land is being placed into protective designations. The increased focus on conservation in these areas lead to restrictive land use plans. In Wilderness for example, there are many restrictions including a group size limit. These group size limitations hurt scouting and other youth programs.
There are two key challenges related to funding federal outdoor programs. One problem is that much too much money is being spent on overhead and infrastructure and not on recreational infrastructure. The initiative should find ways to focus agency budget spending on recreational infrastructure, including roads, trails and winter sports areas (including ski areas).
The other problem is the lack of funding, especially appropriated funds. The initiative has ambitious goals but we must face the fact that federal budgets aren't going to be significantly increased, and may be decreased in coming years. The initiative must focus on locally based cooperative efforts to accomplish its goals.
An excellent example is leveraging the various State off-highway vehicle programs. Many states benefit from millions of dollars made available for OHV trails and snowmobile areas via these “user pay” programs. The initiative should enhance these programs where they exist and encourage their formation in states where they lack an off-highway vehicle program.
Here are ideas for “What Works”
Active management of recreational use works. With management (maps, kiosks, partnership agreements, adopt a trail, on the ground signing, etc) land managers increase capacity while decreasing impacts to natural resources.
Involvement of federal land managers with local communities works. Community based FACA committees formed from a broad base of stakeholders can well serve as advisory councils to assist the land manager in critical planning and decision-making efforts.
Here are ideas for “Federal Role”
The federal land managing agencies serve a critical role in supplying a diverse range of recreational opportunity to the American public. Recreation is a key multiple use value. The federal agencies should seek to enhance recreational opportunities on lands that they manage.
Training for local recreation program managers is essential, especially in the area of developing funding opportunities through private sector and federal grant programs such as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT Program or the Recreational Trails Program at the federal/state level.
Here are ideas for “Tools”
Have units embrace substantive volunteer programs. Utilize proven management principles such as the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum and ensure that all aspects of ROS are served.
California BLM Announces Interim Supplementary Rules for California Desert
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
BLM Announces Interim Supplementary Rules for California Desert
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today released interim final supplementary rules for public lands managed by the California Desert District. The rules clarify and simplify guidelines for visitors to public lands within the BLM California Desert District.
The eight common sense rules were developed in coordination with the Desert Advisory Council and recreation user groups. They are designed to enhance the safety of visitors, protect public health, protect natural resources, and improve recreation experiences and opportunities.
The rules include restrictions on people riding in truck beds; burning metal such as nails in firewood; glass containers; public nudity and the use of metal or wooden stakes. The rules also address saving camping spaces in open off-highway vehicle areas, require people to keep trash picked up at their campsites and impose limitations on camping at Competition Hill at Dumont Dunes.
Proposed penalties for violating could include a fine of $1,000 or no more than 12 months in prison, or both. The deadline for comments is July 26.
Even though these supplementary rules go into effect immediately, the BLM is seeking public comment on issues, concerns, potential impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures that should be considered during a 30-day comment period that will end July 26, 2010. Publication of final supplementary rules will occur after all public comments are considered.
Information on the rules is available in the BLM California Desert District Office as well as all BLM field offices in Barstow, El Centro, Moreno Valley, Needles, Palm Springs/South Coast and Ridgecrest, and at other visitor areas throughout the Desert District. The rules can also be viewed online at www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/cdd_supplementary.html.
Comments can be submitted by mail or delivered to BLM California Desert District Office, Attn: Lynnette Elser, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California 92553. Comments can also be emailed to lelser@blm.gov.
For further information, contact Lynnette Elser at (951) 697-5233 or by email to lelser@blm.gov.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
BRC Wilderness Update -- Update!
BRC NATIONAL WILDERNESS LEGISLATION UPDATE – UPDATE
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
Last Thursday we blasted a Wilderness Legislation Update and reported on Wilderness bills in Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana and Utah.
In the past week there has been quite a bit of news on each of these bills so we thought we'd send another update. Call it a Wilderness Legislation Update – Update!
We also wanted to send a heartfelt THANKS to everyone who took the time and effort to contact legislators on these bills. Judging by the news in Idaho, your phone calls and email are having a positive effect.
I'll repeat our a disclaimer that this update won't cover all of the various wilderness and other land use bills pending. If we miss any bills in your area, we apologize and ask that you shoot us an email and we'll include it in our next update.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
BRC WILDERNESS UPDATE UPDATE
IDAHO
S. 3294 – CIEDRA - Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act
The U.S. Senate Subcommittee for Public Lands and Forests heard testimony June 16, 2010 on Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson's Boulder/White Clouds Wilderness bill. Known as CIEDRA, this legislation would close approximately 80 miles of mountain bike single track and tens of thousands of acres of prized high mountain snowmobiling.
Apparently, the Subcommittee testimony raised serious questions...
Risch: Wouldn't bet on Idaho wilderness
http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=12668772
CIEDRA deemed a ‘tough sell’
Wilderness bill rides momentum after hearing, but opposition looms
http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005131889
Adena Cook, BRC's Senior Policy Adviser, wanted everyone to read Idaho Governor Butch Otter's letter opposing CIEDRA. Adena reports that Otter's letter combined with calls and emails from the OHV and snowmobile community is making an impression on Senator Risch. She said “Your e-mails and letters ARE making a difference. They have REAL IMPACT.”
So much impact that Idaho's Wilderness Advocacy Media, in the form of Rocky Barker, environment and natural resource writer for the Idaho Statesman, seems to be doing their level best to spin the opposition to Rep. Simpson's bill. Barker has posted two blurbs on his blog:
Motorized recreation activist flexes muscles
http://tinyurl.com/2gax5lu
Other collaborative processes threatened if Simpson's bill goes down
http://tinyurl.com/29hmtv6
Speaking of Sandra Mitchell...
Sandra Mitchell sent a email update to members of Idaho Recreation Council and Idaho State Snowmobile Association reacting to the news that Senator Risch is reconsidering his support of that bill:
"We have waited a long time to hear something like this and I know there were times when we all felt as if CIEDRA was a done deal. Thanks to your hard work and that magnificent letter from the Governor; it isn’t over.
Again, I am going to ask you do something and that is to contact Senator Risch and say thanks for his comments in the Statesman and for understanding that this CIEDRA bill doesn’t work for the people or the land. I promise you, by acting you will make a difference.
We have come so far and worked so hard, we cannot give up and numbers still matter. It is important that the Senator know folks care and are paying attention."
SOUTH DAKOTA
S. 3310 - Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010 -
This bill will designate 48,000 acres of Wilderness in South Dakota's Buffalo National Grasslands.
Senators, groups clash on wilderness
http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/43998/
COLORADO:
H.R. 3914 - San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009
A bill that will designate approximately 60,000 acres of Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
In House, San Juan public lands bill passes committee
http://www.telluridenews.com/articles/2010/06/18/news/doc4c1abcecc1fa0177108160.txt
COLORADO: HIDDEN GEMS
Our previous updated explained that confusion and controversy erupted in Colorado's Hidden Gems Wilderness campaign as Colorado Rep. Jared Polis scrambled to clarify his position after an AP story reported the process would be put on hold. The latest news comes from Pitkin County, who says the Wilderness activists need to work harder at reaching accommodation with other stakeholders:
Pitkin County to Gems: Get more public comment
http://tinyurl.com/2etz7ew
MONTANA:
S. 1470 – The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act
Montana's Senator Jon Tester is making some changes to his bill, but he's sticking with his original plan to require the USFS log a certain amount of overgrown forest. He has posted a revised draft on his website: http://tester.senate.gov/Legislation/foresthome.cfm
Senator Tester Stands Behind Logging in Wilderness Bill
http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/96613409.html
Tester adjusts forest bill
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20100618/NEWS01/6180320/Tester-adjusts-forest-bill
UTAH:
The last updated mentioned SUWA's play to encourage Colorado Senator Mark Udall to become the Western Champion of their unfathomably massive 10 million acre BLM Wilderness bill.
Udall may lead regional wilderness issue
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/udall_may_lead_regional_wilder/
But we didn't mention any news on Senator Bennett's county-by-county Land Use Legislation process. Both San Juan and Emery Counties are considering land use bills that would include Wilderness, as well as other recreation friendly designations. Emery County's Public Lands Council is currently putting pen to paper and should have a draft bill ready in coming months. Draft maps and other information is posted on the County's website: http://www.emerycounty.com/publiclands/landuseplan.html
Utah's National Public Radio interviewed Senator Bennett who repeated the probably accurate threat that the Obama Administration may take unilateral action (Monument designation) should the county-by-county process fail.
Wilderness After Senator Bennett
http://tinyurl.com/284c7ns
SUWA has an interesting spin on their website:
An Emery County Update
http://suwa.typepad.com/blog/2010/06/an-emery-county-update.html
"Unfortunately county officials have drawn heavy criticism from local wilderness opponents for working too closely with SUWA, whose interests they see at odds with theirs. This has dampened any early optimism."
Doesn't it seem like they are setting the stage to blame their opposition to Emery County's bill on “local wilderness opponents.”
Maybe not. Its too easy to assign nefarious motives to a group like SUWA. And, in all honesty, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that any legislation that would be palatable to the elected officials and the citizens of Emery County would be in significant conflict with SUWA's 10 million acre behemoth wilderness bill.
Whatever spin SUWA tries to put on it, the question will boil down to whether or not SUWA will want to take what wilderness it can get via Bennett's process, or continue its past history of killing the bills in Washington D.C.
MEANWHILE....
SUWA Negotiates with Oil and Gas Industry to Close Areas to Public??
According to Tom McCourt, a columnist for the Sun Advocate in Price, Utah, SUWA has struck a deal with the Bill Barrett Corporation that would allow Barrett to develop their oil and gas operation in Carbon County as long as the company and the County agrees to close roads to public access.
The Wasatch Behind: Grin and Barrett
By TOM MCCOURT
http://www.sunad.com/print.php?tier=1&article_id=18816
BRC Action Alert - Please Help Us Stop Bad Wilderness Bills
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
If you received this Alert you live in one of a dozen states who have Senators currently sitting on the Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee.
Yesterday, the Subcommittee heard testimony on two Wilderness bills, one in Idaho and the other in South Dakota.
Both of these bills, especially the Idaho bill, are BAD for recreation. BRC has worked with local OHV and snowmobiling groups in each state in efforts to protect recreational access.
We need your help!
We are asking BRC members in your state to contact your Senator on this subcommittee and ask them to oppose these two bills.
We've posted a link to each Senator's online contact page as well as some key talking points. Your email to your Senator will only take a minute and it will be invaluable to our efforts.
As always, please call or email with any questions or concerns.
Thanks in advance for your effort!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008
BRC NATIONAL WILDERNSS ACTION ALERT
IDAHO AND SOUTH DAKOTA BILLS BAD FOR RECREATION
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR TODAY
Situation:
On Wednesday, June 16, 2010 the Public Lands and Forests subcommittee heard testimony on two public lands bills.
The South Dakota bill will close 48,000 acres to motorized and mountain bike use and make it nearly impossible for traditional use of agate beds.
Idaho's Boulder/White Clouds Wilderness bill, known as the “Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act” (S. 3294) will close just under 80 miles of epic high alpine mountain bike single track and tens of thousands of acres of supreme high altitude snowmobiling.
What you need to do:
Please send your Senator a quick email. You can use the comment letter below, and add some personal information about how important off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are to you. Remind your Senator that Wilderness banns all of these popular uses.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Senator,
I am emailing you today regarding two bills that were heard in testimony yesterday: S. 3294 the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act and S. 3310, the Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010.
S. 3294 and S. 3310 are BAD for recreation. Please support efforts to modify these bills to protect the existing recreational uses in both of these areas.
The South Dakota bill will close 48,000 acres to motorized and mountain bike use. This area is currently well managed by the U.S. Forest Service. OHV use is limited to desegregated routes. There is no need for the restrictions Wilderness designation imposes on these lands.
S. 3294 “CIEDRA” will close just under 80 miles of epic high alpine mountain bike single track and tens of thousands of acres of supreme high altitude snowmobiling.
CIEDRA will take approximately 150,000 acres of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) that is ALREADY PROTECTED (no logging – no mining- no road building) and turn it into Wilderness. The only difference between the SNRA and Wilderness is the SNRA allows a diverse range of recreation to occur.
CIEDRA WILL put 332,775 acres into the most restrictive land management designation on the planet: Wilderness precludes any motorized use; including using chainsaws to maintain trails. Wilderness bans all mountain bike use. Wilderness puts limits on group size (usually “12 heartbeats”) and often requires permits and fees for overnight visits. Wilderness limits the State of Idaho's ability to protect and manage for wildlife and wildfire.
When considering designating public lands as Wilderness, Congress and federal land managers are advised to consider the “relative scarcity” of Wilderness in the area. In this area, there is certainly no scarcity of Wilderness. In addition to the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness that is right across the valley, immediately to the north is the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states, the 2.3 Million acre Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, and contiguous to that (separated only by a single dirt road) is the 1.3 Million acre Selway/Bitteroot Wilderness. Adjacent to both of these vast Wilderness areas is the 206,000 acre Gospel Hump Wilderness.
There is no threat to these lands. No large commercial clear cut logging operations are pending. No mining operations, with bulldozers at the ready, can or will threaten these lands. Recreational use is intensively managed with an emphasis on protecting natural resources. This legislation seems to be “Wilderness for the sake of Wilderness,” and nothing more.
Thank you for considering my views on these important bills. I hope you will support efforts to modify or changes these bills to protect recreational access. Please keep me informed.
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
OREGON STATE
Senator Ron Wyden
http://wyden.senate.gov/
http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/
WASHINGTON STATE
Senator Maria Cantwell
http://cantwell.senate.gov/
http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
WYOMING
Senator John Barrasso
http://barrasso.senate.gov/public/
http://barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.ContactForm
SOUTH DAKOTA
Senator Tim Johnson
http://johnson.senate.gov/public/
http://johnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm
LOUISIANA
Senator Mary L. Landrieu
http://landrieu.senate.gov/
http://landrieu.senate.gov/about/contact.cfm
ARIZONA
Senator John McCain
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
UTAH
Senator Robert Bennett
http://bennett.senate.gov/public/
http://bennett.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm
NEW JERSEY
Senator Robert Menendez
http://menendez.senate.gov/
http://menendez.senate.gov/contact/?i=ENV
ALABAMA
Senator Jeff Sessions
http://sessions.senate.gov/public/
http://sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ConstituentServices.ContactMe
ARKANSAS
Senator Blanche Lincoln
http://lincoln.senate.gov/
http://lincoln.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
TENNESSEE
Senator Bob Corker
http://corker.senate.gov/public/
http://corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactMe
COLORADO
Senator Mark Udall
http://markudall.senate.gov/
http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=contact_us
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Senator Jeanne Shaheen
http://shaheen.senate.gov/
http://shaheen.senate.gov/contact/
BRC National Wilderness Legislation Update
BRC NATIONAL WILDERNESS LEGISLATION UPDATE
WILDERNESS BILLS IN IDAHO, COLORADO MOVE CLOSER TO PASSAGE
OTHERS LANGUISH IN CONFUSION AND CONTROVERSY
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
There has been a bit of movement in several Wilderness bills across our great Nation recently, and we thought today would be a great day for a update!
Before I begin, a disclaimer. This update won't cover all of the various wilderness and other land use bills pending. If we miss any bills in your area, we apologize and ask that you shoot us an email and we'll include it in our next update.
After reading the update, a lot of you will want to know how you can help. I've included an Action Alert on two bills that saw Senate committee hearing yesterday. Emails to Senator's today will be very effective. Please take a minute to email your Senator.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
BRC WILDERNESS UPDATE – JUNE 2010
IDAHO AND SOUTH DAKOTA
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Subcommittee for Public Lands and Forests heard testimony on two important Wilderness bills: Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson's Boulder/White Clouds Wilderness bill, known as the “Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act” (CIEDRA S. 3294) and S. 3310, a bill to designate 48,000 acres of Wilderness in South Dakota's Buffalo National Grasslands, officially known as Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010.
In addition to these two bills, it appears that H.R. 3914, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009, a bill that will designate approximately 60,000 acres of Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is gaining support.
Of the legislation currently moving on Capitol Hill, the Idaho bill has recreationists most concerned. The Boulder-White Cloud mountains are home to premier high altitude snowmobiling and epic mountain bike single track (almost 80 miles!), all of which will be closed if the CIEDRA bill passes.
BRC and the Idaho Recreation Coalition (IRC) are working hard to stop CIEDRA, but the situation looks grim, as both Idaho's Senator's are now co-sponsors. Hope is not lost, however, as Idaho's Governor Butch Otter has written a letter opposing CIEDRA. We've posted IRC and Governor Otter's comments here. http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/ciedra/
South Dakota's bill is also facing some stiff opposition. Yesterday, South Dakota Senator John Thune spoke before the before the Senate subcommittee on S. 3310. During the statement, Senator Thune welcomed Scott Edoff, a South Dakota rancher and lessee, to the committee and Senator Thune reiterated many of the concerns he has heard from local stakeholders regarding the proposed wilderness designation.
A video of Senator Thune’s statements can be accessed on his website at the link below: http://tinyurl.com/29avc4g
The full hearing can be accessed at the link below:
http://tinyurl.com/2bqhyqy
COLORADO: HIDDEN GEMS UPDATE
Confusion and controversy erupted in Colorado's Hidden Gems Wilderness campaign yesterday, as Colorado Rep. Jared Polis scrambled to clarify his position on the proposal after an AP story hit the mainstream press:
Polis: Will take time needed on wilderness plan
By: SAMANTHA ABERNETHY, Associated Press
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/no-hidden-gems-legislation-expected-soon-96499294.html
Polis rushed this clarification out yesterday afternoon:
Polis Statement on Misleading Hidden Gems AP Article
http://polis.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=191143
Polis is quoted as saying:
“I am continuing to review the Hidden Gems Wilderness proposal, and will continue to work with all interested parties to go over the proposal, trail by trail. While nothing has been finalized or a timeline set, after meeting with over 1,000 area residents earlier this month, I am more optimistic than ever that a consensus can be reached.”
We certainly hope so. The current proposal would close some popular snowmobile areas, including Elliot Ridge, Lower Piney, Hoosier Ridge, Porcupine Gulch, Clear Fork, Hay Park and Ten Mile.
You can tell the wilderness lobby is concerned when the advocacy “journalists” begin demonizing OHV and snowmobile users:
OUT THERE: Wilderness effort for "hidden gems" causes open conflict
http://www.gazette.com/articles/wilderness-100331-gems-align.html
No one really knows what Rep. Polis will do next. BRC, and several Colorado recreational groups, including the White River Forest Alliance (WRFA) and the Colorado Snowmobile Association (CSA) are working to protect recreational access to these areas. Stay up to date by subscribing to BRC's Action Alert list. https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/lists/?p=subscribe&id=2
MONTANA:
Montana's Senator Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is another “compromise” bill that has seen controversy and contention. Apparently, lobbyists for the Wilderness groups got their hands on a draft version of the bill that had all of the logging provisions removed.
This was big news because Tester's bill is an attempt to break the existing lawsuit-logjam in Montana by mandating 70,000 acres of overgrown and unhealthy National Forest land be treated, including... “GASP” commercial timber operations!
Of course, the wilderness lobbyists can't have that, and we expect this version of the draft was released to put pressure on Tester to remove at least some of the logging in the bill. Thus far, Sen. Tester is holding firm, saying the logging provisions are non-negotiable.
Also non-negotiable, unfortunately, is the Senator's stubborn refusal to remove the popular Mount Jefferson Snowmobile area from his bill. While the Forest Service new management plan has it designated as a managed snowmobile area, Tester's bill goes against the Forest Plan and closes the entire area.
Forest bill draft cuts logging mandate, but Tester won't support
http://tinyurl.com/25mqf8m
Tester calls forest bill changes 'dead on arrival'
http://tinyurl.com/26atxto
UTAH:
Meanwhile, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is seeking to up the anti in the Utah wilderness debate by convincing Colorado's Senator Mark Udall to become the Western Champion of their unfathomably massive 10 million acre BLM Wilderness bill.
They've been spending some of their $$ millions on a major pr campaign in Colorado. They even have a “road show” with video's and PowerPoint presentations.
Presentation features Utah red rocks country
http://www.gjsentinel.com/entertainment/articles/presentation_features_utah_red/
And... Southern Utah: Grand Junction's backyard
http://tinyurl.com/2vgbfjm
We're of mixed feelings about this. If Udall does champion SUWA's bill, that will bring some influential Western lawmakers in active support, potentially forcing the bill down Utah's throat (none of Utah's Congressional Delegation supports the bill). However, the increased public attention Udall could bring to the bill may result in more of the general public actually looking at SUWA's proposal.
SUWA's professionally produced media is all about scenic landscapes and how they are threatened with devastation and destruction by Big Oil and Big ORV. They seldom mention the restrictions Wilderness brings, or the actual acreage figures, and I've noticed their maps focus on specific areas, not the total statewide proposal. That's smart because SUWA's bill would close nearly 50% of BLM land in Utah, and place virtually all of the spectacularly scenic areas off limits to all who are not healthy and hardy enough to hike long distances. Once the general public understands what Wilderness really means, and learns just how much SUWA wants closed, support for this bill drops precipitously.
Udall may want to think twice. There are a lot of Colorado voters who visit and enjoy Utah's scenic backcountry!
Udall may lead regional wilderness issue
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/udall_may_lead_regional_wilder/
BRC NATIONAL WILDERNESS ACTION ALERT
IDAHO AND SOUTH DAKOTA BILLS BAD FOR RECREATION
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR TODAY
Situation:
On Wednesday, June 16, 2010 the Public Lands and Forests subcommittee heard testimony on two public lands bills.
The South Dakota bill will close 48,000 acres to motorized and mountain bike use and make it nearly impossible for traditional use of agate beds.
Idaho's Boulder/White Clouds Wilderness bill, known as the “Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act” (S. 3294) will close just under 80 miles of epic high alpine mountain bike single track and tens of thousands of acres of supreme high altitude snowmobiling.
What you need to do:
Please send your Senator a quick email. You can use the comment letter below, and add some personal information about how important off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are to you. Remind your Senator that Wilderness banns all of these popular uses.
You can find your Senators contact information by clicking on BRC's Rapid Response Center and entering your zip code: http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Senator,
I am emailing you today regarding two bills that were heard in testimony yesterday: S. 3294 the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act and S. 3310, the Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010.
S. 3294 and S. 3310 are BAD for recreation. Please support efforts to modify these bills to protect the existing recreational uses in both of these areas.
The South Dakota bill will close 48,000 acres to motorized and mountain bike use. This area is currently well managed by the U.S. Forest Service. OHV use is limited to designated routes. There is no need for the restrictions Wilderness designation imposes on these lands.
S. 3294 “CIEDRA” will close just under 80 miles of epic high alpine mountain bike single track and tens of thousands of acres of supreme high altitude snowmobiling.
CIEDRA will take approximately 150,000 acres of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) that is ALREADY PROTECTED (no logging – no mining- no roadbuilding) and turn it into Wilderness. The only difference between the SNRA and Wilderness is the SNRA allows a diverse range of recreation to occur.
CIEDRA WILL put 332,775 acres into the most restrictive land management designation on the planet: Wilderness precludes any motorized use, including using chainsaws to maintain trails. Wilderness bans all mountain bike use. Wilderness puts limits on group size (usually “12 heartbeats”) and often requires permits and fees for overnight visits. Wilderness limits the State of Idaho's ability to protect and manage for wildlife and wildfire.
When considering designating public lands as Wilderness, Congress and federal land managers are advised to consider the “relative scarcity” of Wilderness in the area. In this area, there is certainly no scarcity of Wilderness. In addition to the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness that is right across the valley, immediately to the north is the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states, the 2.3 Million acre Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, and contiguous to that (separated only by a single dirt road) is the 1.3 Million acre Selway/Bitteroot Wilderness. Adjacent to both of these vast Wilderness areas is the 206,000 acre Gospel Hump Wilderness.
There is no threat to these lands. No large commercial clear cut logging operations are pending. No mining operations, with bulldozers at the ready, can or will threaten these lands. Recreational use is intensively managed with an emphasis on protecting natural resources. This legislation seems to be “Wilderness for the sake of Wilderness,” and nothing more.
Thank you for considering my views on these important bills. I hope you will support efforts to modify or changes these bills to protect recreational access. Please keep me informed.
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
BRC Idaho "NO BULL" Action Alert
BRC IDAHO “NO BULL” ACTION ALERT
Dear BRC Action Alert subscriber in Idaho
Today, in some stately meeting room in Washington D.C., Senators Risch and Crapo are holding a hearing on Congressman Mike Simpson's Boulder/White Clouds Wilderness bill, known as the “Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act” (S. 3294).
We acknowledge our Senator's past actions to promote balanced public land management. But we must respectfully rise up en mass and oppose them on this legislation.
This bill is BAD for recreation. It's BAD for Idaho. And it's BAD for America's public lands.
“No Bull” –
CIEDRA WILL close just under 80 miles of epic high alpine mountain bike single track. CIEDRA WILL close tens of thousands of acres of supreme high altitude snowmobiling. CIEDRA WILL take approximately 150,000 acres of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) that is ALREADY PROTECTED (no logging – no mining- no roadbuilding) and turn it into Wilderness. The only difference between the SNRA and Wilderness is the SNRA allows a diverse range of recreation to occur. CIEDRA WILL put 332,775 acres into the most restrictive land management designation on the planet: Wilderness precludes any motorized use, including using chainsaws to maintain trails. Wilderness bans all mountain bike use. Wilderness puts limits on group size (usually “12 heartbeats”) and often requires permits and fees for overnight visits. Wilderness limits the State of Idaho's ability to protect and manage for wildlife and wildfire.The Idaho Recreation Coalition has sent Bill Dart to Washington D.C. to testify in front of our Senators and others on the Senate Subcommittee for Public Lands and Forests.
There will be No Bull in IRC's testimony:
When considering designating public lands as Wilderness, Congress and federal land managers are advised to consider the “relative scarcity” of Wilderness in the area. In this area, there is certainly no scarcity of Wilderness. In addition to the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness that is right across the valley, immediately to the north is the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states, the 2.3 Million acre Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, and contiguous to that (separated only by a single dirt road) is the 1.3 Million acre Selway/Bitteroot Wilderness. Adjacent to both of these vast Wilderness areas is the 206,000 acre Gospel Hump Wilderness.
There is no threat to these lands. No large commercial clear cut logging operations are pending. No mining operations, with bulldozers at the ready, can or will threaten these lands. Recreational use is intensively managed with an emphasis on protecting natural resources. This legislation seems to be “Wilderness for the sake of Wilderness,” and nothing more.
Idaho Senator Jim Risch is YOUR representative on the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee. Please call his office today and ask him to withdraw his support for CIEDRA (S. 3294).
Please be polite.
With 5 million acres already set aside, Idaho has enough Wilderness. I oppose CIEDRA (S. 3294) and I am calling to ask the Senator to reconsider his decision to promote this bill. There is no threat to these lands. No massive clear cutting project is in the works. No giant mining operation proposed. Mountain bikes, off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles are not harming these lands. CIEDRA will kick out motorized and mountain bike recreationists who will take their dollars with them, having a negative impact on the local economy. The Sawtooth National Recreation Areas provides protection and balanced management while still allowing recreational uses. I am opposed use of the Omnibus package to pass CIEDRA or any public lands bill.Sen. Jim Risch
Boise Office: (208) 342-7985
Coeur d'Alene Office: (208) 667-6130
Idaho Falls Office: (208) 523-5541
Lewiston Office: (208) 743-0792
Pocatello Office: (208) 236-6817
Twin Falls Office: (208) 734-6780
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY TODAY!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
More info on the web:
BRC's last Action Alert on CIEDRA:
IDAHO, Call your Senators on CIEDRA before they return to Washington DC
http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1185
Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests Website:
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=About.Subcommittee&Subcommittee_id=f69427d2-cada-496b-8c3c-e53556c8e07b
Hearing Schedule for CIEDRA (S. 3294)
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=e0474a87-aecf-47ac-305a-40abe3fba1d6
BRC New Mexico Partner Alert - Taos BLM Releases Draft Management Plan for Public Review and Comment
BRC PARTNER ALERT
TAOS BLM RELEASES DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT
Dear BRC Members and supporters in New Mexico,
We wanted to pass along an alert sent yesterday by the folks over at the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA). The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Taos Field Office has released their Draft Resource Management Plan for review and comment.
NMOHVA reports that BLM's preferred alternative will reduce "open" riding areas from over 64,000 acres to only 380 acres. The preferred alternative closes almost 55,000 additional acres and limits OHV use to only 'designated routes' on over 500,000 acres.
NMOHVA's alert reminds everyone that the Taos office manages the popular El Placio (Alcade) and Buckman (west of Santa Fe) riding areas.
There is more information in the alert which is pasted below and also available on NMOHVA's Current Issues webpage. And, you can keep up to date on this and other OHV issues by subscribing to NMOHVA's email Action Alert list.
As always, call or email if you have any questions or comments.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
NEW MEXICO OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE ALLIANCE ALERT:
Taos BLM Releases Draft Resource Management Plan for YOUR Comment and Review
The Taos Field Office has released their Draft Taos Resource Management Plan (RMP) for public review and comment.
The Draft Taos Resource Management Plan (RMP) considers and evaluates a range of management options for approximately 595,100 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Colfax, Harding, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, and Union Counties. The Plan covers mangement of both the El Palacio (Alcade) and Buckman (west of Santa Fe) riding areas.
The draft plan addresses the primary issues of public interest within the planning area, including visual resource management, rights-of-way, mineral development, off-highway vehicles use, renewable energy, and special area designations. When complete, the plan will revise the current land use plan, prepared over 20 years ago, to reflect current policies and apply new management strategies for these and other resources and opportunities.
The BLM is considering four alternatives in the draft plan including one identified as its preferred alternative. The four alternatives provide a range of management options, from an emphasis on resource use and development to one of conservation and protection.
The preferred alternative dramatically decreases the amount of land 'open' for OHV use from over 64,000 acres to only 380 acres. The preferred alternative closes almost 55,000 additional acres and limits OHV use to only 'designated routes' on over 500,000 acres.
The draft plan also requires the BLM to designate routes within five years.
The Draft RMP is available for review at:
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Taos_Field_Office/taos_rmpr.html
Compact disks containing the Draft Taos Resource Management Plan and EIS are also available at the Taos Field Office at 226 Cruz Alta Road in Taos and BLM's New Mexico State Office at 301 Dinosaur Trail in Santa Fe. A limited number of hard copies are also available upon
request.
Comments on the draft plan will be accepted through September 8, 2010, and may be submitted via email at:
NM_TAFO_Comments@blm.gov
or by mail to:
Taos Field Office, Attention: Brad Higdon, 226 Cruz Alta Rd., Taos, NM 87571.
NMOHVA is studying the Draft RMP and will be providing additional updates when we have had the chance to read and digest the document.
BRC Founder Inducted Into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
- Phone: 208-237-1008
- Fax: 208-237-9424
- Email: brgreg@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#GregM
Date: 06/15/2010
POCATELLO, ID (June 15) -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced Friday that BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) founder Clark Collins will be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle.
In the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010, Collins joins championship team owner Mitch Payton and AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde. More inductees will be announced soon. The Class of 2010 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on November 19th as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend.
Virtually everyone at BlueRibbon Coalition was gratified and pleased to learn of the announcement. The Coalition's President, Sonia Bartz, offered her congratulations to Clark on behalf of the current Board of Directors. Bartz said, "This is a significant and well-deserved honor for Clark. Under his leadership BlueRibbon rose to national significance. We all owe a very big debt of gratitude for Clark's tireless advocacy."
Greg Mumm offered congratulations on behalf of the Coalition's staff, saying, "Every day our staff puts into action what Clark pioneered decades ago." Mumm added, "I believe this AMA award honors Clark's unwavering determination to insure that OHV recreation had an access champion at the national level. He set an example for those of us who are following in his footsteps to practice effective advocacy and to never give up."
Collins started the BlueRibbon Coalition in 1987 shortly after he was told by then Idaho Governor John Evans that recreationists were not politically significant and implied that Wilderness was more important than motorized access to public lands. For the next 20 years Clark worked with other recreationists in building a coalition focused on protecting recreational access across the U.S. Clark truly believed in protecting our natural resources FOR the public, not FROM the public.
Adena Cook was with Clark in the early days. Cook said, "Clark brought together local OHV clubs from all over the country, helped them work with their local land managers and elected officials, taught them the value of working together, and took their voice to Washington, D.C. Hundreds of thousands of acres and miles of trail would be closed today had he not done this and been successful."
Mumm lauded AMA for including Collins in the Hall of Fame, noting that AMA has and continues to be a valuable partner to BRC. "AMA was one of the many groups Clark worked with on so many issues. It's great to see them honor Clark in this way."
Clark will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at AMA's 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on November 19. For more information, click here.
AMA's official announcement is pasted below.
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
Off-road rights advocate to be inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of FamePICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the third member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) founder Clark Collins. Collins, known for his tireless work on behalf of motorcyclists to keep trails open and build regional and national coalitions among all trail users, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Nov. 19.
"Clark Collins represents an area that is so vitally important to all riders -- motorcyclists' rights -- and he is a fitting inductee into the Hall of Fame," said Jack Penton, AMA director of operations and a Hall of Famer himself. "Collins' advocacy work is the reason why so many trails remain open today, and why motorcyclists across the country are better organized to protect the future of motorcycling."
In 1987, Collins created the BRC, which is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters. He served as executive director of the organization until his retirement in 2004.
Collins formed the BRC after he was told by then Idaho Governor John Evans that recreationists were not politically significant, and implied that federal Wilderness was more important than responsible recreational access to public lands. In the years since, Clark and the BRC have come to be nationally recognized by public land agencies as authorities on responsible motorized recreation.
Today, Collins continues to serve the off-road recreation community in Idaho as president of the Idaho State ATV Association.
"Clark is a testament to one person's belief in a cause truly making a difference," says the Motorcycle Industry Council's Kathy Van Kleeck, who is also chairwoman of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Leadership/Rights Committee. "Clark grew the BlueRibbon Coalition from a germ of an idea into the nation's largest coalition of off-road access advocates, recognized across the country as an outspoken grassroots voice on behalf of off-highway vehicle recreation. His ability to organize motorized vehicle enthusiasts gave voice to a new movement of political activism, and made OHV riders politically significant."
Collins said he's humbled to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
"I was really excited last year for Mona Ehnes being inducted as a rights representative, and I'm amazed to be inducted," he said. "Looking at all the people in the Hall of Fame, I feel really honored to be on that list. A lot of the Hall of Famers got in for their skill in going fast on motorcycles, and I'm excited to see that folks like Mona and me, who have been involved in the advocacy role, get recognized as well. We're not used to getting trophies, and we don't get to stand up and be recognized for going fast, so this is really great."
Collins joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton and AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde. More inductees will be announced soon.
The Class of 2010 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d'Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country's most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments.
The event will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility's expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.
Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations. An announcement regarding ticket information will be made in mid-June.
Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.
More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
About the American Motorcyclist AssociationSince 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
COLORADO- Land Use Update - Hundreds Attend Hidden Gems Wilderness Meetings
BRC COLORADO LAND USE UPDATE
HUNDREDS ATTEND HIDDEN GEMS WILDERNESS MEETINGS
Greetings Colorado Action Alert Subscribers!
I stopped in the office today so I could get a head start on Monday's edition of BRC's Recreation News and the news about the Hidden Gems meetings was so great I couldn't resist sending links to our Colorado Action Alert list.
The OHV and snowmobile community in Colorado came out in force and made a strong statement against the Hidden Gems proposal. It is exciting to see so many off-highway vehicle and snowmobile enthusiasts taking action to protect their recreation opportunities.
The meetings included a panel discussion and Q&A and I'm told Jack Albright from the White River Forest Alliance (WRFA) did an excellent job representing motorized recreation on the panel discussions.
Rep. Polis says he is planning to make his decision on what kind of Wilderness bill he will propose, if any at all. So if you haven't already, please take a minute and make your opinion known. All public lands users are urged to email their opinion on the Hidden Gems proposal to feedback.polis@mail.house.gov.
By the way, if you haven't yet subscribed to our Recreation News feature, now might be the opportune moment. The Rec News is a snapshot of breaking news and issues by state, with links to the stories and, when the mood strikes, pithy commentary from yours truly. Its an excellent way to keep on top of the recreation related public lands issues. Click here to subscribe: https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/lists/?p=subscribe&id=2
Thanks to all who took the time from work and family to attend the meetings.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
PS Speaking of pithy comments, I'll have several choice comments on the stories below in Monday's Recreation News. Don't miss!
BRC COLORADO LAND USE UPDATE
HUNDREDS ATTEND HIDDEN GEMS WILDERNESS MEETINGS
Congressman gets an earful of Gems
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/140892
Gems friends and foes rally troops to Edwards hearing
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20100604/NEWS/100609946/0/FRONTPAGE
Hundreds attend Gems meeting in Edwards
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20100603/NEWS/100609850/1078&ParentProfile=1062
Hidden Gems: Cost of protecting land debated at Breckenridge forum
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20100605/NEWS/100609905/1078&ParentProfile=1055
Active forum topics
Events
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Upcoming events
- Annual Erik Elkerton Boo Run at Superstition Mountains OHV10/ 23/ 2010
- Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 11/ 24/ 2010
- New Year's Eve at Superstition Mountains12/ 31/ 2010
