sm-pdx1a-nationaladvocate-issue2

THE
NATIONAL ADVOCATE
Spring 2015 | Equal Access Quarterly
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4 WHEELING AND THE ESA.
CAL 4 WHEEL NAME CHANGE
CALIFORNIA OHV LOBBY DAYS.
MAKING A CASE FOR MOTORIZED RECREATION
A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR YOUR OHV CLUB
THE SALT LICK ADVOCATE
THE
NATIONAL ADVOCATE
MISSION STATEMENT
The National Advocate is a nondenominational free quarterly newsletter dedicated to the unified effort to maintain motorized
access to public lands. The National Advocate does not sell advertising in an effort to promote distribution through multiple
channels and broadcast information from regional and national OHV associations. The Off Road Business Association
makes funding for the National Advocate possible.
Published By Carrera Performance Group, LLC and made possible by volunteer contributors:
Jeff Knoll, Angie Knoll, Scott Jones, Alexis Nelson, Fred Wiley, Jerry Smith, Tom Edmonds, Jeffrey Dozier,
Stuart Gosswein, Corey Osborne, Steve Egbert, Shots by TBars, Ed Rigsbee, Off Road Business Association, Bower Motorsporst Media, Rockcrawler.com, UTV Weekly, Mad Media, UTV Underground.com, RaceDesert.com, AMA D36, AMA D37,
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs American Sand Association, California Nevada Snow Mobile Association,
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Association,SEMA, RallyVenture, KLIM, United 4WD
Associatons, Trail Preservation Alliance, NOHVCC, MOPAR, Fiat, Jeep, BFGoodrich and Tread Lightly.
Send future contributions to Jeff@CarreraPerformanceGroup.com
3983 S MCCARRAN BLVD #523 RENO, NEVADA 89502
CARRERAPERFORMANCEGROUP.COM
Page 1
A COMMON THREAD
vol·un·teer
noun: volunteer; plural noun: volunteers
a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or
undertake a task.
con·trib·u·tor
noun a person or thing that contributes something, in particular.
a person who writes articles for a magazine or newspaper.
noun: contributor; plural noun: contributors
a person who donates money to a cause.
synonyms:
donor, benefactor, subscriber, supporter, backer, patron,
sponsor “campaign contributors”
ARE YOU A CONTRIBUTOR?
I recently had a friend in the industry make a profound statement concerning motorized recreation
advocacy. He stated, “ We don’t need volunteers, we need contributors.”
For years, I have seen the same handful of volunteers working tirelessly for the OHV community. Be it
hosting a club event, attending meetings, or leading a trail ride, they volunteer their time and energy. I have
also heard that we don’t have enough skilled volunteers to advocate for public land access. What I think we
are really lacking, thanks to the statement my friend made, is contributors.
Are You Contributing to Motorized Recreation?
Contributors to the National Advocate are taking the time to educate others on items of importance by
writing articles. Contributors to a campaign are pooling resources with like-minded individuals to develop a
stronger voice, and contributors to an event are offering unique skill sets that drive the engine, so that when
the volunteers show up, they have a task. I am not knocking volunteers, but what I am saying is that we have
to reconsider if volunteer is the right term for the people we need to maintain our lifestyle.
Over 20 years ago, I was the president of a Jeep club. Our club had a rule that each member was required
to host a club event. This way, our monthly club runs would not be a burden on a small group. One member, who was financially comfortable but worked long hours, suggested a compromise when it came to his
duties. Rather than spend the time organizing a club run, he would stroke a check each year for a healthy
amount so that the club would never lack funds to accomplish its goals. He was unable to perform his duties as a member, but could contribute in another way. The compromise became the foundation for a long
relationship that worked well.
I have always wondered how our culture can spend upwards of $200,000 on RVs, trailers and OHVs but
when asked for a $20.00 land use donation at the King of the Hammers event, they decline, or say it’s too
much. Your contribution to land use advocacy groups is a small investment in keeping your public land access. We all have different ways we can contribute. I invite you to consider how you can help keep our trails
open for all to enjoy.
Page 2
4-Wheeling and The
Endangered Species Act
By Jerry Smith
Director of Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
Most of you engaged in the sport of 4-wheeling will have
heard of, or have some first hand knowledge of, the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). As leaders of the 4-wheeling community, it is likely that your opinion of the ESA is
mostly negative.
I hope to alter your opinion(s) if I may.
The ESA has often been used against the 4-wheeling community to close areas, roads, and trails to protect “endangered” or “threatened” species.
These closures are often a direct threat to our sport. In
reality, little or nothing but the closure is ever done to
further protect the species.
Up until now, there have been few, if any, successful ways
to combat these closures that I am aware of. The Grand
Mesa Jeep Club (GMJC) leadership may have solved this
issue to some extent. Would you like to hear about it?
Page3
Not far from the City of Grand Junction is an extreme
trail that has national recognition as a quite difficult trail.
Some of you may have seen articles on it in national magazines. The Jeeping community knows it as “21 Road”.
The Grand Mesa Jeep Club has attempted to “adopt” this
trail unsuccessfully for years. The BLM is under great
pressure from preservationist groups to close this trail
to motorized uses, formally name the area a “Land with
Wilderness Characteristics”, and thereby manage it as if
it were a Wilderness Study Area (WSA).
The Grand Junction Field Office of the BLM has been revising their Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Travel
Management Plan (TMP) for the last few years. Fears of
losing motorized access to 21 Road were one of many
reasons for the GMJC to get very involved in the RMP/
TMP process from the very beginning.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
During our research into 21 Road, we found out that, going back to 2001, the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad was put on
the “Threatened” list of the ESA. The Great Basin Spadefoot Toad is suspected of inhabiting 21 Road. BLM biologists
have not actually seen one of these evasive little guys there, but the habitat is ripe for them in 2 or 3 small areas. In the
14 years since the “threatened” listing, absolutely NOTHING has been done to protect the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad
or its suspected habitat.
The logical and likely next step would be for the BLM to close the trail and/or area to motorized use.
Because we (the Grand Mesa Jeep Club) have been unable to adopt the road/trail, the GMJC became desperate to
find a way to protect our motorized access to the 21 Road trail. Drum roll please…
If you can’t adopt the road, why not adopt the toad? It’s the “take a lemon and make lemonade” technique.
By adopting the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad, the “21 Road Toad”, the GMJC has committed to protecting the Toad
habitat in the areas that require protection while, at the same time, showing that members of the Off-Highway user
group do indeed have “conservation” and species protection at heart. They can all go hand-in-hand.
It is planned that we will eventually begin an educational program that will inform the public of the 21 Road Toad and
their listing. Further, we hope to mark the habitat as “OFF LIMITS” to vehicle travel and reroute traffic away from the
small areas of concern. The reception of this concept by the BLM personnel has been overwhelmingly positive
For those of us who use the land, the lesson in this is
clear. Go out and find an endangered or threatened species on or around a trail you frequent. Do some research
on the species. Determine if there is something your
organization can do to further protect it, and then follow
through with a plan. Plants or animals could be used as
“the species”. Something as simple as rerouting a trail
away from an ESA species of concern may open many
doors. In most cases, even though the species has been
listed for years, nothing of direct value to the species has
ever been done. Find a trail that has been closed to protect an ESA species. See if there is something your club
might DO to mitigate the need for the closure. Work as a
partner to the land managers. You may find that volunteering services may be the key to the closed door.
Working WITH the land managers rather than against
them is an excellent way to develop a better working
relationship. It’s also a perfect way to prove that we are
the true “conservationists”, not the “terrorists” of the land
that some perceive us to be.
Page 4
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 2, 2015 – BFGoodrich® Tires builds tires for any adventure, including those that
take drivers off their daily roadways. Through its Outstanding Trails program that promotes sustainable and
responsible off-road driving, BFGoodrich Tires will once again award grants of $4,000 each to three qualified
and passionate off-road clubs in North America. These clubs will use their grants to continue their efforts
that preserve and protect their hometown trails.
As Outstanding Trails enters its 10th year, BFGoodrich has selected 4 Wheel Parts as presenting sponsor
of this year’s program. 4 Wheel Parts will promote the program and provide a critical outreach extension
to four-wheel-drive clubs across North America. The program also is conducted in collaboration with United
Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), Blue Ribbon Coalition and the Off Road Business Association.
To date, Outstanding Trails has awarded grants to 36 off-road trails nominated by 35 local clubs throughout
North America. The program has provided more than $140,000 in grants in support of these trail conservation efforts.
Nominations will be accepted beginning April 3 through July 10, 2015, on the BFGoodrich Tires website at
www.bfgoodrichtires.com. The competition invites off-road clubs from around North America to nominate local trails that merit grants for maintenance or refurbishing. Trails are selected based on uniqueness, terrain
type and enthusiast support.
“Off-road communities and clubs that promote and preserve this activity are true driving enthusiasts,” said
Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “Outstanding Trails allows BFGoodrich Tires and our sponsors to join these clubs in maintaining a robust and responsible off-road culture.”
BFGoodrich has assembled a panel of judges comprised of four-wheel industry veterans to evaluate Outstanding Trails grant submissions. This group selects three winning trails, which will be announced at Off
Road Expo in October.
About BFGoodrich Tires
With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires
for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 40
years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from
ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come
upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.
com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.
About 4 Wheel Parts
4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in off-road truck, Jeep and aftermarket performance products. With
69 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nation’s largest inventory of off-road tires, wheels, lift kits, and accessories, 4
Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road™. Visit them
at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.
Page 5
ORBA Meets With Congressional Leadership.
Off Road Business Association BOD Chairman, Greg Adler president/CEO of Transamerica Auto Parts, and
Fred Wiley, President/CEO of the Off-Road Business Association, recently met with the U.S. House of Representative Speaker John Boehner and local House member David Valadao (21st district CA) to discuss the
Off-Highway Vehicle community and public lands access.
“It’s not often that the opportunity presents itself when you can have the attention of congressional leadership where you can put a face on who we are and what we do. Just finding common ground in a friendly and
positive way can go a long way towards building a relationship,” said Wiley when asked about the meeting.
Speaker Boehner talked about the difficulties of moving legislation in a manner that makes good sense. In
addition, he shared insight about the 24-hour news cycle, the difference between the reporting agencies
and how facts don’t always seem important. Boehner also spoke about the challenges of leading, when facts
need to be considered, due to national security. The time spent with the Speaker helped bring some clarity
as to why simple legislation is so difficult to move in Congress.
Congressman David Valadao of the 21st District is proud to show you a picture of his ATV. He is an advocate
for motorized recreation and has supported issues to help maintain Pismo and Oceano Dunes riding areas.
He is currently co-sponsoring a bill in the House to reopen the Clear Creek Recreation Area that was closed
by the BLM and EPA. Bill number H.R. 1838 is titled the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act. ORBA, along with other national OHV organizations, supports H.R. 1838.
The meeting represented a continuing effort by the Off Road Business Association to share our passion for
motorized recreation and look towards policy as the frontline in maintaining motorized access on our public
lands.
Page 6
California Association of 4 WD Clubs
Name Change
By Steve Egbert
Change can be good and we have made one; in February, at our annual meeting, we decide to change our
name from the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. to the California Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc. This is the third time we have adjusted our name to reflect changing times. Originally, we were
known as the California Association of Jeeps Clubs. We still have a solid base of clubs with well over 50%
of our members in clubs but the clubs did recognize that we needed to appeal to potential members that
are not interested in being in a traditional club. We also are known by our nick name, Cal4Wheel, and that
remains the same as does our mission of protecting the opportunities of ALL people to have access to our
public lands for the purpose of ALL forms of outdoor recreation and educating about responsible land use.
We strive to serve the offroad community to: Protect motorized access to public lands, Provide organized
events, trail rides and education and Promote safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation.
Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to visit our legislators in Washington, DC twice a year. I recently made one of these visits. I have built relationships with some legislators and their staff. We have two
Natural Recourses Consultants that work for the Association. The work they do with local land managers
is very valuable but many decisions are made in Washington, DC and working with legislators and building
relationships is very important. I support efforts to increase the presence of the four wheel drive community
in Washington, DC and look forward to working with our partners to move this goal forward.
We work hard on land use issues every day and we must never forget why we work so hard on land use issues in the first place, so we can have fun with family and friends. Always remember, all we do is about fun,
so attend a club or association event and have fun.
Page 7
#ONEVOICE
By Alexis Nelson
One Voice is about to shift into a new gear. The focus will be on developing the structure for the Advisory
Committee, which is not an easy feat. During the 2014 SEMA Show, supporters of the One Voice plan
decided the next step in the process is to create the platform for the Advisory Committee. This is a critical
component of the operation and success of One Voice. It begins with identifying the stakeholders across the
country; in certain areas this is already established and working successfully. Specifically, the stakeholders
encompass the user groups of the 4WD, Jeep and OHV community. These are the grassroots organizations that could be the combination of local clubs, associations, regional, and state entities.
How the Advisory Committee is setup to function is quite simple in concept; we establish the regions across
the country, for example, this could translate to the West Coast, Rocky Mountain, Mid-West, Southern and
Eastern seaboard regions (this is a hypothetical scenario). Once the regions are determined, the organizational structure will work from ground up and each region will identify how they will choose their representative/representation. They may be joined together by location, specific issues that need to be addressed or
shared common themes, activities, and objectives. Regional representation may work within their specified
areas of concern and location or tasked with addressing and mitigating in other areas around the country.
The objective of the Advisory Committee is to provide representation from the specified regions of the
grassroots organizations and identify key issues and concerns for the One Voice Community to address and
tackle. Once these items are identified, the Advisory Committee will present their recommendation(s) to the
One Voice Board of Directors. The Board will recommend a course of action, and task the Advisory Committee with an assigned plan. The process will be outlined in greater detail as we delve into the current ground
work of establishing the committee.
Outreach will be the largest undertaking for this stage in developing the foundation of the Advisory Committee.
Page 8
Making a Case for Motorized
Recreation: The Value of Economic
Impact Studies
By Alexis Nelson
Making a case for
motorized recreation:
The Value of Economic Impact Studies
OHV enthusiasts are exceptionally proud to be involved in their chosen mode of motorized recreation.
From navigating off the beaten path to accessing
the remote areas of our beloved National Forests,
motorized recreation spans the breadth of socio
economic, cultural, and many generations across the
country. It also plays a critical role in the economy,
culture and quality of life for many Americans.
Like any sport and recreational activity, there is a
price tag to play. From purchasing the latest and
greatest technologically advanced equipment, to purchasing the truck, trailer, and fuel to haul your gear
to the trailhead, the financial impact is significantly
beyond conventional thinking. The focus here is not
on the actual cost to play, it’s on the positive and
significant impact we have when we are recreating.
Sure, there’s the initial investment in the equipment
and the aftermarket parts, gear and clothing, the
registration or vehicle pass for compliance, membership dues – it’s all part of the direct costs. How
about the indirect costs? Stopping along the trip to
grab sandwiches for a trailside lunch or taking into
consideration the local restaurant needs to hire additional staff to accommodate and prepare for a large
event. Small businesses are an excellent example
of the huge impact OHV enthusiasts have on the
economy.
Motorized recreation plays a critical role in fueling the economic engine that drives sales, growth
and prospering businesses, from patronizing local
businesses and trail construction/maintenance to
creating and sustaining jobs for management, manufacturing and growth. The motorized community has
established an effective foundation and successful
model for trail management, organization and advocacy; now how about taking that next step in capturing our financial footprint on the economy. Gathering
financial data, tracking spending habits and patterns
will help share the important story of the unique balance between recreation, lifestyle and contribution
to the economic engine that drives commerce, jobs,
planning and the catalyst that helps shapes policy.
Gathering and collecting economic data is imperative in business planning, identifying revenue streams
for both the private and public sector, and assisting
organizations in strategic and marketing planning.
Quantitative and qualitative economic information is
needed as a whole system where any and all of the
organizations may convey to a member, a business
owner, a landowner, and state and federal entities,
that motorized recreation is a $(fill the blank) industry in your respective state or region. This presence
creates connectivity between communities, citizens,
municipalities and the government through planning,
policy, coordination and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
The value of an economic study makes a compelling
case to support trail infrastructure and a return
on the initial investment and maintenance operations identified in management and strategic plans.
Collecting financial trends and data may result in
identifying and addressing issues creating an opportunity for enhancement and growth. It supports
the need for emerging and current business participation and the breadth of services as recreation
opportunities continue to expand and enhance their
business niche in the community. Unique business
opportunities exist and economic studies provide a
vehicle to stimulate growth and create a platform for
enhanced business development. From contracting
with engineering firms for bridge design, to hiring
local equipment operators in constructing trails, to
supporting local equipment dealers in purchasing
parts, gear and clothing, to buying a sandwich at a
trail stop at a general store, businesses rely heavily
on recreational tourism. Impact studies highlight
and convey the importance of recreation and its impact to the economy, creation of jobs and presence
in rural towns. Small and emerging business owners
may utilize the statistical & financial data to assist in
formulating business plans and confirming the need
for service-based provisions. Current business owners may use the study as a marketing and planning
tool for expansion and identifying areas where there
may be the need to hire additional staffing (for example, during events or seasonally). Furthermore, this
study will convey the significance and vitality that trail
based recreation has in communities and positive impacts on creating a healthy environment for families,
employees and visitors alike.
Page 10
SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR
May 14 Jeep Jamboree, Palo Duro, Amarillo, TX
June 18-20 TORC Racing Series #5&6 Chicago, IL
May 14 Jeep Jamboree, Land Between the Lakes, Marshall
County, KY
June 20 Dirt Riot Mountain Series #2 Colorado Springs, CO
June 20 Southern Rock Racing - North #2
May 14-16 NW Raptor Rally, Winchester Bay, OR
June 20 LOORS Series #7&8 Toole, UT
May 15-16 Spring 4-Wheel Jamboree, Lima, OH
June 25-27 Jeep Jamboree Silver Valley Mullan, ID
May 16 Dirt Riot Southwest #2 Tucson, AZ
June 26-27 Ultra4 at Badlands Attica, IN
May 16 4Wheel Parts Truckfest, TX
June 26-27 TORC Racing Series #7&8 Crandon, WI
May 16 Overland Expo West, Flagstaff, AZ
June 27 WERock Eastern #2 Attica, IN
May 23 Vorra Desert Race Hawthorne, NV
June 27 MOOR Series #2
May 23 Southern Rock Racing - South #2
June 28 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, CO
May 23 WORCS Round 6 Cedar City, UT
July 8-11 2nd Annual RallyVenture Reno, NV
May 23 Hi-Desert Round-Up Barstow, CA
July 10-11 TORC Racing Series #9&10 Charlotte, NC
MAY 28-30 Jeep Jamboree Badlands, Attica, IN
July 11 Ultra4 4Wheel Parts Grand Prix Glen Helen, CA
May 29-30 Speed Energy Formula Offroad #6 Detroit, MI
July 16-18 Jeep Jamboree Killngton, Killington, VT
May 30 Dirt Riot Central Series #2 Marble Falls, TX
July 16-18 Jeep Jamboree Northwoods Mole Lake, WI
May 30 LOORS Round #5&6 Lake Elsinore, CA
July 17-18 All Breeds Jeep Show
May 30 SNORE Race Fuel Energy 250
July 17-18 LOORS Round 9&10 Glen Helen, CA
June 4-6 SCORE Baja 500
July 18-19 Dirt Riot MidStates & Southeast #3 Sturgis, KY
June 5-6 Unlimited Off-Road Show, KY
July 18 PURE 150 California City, CA
June 7 Speed Energy Formula Offroad X-Games Austin, TX
July 23-26 Jeepers Jamboree, Georgetown, CA
June 11-13 Jeep Jamboree Tillamook, OR
July 25 4Wheel Parts Truck Fest, CO
June 12-14 Speed Energy Formula Offroad Toronto, Canada
June 12-14 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Butler, PA
June 13-14 WERock Western #2 Rangely, CO
July 30-Aug1 Jeep Jamboree Roof of the Rockies Snowmass Village, CO
July 30-Aug1 Jeep Jamboree Coal Mountain Coal Township, PA
June 13 4Wheel Parts Truck Fest, CA
July 31-Aug1 Sturgis Offroad Blowout Sturgis, KY
June 18-20 Jeep Jamboree Drummond Island, MI
Aug 1-2 WERock Western #3 Goldendale, WA
June 18-20 Jeep Jamboree Penn’s Woods, Bradford, PA
Page 11
Aug 1-2 LOORS Rounds 11&12 Estero Beach, BC, MX
SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR
Aug 2-8 All 4 Fun Chaffee County, CO
Sept 19 All Breeds Jeep Show Iowa
Aug 4-5 TORC Racing Series Sturgis, SD
Sept 19 Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Aug 6-9 Jeep Jamboree Rubicon Trail, CA
Sept 24-26 SCORE Imperial Valley 250
Aug 8-9 Southern Rock Racing South #3 Oliver Springs, TN
Sept 24-26 Jeep Jamboree Black Hills Deadwood, SD
Aug 8-14 SCTA Bonneville Speedweek Bonneville Salt Flats,
UT
Sept 25 Route 66 Mother Road Festival San Bernardino, CA
Sept 26 Dirt Riot National Rampage Bridgeport, TX
Aug 13-15 BITD Vegas to Reno Las Vegas, NV
Sept 26-27 WORCS Round 8 Glen Helen, CA
Aug 15-16 WEROCK Eastern #3 Troy, OK
Sept 28-Oct 2 Baja Rally 3.0
Aug 15-16 FORE Racing Poker Run
Sept 29-Oct 2 SCTA Bonneville World Finals
Aug 15-16 TORC Racing Series Barl River, MI
Oct 1-4 Jeep Jamboree Maine Mountains Bethel, ME
Aug 16 Dirt Riot Central Series Troy, OK
Oct 1-4 Jeep Jamboree Ozark Adventure Ozark, AR
Aug 20-23 Jeep Jamboree Big Horn Dayton, WY
Oct 3-4 Off-Road Expo Pomona, CA
Aug 22 Dirt Riot Mountain & Southwest #3 Cortez, CO
Oct 3-4 Southern Rock Racing Nationals
Aug 22-23 4Wheel Parts Truckfest, FL
Oct 3 VORRA Short Course Sparks, NV
Aug 22-23 LOORS Rounds 13&14 Sparks, NV
Oct 8 Jeep Jamboree Uwharrie Troy, NC
Aug 29-30 VORRA Desert Race Fallon, NV
Oct 10-11 BITD Bluewater
Aug 29 Ultra4 Toole, UT
Oct 15-18 Jeep Jamboree Ouachita Hot Springs, AR
Sept 3-6 Jeep Jamboree Ouray Ouray, CO
Oct 17 Ultra4 National Championship
Sept 4-5 TORC Racing Series Crandon, WI
Oct 17-18 WORCS Round 9 Primm, NV
Sept 5-6 Southern Rock Racing North #3
Oct 22-24 Jeeb Jamboree Moab Moab, UT
Sept 5-7 Cantina for the Con Rubicon Trail, CA
Sept 12 WERock Grand Nationals Mason, TX
Oct 22-24 Jeep Jamboree Gateway to the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY
Sept 12 AZ Lucas Oil Regional
Oct 24-25 LOORS Lake Elsinore, CA
Sept 12 Ultra4 Superlift Park
Oct 24-25 VORRA Short Course Prairie City, CA
Sept 17-20 Jeep Jamboree Castskill Mountains Monticello,
NY
Oct 24-25 SNORE 250
Oct 30-Nov 1 Jeep Jamboree Cullman Cullman, AL
Sept 18-20 Sand Sports Super Show, Orange, CA
Sept 18-19 SNORE Midnight Race
Page 12
Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA)
2014 End of Year Report
The Tenderfoot
2014 Success Stories
--The Tenderfoot Trail Project was approved in the
White River NF and created twenty-two miles of new
single track motorized trails outside Dillon, Colorado.
The Hermosa Watershed Legislation was approved,
which creates a 70,000 acre special management
area for motorized recreation, protecting riding
areas
that had long been within recommended Wilderness
areas and released a Wilderness Study Area for
motorized usage.
--The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White
River NF reopened almost 150 miles of motorized
routes to OHV usage.
--The Uncompahgre BLM Field Office determined that
motorized and non-motorized usage should be
balanced in a trail project in the Burn Canyon area
that was originally to be exclusively non-motorized
trails.
--New management documents were issued for
wolverine and lynx clearly stating that motorized
recreation is not an issue on millions of acres of
habitat. Previously, this issue was classified as
unresolved and resulted in overly cautious
management decisions.
--A more noticeable proactive involvement style by
Federal Land Managers is apparent as it relates to a
wide range of OHV issues impacting recreation on
public lands continues to yield some positive results.
Page 13
Legislation Issues
--In 2014, TPA addressed four key legislation initiatives:
--We are building on the successful release of the
West Needles Wilderness Study area in 2014 and
are working to gain release of the North Sand
Hills Wilderness Study area outside Walden
Colorado due to the long history of motorized
usage in the area.
Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA)
2014 End of Year Report 16 Feb 2015
Colorado Springs, Colorado
--We are exploring landscape level tools for the
release of Wilderness Study areas that have
never been found suitable for designation.
--TPA has strategically positioned itself to work
more closely and effectively with Colorado’s
elected officials in the US Senate and House.
--TPA and our partners published a consolidated
research paper noting a wide range of impacts
for expanded Wilderness designations, including
negative economic impacts to communities, low
levels of utilizations of current opportunities and
negative impacts to the overall health of public
lands from wilderness management restrictions.
This paper was written to give everyone in
Colorado a better understanding of what the
announcement of a Wilderness designation does
to a local area.
Trails Preservation Alliance
(TPA)
2014 End of Year Report
The Tenderfoot
Continued from page 13
Legal Issues
--Bear Creek/Green Back Trout (PPSI. Pikes Peak
District). Motorcycle use in this area continues to
be denied. Land ownership is still in question
(City of Colorado Springs). The FS is in the process
of completing a NEPA of the entire area. The
follow-on TMP is said to include a motorized
bypass route of the endangered trout area. Until
ownership of the land is settled and an
agreement is in-place between the FS and
landowner, motorized recreation in the area is
on hold.
--Pike San Isabel Filed in January 2011, this case
challenges Forest Service management of vehicle
access to six Ranger Districts in the Pike and San
Isabel National Forest. Plaintiffs filed an opening
brief on the merits in August 2013. The Forest
Service and Plaintiffs began settlement
discussions, which continue. TPA-lead
interveners are allowed to participate indirectly
in this effort, and to mitigate adverse impacts on
historical access. No restrictions have been
imposed as a result of this lawsuit.
--Rico West Dolores. This case was brought by the
Colorado Chapter, Backcountry Hunters and
Anglers, and seeks to close fourteen prime
motorcycle trails in the Rico West Dolores area
of the San Juan National Forest. TPA and
COHVCO, San Juan Trail Riders, Public Access
Preservation Association and Blue-Ribbon
Coalition intervened as co-defendants alongside
the Forest Service. The district court denied
CBHA’s motion for a preliminary injunction, and
ruled in favor of the Forest Service and pro-access
interveners on the merits. CBHA appealed
to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth
Circuit, which heard oral argument on November
21, 2014. The appeal remains under advisement.
The TPA stays actively involved in all ongoing legal
issues.
Current OHV Tourism Projects
The TPA has accepted responsibility for an OHV
tourism awareness project. This special project was
developed to show the positive aspects of OHV
tourism for towns and counties in Western Colorado.
The Economic Contribution study (funded by the
TPA in 2009) was a first step in this initiative. A
special TPA staff person is assigned to work with
local
communities in Colorado. This work is funded by
TPA donations and a special grant from Polaris.
OHV tourism has proved to create a positive economic impact for our State and communities. A
recent study showed that over $100.00 per day is
spent per OHV use in local towns.
A new extensive economic study is approved for
funding by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV
Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA). This study will be
much more in-depth than the 2009 study and is
scheduled for completion in late 2015.
TPA works closely with the town of Meeker and the
Rio Blanco County to promote OHV tourism. Today,
the Wagon Wheel Trail System is fully operational
and providing an outstanding network of trails, right
out of the town of Meeker. The TPA is also working
with the following towns and counties helping them
establish their own OHV tourism plans:
*Clear Creek County
* Hinsdale County
* Lake County
* San Juan County
* Teller County
These counties understand the positive impact of
OHV recreation. TPA is rallying rural Colorado as a
‘force multiplier” in the battle to keep public lands
open for OHV recreation. To see the exact action
on going in each of the above areas, please see the
news section of the TPA web page.
Page 14
Overview of the 2015 California Motorized Recreation Council
State Capitol Lobby Day
By Tom Edmonds
On March 22nd, Sunday afternoon, we arrived in Sacramento from various locations after dining together on
the scenic Sacramento River. We met with some later arriving members at the Holiday Inn near Old Town
for training new attendees and to prepare our messages to be provided the legislators that we were to meet
with. At 9 AM On Monday, March 23rd, we met at the Capitol to team up and conduct brief, but effective
meetings with nineteen legislators that we had appointments with. We also delivered pamphlets and packaged selected points of interest to the targeted legislators and to others that we did not have appointments
with .The last appointments were at 4 p.m., at which time we went to the Sutter Club to host a very nice
reception for the legislators which was very successful. Some members attended who had been unavailable
at the appointed time when our members met with staff . The reception provided a much less formal setting for longer conversations. A short view of our talking points were asking the listener to be aware of past
money movements from our green sticker fund (off-road license tag) and our share of gasoline taxes. We
wanted this secured (lock box). We complimented the State Parks management of off-road recreation parks;
they have been doing very good under the present management. We asked legislators to be protective of our
interests if bills or questions arise regarding motorized recreation. Furthermore, we requested that they be
to be alert for Vehicle Code laws that effect our various vehicles in a negative manner and, if this arises, to
seek our input for possible remedies. We also mentioned to them how many motorized recreational participants there are (voters): dirt bike riders, snow mobile riders, Jeepers, 4WD trucks, and SUVs. Present were
the Off Road Business Association ( ORBA ), District37 of the American Motorcyclist Association, 4Wheel
Drive Association and the American Sand Association. These are all in various recreation groups that band
together to work toward the goal of open lands to enjoy our activities on.
Tom Edmonds
10003 Huntington Downs Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93312-6135
(661) 587-7994
Edmonds12@aol.com
District 37 AMA Legislative Liaison
Member of SoCalMc 39 year Desert Racer
Page 15
Page 16
Top 10 Ways Your Club Can
Create A Positive Future
For OHV Recreation
by Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer
Page 17
Top 10 Ways Your Club Can
“Create A Positive Future For OHV Recreation”
by Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer
“NOVAK? What’s NOVAK?”
Have you heard that before? When you meet riders out on the trail in your riding area and mention NOHVCC, what percentage of them know what it stands for, both as an acronym and as a national organization?
100%? 50%? 1%?
It wasn’t until I started an OHV club and joined my state’s ATV association that I learned about the National
Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. I discovered that across the country, the “boots on the ground”
that are building new trails, maintaining existing trails, and promoting safe, responsible OHV recreation,
are worn by members of OHV clubs and state associations. And, in every way imaginable, when it comes to
providing the “tools” they need, NOHVCC has their back.
It’s part of the NOHVCC mission:
“NOHVCC, as a national body of OHV recreation enthusiasts, develops and provides a wide spectrum of
programs, materials and information, or “tools”, to individuals, clubs, associations, and agencies in order to
further a positive future for responsible OHV recreation.”
For 25 years, NOHVCC has helped people start OHV clubs and associations across the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s what the New Mexico OHV Alliance -- which celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2014 -- recently
posted on the NOHVCC Facebook page: “NMOHVA would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for assistance from NOHVCC as our organization was forming.”
NOHVCC and its broad network of OHV trail-building, network-creating and partnership-forming experts have
all the tools you need. All you have to do is pick them up.
Here are the Top 10 ways you can create a positive future for OHV recreation in your riding area, with NOHVCC’s help:
Number 10 - Get on the NOHVCC email list to receive our free monthly e-newsletter, and encourage all your
club members to do the same. Each month, it presents valuable information and OHV success stories from
across the country. Get on the NOHVCC email list by clicking on the box in the upper right corner of the NOHVCC home page at www.nohvcc.org.
Number 9 - Reprint NOHVCC newsletter articles in your club’s newsletter, or mention them on your club
website with a link to the NOHVCC newsletter website: http://www.nohvcc.org/Materials/Newsletter.aspx.
And consider submitting articles that cover OHV issues in your state to local newspapers.
Number 8 - Find out who your NOHVCC state partners are, contact them, get to know them and use them
as a resource to build your club and promote OHV recreation in your area, positively and professionally. Consider applying to become a NOHVCC state partner or associate state partner, especially if your state has
none. They are the key to NOHVCC’s success, acting as a liaison between NOHVCC and the OHV communities in their states. See the state-by-state list of NOHVCC partners at http://www.nohvcc.org/Contacts/
PartnerContact.aspx
(continued on page 19)
Page 18
continued from page 18
Number 7 - Order copies of the free NOHVCC “Public Land Advocacy Workshops Series DVD.” It’s free
and it’s designed to be used by clubs, OHV associations and agency land managers, so everyone is working together to build sustainable trails. Introduced in 2009, it has 14 chapters, ranging in length from 7 to
33 minutes each. Show a chapter or two at your club meetings. Topics include: understanding the agency
designation process, how to get involved and save trails, and how to plan, design, manage and maintain trail
systems. The chapter titled “Success Stories” highlights four of the country’s best OHV trail systems -- the
Paiute ATV Trail in Utah, the Rock Run Recreation Area in Pennsylvania, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West
Virginia, and the Highwood Mountains Trail System in Montana. All four were designed, planned, constructed
and maintained using the management techniques from NOHVCC workshops. To order copies of the new
DVD for yourself, your club or agency trail planners in your area, send an email to trailhead@nohvcc.org or
call 800-348-6487.
Number 6 - Attend the annual NOHVCC conference. Each fall, the best of the best OHV advocates gather
for 4 or 5 days. They have fun attending a mobile workshop (i.e. trail ride with field demonstrations), tackling
important OHV issues, and watching outstanding presentations from OHV leaders, and agency professionals. Look over the presentations from last year’s conference to get an idea of what it’s all about at this link:
http://www.nohvcc.org/Education/Conference/2014-presentations.
Number 5 - Attend a NOHVCC OHV Workshop when one is held in your area. Or consider contacting NOHVCC to help you organize one. These 2 or 3-day events are outstanding, bringing together riders, and folks
from local, state and federal agencies to learn how to advance responsible OHV recreation in their areas.
NOHVCC is also able to do webinars on trail building that are customized for individual OHV clubs.
Number 4 - Check out the NOHVCC web site at nohvcc.org, especially the headings “Resources,” “Education,”
and “Materials,” where you’ll find an OHV resource library, club start-up kit, trail-building information, “Adventure Trail” coloring books and crayons you can order free (just pay shipping) to promote safe, responsible
riding to area youth, and much more. Put a link to NOHVCC’s website on your local and state club’s and association’s sites.
Number 3 - See the list of OHV clubs and state associations for your state on the NOHVCC website. Add your
club if it’s not listed, or update the contact information for your OHV club or state association if it’s changed,
by sending an email to trailhead@nohvcc.org.
Number 2 - Learn more about the five hard-working NOHVCC Teams and what they do: the Clubs and Associations Team, Network Development Team, Private Lands Team, Public Lands Team, and Youth and Education Team. Get the details at this link: http://www.nohvcc.org/About/Teams.aspx. Better yet, join one of
these teams at the annual conference, and put your expertise to work to the betterment of OHV recreation.
And the Number 1 way you can create a positive future for OHV recreation in your area - get involved, stay
informed, ride with us and work with us to spread the NOHVCC Mission, and have fun in the process.
Page 19
ORBA General Membership meeting held March 24,
2015
Each year, on the third Tuesday in March, ORBA holds its annual membership meeting when the business of
the association takes place. A part of that meeting is the election of officers and board members. The individual board members serve alternating three year terms. These positions are nominated and elected by ORBA
members in good standing.
All three nominees that were nominated were elected to new terms. We want to welcome back Lindsay Hubley (Family Events/The Promotion Company), Kurt Miller (The Enthusiast Network), and Brad Franklin (Yamaha Motor Corporation). We thank the Board for their individual dedication and commitment to the needs
and goals of ORBA and its members.
The Board Officers are:
Greg Adler Chairman (President/CEO Transamerica Auto Parts TAP)
Mark Turner Treasure (CEO Daystar)
Lindsay Hubley Secretary (Family Events/The Promotion Company)
Kurt Miller (TEN)
Stuart Gosswein (SEMA)
Jim Chick (Bestop)
Mike Webster (Marketplace/Events-AIMEXPO)
Brad Franklin (Yamaha Motor Corp.)
2015 CAL4 WHEEL EVENT SCHEDULE
CA4WDC Convention
Lamp Liter Inn, Visalia, CA
February 20-22, 2015
Win-a-Jeep giveaway Feb 21, 2015
Sierra Trek
Meadow Lake, Tahoe National Forest near Truckee
California
August 6-9, 2015
Molina Ghost Run
Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area, Hollister, CA
May 8-10, 2015
High Sierra Poker Run
High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest
near Shaver Lake California
September 4-7, 2015
Hi Desert Round-Up
Slash X Cafe and Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle
Area
May 22-25, 2015
Operation Desert Fun
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
October 16-17, 2015
Panamint Valley Days
Near Trona and Ballarat, California
November 13-15, 2015
Page 20
ORBA and SEMA:
Working To Protect Your Right to Ride
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and ORBA have worked closely for over 10 years to
advance the off-road interests. This seamless connection has achieved clear results and is the product of a
shared commitment to crafting public policy that benefits the motorized off-road enthusiast community. In
2013, this partnership, in coordination with other off-road groups, resulted in the creation of the Johnson
Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area in Southern California, which provides federal protection to over
96,000 acres.
While SEMA and ORBA’s efforts have been successful in advancing the cause, it is crucial that we continue
to expand the number of individuals and groups who share our philosophy and passion. Accordingly, both
groups are focused on keeping off-road vehicle enthusiasts informed of the policies that are being crafted
in Washington and states around the country that affect access to public lands. The SEMA Action Network
(SAN) plays a crucial role in helping achieve this goal and it is FREE. We encourage everyone interested in
protecting the rights of off-roaders to join at www.semasan.com/join.
Making a case for
motorized recreation:
The Value of Economic Impact Studies
continued from page 10
According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s Report that was released in 2013, outdoor recreation is
an economic powerhouse in the US, generating each year $646 billion in consumer spending and 6.1 million direct jobs. The Outdoor Industry Association also has a comprehensive report on economic indicators
and statistical spending data categorized by each state. It’s useful and significant information in building a
case for developing a study for your particular endeavor. We need to continue to do our due diligence in telling our story by emphasizing our impact to local communities, businesses, and policy makers. An Economic
Impact Study is a powerful tool that can be used to accomplish this objective in a succinct and influential
way.
There are numerous avenues in exploring ways to conduct an Economic Impact Study; if you and/or your organization are interested in discussing options in developing the framework for an Economic Impact Study,
contact the ORBA staff and we are happy to help.
Page 21
Sage Grouse Update
By Scott Jones, Esq
There have been several recent changes in the wide ranging and ongoing Sage Grouse issues that are
important to the multiple use community. Some of these changes have been good news and some of them
have not been as good, and much of it has remained the same, as this discussion is anything but a single issue. Understanding the wide ranging nature of this issue is important, as it directly impacts how the multiple
use recreational community is involved in the process. There are easily two dozen distinct facets to this
discussion, as Sage Grouse planning efforts range from directly amending BLM field office level Resource
Management Plans, to efforts targeting landscape level plan amendments of BLM, to USFS and other land
management areas and several of the states are developing plans at the state level. This is in addition to
the various listing efforts that are moving forward with the Fish and Wildlife Service for distinct population
segments. Multiple-use advocates must be involved and remain in all facets of these discussions moving
forward.
The good news in these discussions is the Bi-State Distinct population segment on the boundary of California and Nevada was recently found to be ineligible for listing as an endangered species. The bad news in
these discussions is that the Gunnison Sage Grouse in Colorado, a species closely related to the Greater
Sage Grouse, was recently found eligible for listing on the Endangered Species list. Even with a finding that a
distinct population is not warranted, the multiple-use community must remain engaged in discussions moving forward. The exact nature of any portion of the Sage Grouse discussion is far from over as the Courts
are just starting to get involved, as evidenced by the lawsuit almost immediately filed on the Gunnison Sage
Grouse by the state of Colorado. While a particular Sage Grouse population segment or related species may
not be managed as an Endangered Species, this does not mean that management will not occur. Any expectation the grouse would not be addressed as a sensitive species in the management discussions moving
forward would be misplaced. The multiple-use community simply needs to stay involved in these discussions
moving forward.
Page 22
Page 23
Achieving Backcountry Success
Through Collaboration
ORBA continues to work diligently for its members and the entire OHV community, and the National Advocate’s Spring Issue highlights several key initiatives being pursued. One item of particular interest is an invitation from the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) to ORBA CEO/President Fred Wiley, Scott Jones, President
of Colorado State Snowmobile Association, and Sandra Mitchell from the Idaho State Snowmobile Association to speak as part of a panel discussion on travel management. It will specifically address snowmobile use
and winter travel planning. This is a remarkable opportunity to participate in an open and frank discussion
about a controversial topic that addresses backcountry access. Rather than referring to the WWA as being
the ‘opposition’ or adversaries, ORBA welcomes this outreach as a giant leap forward in the development of
a working-relationship where decisions can be made through compromises that maintain the core principles
for each entity. This level of participation takes an alternative and creative approach in ensuring that motorized and non-motorized uses are sustainable and manageable.
This is an innovative example of collaborating with organizational representatives on what many advocates
refer to as the ‘other side.’ Bringing groups that represent divergent interests to the table, opening the
discussion, and keeping the conversation focused and positive is how business gets accomplished and how
policy is made. ORBA’s forward thinking and proactive approach places the organization in a unique position
where staff and members engage in dialogue long before any actions have been implemented. In this powerful position, there is less time expended on fighting battles and working in an endless circle of inefficiency.
Energy and efforts are put to work in identifying solutions and continuously developing and maintaining important connections with all sides of the matter. The simple fact that WWA reached out to ORBA and the
professionals in the snowmobile community speaks volumes in seeking a collaborative approach to address
some of these hard-to-answer and difficult discussions. It also echoes what Representatives Rob Bishop (RUT) and Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) are trying to accomplish through the Utah Public Lands Initiative.
ORBA is striving to break the gridlock and change the current paradigm that has had a polarizing effect
on how we address internal and external issues. After all, shouldn’t we be applying the same methodology
within the realm of the motorized and non-motorized community? Working towards a common objective
through creative compromise, perspective, listening, collaborating, and setting aside preferential differences
is how ORBA addresses and overcomes challenges. We will continue to thrive in this working environment
and apply these principles in everyday business practice and in the development of One Voice.
Page 24
Utah Public Lands Initiative
For decades, Utah has been ground zero in land-use battles between local communities, environmentalists, off-road groups, energy interests and a variety of other groups. To start, the federal government owns
nearly 57% of Utah lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service or
National Park Service. Land-use designations and management plans determine threshold issues such as
OHV activity.
At issue are unsettled land-use designations such as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs), undeveloped land set
aside by Congress years ago because the land had potential wilderness characteristics. The BLM currently
administers 86 WSAs in Utah totaling nearly 3.2 million acres. Congress did not intend for the land to be
permanently labeled WSA. Local, state and national representatives were to decide what land area was
truly wilderness (roadless with no motorized/mechanized recreation) and then release the rest for other
land-use activities.
Until now, the vested interests have battled for decades and the land remained in limbo. Many of these
groups are now working together on the “Utah Public Lands Initiative,” which covers all eight of Utah’s eastern counties. Under the initiative, San Juan, Daggett, Uintah, Carbon, Duchesne, Emery, Grand and Summit
are tasked with putting forward plans to finalize land designations, including protections for motorized recreation along with wilderness and the dedication of areas for drilling, mineral extraction and other uses.
The progress that’s been made is no accident. The initiative was first pursued by Congressman Rob Bishop
(R-UT), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, who represents Daggett, Duchesne, Summit,
and Uintah counties. U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) has played a leading role in the effort, representing Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan counties. Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), who represents the most rural counties of
the Utah Delegation, has also been helpful in advancing the initiative. The Congressmen and their staffs have
worked tirelessly for the past three years to bring the various interests to the table on the initiative, which is
based on three principles: collaboration, compromise and creativity.
Knowing that finding consensus was always an uphill battle, Congressmen Bishop and Chaffetz kicked off the
effort by garnering input and requesting land management proposals from county officials. By starting at the
county level, they figured it offered the best chance for compromise and, at a minimum, would help to fend
off National Monument designations from the President. The game plan is to bundle the county agreements
into a single federal bill to be enacted into law. Reps. Bishop and Chaffetz will have a chance to tweak the
federal bill to make sure certain roads are cherry-stemmed or other protections have been addressed.
Continued on page 25
Page 25
Continued from page 25
After reaching out to the counties, Reps. Bishop and Chaffetz brought in stakeholder groups in early 2013,
including motorized recreation. The initial results were less than encouraging, with groups showing little
appetite for compromise and one county even walking away from the initiative. Some headway was even
short-lived. Daggett County was the first county to submit a land use agreement when its compromise was
announced last October. However, less than a month later, the county commissioners who drafted the plan
were voted out-of-office and their newly elected replacements voided the previous compromise. The news is
not all bad.
The decision angered conservationists who were pleased that road claims and OHV access issues were
finally being resolved in exchange for wilderness designations. So we do anticipate the County will eventually
find an amicable accord.
As of April 1, Grand and Summit Counties have passed proposals and submitted them to the Congressional delegation. Grand County’s proposal was especially significant given that the county, which includes
Moab, has been at the center of public lands controversies for many years. Underscoring that this initiative
is a delicate balance, the Grand County Council narrowly approved its plan on March 31st by a margin of
4-3. The agreement designates two OHV zones totaling over 195,000 acres, creates 477,000 acres of
wilderness, expands Arches National Park and creates a 154,000 acre conservation area. While the plan
includes some road closures in wilderness areas, it includes a no net loss clause, which requires comparable
roads and trails to be opened in exchange for those that are closed and to allow cherry-stemming of significant roads/trails.
At present, Uintah, Carbon, Duchesne, San Juan, Daggett and Emery counties are working on their proposals, which are expected to be completed by summer. Upon receiving each of the county plans, Congressmen
Bishop and Chaffetz will introduce legislation finalizing the agreements, which impact more than 20 million
acres of land.
While the initiative still has a long way to go, real progress is being made. To date, the Congressman and
their staffs have consulted with over 120 groups and attended over 1,000 meetings. President Obama has
noted the progress as well. He has agreed not to create a “Greater Canyonlands National Monument” while
the parties seek to implement the Utah Public Lands Initiative.
Page 26
GET OUTSIDE | ROAD TRIP
By Corey Osborne
How Fortunate We Are
One of the greatest benefits of being involved in the Jeep industry is the ability to interact with all
of the awesome people that are a part of it, and by this, I mean the folks that organize your local Jeep club
meetings, the local shops that help you build your dream, and the all the guys and gals that we meet on and
off the trail that we share the passion of the outdoors with.
How many other industries do you know of where the community is large enough to support multiple
large events all across the country, maintain literally hundreds of forums and online resources, all while allowing us to interact with each other, even one on one, when we need help or have a question? This community
of people all share a common interest and, for the most part, it’s about enjoying life with family and friends . .
. it also happens to contain some of the best people I have ever known. We are truly fortunate.
Having just returned from a 4300 mile road trip from Colorado to Daytona Beach, Florida, over 15
days and stopping for 9 events at local clubs and shops, I continue to be blown away by each and every person I meet along the way. At every shop, every club and each event, I get to learn something about that area,
its people, what they enjoy and how they enjoy it. This community of people is willing to share, help and involve
themselves in whatever way they can to help create an even better community. It’s amazing. The outdoor
enthusiasts’ main goal remains unchanged from coast to coast, and that is to enjoy activities in nature and
wilderness areas. . . it does not matter if the “nature” is on a beach or in the mountains. As long as we all
continue to respect and take care of “nature”, we get to continue to enjoy being enthusiasts.
I made this latest road trip to Florida and back alone, yet not once was I concerned that I was too far
from support should I need it. Things can and do go wrong, even with the best maintenance and planning.
Lucky? Maybe, but I feel I was fortunate. The trip was completed without any mechanical failures or issues
and in each location where I was setting up for an event, the local folks made sure to offer anything that I
might need. From New Mexico to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, the people I met are
awesome and we just need to remember how fortunate we are.
Page 27
The Salt Lick
Advocate
By Jeffrey Dozier
Archeological evidence tells us that, for thousands of years, humans travelled a narrow corridor along a sandy pine covered ridge top in the forests of eastern Kentucky. In the early part of the 20th century, this corridor officially became Sand Lick Road of Powell County, Kentucky, road #1057. As documented, the road
is 4.7 miles of eroded sandstone bedrock that narrows into the spectacular natural phenomenon known
as White’s Branch Arch. Yes indeed, the road goes directly over top of a wind blown water carved geologic
wonder of an arch. It then turns abruptly, descending down Goat Hill tight to the the rocky cliff line allowing
passage into what is known as Sand Lick and locally as Boyd’s Holler. This historic unimproved county road
provided the most convenient route for the local people of this mountainous eastern Kentucky region. Until
the late spring of 2006, it was a national attraction that drew thousands of people each year.
In my college years at the University of Kentucky, my anthropologist buddies and I developed a passion for
Toyota Land Cruisers, the four-wheel drive vehicles of global overland fame and prestige. One close friend
and I travelled to and from his archeological work in South America in his 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60
four-wheel drive station wagon. We took it on many journeys into the foothills of eastern Kentucky as well,
frequently enjoying Sand Lick Road. With anguish, my dear friend passed early in life suddenly while working
in the field in California. His dad and brother decided to drive the Land Cruiser cross-country and unfortunately it threw a rod through the engine block, ruining the engine. His family was thoughtful and generous
and offered me the chance to own his Land Cruiser and put it back on the road. I did so with a feverish pitch
and once I had it road worthy, I took his dad and brother on a ride from Lexington, Kentucky to the foothills of
the Appalachian Mountains. My dear friend and I learned overland travel and technical driving in this wonderful area before his passing, so a trip to the backcountry with his survivors was in order. We drove Sand
Lick Road, bounced our stock Land Cruiser over White’s Branch Arch, also known historically as “the big
narrows” or just “the narrows”. They could not believe how steep the cliff walls dropped on both sides with a
carpet of deep green, forested hills overlapping the horizon. Our solo excursion across Sand Lick Road was
among the last vehicles to pass due to the abhorrent events bestowed upon these ancient passages by the
United States Forest Service (USFS), Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund (KHLCF), the Sierra Club,
Natural Bridge State Park, and others. So why would these groups damage and block a county road?
Somewhere along the line, around 2004, the USFS implemented a new travel management rule that sought
to reduce “cross country travel”, meaning stop any travel off designated routes. In the Daniel Boone National
Forest (DBNF) of eastern Kentucky, this meant each ranger district was supposed to update the Motor
Vehicle Use Map “MVUM” to reflect county and USFS roads and trails and manage the public’s multiple use
recreation. Tragically, this did not happen for many of the county roads of the area. The honorable Recreational Supervisor USFS Ranger Don Fig touted the Daniel Boone National Forest to his superiors as an
“outstanding recreation area” but that was not enough to ensure the county’s transportation system was
accurately overlaid upon the USFS’s MVUM’s, resulting in inaccuracies and subsequent misdirected actions
on the historic county roads of the region. The USFS gated off many roads in the area but took great exception to Sand Lick Road and Sterling Road, as evidenced by their attempted obliteration of both. Apparently,
multiple use recreation of the motorized type was to be wiped off the recreation spectrum according to the
USFS.
Continued from Page 28
2006 saw the United States Forest Service lead a coalition of special interest groups in an action that damaged and blocked Sand Lick Road and Wolfe County Kentucky’s Sterling Road simultaneously causing more
environmental damage than vehicular travel could ever do. They used federal taxpayer money and state
funds from the KHLCF to dig tank traps and drop live timber across the roads to block the multiple use recreation without county consent. They did this aggressively and succinctly with heavy equipment. One USFS
leader told me, “It’s cheaper to close a road with a track hoe than maintain it,” in reference to this action.
They dug dozens of trenches down to bedrock, laid live hemlocks and hardwoods over the road, and placed
boulders on top of tall piles and piles of dirt in order to meet their objective of making these historic roads
impassable. I knew something had to be done to correct this wrongdoing and preserve the remaining county
roads at risk of the same fate as Sand Lick Road and Sterling Road.
I began researching the state laws and documentation with the local counties. The records available in
the old county courthouses were hand written on onion peel paper but provided insurance that none of the
county roads were removed from the county road inventory by statutory process while the county surveyor
provided historic maps from the State Highway Department and Federal Works Agency. These maps
showed the roads and listed the road inventory by name and number for each county. It was these maps
that lead me to an early Congressional Report found in the archives at the University of Kentucky’s Reserve
Library. This official report was the end result of a roads survey that sought to document the county transportation system for future Kentuckians. Fortunately, Sterling Road and Sand Lick Road are depicted on the
county road maps and listed in the road inventories. This documentation provided me with the resources
to begin to preserve other county roads and fight for Sterling Road and Sand Lick Road. The Daniel Boone
Backcountry Byway was born.
The State Highway Department maps showed me how I could link these roads into a network of aesthetic
routes that would once again attract adventure tourism similar to the days before the damage and blocking of Sterling Road and Sand Lick Road, the days when the Jeep Jamboree and other such events toured
the roads along with other patrons year round. These events were held for well over ten years on these two
roads and others with USFS awareness but were stopped abruptly when the heavy equipment arrived in
2006. I took the State Highway Department Maps and my GPS device and verified each route that I chose
for the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB). Once I verified them physically, I visited each counties fiscal
court. In court, I asked the court to reaffirm the county roads and grant me permission to promote them for
the DBBB. This process continued until I connected over a hundred miles of roads effectively creating a loop
around the Natural Bridge State Park. This effort to put these important old roads into an organized system
has proven very popular with users but what good is an attractive county road system if it isn’t sustainable
for future generations? Ah yes, Friends Of Boone is born.
Continued on page 30
Page 27
Continued from Page 29
I formed a voluntary group called Friends Of Boone in order to organize support for the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway. Historically, there were many groups locally active in support of some of these roads but
providing an umbrella group to bring clubs, organizations, and individuals together to sustain these valuable
roads proved to be the right move. I chose to use the Facebook platform for the group to save overhead
costs and to make use of its speedy transfer of information on the social media waves. In a year and half,
we’ve gained over 1100 likes and many posts reach 10K people through sharing and reposting. The Friends
Of Boone page on Facebook allows me to successfully organize community rides of the DBBB, update thousands of people on current developments, and improve trail etiquette by partnering with TreadLightly!, LeaveNoTrace, and other resources for sustainable multiple use recreation.
In losing access and seeing major damage inflicted on a favorite road with sentimental value, an advocate
was born. From inspiration to save other roads from the same fate, a county byway system was born and
from there, a supporting umbrella group to get boots to the ground was born. What was once a lost adventure tourism industry has morphed into a solid tourism initiative now backed by five counties, national and
regional organizations, local and regional clubs, US Senators and Congressman and many individuals. What
was once a form of recreation on the brink of extinction has now regained traction and is inching closer to a
long-term sustainable byway system that will serve enthusiasts for years to come.
Presently, the counties and I are partnering with the USFS and others to find common ground to gain agency
wide support. Less than 10% of the DBBB is on public land managed by the USFS but there lies the rub. It
is holding up the completion of the entire DBBB. The USFS continues to refuse to acknowledge the county
road system through the Sand Lick Area, presumably because acknowledging the county road means acknowledging they are responsible for the immense damage to Sand Lick Road and Sterling Road. It is quite a
rub.
Begrudgingly, the USFS recognizes the importance of the economic input of the counties’ roads. Collaboration does not happen easily but in the name of progress, the past has been set to the side for now and the
future is on the table as a result of the DBBB. Although the actions of 2006 that resulted in tragic damage
to county property is unforgivable, the promise of helping the rural impoverished counties regain their tourism economy has proved a worthy cause. Through persistent advocacy, thorough research, and face-to-face
communication with local counties and agencies, a bright future for multiple use recreation exists in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The actions of 2006 may end up in court but the counties now have something
positive to show for their efforts to preserve their transportation system. Deep gratitude goes to Powell
County Judge Executive James Anderson Jr., Wolfe County Judge Executive Dennis Brooks, Lee County
Judge Executive Steve Mays, Estill County Judge Executive Wallace Taylor, and the late Menifee County
Judge Executive James Trimble. Early in the saga, the Blue Ribbon Coalition (sharetrails.org) and Southern
Four Wheel Drive Association (sfwda.org) came to the aid of this cause, offering advice and resources that
were critical to success. The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway ensures future generations have an opportunity to enjoy a nostalgic backcountry experience like so many people have over time on these rustic passages
through the forests of eastern Kentucky.
KLIM ‘COW-TAG’ OFF-ROAD CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED
Help KLIM support Off-Road Trail Advocacy Groups. Ride a fun, one-of-a-kind event in KLIM’s Test Lab—the
pristine single-track of Idaho—and have a chance at winning awesome prizes including Cody Webb’s MAXXIS
SuperEnduro World Championship KTM Race Bike!
Rigby, Idaho (April 10, 2015) – KLIM unveiled today the details of a unique, single-day off-road motorcycle
event sure to challenge individual off-road riders’ skills and strategy. The KLIM Cow-Tag Off-Road Ride will
be held June 27, 2015 in KLIM’s backyard testing lab—the Big Hole Mountain Trail System of the Caribou
Targhee National Forest in Southeast Idaho. A low entry fee, provided maps and GPS files of great trails,
breakfast and dinner, chances to win awesome prizes and all proceeds going directly to support off-road trail
advocacy groups make this a must-do event! Entries are open now; register today to save your spot! http://
www.klim.com/Cow-Tag-Off-Road-Ride-Event.html
How it works:
The exciting new off-road ride puts route planning strategy and riding skills above all-out speed. The goal?
Collect as many Cow Tag identification numbers as possible, posted at various locations in the local riding
area (hand-picked by KLIM’s employees-who-ride). These locations will be shown on the provided Trail Map
and available as GPS files. Cow Tags’ values vary by distance and difficulty of the location from Basecamp.
Each rider collects the tag IDs, snaps a photo of them at the Cow Tag location and moves on to the next.
When they return to basecamp and their tags are verified, riders receive the corresponding amount of raffle
tickets to invest in drawings for great prizes.
What’s up for grabs?
Headlining the prizes available is Cody Webb’s 2015 KTM 300 XC FMF/KTM/RPM Team Maxxis SuperEnduro Championship race bike—the bike Webb actually raced in Europe this spring (don’t worry, it’s getting detailed!). Your entry fee comes with two tickets for this raffle (more are available for purchase online, as well).
This race bike is part of a nationwide fund-raising raffle effort from KLIM to support and fund local and national off-road trail advocacy groups. Raffle tickets earned on the ride by collecting Cow Tags will be entered
into the pool for the evening drawings. Great partner brands have stepped up with KLIM to provide awesome
prizes including: FMF, Motorex, Trail Tech, IMS, Zborz Racing, Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, Ckick-fil-A, RPM Racing Team, Maxxis Tires, Pro Moto Billet, Rekluse, Rexburg Motorsports, Guns N Gears, Stillwell Performance,
Kate’s Real Food, Kolby Offroad, Action Motor Sports
What else do I need to know?
You need to mark your calendar and plan for a great ride! That’s about it. Basecamp for this event is Kelly
Canyon Ski Resort outside Ririe, Idaho (see REGISTRATION page for more details). Plenty of area camping
and accommodations are available. Riders will be expected to ride responsibly (we’re promoting off-road trail
advocacy, after all) and bikes will need to comply with U.S Forest Service spark arrestor rules. Also, bikes will
need to pass a 96 dB sound test and display off-road registration (Idaho accepts other state’s registration
as valid). This is a motorcycle only event, ATV and UTVs will not be able to participate due to the nature of the
trails.
About KLIM:
KLIM TECHNICAL RIDING GEAR IS THE GLOBAL LEADER IN DESIGNING, DEVELOPING AND MANUFACTURING THE
MOST ADVANCED MOTOR SPORTS APPAREL FOR THE SNOWMOBILE AND MOTORCYCLE RIDER. UTILIZING THE
WORLD’S HIGHEST TECHNOLOGIES IN WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE, DURABLE AND COMFORTABLE MATERIALS,
KLIM BUILDS GEAR FOR THE MOST DEMANDING RIDERS.
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NATIONAL ADVOCATE
Spring 2015 | Equal Access Quarterly