Messages

76

Technical Advice and Questions / Re: 79 cj 5 build

« on: August 31, 2009, 10:17:04 am »

While the D60 and 14 bolt are great, indestructable axles, they are definitely overkill for the 258. Perfect for rock buggies and trailer queens especially when you try to cover them for legality. In fact, as Jeremy points out, you would blow the tranny first anyway. Start small and work up to the beast if you figure out you need it. A CJ-5 with 4 inches and 35's will go almost anywhere while being a very friendly street machine. The springs you can find used on the forums. An early '70 D30/D44 set will give you 3.73's and a D44 rear that practically bolts-in. There are always 35's on the forums left over from upgrades. Wheel it, drive it, then see where you want to go with it.

On the otherhand, if you want to proceed with your plan, find someone who did it already and learn from them. Maybe even drive their rig. Someone has got to know a friend of a friend who did this.

- Dave

77

Regional Issues / Re: Deadline for DCNR recreation public input is on Monday July 20!

« on: July 20, 2009, 07:59:23 am »

I took a quick look this morning and there are a bunch of pro - 4x4 comments posted on the site. And I know of more that aren't posted. Hopefully through the efforts of PA Jeeps and many others, we flooded the system.

Thanks to all who took the time to let the state know that we are still out here!

- Dave

78

Regional Issues / Deadline for DCNR recreation public input is on Monday July 20!

« on: July 15, 2009, 08:23:42 am »

Deadline for public input approaching! After July 20th, they won't listen for another 5 years!

If you can read this, then you have internet access and NO EXCUSE not to make a few comments to preserve your sport in your state. It only takes a few minutes of your time to give PA the message the 4x4 recreation is still alive and well. Please go to the website and tell them what you think and what you would like to see for the future.

http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/comments.htm

Thanks for your help!

- Dave


Make sure you make your opinion known to shape the future of our sport in PA on public land!

"Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan public input period closing
A comment period available on this web site—set up to provide the public with a chance to weigh in on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)—will close on July 20.

While a series of public meetings have already been held, those interested have still been able to provide feedback at the site; along with viewing Research and draft recommendations. Every five years, Pennsylvania produces a plan that provides citizens, policymakers, and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. SCORP helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding, and implementation for the next five years and beyond. Public input to this process is critical—ensuring a broad representation of interests, views and ideas."

Those on the Sproul trip will attest there are decent opertunities to trail ride in the state forests. And there are many more behind locked gates. Everyone needs to let the state know that we want to keep what we have and get even more.

- Dave

79

Regional Issues / Re: PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: July 07, 2009, 08:02:22 am »

Deadline for public input approaching!
Make sure you make your opinion known to shape the future of our sport in PA on public land!

"Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan public input period closing
A comment period available on this web site—set up to provide the public with a chance to weigh in on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)—will close on July 20.

While a series of public meetings have already been held, those interested have still been able to provide feedback at the site; along with viewing Research and draft recommendations. Every five years, Pennsylvania produces a plan that provides citizens, policymakers, and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. SCORP helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding, and implementation for the next five years and beyond. Public input to this process is critical—ensuring a broad representation of interests, views and ideas."

Those on the Sproul trip will attest there are decent opertunities to trail ride in the state forests. And there are many more behind locked gates. Everyone needs to let the state know that we want to keep what we have and get even more.

- Dave

80

Regional Issues / Re: PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: June 22, 2009, 09:47:37 am »

I'm glad a few were able to attend. I was bummed that our annual vaction coinsided with the meetings.

Make sure you follow up while it''s formost in your mind and theirs. Anything I can do to help let me know.
I believe Steve Risk had been the representative to DCNR. He lives in southern York Co. I suspect he still is.

- Dave

81

Beginners Class (Seniors Stay OUT) / Re: History Question 2

« on: June 17, 2009, 11:01:17 am »

Don't forget Mahindra and Mitsubishi (sp?) under license.

82

Regional Issues / Re: PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: June 17, 2009, 10:57:39 am »

SFRMP 2007 was for State Forests only. Its not real clear if this SCORP is directed at just State Park or all of DCNR which includes State parks and Forests. I did see some mention of OHV's (ATV's, Dirt Bikes & snowmobiles)

Still, I would submit the comment just as you have it because it shows it's not clear.


Anybody get to go to one of the meetings? Anything you can report back to teh club?

- Dave

83

Regional Issues / Re: PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: May 26, 2009, 12:03:25 pm »

Some of the links are now active although you can only tell by scrolling your mouse over them.

From my initial skimming, again, 4x4 recreation isn't mentioned among the typical trail user groups of hikers, snowmobile, atv, bicyclists, equestrians.

- Dave

84

Regional Issues / Re: PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: May 21, 2009, 07:33:09 am »

Update:

The website for viewing the 2009 Draft of DCNR's Recreation Plan is now availible here:

http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/index.html

This is kind of a new format that allows individuals to look at individual sections of the document and provide comments.
As of today, the links are not active yet. However, since the meetings are less than two weeks away, I expect they will be soon.

Is anyone going to be able to attend one of the meetings?

- Dave

Here's the updated article in the Resource newsletter:
___________________________________________________________________________
Share your ideas on outdoor recreation at public meetings in June
 
Pennsylvania residents are invited to share their ideas on how to improve outdoor recreation opportunities at three public meetings being held throughout the state in June.

“Part of DCNR’s mission to create healthy and livable communities includes successfully serving the recreation needs of those who live, work and play in them,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary John Quigley said. “We want the public to play a part in setting the priorities for state recreation planning and funding for the next five years and beyond.”

Pennsylvania produces a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years that provides citizens, policymakers and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. The plan helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding and implementation for the future.

The meetings will be held at the following locations from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

June 1, Four Points by Sheraton, Pittsburgh North, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars
June 2, Ramada Conference Center, 1450 S. Atherton St., State College
June 3, DeSales University, University Center Gerald White Pavilion, 2755 State Ave., Center Valley

Over the past 18 months, DCNR has identified four major themes for its draft recommendations in the plan:

- Align planning efforts to provide more integrated outdoor recreation opportunities;
- Connect outdoor recreation and conservation to Pennsylvania’s economy and the health and quality of life of its residents;
- Reconnect people to the natural environment and develop an environmental stewardship ethic in all segments of the population; and
- Develop a statewide trail network including addressing priority trail gaps.

Attendees will hear presentations from Penn State University faculty who have conducted four statewide recreation surveys to provide the data on which the plan recommendations are drawn.

The surveys include a statewide resident survey on recreation needs and preferences; a targeted state park survey to identify recreation participation trends and facility needs; a trail gap analysis sent to trail-user groups; and a series of facilitated discussion sessions with minority youth and baby boomers across Pennsylvania.

For more information or to review the draft plan, visit www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.

 

85

Regional Issues / PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

« on: May 08, 2009, 09:11:30 am »

This was in DCNR's Resource eNewsletter:
 
Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan input sessions
June 1-3, 2009. DCNR staff, along with Penn State University researchers, will host three public input sessions to provide comment and recommendations for the 2009 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Attendees will get a chance to provide input on a set of draft recommendations produced by a multi-agency task force of recreation specialists led by DCNR.
Every five years, Pennsylvania produces a plan that provides citizens, policymakers, and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. The plan also helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding, and implementation for the next five years and beyond. Public input to this process is critical—ensuring a broad representation of interests, views and ideas. The sessions, all 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will be held:

•   June 1 – Four Points by Sheraton, Pittsburgh North;
•   June 2 – Ramada, State College; and
•   June 3 – DeSales University, Bethlehem
 
____________________________

If anyone can attend any of these meetings that would be great. For those that can’t, I contacted the organizer and the material will be available on DCNR’s website when the meetings get closer. We’ll also be able to provide online feedback.

Make a mental note to participate in these process for 4x4 recreation at the end of the month. I’ll try to post more details when they become available. 
 
- Dave

86

Regional Issues / Re: On Going PA State Forest work. Please thank PA Rep. Boyd.

« on: February 24, 2009, 08:05:54 am »

By the way, when you write to any government official, it is always a good idea to include your name and address.
That way they know that you do indeed exist and that you are in someone's constituency.

Use the term 4x4 recreation so as not to be confused with ATV's.

Capitalization and punctuation will keep us from looking like a bunch of rednecks, even if we are.

Thanks again,

- Dave

87

Regional Issues / On Going PA State Forest work. Please thank PA Rep. Boyd.

« on: February 23, 2009, 01:15:36 pm »

No, I haven't given up yet, although the outlook is still very dim.

First off, here is a link to the full public comments as the Bureau of Forestry summarized them:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/sfrmp/Public_Comment_Summary_2007.pdf

The good news is, the voice of the 4x4 enthusiast was heard and documented:

"...Off Highway Vehicles (OHV), Dirtbike-motorcross, and street legal motorcycles.
The 2007 SFRMP Update Process generated numerous comments from additional motorized sports groups interested in seeking access to recreational opportunities on the state forest system.

As a group, these public comment participants felt that designating trail systems that could be available for their pursuits and collecting registration fees from their use represented a compatible and desirable addition to DCNR’s outdoor recreation programming.

Frequently emphasized themes included:
• The generation of additional revenues to the agency and positive economic stimuli to state and local economies from increased utilization of existing recreational infrastructure
• Willingness to cooperate with other user groups and the agency to develop user guidelines and designated areas that would align these pursuits to the overall goals and constraints of the agency
• Perceived cultural and social value of increasing the range of activities available to connect people to nature and the out-of-doors
• Provide positive outdoor alternatives for youth that could compete with indoor activities like video games ...."

The bad news is that it hasn't changed much:

" ... DCNR’s response to Comments Received on Recreational Issues:

Opportunities for Night Sky, OHV, and Street Legal Motorcycle enthusiasts:
...
Improved public use maps with clearer definitions for vehicular travel on the state forest road and drivable trail system will soon be available to better identify existing opportunities for OHV and street legal motorcycles within the state forest system...."

Essentially, they are going to print new maps so we know where we can't be. While this is an important step towards being able to police illegal activity, it really doesn't recongnize the efforts of organized 4x4 enthusiasts to work with the BoF to develop legal places to go.

Fall '08, I contacted PA Representative Scott Boyd http://www.repboyd.com/with concern over my efforts going unheard and the BoF's unwillingness to even talk to me. He agreed to look into the matter and meet with the head of the Recreation Sector of the BoF. He did and his aide sent me a map that the BoF gave them. It's huge, covering the whole state with every road and driveable trail marked. It's a nice thought, but there are no names or references on it anywhere. When I spoke to Rep. Boyd about the meeting he said, "It went the way you would expect it to, I walked in, they told me they have opened everything they can based on liability concerns, and then the meeting was over." He did mention that they know who I am which means I must be making some kind of impression.

My response was that I couldn't understand how 4x4 recreation can have liability concerns when compared to ATV use and even hunting for that matter. By law, we even have to carry liability insurance. Rep. Boyd said he was willing to give it another shot. A couple weeks ago I gave him a packet with many of my notes on the subject comparing the ATV and 4x4 usage, the dangers, the inconsistant development plans, the lack on inclusion, etc.

I'm not sure if he has made his second approach or not, but I ask that everyone send his office sboyd@pahousegop.com a quick email of thanks for his efforts. Not only will this show him that his efforts are appreciated, but it will give some indication that there is more than just me that cares about this issue. Please copy me on your email at ddechri@yahoo.com so I have an idea what impact we may be having.

Short of this effort, I'm not sure what we can do till the next update in 2012. Hopefully by then we'll be prepared to overrun that set of public meetings.

- Dave

88

Regional Issues / Re: Pa - Fairview Township, York (ATTEND AND DEFEAT THIS...!)

« on: November 24, 2008, 08:39:40 am »

Hillbilly,

Can you post an address for the township.

I think it is this club's responsibility to take action on this one.
If you can be there in person, then you need to write in with your thoughts as if it was your township.
Because at the rate they are winning, it won't take long before it will be.

Just think, if you get a ATV and you want to test it out? Well, my lot isn't 300 ft wide or deep. So that would be it.

Right now they are upset with noise and dust, next time it might be you working on your rig in your driveway.

- Dave

89

Regional Issues / Re: WPA-4XTRAC needs help to get Rock Run 4x4 trails opened!

« on: September 03, 2008, 02:13:08 pm »

SUCCESS!!!!

As of August 28th, there is a schedule of public trail rides for Rock Run at 3 difficulty levels.
Check out this link for the dates and requirements:

http://wpa4xtrac.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=181

They are only offering 40 slots per day. 15 stock, 10 moderate, 15 difficult.

There is also primitive camping availible.

Remember, this is a public OHV park, so they have to keep records and they'll probably be running statistics on them.
In my opinion, we need to flood Rock Run with requests to go wheeling. That may give them some numbers on how popular 4x4 recreation is. It also gives them justification on expansion both there and elsewhere.

- Dave

90

Regional Issues / Re: PA State Forest Management Plan

« on: August 06, 2008, 09:13:17 am »

Yesterday I got a summary of the public comments from the SFRMP Update meetings in the mail. That was kind of nice of them I thought. But when I read it, there wasn't much there. So, I went to the BoF website and found the full document. It's 39 pages long (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/sfrmp/Public_Comment_Summary_2007.pdf). I encourage you to read through at least the recreation section which is pages 3-13 just to understand the combined issues for all user groups. Out of ten pages, 4x4 or OHV as they are calling it is summarized mostly on page 13 and even then, itis lumped in with Dirt Bikes:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV), Dirtbike-motorcross, and street legal motorcycles

The 2007 SFRMP Update Process generated numerous
comments from additional motorized sports groups interested in
seeking access to recreational opportunities on the state forest
system.

As a group, these public comment participants felt that
designating trail systems that could be available for their
pursuits and collecting registration fees from their use
represented a compatible and desirable addition to DCNR’s
outdoor recreation programming.

Frequently emphasized themes included:
• The generation of additional revenues to the agency and
positive economic stimuli to state and local economies
from increased utilization of existing recreational
infrastructure
• Willingness to cooperate with other user groups and the
agency to develop user guidelines and designated areas
that would align these pursuits to the overall goals and
constraints of the agency
• Perceived cultural and social value of increasing the
range of activities available to connect people to nature
and the out-of-doors
• Provide positive outdoor alternatives for youth that could
compete with indoor activities like video games

DCNR’s response to Comments Received on Recreational Issues:
Opportunities for Night Sky, OHV, and Street Legal Motorcycle
enthusiasts

The Bureau of Forestry will investigate the feasibility of identifying and
providing new locations for night sky viewing within the state forest system
and will try to consider ways to meet the expressed needs of this relatively
new user group.

Improved public use maps with clearer definitions for vehicular travel on
the state forest road and drivable trail system will soon be available to
better identify existing opportunities for OHV and street legal motorcycles
within the state forest system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, the bottom line is they are going to make new maps so we have a better understanding of the existing trails that we aren't supposed to be on. The good news is I feel that captures the ideas I and other were trying to get across. The bad news is that our issues only rated a small mention compared to the efforts to capture the other user groups. At least we did better than the equestrians that got 2 sentences.

Of course this may have very much to do with the poor representation from 4x4 enthusiasts the public meetings.

The next round is in 2012 and by then we better be ready!