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Topics - ddechri

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General Discussion / Good Press for OHV in Wall Street Journal

« on: May 01, 2013, 10:07:34 am »

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130419-908991.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

"It seems they're not alone in that sentiment either, as the off-roading
community continues to show growth despite the state of the economy.
Studies by Southwick Associates on behalf of the Outdoor Industry
Association, estimate that enthusiasts spent close to $66.5 billion on
the activity last year, which supports nearly 700,000 jobs and generates
$8.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes."

- Dave

National Issues / Change in the Land Managers in DC

« on: February 02, 2013, 09:21:16 pm »

From Feb ARRA Summary:

Secretary Salazar Prepares to Leave Washington
Secretary Ken Salazar finally put the rumors to rest about his possible departure from Washington when he announced that he would be leaving his Cabinet post as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Sec. Salazar’s resignation is effective March 31, 2013.

It didn’t take long for attention to shift away from Salazar’s retirement to who will be nominated to take his place. Many environmental organizations seem to be circling their wagons around Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) as a possible replacement. Other names mentioned include the current Interior Deputy Secretary David Hayes, former Washington Governor Christine Gregorie, former New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman, and former Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln, among others. Seems like a new name pops up almost every day.

An early action item for the new Secretary is the appointment of a permanent Director of the Bureau of Land Management. The current Acting Director, Mike Pool, is said to be retiring from government service.

Regional Issues / [Mafwda_news] MD Trails meeting Feb 5th - we need you there!

« on: February 02, 2013, 09:13:03 pm »

Maryland has some cool places we used to wheel in with B4W: Green Ridge, Potomic, Savage River State Forests. It would be awesome to get some of those areas opened up again.

From Preston:

see http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2013/01/17/southern-marylanders-asked-to-provide-recreation-information/
APB to all Southern MD Riders/OHV people! I need your presence at this meeting! Please give this maximum dissemination!
Mike Twigg - can you get the dealers to disseminate this too please?

Ken

Southern Marylanders Asked to Provide Recreation Information

by kking

Who: Open to the Public

What: Regional Stakeholder Outdoor Recreation Evaluation

When: Tuesday, February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Prince George’s County Dept. of Parks & Recreation (Parkside Headquarters) Auditorium

6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale 20737

Cost: Free

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking citizens ─ especially those in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s counties ─ for their input on State outdoor recreation facilities and services in Southern Maryland.

This recreation evaluation is the first step in a comprehensive statewide effort to enhance existing recreation areas in Maryland, these include; State parks, forests, wildlife areas and trails.

DNR will ask participants to assess the extent to which outdoor recreation facilities, programs and services meet the needs of the community and identify future demand and need. This is the first of four regional stakeholder sessions DNR will hold across the State in February and March 2013.

The public input will help guide the update of the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for future State outdoor recreation facilities and services.

The Department has hired a nationally-known parks and recreation management consulting firm, GreenPlay, LLC, to oversee the Recreation Component of this planning process.

BACKGROUND:

It looks like we are at a turning point. More to come.

Preston

From: "Ken Kyler" <ken@kyler.com>
To: "Bill Brennan" <wbtex@aol.com>, "Bob Nickel" <bob@billsmarineservice.com>, carbonunitone@comcast.net, "Chris Borger" <CJBCRF@aol.com>, jdshap@gmail.com, "Joe Warwick" <HareScrambles@comcast.net>, "Mike Twigg" <Mtwigg@twiggcycles.com>, "Preston Stevens" <pstevens122656@comcast.net>, "Randy Beeman" <beefour@prodigy.net>, twhiteiv@comcast.net, "william menges" <bill57hmc@yahoo.com>, "Wind O'Neal" <sanctifiedone@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, February 1, 2013 6:58:36 PM
Subject: DNR Trails Committee Back brief



Below is the agenda of the meeting last night. The agenda fell apart quickly so I'll cover the highlights. I'll send the meeting minutes and other slides when published.

Absolutely the MOST important thing is the State DNR agrees that their 5-year plan needs to recognize the OHV community and the need for OHV trails. This is a watershed moment IMHO. The DNR itself stated that they almost lost all their RTP funds last year because they had not been spending any on OHV trails. Further they stated that every group in the room benefits from RTP funds that are paid in part by us.

The State will be conducting a series of public forums and a State-wide Recreational Use and Needs Survey. The survey will be done primarily online. Our job is to mobilize any and all OHV users/riders/drivers or anyone who ever dreamed about OHVs and get them to participate in the public meets and respond to the surveys. This is CRITICAL to establish the demand of OHV access and will be part of the 5-year plan. If we fail here, we can kiss our sweet behinds goodbye.

A lot of time was spent having each member describe their particular user-group's needs. There were 3 bicycle representatives, an equestrian rep, a member of the local Tribal community and several local government reps.

When my turn came, I stress the needs of all OHV users - bikes, ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, snow mobiles, etc. I acceded that it was unreasonable for the State to share land currently encumbered by other user groups - mixing hikers and OHVs is not reasonable in current Maryland Parks and Forests. The current Sustainable Forest Initiative effort is a hurdle to huge for us to overcome. I pointed out that the 2009 plan was written entirely around classical users of State land (hikers, bikers, etc.) and appropriately categorized this use as "resource-based" recreation per the State plan. I further pointed out that the 2009 plan has a section that is appropriate for us labeled "user-oriented" recreation and that section is woefully under-developed. I offered that the best answer was for the State to examine other opportunities such as public/private partnerships with land owners similar to what Hatfield/McCoy does. I was stunned when Ellen Moyer (former Mayor of Annapolis) agreed and said that this was something the State should strongly endorse. She further added that she knew of State land normally deemed undesirable by "normal" users that may be ideal for us. The rest of the committee was supportive or silent.

In other news, I will be meeting with a few Allegany County commissioners on Feb 8th to discuss using reclaimed coal mines for OHV trails. Ray Tighe and a local land-owner will be going with me. We are gaining traction within the community and the commissioners seem to be supportive. More to come on that.

Ken
__________________

AGENDA

MARYLAND TRAILS COMMITTEE

January 31, 2013 / DNR C-1 Conference Room

I. Introductions

II. Maryland Land Preservation & Recreation Program (MLPRP) Overview

III. DNR Land Trails Overview

IV. Maryland Land Preservation & Recreation Program (MLPRP) Survey

A. Mailings
B. Telephone Surveys
C. Regional Stakeholders Meetings
D. DNR Trails Website
E. Social Media

V. Discussion of Issues & Actions Related to the 5 Statewide Trail Goals

Goal 1 – Create a Statewide network of trails that provides non-motorized
links between DNR lands and the communities where people live, learn, work,
shop and play.

Goal 2 – Educate citizens about the trail network’s social, ecological,
economic, and wellness benefits.

Goal 3 – Build, maintain and renovate trails to create a sustainable system on
DNR land that provides a quality and diverse user experience and promotes
environmental stewardship.

Goal 4 – Map all DNR trails and make the data/information available in a user
friendly format.

Goal 5 – Address barriers to trail development, including funding and access,
through partnerships with other State agencies, local governments and trail
stakeholder groups.

VI. Other Related Plans

A. State Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan
B. County Land Preservation & Recreational Plans
C. County Bicycle Pedestrian Plans

VII. Homework – Public Outreach With Your Respective Groups To Get Them Involved and Provide Input Into The LPRP

VIII. Adjourn

The next meeting is on March 28th, in the C-1 Conference Room @ DNR from 6-8 PM

General Discussion / Appreciation letter to Jeep - need comments

« on: September 07, 2012, 11:23:46 pm »

I still haven't gotten any feedback or comments from the membership to include in an appreciation letter to Jeep for bringing vehicles to the show. I know the whole range of 2012 Underground vehicles were at Bantam, but it was only a schedule conflict that kept them from our show. However, if we want them to return with hopefully the 2013 vehicles, I think we need to wow them with our appreciation. Craig told me, "we do this for the you guys, the enthusiasts." So lets show a little enthusiasm.

The other thought I had was to send a big card or poster with personal comments written all over it. Or maybe a show shirt signed like a cast. I think the more creative the better.

- Dave

17th Annual (2012) / Mopar Underground is bringing Jeeps to the Show!

« on: June 11, 2012, 01:06:53 pm »

Mopar Underground is bringing Jeeps to the Show!

I was on the phone with the caretaker of the Mopar Underground vehicles and confirmed we are getting 2-3 semi loads of Jeeps.
His words were, "you bet we are coming! The Jeep brand is making it big, too ."

I don't have a contact with the Jeep Brand yet to know what they have in mind, but we are definitly getting Mopar Underground's Special vehicles.

I'll keep you posted as I know more.

- Dave

PA Jeeps Club Events / DCNR is teaming up with NOHVCC on trails workshop June 7-9 in Lewisburg

« on: May 11, 2012, 10:32:12 pm »

DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) is teaming up with NOHVCC (National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council) to offer a workshop on motorized recreation. The club should have someone there. So lets have some volunteers. The club will cover the costs of the workshop for club members who attend.

From the April 25 Resource:
'Motorized Recreation in Pennsylvania – Partnerships for Progress' workshop to cover OHV recreation
June 7-9. Held at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn, Lewisburg. The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), in conjunction with DCNR and the Pennsylvania OHV Association (PaOHVA), will present a three-day workshop that includes two days of classroom sessions and one day of field sessions to provide hands-on opportunities to apply what is learned in the classroom. Topics will include principles of OHV recreation management; planning, operation and maintenance of sustainable trail systems; benefits of active management; economic benefits of OHV recreation; conflict resolution; effective use of volunteers; and partnership development opportunities. A nominal registration fee will be charged

Here's a link to more details: http://www.nohvcc.org/Education/Workshops/PaOHVwks2012.aspx
Including these details:

On Thursday June 7th, the workshop will consist of a classroom session including topics such as:
•Principles of successful OHV recreation management
•Planning and maintaining sustainable OHV trails
•Economic benefits of OHV recreation
•Partnership development to achieve desired results
•and more

The second day will be devoted to field workshop session at Bald Eagle State Forest. Participants will tour motorcycle, ATV and 4WD trails. While on these trails, we will apply what we have learned in the classroom sessions to specific on-the-ground conditions, and have the opportunity to observe what techniques and solutions can be applied to real-world conditions.

Saturday will be additional classroom sessions will review Friday's field observations, and present additional OHV management topics.

- Dave

Regional Issues / DCNR partners with NOHVCC on motorized trail building workshop June 7-9

« on: April 27, 2012, 10:14:34 pm »

DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) is teaming up with NOHVCC (National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council) to offer a workshop on motorized recreation. The club should have someone there. So lets have some volunteers.

From the April 25 Resource:
'Motorized Recreation in Pennsylvania – Partnerships for Progress' workshop to cover OHV recreation
June 7-9. Held at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn, Lewisburg. The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), in conjunction with DCNR and the Pennsylvania OHV Association (PaOHVA), will present a three-day workshop that includes two days of classroom sessions and one day of field sessions to provide hands-on opportunities to apply what is learned in the classroom. Topics will include principles of OHV recreation management; planning, operation and maintenance of sustainable trail systems; benefits of active management; economic benefits of OHV recreation; conflict resolution; effective use of volunteers; and partnership development opportunities. A nominal registration fee will be charged

Here's a link to more details: http://www.nohvcc.org/Education/Workshops/PaOHVwks2012.aspx
Including these details:

On Thursday June 7th, the workshop will consist of a classroom session including topics such as:
•Principles of successful OHV recreation management
•Planning and maintaining sustainable OHV trails
•Economic benefits of OHV recreation
•Partnership development to achieve desired results
•and more

The second day will be devoted to field workshop session at Bald Eagle State Forest. Participants will tour motorcycle, ATV and 4WD trails. While on these trails, we will apply what we have learned in the classroom sessions to specific on-the-ground conditions, and have the opportunity to observe what techniques and solutions can be applied to real-world conditions.

Saturday will be additional classroom sessions will review Friday's field observations, and present additional OHV management topics.

- Dave

National Issues / RTP Federal Funding in Trouble

« on: December 09, 2011, 09:04:04 pm »

I sent out the background of this critical issue in the newsletter. Here is an update from ARRA:

Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Remains in Jeopardy!

A few days ago, we sent you a special ARRA alert telling you that the Recreational Trails Program was in jeopardy. We urged you to immediately contact members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to express support for this very important federal program and thousands of you did! Thank you for being so responsive on such short notice.

Things do change here in Washington and sometimes not for the better. In our November newsletter, I provided you with a report on the legislative status of RTP and indicated that Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), had stated publicly her support for the program and that the committee was going to keep the program intact. Literally within a day from the time we hit the send button to distribute the November newsletter, we learned that the committee leadership, Senator Boxer and Senator James Inhofe, the Ranking Minority Member, were planning to present newly drafted transportation reauthorization legislation to the entire EPW Committee. The new legislation did retain the Recreational Trails Program, but eliminated its dedicated source of funding. For some reason, Senator Boxer thinks we should be pleased with this result.

We, along with a diverse group of other recreation groups, immediately launched a series of meetings on Capitol Hill with the offices of other members of the EPW Committee who shared our concern with the way the draft legislation treated RTP and some other transportation programs. Much to our disappointment, efforts to modify the "draft legislation" were largely rebuffed by the committee leadership prior to the committee markup session.

In recent months, the issue of "transportation enhancements" has become a punching bag of sort since funds for highway construction/repairs are in short supply. RTP is not a transportation enhancement though such items as highway beautification and bicycle lanes are considered such enhancements. Some members have questioned spending money on these other projects when our highways and bridges are in need of repair. But as we keep reminding folks on Capitol Hill, RTP is not an enhancement - it is user paid, user benefit. Unfortunately for us, RTP has been swept up in the broader debate over transportation enhancements and that is why we are in the current legislative predicament.

RTP currently receives almost $90 million in revenue generated by those of you who pay excise taxes on the fuel you use in your off-highway vehicles. While the policymakers still want you to pay those taxes, they just no longer want a portion of what you pay to go towards building and maintaining recreational trails.

As things stand, there are many more chapters yet to be written in this legislative script. The play is far from over. The clock is ticking on the temporary authorization extension that ends in March of 2012, so this issue is not going to go away. If you, by chance, are one of the few who hasn't already used the ARRA website to contact members of the Senate EPW Committee to express support for RTP, please take a minute and do so by going to this link:

https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=322

In the coming weeks, we will be expanding our legislative outreach to include the entire Senate and House of Representatives. Please be prepared to take action when you receive an ARRA alert encouraging you to do so.

PA Jeeps Club Events / PA Greenways and Trails Summit - Oct 23-25 York, PA

« on: October 11, 2011, 10:18:22 pm »

DCNR will be hosting the annual PA Greenways and Trails Summit at the Yorktowne Hotel in York, PA on Oct 23-25. (Also posted in the Regional Land Use forum)

Here is the website with the details: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/greenways/greenwaysummit/index.htm

PA Jeeps MUST have a presence at these meetings. Especially since there in our backyard.

At first, it was thought to be just for non-motorized recreation. However there were two break-out sessions to be presented by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. Unfortunately, their presentor could not attend the rescheduled sessions (due to flooding). But, the door is open to work the event for the sake of 4WD recreation.

3 PA Jeeps members (Adam, Bob, and John) have stepped up to represent the club, MAFWDA, UFWDA, and 4WD Enthusiasts. The more the better if you can join them.

For this year I am asking that we just be present, mingle and observe how the event works. Maybe next year we can have a booth or even give a presentation / host a break-out session. The club will reimburse for any event fees incurred.

The specifics scheduel and for registration information follow this link: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_006233.pdf

Thanks for your support. Any questions post here or send me a message.

- Dave

National Issues / “Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands.” hearing - June 22

« on: June 23, 2011, 09:55:56 pm »

From an ARRA email alert:

"Yesterday, June 22nd the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing titled “Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands.” The focus of the hearing was on access to federal lands for recreational use and the economic benefits of recreational activity on federal lands.

OHV leaders from several ARRA partners testified about the economic benefit of motorized recreation, while others focused on specific access issues. Testimony was provided on H.R. 1581, which would release all Wilderness Study Areas and Inventoried Roadless Areas that have been deemed not suitable for wilderness designation for management for multiple-use, and on the closure of the Clear Creek Management Area in California. A full witness list and the written testimony for each witness can be read here. An archived webcast of the hearing can be viewed here.

ARRA would like to thank Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and the Subcommittee for holding this important hearing, which showcased many of the positive benefits of OHV recreation on public lands, particularly the positive economic impact that motorized recreation can have on neighboring communities. Dick Lepley, who testified on behalf of the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association, summed up one of the major themes of the hearing when he said, “If I could deliver just one message today it would be that OHV opportunities equal jobs. Where trail systems exist, the powersports industry and dealerships thrive, and local communities flourish.” "

Here is the link to the witness list and the webcast: http://naturalresources.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=246553

- Dave

Regional Issues / DCNR investigating illegal off-road vehicles using trails at Susquehannock State

« on: June 22, 2011, 11:16:12 pm »

The article is unclear as to what kind of illegal off-road activity, but it is still bad press.

From DCNR's Resource:

DCNR investigating illegal off-road vehicles using trails at Susquehannock State Park
DCNR is investigating illegal activities that have been occurring in a section of Susquehannock State Park this summer. The areas targeted for investigation and enforcement are the McCall and Urey tracts of the former Glatfelter Pulp Wood properties located near PA Route 425 (Furnace Road) in Chanceford and Lower Chanceford townships, York County. DCNR's Bureau of State Parks manages these lands as part of Susquehannock State Park in Lancaster County.

“We have received several complaints this season regarding illegal off-road vehicle use on these lands, and our on-the-ground observations confirms that this activity is occurring” said Park Manager Andy St. John.

Currently these tracts are undeveloped and are available for hiking, wildlife watching and hunting. Bureau of State Park law enforcement rangers will be patrolling these areas educating the public on DCNR rules and regulations.

The two tracts have a total area of 235 acres, with the Urey tract lying north of PA Route 425 and the McCall tract situated between Rt. 425, Mill Road and Kline Road. This portion of the park is undeveloped so there are no facilities available for the public, and future development is in the early planning stages.

- Dave

National Issues / Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011 - HR 1581

« on: May 12, 2011, 07:35:59 am »

In summary, HR 1581 will release for public use all the lands that are still tied up even though the wilderness studies determined they were unfit for wilderness status. Here's more details from ARRA's website:

"Legislation to Expand Multiple Use Access to Public Lands Introduced

22 Members Have Already Cosponsored H.R. 1581 – We Need Your Help to Enlist More!

Before leaving for Easter break, U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) formally introduced H.R. 1581, the “Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011.” Earlier this month ARRA asked you to send an email urging your Representative to sign on as an original cosponsor to this legislation prior to introduction. 21 Members of Congress, including National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) are currently listed as cosponsors.

Now that the bill has been introduced, it is time to reach out to your Representative again to urge them to sign on!

As you will recall, this very important draft bill would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and direct that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.

As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictates that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. H.R. 1581 would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access."

Use this link to contact your legislators:

https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=293&JServSessionIdr004=c2ecrnha67.app331a

- Dave

National Issues / US Forest Service Planning Rule Draft

« on: April 12, 2011, 09:53:04 pm »

From ARRA news March 2011:

"Forest Service Planning Rule
The draft plan was finally published in the Federal Register on Feb 14, 2011 and is open to public comment for 90 days (access the draft rule in the Federal Register online). Comments must be submitted by close of business on May 16, 2011. For those of us who worried that the agency would continue to ignore recreation like they did when the Notice of Intent was published, well, that battle is over. The Forest Service now says that recreational use of Forest Service lands is appropriate and very important. For all of you who submitted comments about this oversight, congratulations on a job well done. Even so, there isn't much time to celebrate. Reading and understanding the 50-page document is not an easy process.

The Forest Service is holding a series of forums throughout the country to increase public understanding of the draft rule and to respond to questions from forum participants. A National Roundtable is being held in Washington, D. C. on March 10th and we anticipate a lively discussion. If you would like to find out when and where the regional meetings will take place, please visit the Draft Schedule at www.fs.usda.gov. We encourage you to attend one of these sessions. It's important to hear from the drafters of this plan about their intentions so we can decide whether those intentions are truly reflected in the written word.

Frankly, the more we read the draft, the more questions we have. While we are relieved that we no longer need to battle the issue of recreation's rightful place on Forest Service land, we now have to make sure that the draft plan actually creates an environment that welcomes all forms of recreation where appropriate. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing with you, in more detail, our thoughts about the draft rule."

Update ARRA April 2011 news:

"Forest Service Planning Rule - Peeling an Onion
We were among those who attended the March 10th National Roundtable in Washington where the Forest Service planning team explained the draft rule and the rationale behind its evolution. The good news (and it is very good news, indeed) is that the agency recognizes and acknowledges the importance of recreational use of Forest Service lands and grasslands. This is a battle that no longer needs to be waged.

Studying the draft planning rule itself is a little like peeling an onion one layer at a time. Maybe a better analogy might be an archeological dig where archeologists carefully sift through debris one layer at a time searching for clues to unlock the secrets of previous generations. With the draft planning rule, we find ourselves sifting through pages of the draft to find clues of intent or the meaning to such cryptic terms and concepts as "sustainable recreation, best available scientific information, social/economic sustainability, and species of conservation concern." Peeling an onion sometimes bring tears. It's too early to tell what the ultimate effects of the new rule, but I am preparing myself for the possibility that in the end, this might become a tearful experience."

National Issues / Legislation against Secretarial Order 3110

« on: April 12, 2011, 09:35:54 pm »

From ARRA April newsletter:
"Setting One's Sights on Wild Lands
Secretary Salazar's Secretarial Order 3310 (Wild Lands) continues to draw fire from Capitol Hill. Last month we reported on the rather contentious hearing on the subject before the House Resources Committee. Well, more hearings are being planned.

Of more immediate interest is legislation currently being drafted by the House Majority Whip, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-California, that would terminate Secretarial Order 3310. In addition to that provision, McCarthy's legislation would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that are NOT found to be suitable for wilderness designation by either the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service. Both agencies have identified WSAs that do not merit such wilderness designations, BLM - 6.7 million acres, Forest Service - 36.1 million. Despite these findings, the agencies have continued to manage these tracts of lands as if wilderness. The McCarthy legislation would end this overly restrictive practice and allow these lands to once again be managed for multiple use purposes, including recreation.

This is significant legislation and ARRA strongly supports it. As soon as the legislation is introduced and we have a bill number for identification purposes, we will be back in touch with you in hopes that you will once again reach out to your Member of Congress expressing support for this legislation. In the meantime, you can contact your Representative and request co-sponsorship prior to introduction by going to this page of the ARRA website"

Use the TAKE ACTION button here: http://www.arra-access.com/site/PageServer?pagename=arra_washingtonnewsletter_apr2011

Regional Issues / DCNR seeking applicants for trails advisory board by Nov 12th!

« on: November 11, 2010, 08:53:34 am »

My appologies for the short notice, but I caught this from the latest issue of Resource:

"DCNR is accepting nominations through Tuesday, Nov. 12, for three new appointments to the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Advisory Board (PARTAB).
The board consists of one member from each of the following nine recreational trail-user organizations: hiking; cross-country skiing; off-highway motorcycling; snowmobiling; horseback riding; all-terrain vehicle driving; bicycling; four-wheel driving and water trails. One member also represents physically challenged individuals. Nominations for the three new appointees are to be made from individuals representing four-wheel driving, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Major board responsibilities include advising DCNR on the use of federal trails funding in Pennsylvania; reviewing and ranking trail project applications; and presenting an annual report to DCNR’s secretary on accomplishments of the preceding federal fiscal year, as well as recommended changes.
Nominations must be submitted to DCNR by November 12, 2010. Appointments will be made by the Secretary of the DCNR. Appointees will serve for three consecutive years."

As a club, we should nominate someone with experience to serve in this position.

Here are Wayne's comments on his tour of duty:
"I was on this board for like 3 years, 8 years ago. It's not a hard job, it's more discouraging then anything because there are never any four wheel drive projects. Of course that could change with Shamokin. You get to travel a little bit, stay in some nice hotels and they feed you well. And you get modestly paid through mileage, perdiem, etc. At least thats the way it used to be."

Send me an email or give me a call (directory) if you are interested. I suspect the nomination will look better if it comes from the club, rather than an individual.

- Dave