Close All OHV Routes In The Eldorado?

LEGAL ACTION IS UNDERWAY TO CLOSE ALL OHV ROUTES IN THE ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST.

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

The center for Sierra Nevada conservation, and center for biological diversity, plaintiffs, are asking the court to order the Eldorado National Forest Service (FS) closed to all OHV use until each route has gone through site specific analysis with public comment to determine its environmental acceptability before designation.

It has taken the FS 15 years to get this far without site specific analysis and it took the FS 15 years to complete the Rock Creek EA & EIS. The forest service doesn’t have the funds to undertake site specific analysis. There are provisions in the travel management plan stating that if adequate funds are not available to manage OHV routes they shall be closed.

California Enduro Riders Association (CERA) and myself along with California assoc. of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs are applying to the court for defendant-intervener status. We cannot let the FS be the sole defendants of our interests. Our legal interests in the action are not identical, and on many issues are contrary to the FS defendants’ interests, and we anticipate a need to present different information and legal arguments that might be presented by some or all defendants. We are particularly concerned about the prospect of settlement negotiation and wish to have a role in any possible settlement discussions. In settlement or formal litigation CERA and the OHV community typically presents different issues, arguments, and evidence than that presented by governmental agencies’ legal counsel. This reflects the fact that the Forest Service does not share the same ultimate objective in this, or any case, with CERA and the OHV Community. A ”loss” for the Forest Service simply changes the manner in which they conduct their never-ending yet ever-changing management duties.

These plaintiffs claim they are for the greater good and focus on adverse environmental impacts, claiming to be friends of nature. But their real agenda is to make sure OHV recreation gets eliminated. They use the kitchen sink approach, throwing every conceivable objection and obstacle at the proposed action to see what sticks. The Forest Service procedure always has weaknesses and if a judge agrees, as he has in the past, the FS will have to do it over again. The issue here is will the judge award the plaintiffs their requested relief, as you have seen at Carnegie, they often do.

The major issue here is all existing trails will be closed, and will remain closed until each trail goes through extensive environmental review before it’s designated open for use. We have always contended that all trails are open unless environmental review determined they should be closed either through public process or limited time emergency closure. This is a case of guilty unless proven innocent, verses innocent until proven guilty.

If the plaintiffs prevail this will be a precedent setting case and they will sue the Forest Service to make this the new nationwide policy and then go after BLM. Their friends in congress are now cutting off funds for trail related actives. NO FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NO OPEN TRAILS IN ANY NATIONAL FOREST.

We need your help to pay for legal fees, please send much as you can. Blue Ribbon Coalition has taken this on as a project and is providing their attorney Paul A. Turcke. He is the best and has represented us in the past. Sent your tax deductible donation to Blue Ribbon Coalition 4555 Burley Dr, Suite A , Pocatello, Idaho 83202 and make your check to Blue Ribbon Coalition, indicating that it is for the Eldorado legal action.

Thank You, any questions call

Rick Guidice

408-345-7787

Thumper Talk & BlueRibbon Coalition

Support BlueRibbon by voting for ThumperTalk forums.


ThumperTalk is eligible for a Intuit (Quicken) grant of $35,000 because they use QuickBooks. If we vote for them and they win the grant, they will split it with BlueRibbon Coalition. AWESOME.

Check out the full story and the SIMPLE three steps to make this happen with YOUR vote. Page 10 of the January 2010 online magazine: http://www.sharetrails.org/magazine/issues/january2010/

This is quick and easy to do so please take a few minutes to help with this.

Thank you!

The Magnificent Slot Canyons Of Page Arizona

Page AZ is the place to be to see the magnificent slot canyons.  These incredible formations are located just a few minutes outside of town at a place called Antelope Canyon.  Guided tours are available in several locations in town or you can venture out on your own to the smaller side of the canyon that is on Navajo Nation land so there are fees to pay directly to the attendant in the parking lot; it is worth the cost!

We were pleasantly surprised that we had the place all to ourselves.  The minute I slipped down into a small fissure that I discovered on top of the sandstone wash I was immediately drawn into the cavernous beauty and found myself practically running through the crevices to see more of what was around every corner. 

I call this formation the Sphinx

The changing light overhead made for breathtaking colors and hues that illuminated off what appeared to be red sandstone.  It's a photographers paradise and I highly recommend visiting this fantastic area. 

Southwest Crawlfest 2010

I can't say enough about the Southwest Crawlfest held just outside Hurricane Utah; a few short miles from the city of St. George. 

This event is a hit in my book and we will surely put it on our calendar for next year.  There is no registration fee and the only thing they request is to purchase your dinner on Saturday night and buy raffle tickets for their outstanding list of goodies up for grabs. 

Scenery and comraderie were some of the things on top of the list for entertainment during the weekend including trails that range from mild to wild.  We saw every sort of 4 wheel drive vehicle out there enjoying the routes regardless of their shape, motor or tire size.  All were welcome. 

Last but not least, Crawlfest is a benefit event for the land use organizations and the money raised, less expenses etc., will be sent to them including the BlueRibbon Coalition.

Thanks to all who were involved in putting this wonderful event togther and I'm certain this will continue to be a success and grow bigger year after year. 

Be sure and check in at:  http://www.southwestcrawlfest.com/

Tellico Appeal Denied!

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Greg Mumm, BlueRibbon Coalition

208-244-2112

Date: January 22, 2010


FOREST SERVICE DENY APPEAL ON TELLICO



POCATELLO, ID (January 22) - On January 15, 2010, Southern Region Deputy Regional Forester Jerome Thomas adopted the recommendation of the internal Appeal Reviewing Officer and denied the Upper Tellico OHV Area appeals submitted by the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), and the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). "We are disappointed but not surprised by this outcome," observed Jay Bird of the Rescue Tellico Committee and Past President of SFWDA. "This was a mandatory step in an ongoing process, and it would be unusual for an agency that has been for years locked in on the outcome of closing Tellico to reverse course at the last step of the administrative process," added Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director. "We remain committed to restoring some form of meaningful vehicle recreation at Tellico, will carefully review the appeal decisions, and will take appropriate next steps," Mumm concluded.



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The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org

Busy year to come!

The New Year!  Yeah, it's here already and what an awesome start.  I'm so looking forward to the beginning of the rock competitions and events. 

To kick things off, we'll be headed to Winter Fun Fest in Grass Valley CA, January 15-17th. 

The last week of January we'll be headed out to St. George Utah for the Southwest Crawl Fest.  This is going to be an awesome event in the most beautiful red rock country around.  Then we'll be off to Quartzite for a little rock hounding for a few days.

The beginning of February will find us headed down to Johnson Valley for the famous King of the Hammers race.  It will be a week of wheelin', visiting and spreading the land use message to all who will listen.

Whew!  Then we come home in time to go to CA4WDC annual Convention in Sacramento CA on February 19-21 at the Double Tree Hotel. 

BlueRibbon Coalition Auction Launched!! Lots of Great Goodies!

Check out the awesom list of goodies from the most well known off road businesses!  Proceeds from the auction go to the BlueRibbon Coalition to keep saving trails!

From the desk of Del:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Del Albright, BRC Ambassador
Phone: (209) 304-7693
Email: brdel@sharetrails.org

Date: December 1, 2009

BRC Christmas Auction Project: LIVE and RUNNING

POCATELLO, ID (December 1) - It's on!!! Our Christmas and holiday auction is live and running with sleigh bells. Bids are flying; businesses are sponsoring; and the auction is ready for you. We're still getting new items to add to the list, but it's time to check out what you need to bid on to fill that chimney stocking of yours.

You know the deal. This special online auction is designed to help us all save trails and keep our sports alive. Yeah, well, that's all fine and dandy, but it's also a very impressive list of goodies just waiting for your click.

Just in, we have:

Axia Alloys Billet Mount Rear View Mirror (Side x Side)

4 Registrations to Rally on the Rocks (UTV event, Moab)

Axia Alloys iPod Billet Mount (UTV)

The Tugger (Rear and Front) Combos and Straps for dirt bikes

Parts Mike Dana 44 High Steer for Jeeps

Daystar JK Suspension Lift and Body Lift

Daystar Jeep Dash/Switch Panel

Aluminum Receiver Cargo Rack (donated by Ron Westberg of Colorado)

And these add to our existing list:

Nemesis Industries Hi-Line Front Fenders

Currie Enterprises Heavy Duty Steering System

GenRight Offroad Jeep goodies (TBA)

Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts Apparel, goodies and discounts

5 of Del Albright's Recreational Leadership Training Course (RLTC), for anyone

Roundeyes.com LED dome light kits

PIAA Accessory Light Kit

5 off-road Tires from BFGoodrich

5 Monster Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied

2 Dynatrac ProRock 44s for JK Jeeps (yeah, a new product)

Rubicon Express JK Suspension Upgrade

4 Diff covers from Dynatrac

Olympic4x4 Products Heavy Duty Deluxe Receiver Rack

Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers (Access Army Laser Cut Out Limited Edition)

Recovery Gear from WARN

We're still adding to our list as businesses continue to jump in and contribute, so please CHECK BACK often during the next 10 days. If you want to donate, just drop an email to Del Albright at brdel@sharetrails.org.

Bid here: http://shop.ebay.com/sharetrails/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org