The OHV and Public Access Community Needs Your Help

 

The Stewards of the Sierra National Forest, The Friends of Clear Creek Management Area and a VERY LARGE COALITION of well organized OHV GROUPS and PRO PUBLIC ACCESS GROUPS here in the State of California and NATIONALLY are in the process of putting together a Picture Video to send to your elected officials in Sacramento.  This video is to let them know just how fed up you are with the representation they are providing you and your family and how they constantly misuse your OHV dollars and the OHV Trust Fund.

 

As most of you know Governor Brown and your elected officials in Sacramento seem to believe that the OHV Trust Fund is nothing more than a great big slush fund that they can continue to steal from year after year.  They also believe they can spend your dedicated OHV dollars as they please and not return them to the OHV Trust Fund.  Remember your OHV Trust Fund is completely SELF FUNDED and receives no monies from the general budget.  

 

THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP

 

We need everyone who values your Public Access and would like to keep it intact to send us some of your favorite Public Access and OHV pictures showing any kind of Public Access and OHV use.  This would include any and all of the following.

 

Dune Buggies, Motorcycles, Hunting, Sand Rails, Quads, Mountain Biking, UTVs, Fishing, Jet Skis, ATVs, Trucks, Snow Mobiles, Jeeps, Rock Climbing, Shooting

 

We are especially interested in the ones with your kids and your family enjoying your favorite outdoor sport and also pictures that may show how you have been denied Public Access to your favorite area.

 

Please send them A.S.A.P to one of the following:

 

info@foccma.org  or info@sotsnf.org

 

Then sit back and let us put them together over the next week or so and see which one of your pictures makes it into the video and the hands of your elected officials in Sacramento.  Remember these are your public lands which were set aside for you and your family’s enjoyment.  We will be releasing a new site for you to view the video on and get you more information on you can help take back your public lands.

 

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

Mike Wubbels

Executive Director

Friends of Clear Creek Management Area

www.foccma.org

Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

www.sotsnf.org

 

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FAULTLINE POWERSPORTS

ANAHEIM 1

"THE SEASON OPENER"

VIEWING PARTY

SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2012

RELAX GRILLIN & CHILLIN

3650 SAN JUAN RD. HOLLISTER CA.

83-636-1010

TV COVERAGE STARTS AT 7:00 P.M.

GET THERE EARLY FOR A GOOD SEAT

RAFFLE TO BENEFIT FOCCMA

FOR MORE INFO CALL 831-637-8550

 

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OHV Division Deputy Director Greene Needs Your Help! Take Action!   Recently Governor Brown's office notified the Deputy Director of the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) of State Parks, Daphne Greene, that her appointed term would end as of January 1, 2012. Director Greene, a democrat who has served under both the Davis and Schwarzenegger administrations, has been a strong ally for the OHV community. Nonetheless she has also brought a much needed balance to and long term vision for the OHV program. To remove her now from this important position would be a mistake. Perhaps most significantly, in 2009, after intensive interaction and involvement from all communities of interest, under her guidance and leadership, the OHV Division submitted their Strategic Plan to the Governor and the Legislature. This plan, which outlined a clear direction for the future, is based on the principles of sustainability, transparent decision-making, a commitment to working with volunteers and consideration of the needs and concerns of all affected stakeholders. All eight State Vehicle Recreation Areas (SVRA's) have seen notable improvements in facilities, maintenance, resource management, as well as increased environmental protections under Director Greene's watch. Riders, law enforcement and agency personnel statewide have been contacting the Governor's office requesting he reconsider this decision. Removing Director Greene simply because she was appointed by the previous administration is a mistake. The Governor's office needs to hear from all of us!! AmericanMotorcyclist.com Alert Center Contribute to the Cause State Legislation Motorcycle State Laws Register to Vote

AmericanMotorcyclist.com • Alert Center • Contribute to the Cause • State Legislation • Motorcycle State Laws • Register to Vote AMA Facebook Page •  AMA Photo Gallery •  AMA YouTube Page • RSS Feed

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We are sad to report that Governor Brown has decided to replace Daphne Greene, Deputy Director of the California OHMVR Division.

Daphne has done a great job as Deputy Director and the Governor will be hard pressed to find anyone with the experience, knowledge, and work ethic to fill the position.

Time and time again Daphne has stood up for responsible motorized recreation, now it is time for us to stand up for Daphne.

Click on th link below to take action:

http://www.cal4wheel.com/action-center

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San Benito County BOS votes on CCMA issue

October 4, 2011

San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send a letter to Congress requesting that Clear Creek Management Area be designated as a “National Recreation Area” and that the area be re-opened to the public immediately.

Many thanks to San Benito County for standing up for “public access” and, standing against “biased and agenda driven rhetoric” from EPA.

Thank you to all who have been involved in this fight to preserve the public’s right to access public lands.

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Go to this site and vote!

 

http://online.wsj.com/community/grou...ion-acres-land

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CORVA needs your help to combat the State Water Resources Control Board. The California State Water Resources Control Board has released a draft waiver and new draft Best Management Practices handbook to force the Forest Service to adhere to a myriad of rules and regulations to have motorized events occur on Forest Service land - all 17 forests in California. CORVA thinks these rules are biased and unfair and targets all who travel on forested roads and trails. CORVA has hired an attorney that specializes in water board policies to go through this document and submit comments on the draft procedures representing CORVA and all the other partners joining us in these efforts.

Secondly, we need affidavits from all those that would be affected should these new regulations become public. If you ride or drive an OHV in California and want to keep enjoying your forests, please fill out the affidavit below, and pass it on to your friends and neighbors that want to support your right to access. Either fax it back to: 509-275-4744 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              509-275-4744      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, scan it and then send it to: amy.granat@corva.org or mail a hard copy to Amy Granat, PO BOX 298, Clarksburg, CA 95612.
And we always need your help and monetary support - nothing happens without money in California.

This takes a little more than the normal effort, but here are the directions:

1. Download this affidavit: Affidavit (PDF format)

2. Print it and sign it

3. Send it to Amy Granat who will deliver all of them for us to the water board.

You can do that one of three ways:

1. Mail it to PO BOX 298, Clarksburg CA 95612
2. Scan it after you sign it and e-mail it to: amy.granat@corva.org
3. Fax it to: 509-275-4744 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              509-275-4744      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  

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BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure

 

8/19/2011 Attention 8/19/2011

 

LAST CALL TO COME OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME

 AND EAT SOME GREAT FOOD

 

I just wanted to take a quick moment and say Thank You to everyone who got their entries filled out and sent away to us for our 3^rd Annual BBQ, Fundraiser, and Dual Sport Adventure.  For those of you who would still like to come up and have a good time. 

 

All is not lost!

 

We still have some room left for our Annual Dual Sport Adventure and will be taking registrations on Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 

 

If the Dual Sport Adventure is not what you are seeking and just want to come out and have a good time!

 

Do not give up hope!

 

Grab your wife and kids our just your best friend and come on out for a great dinner on Saturday night August 20, 2011 and help support the ongoing work the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest are doing to keep your public lands open for you and your families enjoyment.  The Oakhurst Elks will be serving a delicious Tri Tip dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night August 20, 2011.  The admission is free and the dinner is just $17.00 per person.  The Oakhurst Elks Lodge is located at:

Oakhurst Elks Lodge #2724

42484 Hiway 41

Oakhurst, California 93644

559-683-2717

 

Just remember do not delay as time is running out for you and your friends to come out and have a great time and help support all of the hard work that the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest do to keep your favorite trails and roads open here in the Sierra National Forest for you and your families enjoyment.  Without your support for your public lands we would not be able to keep as many trails and roads open as we have.  If you have any questions please give us a call and we will do everything we can to help you out.

 

Mike 831-801-1111 or Larry 559-877-4514

 

We are very much looking forward to meeting each and every one of you at this years event and thanking you for doing your part to help keep your PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC. 

 

Also remember to keep it RUBBER SIDE DOWN, THREAD LIGHTLY, and practice TEAM STEALTH.

 

Mike/Larry

For more info go to:

 www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org

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BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure

 

8/15/2011 Attention 8/15/2011

 

MAIL IN FLYER CUTOFF DATE:

 

August 15, 2011

 

I just wanted to take a quick moment and say Thank You to everyone who got their entries away in the snail mail for our Annual BBQ, Fundraiser, and Dual Sport Adventure.  For those of you who still have to get your entry forms sent away there is no longer time left to do so by snail mail and ensure your entry makes it to us in time.

 

But wait do not give up hope yet!

 

You can still download your entry form, fill it out, scan it and send it to info@sotsnf.org or fax it to 559-645-4417 and we will hold a spot for you and your friends to have the time of your life at our event.  We will also be accepting registrations on Friday night August 19, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning August 20, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the Oakhurst Elks Lodge located at:

 

Oakhurst Elks Lodge #2724

42484 Hiway 41

Oakhurst, California 93644

559-683-2717

 

Just remember don’t delay as time is running out for you and your friends to come out and have a great time and help support all of the hard work that the Stewards of the Sierra National Forest do to keep your favorite trails and roads open here in the Sierra National Forest for you and your families enjoyment.  Without your support for your public lands we would not be able to keep as many trails and roads open as we have.  If you have any questions please give us a call and we will do everything we can to help you out.

 

Mike 831-801-1111 or Larry 559-877-4514

 

We are very much looking forward to meeting each and every one of you at this years event and thanking you for doing your part to help keep your PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC. 

 

Also remember to keep it RUBBER SIDE DOWN, THREAD LIGHTLY, and practice TEAM STEALTH.

 

Mike/Larry

For more info go to:

 www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org

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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

National Legislation Impacting California Recreationist

Travel Management Alert for OHVers in the West

As Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, I am deeply concerned that anti-access groups and their supporters in Congress will try and have Section 446 stripped when the House considers H.R. 2584, the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Section 446 is Congressman Wally Herger's pro-access language that attempts to fix some anti-access tenets from Region 5's version of the Travel Management Rule.  Section 446 is almost identical to bill language in Herger's H.R. 242 that was introduced in February 2011. 

The main issue is the Forest Service has proposed to close hundreds if not thousands of miles of old logging roads to non-street legal OHV use.  This access is important for continued recreational access, connectivity between existing OHV trail systems, and the rural economy.

BRC is asking you to contact your local House member and ask them to oppose any effort to strip Section 446 from H.R. 2584. If you need help identifying your U.S. Representative, the BlueRibbon Coalition has a handy tool in our Rapid Response Center at www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/. All you need to do is type your zip code in the "Contact Lawmakers" box and click GO. Click on your representative's name and then click on the "Contact" tab to locate their phone number.

Here is a link to the July 26 Letter from Congressman Herger to his Colleagues.
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Herger-Protect_Access_to_National_Forests_in_California-1.pdf

If you recreate in California's National Forests, you need to take action today and send a letter to Congress.

Here is a link to a news article in the Redding Record Searchlight
Editorial: Herger bill brings sense to road plan
http://www.redding.com/news/2011/jan/10/herger-bill-brings-sense-to-road-plan/

Thanks in advance for your attention to this request.

Don Amador
Western Representative
BlueRibbon Coalition

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Release Date: 07/19/11  

Contacts:  Megan Crandall , 202-912-7411  

 

 

 

BLM to Engage State, Local, and Tribal Governments in Bipartisan Wilderness Agenda

 

 

WASHINGTON – As part of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar’s push to build a bipartisan wilderness agenda that can be enacted in the 112th Congress, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) state offices will solicit suggestions and recommendations from state and local elected officials, Tribes, and other federal land managers on areas that deserve wilderness protection and that have broad support for congressional designation.

 

“The focus of this effort is to identify lands that have strong backing for protection as wilderness and that might be appropriate for congressional action,” BLM Director Bob Abbey said. “The best ideas for conservation come from the ground up, and we hope this effort will help lay a foundation for a bipartisan wilderness agenda in this Congress. We’ve heard from the public and many people have expressed how much they value wilderness areas.”

 

This effort is an extension of Secretary Salazar’s June 10, 2011, letter to Members of Congress requesting their ideas on “crown jewel” areas of public lands that have strong local support for permanent protection as Wilderness under the Wilderness Act. This fall, the Department of the Interior will submit to Congress a list of “crown jewels” that it believes are ready for Wilderness designation by Congress based on the combined input from Congressional, state, local and tribal partners.

 

In addition, the BLM will issue updated guidance to its offices affirming – as directed by a June 1, 2011 Secretarial memo – that pursuant to the 2011 Continuing Resolution, the BLM will not designate any lands as “Wild Lands.” As required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the BLM will continue to maintain inventories of public lands and their resource and other values, including lands with wilderness characteristics. Also, consistent with FLPMA and other applicable authorities, the BLM will consider the wilderness characteristics of public lands, in accordance with its multiple-use mandate, when undertaking land use planning and when making project-level decisions.

 

Secretary Salazar has directed Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes to work with the BLM and interested parties to develop recommendations regarding the management of BLM lands with wilderness characteristics.

 

The BLM’s Instruction Memorandum is available at http://on.doi.gov/mUeSTZ .

 

 

 

The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

 

--BLM--

 

Last updated: 07-19-2011

 

 

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Here is the link for the video of today's House Subcommittee meeting. Don Amador speaks at the 1 hour 4 minute mark.

http://naturalresources.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=246553

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Dear Freinds,

I hope you will take TWO MINUTES to send a letter opposing the transfer of our Giant Sequoia Monument Lands from the Sequoia Forest Service to the Park Service.

You may recall past efforts by the closure folks to transfer the Giant Sequoia National Monument to the Park Service. Now they are urging the President to make a Proclamation. Stewards members were able to stop them before and with your help we will stop them now and forever.

If the Park Service takes over these 327,769 acres of your public lands, they will soon want to take over other areas of the Sequoia National Forest and restrict your access even further, making this issue important to everyone who enjoys trails anywhere in the Sequoia Forest, even outside the Monument.

The Sequoia Forest Service has been doing a great job managing these lands for over 100 years promoting forest health and providing recreation. As a matter of fact a scientific report found the Giant Sequoia Groves under Forest Service management were healthier than those on Park Service lands. So why transfer? Apparently it is not about forest health, so it must be about locking you out.

Currently the National Forest Service manages the Monument under their Land of Many Uses Mandate. The Forest Service allows many uses which the Park Service is unlikely to such as licensed OHV's on dirt roads and mountain bikes on trails.

The Park Service would restrict many of the uses the public currently enjoys such as :

• Dispersed camping (outside of a developed campground) is not allowed in national parks.
• Horseback riding is severely restricted in national parks (and not allowed in many areas).
• Mountain Biking is rarely allowed on trails in national parks.
• Entrance fees are required into national parks.
• Hunting is not allowed in national parks.
• Snowmobiles are not allowed in national parks.
• Recreation residences (summer cabins) are not allowed in national parks.
• Firewood cutting is not allowed in national parks.
• Livestock grazing is not allowed in national parks.

Please ACT NOW and send your TWO MINUTE letter to help keep the Monument under Forest Service Multiple Use Management http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=50

Together we can help keep our trails open!

You can read more about this on our website at

http://stewardsofthesequoia.org/alert_Monument%20Petition.html

Did someone forward you this alert? Sign up to receive it yourself Stewards of the Sequoia To Unsubscribe from this email list Click Here and send.

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Stop Locking Up Millions of Acres of Public Lands with Presidential Proclamations Dear Friends, As you may recall documents were exposed last year regarding the Obama administration's apparent intention to misuse the Monument Proclamation to designate millions of acres. With the stroke of his pen Obama could lock up millions of acres of your publc lands, or YOU CAN TAKE TWO MINUTES TO STOP HIM You may recall President Clinton misused the Monument Proclamation to designate numerous large Monument areas against the wishes of local residents and even Governors. DO YOU WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN? Congressman Nunes (CA) has reintroducing his National Monument Transparency and Accountability Act (HR758). This much needed reform legislation will address a number of abuses possible in the current legislation, so President's will no longer be able to use the stroke of their pen to lock up millions of acres of your public lands. BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO URGE CONGRESS TO PASS HR758. This legislation would PREVENT THESE ABUSES FOREVER by reducing the amount of land that the President can designate as a National Monument, and require Congressional approval within 2 years of any Executive Order pursuant to the Antiquities Act.  Please Take TWO MINUTES To Send a Letter Supporting HR758 It has been pretty rare of late that Congress has produced reasonable bills-and this is one of those rare times. Chris do not miss your opportunity to SUPPORT Legislation to STOP the ABUSE of this Presidential Proclamation loophole. http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=51 Take Action NOW and support keeping your public lands open to all. Please check the List of Co Sponsors to see if your Congressman is supporting this bill. If not then please contact them and urge their support You can read the draft language as well as a section-by-section summary of the bill at: SUMMARY OF BILL http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/OnePager-NationalMonumentTransparency2011.pdf FINAL DRAFT OF BILL http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/Legislation-112th-Final-MonumentTransparency2011.pdf BROCHURE OUTLINING BENEFITS OF THE BILL http://www.savethetrails.us/Docs/HR758-NationalMonumentTrifold.pdf Thanks for your help to keep the Proclamation of Monuments to what the law intended and not a loophole to allow public lands to be locked up without public support. Many thanks to Congressman Devin Nunes for drafting and introducing this legislation. Chris Horgan and your friends at Save the Trails http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SaveTheTrails/9ca793b9e3/edd638a77a/cf0c92bc97 href="Forward this message to a friend Post this on your website and tell everyone who wants to preserve public access to public lands and protect property rights This alert sent by your friends at www.Save The Trails.us

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Release Date: 06/10/11
Contacts: Kendra Barkoff , 202-208-6416
Salazar Takes Next Steps in Push for Bipartisan Wilderness Agenda
WASHINGTON –  As a follow-up to the memo issued last week and as part of his push to build a bipartisan wilderness agenda that can be enacted in the 112th Congress, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today asked Members of Congress for their ideas of “crown jewel” areas of public lands that have strong local support for permanent protection as Wilderness under the Wilderness Act. The Obama Administration’s 21st century conservation agenda marked the historic enactment of the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 and implementation of the President’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative includes designating wilderness as a key component in preserving our natural heritage for future generations. Noting the bipartisan success of Congress and the Obama Administration to designate approximately 2 million acres of Wilderness in 2009, Secretary Salazar said that he will deliver to Congress, by October 15, 2011, a list of areas overseen by the Bureau of Land Management that he believes are ready for immediate Wilderness designation by Congress. In the memo last week, Secretary Salazar announced plans to work with Members of Congress, states, tribes, and local communities to identify public lands that may be appropriate candidates for congressional protection under the Wilderness Act.  Secretary Salazar’s letter today also asks Members for input to inform Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes’s efforts to develop recommendations for how the Bureau of Land Management should manage the millions of acres of public land that are not protected under the Wilderness Act, but that have wilderness characteristics. Secretary Salazar will be discussing this letter today at 2:00pm during a live web chat at: doi.gov/live. The text of Secretary Salazar’s letter is below. Dear Member of Congress: As an integral part of our effort to conserve America’s lands and wildlife for future generations, I will work with Members of Congress to identify public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management for permanent Wilderness protection under the Wilderness Act. I want to continue these efforts. Both Democratic and Republican Members of Congress support providing permanent protection for some BLM lands under the Wilderness Act.  In this current session of Congress, several Members have already introduced legislation to create new areas of Wilderness. For example: H.R. 41, the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act from Representative Darrell Issa; H.R. 113, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act from Representative Michael Simpson; S. 667/H.R. 1241, the Rio Grande del Norte Conservation Establishment Act by Senator Jeff Bingaman and Representative Ben Ray Luján;and S. 766/H.R.1413, the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness Act by Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Peter DeFazio. I believe these bills – and others that have been introduced with strong local support – provide a foundation from which we can build a strong, bipartisan wilderness agenda in this Congress. To help advance this effort, the Department of the Interior will, by October 15, 2011, submit to Congress a list of “crown jewel” areas that we believe are ready for immediate Wilderness designation by Congress. This list will include some areas that would be protected by bills that are currently pending before Congress and that have strong local, state, tribal, and congressional support. It may also include some areas that are not currently being considered for protection, but that the Department of the Interior believes have widespread support and are worthy of Wilderness designation.  To help inform this conservation effort, I respectfully ask that you identify BLM-managed public lands where there is strong support in the local community and among elected officials for permanent protection, and that you believe are ready for designation as Wilderness by this Congress.  Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes will also be working with the BLM and interested parties on recommendations for how the Agency should manage the millions of acres of public land that are not protected under the Wilderness Act, but that have wilderness characteristics. Because public lands with wilderness characteristics can offer unique hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities – along with potential energy, mineral, and other resource values – it is important that the BLM have clear guidance when undertaking its multiple-use land management planning and when making project-level decisions that could impair wilderness characteristics. I welcome your input on this important policy matter as well. Thank you in advance for your efforts to develop and advance a strong, bipartisan wilderness agenda for our children and our grandchildren. Sincerely,  Ken Salazar
.
--BLM-- Office of the Secretary of the Interior   1849 C Street N.W.      Washington, DC 20240
Last updated: 06-10-2011

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BBQ, Fundraiser, Optional Dual Sport Adventure

The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision has been out for some time now and we are just waiting for the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to come out.  Once it is released all cross country travel on the forest will be closed which will eliminate many of the traditional trails we have used for many years. Many of the trails we use and ride also need mitigation issues addressed to bring them up to USFS standards.  Once the mitigation issues have been completed the trails will be added to the MVUM and once again will be open for the public to enjoy.  This is where we need your help.

 

The Stewards of the Sierra National Forest have been working closely with the USFS to get as many of these mitigation issue resolved as quickly as possible.  All of this takes time, energy, manpower, and capital. The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open.  This will be an ongoing process over the next couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest.

 

This is where you and everyone you know can help.  Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship.  We will also be having a raffle table full of great stuff. 

New Date: August 20/21, 2011(Changed from July 9/10, 2011

DUE TO RECORD SETTING SNOW PACK

Suggested Donation: $85.00

Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies  

Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

(If you are not already a member)

(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)

(No Refunds after July 31, 2011)

Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a night (discounted rate)

Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge

(Fish & Chips) $12.00 per person

Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge

 $9.00 per person

*Optional Self Guided Dual Sport Adventure*

No charge (Free!) Saturday August 20/Sunday August 21

Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails

Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders

Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 North of Oakhurst)

Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)

 120+ miles Saturday (with gas/lunch stop) 100+ Miles Sunday (with gas/lunch stop)

If you choose to participate, bikes must be street legal and meet USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements.  Please share the road/trail responsibly

GPS Seminar Friday night. Chris Crawford from C.O.R.E. and Dan Yuknavage from D-37 will host

For More Info and registration forms go to:

www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org     

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Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011

We Need Your Help to Enlist Cosponsors for S. 1087!

As you will recall, U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) introduced H.R. 1581, the �Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011,� in April.  Now Senator Barrasso (R-WY) has introduced identical companion legislation (S. 1087) in the Senate.  These important draft bills 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 it 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 are 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 dictate that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics.  S. 1087 would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.

Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Senators to sign on as cosponsors of S. 1087.

https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=293&JServSessionIdr004=4iwtv6nvk3.app332a

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Fundraiser, BBQ, Optional Dual Sport Adventure

The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision has been out for some time now and we are just waiting for the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to come out.  Once it is released all cross country travel on the forest will be closed which will eliminate many of the traditional trails we have used for many years. Many of the trails we use and ride also need mitigation issues addressed to bring them up to USFS standards.  Once the mitigation issues have been completed the trails will be added to the MVUM and once again will be open for the public to enjoy.  This is where we need your help.

 

The Stewards of the Sierra National Forest have been working closely with the USFS to get as many of these mitigation issue resolved as quickly as possible.  All of this takes time, energy, manpower, and capital. The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open.  This will be an ongoing process over the next couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest.

 

This is where you and everyone you know can help.  Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship.  We will also be having a raffle table full of great stuff. 

 

July 9/10, 2011

Suggested Donation: $85.00

Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies  

Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

(If you are not already a member)

(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)

(No Refunds after June 15, 2011)

Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a night (discounted rate)

Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge

(Fish & Chips) $12.00 per person

Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge

 $9.00 per person

*Optional Dual Sport Adventure*

No charge (Free!) Saturday July 9/Sunday July 10

Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails

Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders

Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 North of Oakhurst)

Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)

 120+ miles Saturday (with gas/lunch stop) 100+ Miles Sunday (with gas/lunch stop)

If you choose to participate, bikes must be street legal and meet USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements.  Please share the road/trail responsibly

GPS Seminar Friday night. Chris Crawford from C.O.R.E. and Dan Yuknavage from D-37 will host

For More Info and registration forms go to:

www.sotsnf.org or www.foccma.org     

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                             U.S. Department of the Interior

                        Bureau of Land Management                   

News Release

 

For Immediate Release:  May 31, 2011                                                                                                            CA-CC-11-59

Contact:   David Christy (916) 941-3146

                                         

 

 

BLM Steps Up Enforcement at Clear Creek Management Area Due to Increased Trespass Activity

 

The Bureau of Land Management has increased law enforcement patrols at Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) due to increasing resource damage caused by unauthorized motorcycle use.

 

Trespass motorcycle use is taking a toll on the San Benito Research Natural Area (RNA). During the last nine months the RNA has experienced considerable resource and property damage.  “Protective fences for the RNA have been cut and trespass trails have been built on the public land,” said Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office manager.

 

Motorcyclists have cut a three-mile trespass trail across public lands in the CCMA to access the area currently closed to public use. BLM law enforcement rangers patrol the area and will cite individuals riding or driving in the closed areas. In some cases, trespass riders have run when discovered and confronted by BLM employees and law enforcement rangers.

 

Trespasser riders face possible penalties of a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, anyone attempting to evade or elude a federal law enforcement ranger will be aggressively prosecuted and face arrest, fines and imprisonment, the impounding of the motor vehicle, and restriction/suspension of driving privileges.

 

“The misuse of public lands by motorcyclists is unfortunate,” said Cooper. “We would appreciate cooperation from the public in helping meet our objectives for resource protection.”

 

CCMA is currently closed to public access pending completion of a Resource Management Plan. The area closure was issued in 2008 following release of a report by the Environmental Protection Agency that states that public visitor use in CCMA for more than one day per year could increase visitor’s excess lifetime cancer risk due to asbestos exposure, adding that “children may be at greater risk…because of their life expectancy.”

 

For more information, contact Chief Law Enforcement Ranger Brian Martin at (831) 630-5000.

 

-BLM-

 

Central California District, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825

 

 

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In Your State... State-by-State Info Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages. Share ARRA! Tell-A-Friend... If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters. Help ARRA! To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com.  Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send.  Thank you.

Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the “Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act” U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans.  The 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 directs 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.  The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access. The Members’ “Dear Colleague” letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here. A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy’s office can be viewed here. Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation. TAKE ACTION!

Americans for Responsible Recreation Access 1152 15th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 webmaster@arra-access.com To unsubscribe, click here

Privacy | Contact Us | About ARRA

In Your State... State-by-State Info Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages. Share ARRA! Tell-A-Friend... If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters. Help ARRA! To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com.  Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send.  Thank you.

Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the “Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act” U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans.  The 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 directs 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.  The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access. The Members’ “Dear Colleague” letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here. A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy’s office can be viewed here. Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation. TAKE ACTION!

Americans for Responsible Recreation Access 1152 15th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 webmaster@arra-access.com To unsubscribe, click here

Privacy | Contact Us | About ARRA

In Your State... State-by-State Info Access Issues, Public Meetings, Contact Information... all this and details about the National Forests in your state on ARRA's comprehensive state pages. Share ARRA! Tell-A-Friend... If you have already registered as an ARRA member, you can help be a stronger voice by sending e-postcards to others. Our grassroots movement needs more voices! Use our Tell-A-Friend page to help someone else stay informed by registering to receive ARRA's legislative alerts and newsletters. Help ARRA! To better help ARRA advocate for responsible access, please forward any messages you receive from Members of Congress in response to this or any ARRA alert to webmaster@arra-access.com.  Also, if you receive a message encouraging you to use a webform to send a message to a Member of Congress, please copy and paste the letter from the ARRA alert into the webform and send.  Thank you.

Send an Email Urging Your Representative to Cosponsor the “Wilderness & Roadless Area Release Act” U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans.  The 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 directs 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.  The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access. The Members’ “Dear Colleague” letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here. A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy’s office can be viewed here. Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to become an original cosponsor of this important legislation. TAKE ACTION!

Americans for Responsible Recreation Access 1152 15th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 webmaster@arra-access.com To unsubscribe, click here

Privacy | Contact Us | About ARRA

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April 5 & 6, 2011

OHV Commision meeting, Veterans Hall, Hollister, California

|For more information go to:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21853

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For Immediate Release:  March 22, 2011                        
Contact: Phil Jenkins (916) 324-5801(OHMVR Division) and Dave Christy (916) 206-1520 (BLM)

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks today released a new independent report analyzing naturally occurring asbestos exposures associated with motorcycle riding and hiking in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA).

The report was completed by scientists from the International Environmental Research Foundation (IERF), the Department of Physics at Harvard University, and the Center for Applied Studies of the Environment at the City University of New York. The OHMVR Division commissioned the IERF report to gather more data to determine if management and operational strategies could be employed at the CCMA to mitigate risk while still allowing access to this premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation destination.

Daphne Greene, Deputy Director for the OHMVR Division commented, “This report provides additional data which needs to be considered, along with the data from the EPA report, before any final decisions are made concerning long term recreation opportunities at the CCMA. We look forward to continuing discussions with the BLM.”

Jim Abbott, Acting BLM State Director, said BLM's number one priority has always been protecting the public health and safety. The 2008 closure of CCMA was based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) conclusions that "the asbestos exposures for recreational users at CCMA were above the acceptable level of risk for public health.”

Abbott says he "welcomes the dialog" with the OHMVR Division, noting that BLM is in the final stages of completing a long-term plan for managing the CCMA. “We have requested that EPA review the new study, and we will wait until the scientists have had time to consider the new information in the report before any final land use decisions are made," he said.

The new report is available online at: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov
The original EPA study is online at http://www.epa.gov/region9/toxic/noa/clearcreek/index.html .
Information about BLM's CCMA Resource Management Plan is available at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html .




David Christy
BLM Central California Public Affairs
Phone (916) 941-3146
FAX (916) 941-3199
Cell (916) 206-1520

5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

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HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are putting together a PICTURE VIDEO to send to our elected officials in Sacramento to let them know just how fed up we are with these repeated assaults on our OHV Funds.  We need everyone to send us a few of your favorite OHV pictures showing any kind of OHV (Dune Buggy, Motorcycle, Sand Rails, Quads, UTVs, Jet Skis, Trucks, Snow Mobiles, Jeeps, ETC).   Especially the ones with your kids and your family enjoying your sport.  Please send them to one of the following:

info@foccma.org  or info@sotsnf.org  and see which one of your pictures makes it into the video and the hands of our elected officials.

As you have probably heard by now the State of California Assembly Budget Committee on 2/18/2011 voted to steal $27,000,000.00 ($27 MILLION) of your money from the State OHV Program.  This is not a loan and would continue year after year.  Also, Governor Jerry Brown is proposing to steal another $21,000,000.00 ($21 MILLION) from the OHV fund in a separate move which would devastate the California OHV Program which is a role model for most of the rest of the states.   Over the last 3 years the State has already taken $112,000,000.00 ($112 MILLION) from the OHV fund with a promise to pay it back.  They have not.

These actions would result in the closures and cut-backs to California’s OHV Parks – Carnegie, Clay Pit, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Mammoth Bar, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The Snow Grooming program and State Sno-Parks will also be greatly affected or closed.  This could be the end of the OHV program as we have enjoyed it for the last 40 years.   This represents over a 40% reduction to the operating budget of the OHV parks. The OHV Division is a user funded program, taking NO money from the General Fund.

This year’s budget proposes only an $11 million cut for 270 State Parks, yet a cut of $27 million is proposed from the OHV division which has only 8 State OHV Parks. Our State OHV Parks are all about children, and offering them opportunities to recreate outdoors. The OHV parks encourage families to go camping, and offer urban residents the chance to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. Our OHV parks have enjoyed a 150% increase in attendance over the last 10 years, which State Parks cannot equal.

The Law says the OHV division of State Parks should have equal priority among the other State Parks.  Budget impacts should be equally shared....yet the State OHV Parks have had $112,000,000.00 taken over the last 3 years. Now the Assembly and the Governor proposes to gut the program, favoring less popular State Parks. This is certainly discriminatory, and counter to the law. The OHV community has given more than its fair share of the OHV Trust Fund. These are dedicated user fees.

The OHV community has taken legal action for two other attempts of this kind...and the State has lost! We sued the State and won $21.5 million. We are willing and able to do this again, and the State will lose even more money before all this is over. We will pursue all legal remedies to stop this action, and stop the discrimination against the State OHV Program and affiliated activities.

 

Thanks for all of your Help

Mike Wubbels

Executive Director

Friends of Clear Creek Management Area

www.foccma.org

Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

www.sotsnf.org

 

 

 

 

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Update: Tell the State Legislature Hands Off the OHV Trust Fund!! Take Action! Latest proposal would "borrow" millions and cut the OHV Division's operations budget!   As many of you already know, the ongoing state budget crisis has resulted in yet another proposed "loan" from the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) fund. Recent budget committee meetings have outlined a plan to take $22 million of the reserve funds, as well as to cut an additional $27 million from the OHV division's yearly operating budget. This despite that the program uses no general tax revenues and is in fact paid for exclusively through OHV registration and related fuel tax revenues. These funds are specifically designated to be used for OHV program related expenses and to administer and expand the State Vehicle Recreation Areas (SVRA's) system, not to be "borrowed" from during times of fiscal crisis.  Before another dollar is “borrowed” from this model state program, it first needs to be repaid the $112 million (total) that was "borrowed" in 2008 and 2009.  In fact, now is the time to identify those State Park facilities that would be better run by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.   Click on the "Take Action" button at the top of this alert to make your voice heard! AmericanMotorcyclist.com Rapid Response Center Contribute to the Cause Get Involved Register to Vote

AmericanMotorcyclist.com • Rapid Response Center • Contribute to the Cause • Get Involved • Register to Vote AMA Facebook Page • RSS Feed

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We must ACT NOW to save the OHV program!

The Issue: On Friday, February 18^th, the Assembly Budget Committee voted to take $27 million out of the OHV operating budget. This would NOT be a loan, and would continue unstopped year after year. It would result in closures and cut-backs to the California OHV Parks – Carnegie, Clay Pit, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Mammoth Bar, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The Snow Grooming program and State Sno-Parks will also be greatly affected or closed. In addition, the Governor is proposing to take $21 million more from the OHV program. This could be the end of the OHV program as we have enjoyed it for the last 40 years.

This Wednesday, February 23^rd, the Conference Committee will meet in the State Capitol to iron out difference between the State Assembly and Senate Budget Committees. We have to influence the following Conference Committee members through our elected legislative representatives: Senator Leno, Vice Chair; Senator Lowenthal, Senator Negrete McLeod , Senator Huff, and Senator Emmerson, and Assemblyman Blumenfield.

What can you do: ACT NOW! and contact your legislative members ASAP. Find your representatives here, and use the speaking points below, or add some of your own: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html

• The budget proposes only an $11 million cut for 270 State Parks, yet a cut of $27 million is proposed from the OHV division which has only 8 State OHV Parks. This represents less than a 10% cut to State Park operations, but over a 40% reduction to the operating budget of the OHV parks. The OHV Division is a user funded program, taking NO money from the General Fund.

• The State OHV Parks are all about children, offering them opportunities to recreate outdoors. The OHV parks encourage families to go camping, and offer urban residents the chance to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. The OHV parks enjoyed a 150% increase in attendance over the last 10 years, which State Parks cannot equal.

• The Law says the OHV division of State Parks should have equal priority among the other State Parks. Budget impacts should be equally shared....yet the State OHV Parks have had $112 million dollars taken over the last 3 years. Now the Assembly proposes to gut the program, favoring less popular State Parks. This is certainly discriminatory, and counter to the law. The OHV community has given more than it's fair share of the OHV Trust Fund. These are dedicated user fees.

• The OHV community has taken legal action for two other attempts of this kind...and the State has lost! We sued you and won $21.5 million. We are willing and able to do this again, and the State will lose even more money before all this is over. We will pursue all legal remedies to stop this action, and stop the discrimination against the State OHV Program and affiliated activities.

Please send this to all your friends, networks, clubs and forums. This is a serious issue, and only we can make a difference.

Thanks,
Amy

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Charlotte Gomes Memorial-Picacho Creek Challenge, National Hare Scramble

February 19 & 20, 2011

|For more information go to:

http://www.salinasramblersmc.org/HS/2011%20Flyer.pdf

This will be the "Premier" event of the season, don't miss it!

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

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Thank you Don Amador/BRC for the following message:

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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FYI - This is posted on the Hollister website

Clear Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (CCMA PRMP/FEIS)  Status Update: Clear Creek Management Area Proposed RMP and Final EIS Due to the complexity of working with other local, State, and Federal governments the Clear Creek Management Area Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (CCMA PRMP/FEIS) has taken longer to complete than originally anticipated.  The Hollister Field Office has submitted the Notice of Availability (NOA) for the CCMA PRMP/FEIS for review and approval by the BLM California State Office and BLM Washington DC National Office.  The new anticipated date for the CCMA PRMP/FEIS available for public review will be March/April 2011. BLM will announce release of the PRMP/FEIS through local newspapers and the CCMA mailing list once the NOA is published in the Federal Register.  A 30-day public protest period begins upon release the PRMP/FEIS.  More information about the public protest period and resolution process is available at the BLM Resource Management Plan Protest Resolution informational web page. Following the 30-day public protest period, BLM must resolve protests before approving any changes to the CCMA's land use decisions.  This usually takes 3-6 months.  The final Record of Decision (ROD) for the CCM PRMP/FEIS will replace the current Temporary Closure Order for the Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

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Fundraiser, BBQ, Dual Sport Adventure

 

The Sierra National Forest Travel Management Record of Decision is out and many of our traditional routes are on the chopping block and will be eliminated from the maps.  We need your support.

 

We sent in an appeal package to Region 5 and ALL of the appeals sent to the Region for the Sierra National Forest were TURNED DOWN BY THE REGIONAL FORESTER. 

 

The Stewards of the Sierra will be working hard for as long as it takes to keep your favorite trails maintained and open.  This will be an ongoing process over the next couple of years and into the foreseeable future working hard with your Help and Support to keep our trails maintained and open in the Sierra National Forest. 

 

This is where you and everyone you know can help.  Grab a friend and have them grab a friend and come out for a good time, some great food, and friendship.  We will also be having a raffle table full of great stuff.  Our last raffle table had over $5000.00 of swag that we gave away.

 

October 23/24, 2010

Suggested Donation: $75.00

Includes Saturday night BBQ, SOTSNF Tee Shirt, Goodies  

Also includes membership in Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

(If you are not already a member)

(A Division of California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC) a registered (501c3) Not for Profit Corporation)

(No Refunds after October 1 2010)

Camping at Elks Lodge Campground $15.00 a night (discounted rate)

Optional Friday night dinner at Elks Lodge

(Fish & Chips) $8.00 per person

Optional Sunday Morning Buffet Style Breakfast at Elks Lodge

 $8.00 per person

*Optional Dual Sport Ride*

No charge (Free!) Saturday Oct 23/Sunday Oct 24

Roll Chart and GPS Tracks include many of the Bass Lake 250 Trails

Optional Hard ways for the more experienced riders

Each day starts/finishes at Elks Lodge (Hwy 41/Rd 222 No. of Oakhurst)

Great back roads and trails, extremely scenic (bring a camera!)

 120 miles Saturday, 80 Miles Sunday

If you choose to ride, bikes must be street legal and meet USFS 96db sound level and spark arrestor requirements.  Please share the road/ trail responsibly

For More Info and registration forms go to:

www.sotsnf.org 

Click on the link at the top of the page

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Attention all Stewards of the Sierra:

 

 Now that the Record of Decision (ROD) has been released by the Forest Service it is more important than ever to stay engaged with the process to help keep our PUBLIC LANDS OPEN FOR THE PUBLIC NOT FROM THE PUBLIC. 

 

The Forest Service will be holding a series of open houses and public workshops for the Sierra National Forest Travel Management Decision.   If you cannot make it to one of the workshops, they will be holding a webinar on-line to hear an overview of the decision and opportunity to ask questions.  

 

Below please find the dates and locations for the open houses and a brief overview of the massive amounts of closure of Public Access to both roads and trails and also the loss of access to seasons of use for the Forest.   

Public Workshops and Webinar

 

May 17, 2010  Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B, Oakhurst, 6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).

 

May 18, 2010  Clovis Veterans Memorial Building,  Liberty Rm, 808 4^th Street, Clovis, 6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).

 

May 20, 2010  Foothill Middle School, Multi-Purpose Rm, 291147 Auberry Rd, Prather,
6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).

May 26, 2010  Virtual Webinar-Join us on-line for an overview of the Decision, 7-8:30pm.  To sign-up for the webinar please visit the following website:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/539264808

 

May 27, 2010   Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 5100 Chambers Street, Mariposa   6:30-9pm (Optional open houses begins at 5pm for those who would like to stop in and talk with Forest Service Staff).

Highlights of the Decision:

1. The decision provides 2,189 miles of roads and 127 miles of trails for motorized travel on the Sierra National Forest.

Trails added to the System:

67 Total  miles of Trails in the Motorized System.

 88 miles open to All Vehicles.

 33 miles open to vehicles less than 50” .

 6 miles open to motorcycles only.

Roads added to the System:

15 miles (logging roads and spurs to dispersed campsites)
Total miles of roads in the System:    

 1,665 miles open to all vehicles.

 524 miles open to highway vehicles

Areas added:

20 areas added for 105 acres (7 acres-parking/staging and 98 acres of areas)
Total number/acres of parking/staging facilities open to all vehicles = 64 (49 acres)
Total number/acres of motorized areas open to all vehicles = 15 (173 acres)

 Definitions of an Area and Parking/Staging areas:
 Area:  An area is open to all vehicles for motorized recreation
Parking/Staging Areas:  Parking for Highway Legal Vehicles

 

2. The decision prohibits cross country travel by motor vehicles on the Sierra National Forest.

Parking is allowed within one vehicle length (includes a towed vehicle) of a road, trail or area, unless otherwise prohibited.

 

3. The decision protects the Natural and Cultural Resources.

Protects watersheds, cultural resources, endangered, threatened and sensitive species (including plants, animals and their habitat) and adds no new  roads or trails in inventoried roadless areas.

4. The decision provides a Season of Use for roads, trails and areas for the Sierra National Forest.
Changes to the Season of Use were made to 1,688 miles of roads and 43 miles of trails.  
460 miles of roads have no restrictions.
The decision establishes 20 Seasons of Use to allow access to the greatest extent possible.
Over Fifty percent of the roads and trails are (1,317 miles) open for motorized travel from May 20^th to December 1^st.  
Nearly twenty percent (464 miles) is open year around for motor vehicle travel.

5. The decision maximizes recreation opportunity by changing 178 miles of roads which were open to highway legal vehicles only to a new designation allowing mixed use.  Also converts 12 miles of roads to trails allowing for additional motor vehicle opportunities.

Changing the vehicle class to mixed (green/red sticker) use allows for both highway legal and non-highway legal vehicles (as defined by the California Vehicle code) to use NFTS roads.
Results in uninterrupted connectivity between key roads, trails and areas, enhancing motorized recreational opportunities

6. The decision changes the Maintenance Levels and Use on some Forest Roads.
In order to be in compliance with Forest Service policy, 181 miles of Maintenance Level (ML) 1 roads will be opened as ML 2 roads, which will allow public use by green/red sticker vehicles.
65 miles of ML 2 roads, previously closed, will also be open for public use.

Appealing the Decision

This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215.  In accordance with the April 24, 2006 order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Missoula Division  of the District Court of Montana in Case No. CV 03-119-M-DWM, for those individuals and organizations who provided comments during the comment period are eligible to appeal [36 CFR 215.11(a), 1993 version].  Appeals must be filed within 45 days from the publication date of the legal notice in the Fresno Bee (Monday, May 10, 2010). The appeal period ends June 23, 2010.  Detailed procedures for appealing the decision are located in the ROD.

We look forward to seeing you.  

Betty
Betty Mathews
Acting Forest Supervisor

 

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We just received this today. It is the response from BLM on the timeline of the CCMA "temporary closure".

There have been a lot of questions and we hope this clears things up for now.

The Friends of CCMA encourages everyone to recreate in a responsible manner that is in accordance with all county, state, and federal rules and laws, .

 

Steve,


I have been informed there are questions from the public related to the
term of the May 1, 2008 Closure Order for the Clear Creek Management Area’s
Serpentine ACEC, specifically related to the release of  WO Instruction
Memorandum 2010-28 on  December 11, 2009.  This Instruction Memorandum
establishes a new BLM policy requiring that temporary closures or
restrictions must be 24 months or less in duration. If the justification
for a closure or restriction order has not been addressed within the
24-month period, a new temporary closure or restriction order must be
established in accordance with this IM. The purpose of this new policy is
to ensure temporary closures and restrictions are implemented for the
shortest time and in the smallest area necessary to protect resources,
public health, and safety.


Some have interpreted that BLM must apply the IM retroactively to the May
1, 2008 closure order.  This is not correct.


The Instruction Memorandum is guidance for future application of temporary
closure authorities and does not affect or void closures currently in
place.


I confirmed this with the Acting State Director Jim Abbott who is in
Washington this week and he confirmed that with Washington Office Division
Chief in Administration.


Instruction Memorandums are intended to provide guidance for future
decisions and rarely apply retroactively to decisions already in place.
The term for the May 2008 Closure Order is the completion of the final
Record of Decision for the Clear Creek Management Area RMP/EIS as stated in
the Federal Register Notice in April 3, 2008.  This decision was reviewed
and approved by the Washington Office and was approved for full force and
affect implementation by Interior Board of Land Appeals.


The public visiting the Serpentine ACEC must stay on the County Roads as
defined in the County’s Resolution.  Deviating off those roads is a
violation of the closure order.


As to your question about routes and trails outside the ACEC; there are
some routes and trails that are outside the ACEC that are technically not
closed.  However those routes and trails can only be reached by using
closed trails in the ACEC, unless individuals have permitted access through
private land.  Hollister has been consistent in its reply to the public on
this question.


Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office

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Clear Creek Protest Day

The promoter of the Clear Creek Protest day scheduled for Sunday May 2, 2010 at the entrance to Clear Creek has moved it to the BLM’s Hollister Field Office.  The protest will start at 10:00 a.m. and last till?  Come out and voice your concerns over the closure of your PUBLIC LANDS by our government.     

The office is located at:

BLM Hollister Field Office

20 Hamilton Ct.

Hollister Ca. 95023

 

Please come out and show your support and help provide a united front in the quest to reopen Clear Creek.  For more information go to the South Bay Riders forum and look for more info on the subject.

 

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ENVIRO LITIGATION GRAVY

Ever wondered how so called environmental groups can afford to keep filing more and more lawsuits each year? You think it is because they win huge awards, well think again. Most people are unaware that these groups legal fees are reimbursed by our government under the Equal Justice Act. That is correct we the taxpayers are paying them to sue us. This means each lawsuit they file is a money maker for them. That is why most of the suits filed today actually harm the environment instead of helping. It's about the money not the environment.

For example:

• There are much needed Forest fuel reduction projects which would reduce dangerously high fuels loads in our unnaturally overgrown National Forests. Enviro Groups file lawsuits blocking these projects, a death sentence for the Forest which ends up incinerated along with all the wildlife and destruction of the watershed.
• Or lawsuits forcing trail closures which concentrate use and increase impacts on the land.
• Or lawsuits to ban fish stocking which cause native trout population to become over fished and also severely reduced the food supply to native wildlife like eagles

Reports show Enviro Groups like the Wilderness Society, Forest Guardians and Center for Biological Diversity have been paid over $4 BILLION of your tax dollars to file lawsuits from 2003-2007.

Lawsuits filed under the guise of preservation which harm the environment in order to make money, show the true colors of such groups as Litigation Machines using pseudo Environmental Fronts.
Read more here http://www.SaveTheTrails.us/EnviroLitigationGravy.html

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The Best News in 23 Months

Today April 6, 2010 the San Benito County Board of Supervisor made history by voting unanimously to reopen all of the closed roads in the Clear Creek Management Area.  This does not mean that you can go out and ride in Clear Creek, but you can once again travel any of the county roads without the fear of being ticketed or thrown in jail.  This was done over the requests of the BLM’s Hollister Field Office Manager Rick Copper who asked that the board keep the roads closed till the Record of Decision comes out.  Mr. Copper was asked by the board when that was and he replied maybe as early as January 2011? 

We ask that all Americans who will be visiting and driving thru the Clear Creek Management Area in the near and foreseeable future to observe the rules by staying on the county roads and not go off of them.  We must learn to police ourselves thru these trying times knowing that the ultimate outcome will be a full return to the type of riding we used to know at the creek.  If just a few abuse this sweet victory it will be short lived and give cause for the BLM to find ways to revoke what we have fought so hard to achieve. 

If you see someone breaking the rules, please take a moment and educate them to what is at stake for all of the OHV community and the public if we lose this victory.  I believe full heartedly that if we stand united together, that in the foreseeable future we will once again ride and enjoy all that the Creek has to offer every one of us and the family experiences it has provide for many of us throughout the years. 

This day will forever live in the history books as a pivotal point for the OHV community and the American Public.  The impacts of today’s decisions are being watched all across this great country of ours, and the impacts of these decisions will shape the future of OHV and the way our Public Lands are managed.  After all Public Lands belong to the Public and not the government agencies managing them.  Remember the CONSTITUTION says that the federal government CAN NOT OWN OUR PUBLIC LANDS but can only manage them. 

Please pass this information on to as many people as you can, and remember that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.  Please remember that there is still a great amount of hard work ahead for all.  Enjoy this hard fought victory, but do not let up the pressure to accept anything short of full unrestricted access to the Clear Creek Management Area.

Mike

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Your Presence is Requested

 

A very important day has finally come.  The San Benito County Board of Supervisors will be meeting this Tuesday April 6, 2010 to vote on reopening all 25 miles of county roads in the Clear Creek Management Area.  We are requesting that as many people as possible show up and support the reopening of these PUBLIC ROADS, and the County Supervisors and County Council in their quest to better serve the citizens of San Benito County and the surrounding areas.

 

This would be the first giant step in having one of the top ten riding areas in the nation reopened for public use since it was closed two years ago by the BLM's Rick Copper of the Hollister Field Office.  Please make the time show up to this meeting to show our local government that as Americans we are willing to stand up and fight for what we believe is right.

  

SAN BENITO COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

County Administration Building – Board of Supervisors Chambers, 481 Fourth Street, Hollister, California

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

APRIL 6, 2010

 

Mission Statement

The County Board of Supervisors will recognize the public trust it holds, will on all occasions conduct business with honesty, integrity, and respect for the individual, and will hold the organization of County government to that same standard.

 

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors welcomes you to this meeting and encourages your participation.

 

• If you wish to speak on a matter which does not appear on the agenda, you may do so during the Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Please complete a Speaker Card and provide it to the Clerk of the Board prior to the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda. When addressing the Board, please state your name for the record. Please address the Board as a whole through the Chair.

 

• If you wish to speak on an item contained in the agenda please complete a Speaker Card identifying the item(s) and provide it to the Clerk of the Board prior to consideration of the item.

 

Each individual speaker will be limited to a presentation total of three (3) minutes.

 

AFTERNOON SESSION 1:30 P.M.

 

 PLANNING DEPARTMENT – A. Henriques:

24) Review staff report, and draft comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management Clear Creek Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and provide comments and direction to staff.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – S. Wittry:

 25) Adopt a Resolution to re-open unmaintained County roads upon the installation of appropriate information signage referencing a potential for human health risks within surrounding terrain in the BLM Clear Creek Management Area; and direct staff to maintain quarterly inspections of signs in the area. 26) Receive the County Service Area quarterly report encompassing

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Release Date: 3/5/10

Contacts: Jan Bedrosian 916-978-4616

              John Dearing 916-978-4622

News Release No. CA-CC-10-48

 

BLM Extends Comment Period on Clear Creek Draft Plan

 

The public comment period for the Clear Creek Management Area draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement has been extended by 45 days by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

 

“Because the plan addresses potential long term restrictions on public lands,” said BLM Acting California State Director Jim Abbott, “we are extending the comment period to allow further public input”

 

The Clear Creek Management Area in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties has a long history of public recreational use.  But because of increased awareness of potential health risks caused by asbestos, the area has been temporarily closed since May 2008.  The closure was in response to results of an Environmental Protection Agency’s human health risk assessment.  The temporary closure remains in effect until the new management plan is approved.

 

The draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement was released in December 2009 with a 90 day comment period.  Three public meetings were also held in Coalinga, Hollister and Santa Clara in January 2010 to gather comments.  The initial 90-day comment period ends today.

 

Comments must be postmarked or received by April 19, 2010.  Written public comments may be submitted by mail to BLM, Attn. CCMA RMP/EIS, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023.  Comment may also be provided via email:  cahormp@ca.blm.gov, or fax:  831-630-5055. 

 

For more information contact the Hollister Field Office at 831-630-5000.

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FAULTLINE POWERSPORTS

PRESENTS

DAYTONA SUPERCROSS VIEWING PARTY

AND

RAFFLE TO BENEFIT

FRIENDS OF CLEAR CREEK MANAGEMENT AREA

LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

NOW THAT THE BLM HAS GIVEN THE PUBLIC A 45 DAY EXTENSION TO THE COMMENT PERIOD PLEASE COME OUT AND GRAB A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND RELAX WITH FRIENDS AND TALK ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT.  THE FOOD IS GOOD, THE SERVICE IS GREAT.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010

AT

RELAX GRILLIN' & CHILLIN

3650 SAN JUAN RD., HOLLISTER CA.

TV COVERAGES STARTS AT 5:00 P.M.

FOR MORE INFO CALL:

831-637-8550 OR 831-636-1010

　

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Two Minutes to Help Save Clear Creek

 

At this very critical time we need to ask everyone to take less than two minutes to send in a comment to the BLM so we can SAVE CLEAR CREEK AND THE FUTURE OF OHV IN CALIFORNIA AND NATION WIDE.  The comment period ends March 5, 2010.  Please go to the link listed below and follow the instructions to fill out a comment and send it to the BLM it’s the American thing to do.

Thanks in Advance for every ones help to save the sport we love.

 

 http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=44

 

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Rick Cooper, Hollister BLM Field Office Manager,

Kathy Hardy, Central District Manager BLM,   

Jim Abbott, Acting California State Director BLM   

Robert Abbey, Head of the Bureau of Land Management,

The Clear Creek Management Area has been closed since May of 2008.  The BLM released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on December 4, 2009 that plans to virtually close that area permanently to ALL use. The 700+ page document was released right before Christmas, the BLM employees in the Hollister Field Office went on vacation shortly afterward and were unavailable for questions and comments. Furthermore, the BLM didn't hold any Public meetings for over 30 days and just recently on February 22, 2010 held a meeting with business owners and land owners affected by the closure.  To say the least there were more questions raised than answers given.

I am a Hollister resident, I have been for over 10 years, growing up in San Martin.  I moved to Hollister to raise a family away from the hustle of San Jose and to be close to the only places left in the area to ride.

My brother and I grew up riding dirt bikes.  Our family vacations as kids were to places where we could ride like Pismo, Clear Creek, Hollister Hills and others.  35 years ago we used to ride in the open dunes of Pismo and over the years watched it little by little be taken away from us.  Now there are threats of full closure of my Children's favorite place to camp since the closure of Clear Creek.  We had always taken great pride in the fact that no matter what they did to Pismo, we always had Clear Creek right in our back yard... Until May 2008.  

Now with families of our own, we camp, ride and race at Clear Creek, well until almost 2 years ago when it was wrongfully taken from us as well.  My three kids are being denied the opportunities I had growing up and when they ask, “Why we can’t go ride or camp at Clear Creek, like you always did Dad?”, the saddest part is... No matter how many meetings I attend or documents I read or emails I may send, I am unable to answer my kids.

I could go down the road of asking how you sleep at night knowing you are stripping so many families of the opportunity to enjoy PUBLIC land we all grew up enjoying, but berating you all would serve no purpose.  This is not the intent of my letter.  I honestly believe you do understand where we are coming from when we demand Clear Creek access be fully restored for all to enjoy as we have for decades.  I’ve sat in these meetings and watched the frustration in the crowd grow with every unanswered question.  I am of the belief you are in the same situation as I with not knowing what to tell my kids truthfully why we cannot return to Clear Creek.

The 700+ page DEIS/RMP for the Clear Creek Management Area is a large, complicated document that requires time and patience to not only read, but fully understand.  I sincerely believe not only have we the people not been provided ample time to review this document, I feel BLM has not had enough time themselves.  This is proven by the content within the document itself.

As a tax paying local resident and avid recreationalist who has invested more than your yearly salaries to support my family’s recreation, I demand attention to this matter and respectfully request a 90 day extension for public review of the DEIS/RMP for the Clear Creek Management Area.  I refuse to stand by silently and watch this wrongful closure proceed further without proper action and vow (and encourage all copied on this email) to continue sending emails throughout the chain of our Government until I get an answer to my kids’ question... “When can we ride Clear Creek?”

In closing, I thank you for your attention and leave you with 2 final questions.  

How many of you and your families have used Clear Creek for recreation, if any... Why are you not helping to restore access?  Please, help us.
   


Michael

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EMERGENCY ACTION

NEEDED

2-18-2010

 

The following letter was sent in good faith to Mr. Rick Cooper, head of the BLM Hollister Field Office for the Clear Creek Management Area requesting a 90 day extension to the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement comment period, which is slated to end March 5, 2010. 

 

OUR REQUEST WAS DENIED

 

This will be the most critical land use battle in California History

 

The Clear Creek Management Area has been closed since May of 2008, and the BLM has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on December 4, 2009 that plans to virtually close that area permanently to ALL use. The 700+ page document was released right before Christmas, and the BLM employees in the Hollister Field Office went on vacation shortly afterward, and were unavailable for questions and comments. Furthermore, the BLM didn't hold any Public meetings for over 30 days, and still hasn't held a meeting addressing concerns of local businesses, counties and local governments affected by the closure.

For the reasons above, and because of the shear complexity of the document, we now we need your help to flood the BLM computers and fax machines with e-mails and faxes till they melt down requesting a 90 day extension to the comment period. 

 

This is one of the LARGEST, ERRONEOUS, PUBLIC LAND CLOSURES ever attempted by a government agency.  Please, if you value your freedom, take a moment to send a quick e-mail and fax to the following demanding the BLM grant this extension.

Rick Cooper, Hollister Field Office Manager,rick_cooper@ca.blm.gov    Fax: (831) 630-5055

Kathy Hardy, Central District Manager, Kathryn_Hardy@blm.gov    Fax: (916) 978-4657

Jim Abbott, Acting California State Director, Jim_Abbott@blm.gov    Fax: (916) 978-4416

Robert Abbey, Head of the Bureau of Land Management, Robert_Abbey@blm.gov    Fax: (202) 208-5242

 

 

February 12, 2010

 

Rick Cooper

Field Manager

Hollister Field Office

Bureau of Land Management

20 Hamilton Court

Hollister, CA 95023

 

Dear Rick,

 

The following organizations, each representing and advocating on behalf of thousands of members throughout California and the United States, are requesting a 90-day extension to the comments period for the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

 

u    American Motorcyclist Association

u    California Off-Road Vehicle Association,

u    CA4WDC,

u    BlueRibbon Coalition,

u    District 36 AMA,

u    AMA District 37 AMA

u    Friends of  Clear Creek Management Area,

u    Off-Road Business Organization

u    Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club

u    Timekeepers Motorcycle Club

 

There are numerous reasons for this request for this extension including, but not limited to, the following:

 

1. The BLM took 18 months to produce a 735-page document dealing with very technical, complex issues and 90 days is not a sufficient time frame for the public to research the issues and provide substantial comments.

 

2. The BLM released this document just prior to the Christmas/New Year holiday season when the public was distracted and members of the BLM staff were on vacation.

 

3. The printed copies of the document were not immediately available to members of the public who do not have access to the internet.

 

4. The first public meeting was not held until 40 days into the public comment period, denying the public the opportunity to receive presentations and additional information about the document.

 

5. A meeting to discuss the financial/economic impacts of the actions suggested in the plan will not be held until February 22, 2010 leaving less than two weeks for comments based upon discussions and questions raised in this meeting.

 

The OHV community desires to provide the BLM with comprehensive and constructive comments and in order to do so will require a greater length of time than the 90-day period currently afforded us.

 

We trust the BLM will understand the need for the public to review, understand, and comment on this document and will affirm our request for this extension.  Please inform us as regarding the new due date as soon as possible.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Nick Harris: AMA

Bruce Whitcher: CORVA

Amy Granat: CA4WDC

Don Amador: BRC

Dave Pickett: District 36

Jerry Grabow: District 37

Mike Wubbels: FOCCMA

Matt Beck: SRMC

Terry Pederson: TMC

Fred Wiley: ORBA

 

 

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CCMA DEIS Time Extension Request

February 12, 2010

 

Rick Cooper

Field Manager

Hollister Field Office

Bureau of Land Management

20 Hamilton Court

Hollister, CA 95023

 

Dear Rick,

 

The following organizations, each representing and advocating on behalf of thousands of members throughout California and nationwide, are requesting a 90-day extension to the comments period for the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

 

u American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

u District 36 AMA

u District 37 AMA

u BlueRibbon Coalition

u California Off-Road Vehicle Association

u California Association of Four Wheel Drives

u Friends of the Clear Creek Management Area

u Off-Road Business Organization

u Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club

u Timekeepers Motorcycle Club

 

There are numerous reasons for this request for this extension including, but not limited to, the following:

 

1. The BLM took 18 months to produce a 735-page document dealing with very technical, complex issues and 90 days is not a sufficient time frame for the public to research the issues and provide substantial comments.

 

2. The BLM released this document just prior to the Christmas/New Year holiday season when the public was distracted and members of the BLM staff were on vacation.

 

3. The printed copies of the document were not immediately available to members of the public who do not have access to the internet.

 

4. The first public meeting was not held until 40 days into the public comment period, denying the public the opportunity to receive presentations and additional information about the document.

 

5. A meeting to discuss the financial/economic impacts of the actions suggested in the plan will not be held until February 22, leaving less than two weeks for comments based upon discussions and questions raised in this meeting.

 

 

 

Rick Cooper

Comment Extension Request

February 12, 2010

Page 2

 

 

The OHV community desires to provide the BLM with comprehensive and constructive comments and in order to do so will require a greater length of time than the 90-day period currently afforded us.

 

We trust the BLM will understand the need for the public to review, understand, and comment on this document and will affirm our request for this extension.  Please inform us as regarding the new due date as soon as possible.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Nick Haris       Bruce Whitcher           Amy Granat    Don Amador               Dave Pickett

AMA               CORVA                      CA4WD          BRC                            District 36

 

Jerry Grabow  Mike Wubbels             Matt Beck       Terry Pederson            Fred Wiley

District 37       FOCCMA                   SRMC             TMC                            ORBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AMA Urges Action to Prevent Trail Funding From Being Slashed in Budget

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The meeting was very well attended, over 150 people showed up. The public was calm and respectful throughout the meeting.

The format has changed and is different than previous meetings. The agenda was as follows:

Open House: 5:30-6:30 pm

         Please Sign-In

         Speaker Registration located at the NEPA Station

         Citizens Guide to NEPA located at NEPA Station

          Public Comment Forms available at all Stations

          Q&A with BLM, and EPA specialists, NEPA Facilitators

Formal Presentations: 6:30-7:00 pm

          RMP/EIS Overview & Schedule - Rick Cooper, BLM Hollister Field Office

          Public Involvement & Ground Rules for Speakers - Kelly Bayer - Facilitator, Tetra   Tech, Inc.

Public Comment Session 7:00-8:30 pm

          Allow three minutes for each (registered) public speaker top provide comments

Closing Remarks / Next Steps

The public should expect this format at the next two meetings in Hollister and Santa Clara.

This meeting did not really yield any new information. Most comments that were made were requesting that the area be reopened. There were quite a few members from rock and gem clubs that commented. Two people made reference to the fact that there is no "physical evidence" that supports the EPA risk analysis, "no bodies".

Others commented on that there must be more to this closure than just asbestos, there is something else going on.

Don Amador of BRC commented on the collaberative efforts by BRC, CORVA, AMA, Cal 4x4, Salinas Ramblers, Timekeepers, and other groups working to get CCMA reopened.

Comments were also made by Nick Harris and Dave Pickett of AMA.

Mike Wubbles of FOCCMA.org and Amy Granat manned the FOCCMA,org information table outside of the meeting. Mike and Amy answered a lot of questions about the process and comment writing.

Thank you to everyone who attended.

 

 

 

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DO NOT MAKE PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME.

Public comments are not due until March 4, 2010. There will be a great deal of new information that comes out as a result of the public meetings in Janaury.

You as a citizen are not required to pick a specific alternative and this is not a "vote" per say. There will be a "comment writing seminar" for the OHV community shortly after the public meetings. This is a great way to learn about the process and learn how to make sure your comments are effective. We recommend that anyone who is interested in the public process attend this seminar.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

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BLM to Host Public Meetings for Clear Creek Draft Plan

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OHV ORGANIZATIONS JOINT STATEMENT ON CCMA DEIS

 

 

 

With the release by the Bureau of Land Management of the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), OHV organizations including the BlueRibbon Coalition, California Off Road Vehicle Association, California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, American Motorcyclist Association, American Motorcyclist Association District 36, Timekeepers Motorcycle Club and the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club have joined together in a collaborative effort to respond to this document. 

 

 

These groups will continue their ongoing efforts to analyze and respond to the DEIS by the March 5 deadline for public comments.  It is important for the local recreationists and other stakeholders who have been arbitrarily locked out of Clear Creek by the BLM's temporary closure to attend the public meetings in January 2010.

 

 

MEETING SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2009/december/CC1012_clearcreek_draftplan_meetings.html 

 

The OHV organizations mentioned above will be providing analysis and suggested comments to their respective organizations and utilizing the  Friends of the Clear Creek Management Area web site: http://www.foccma.org/ as a clearing house for DEIS related information.

 

# # #

 

 

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In just Two Minutes you can help stop the proposed closure of 780 miles of roads and trails which are vital for recreation as well as access for management to promote forest health in the Sierra National Forest.

Please ACT NOW there only a few days left to get your comments in by the 6/30/09 deadline

These trails lead to vistas, scenic byways, secluded lakes, creeks and primitive camping. None of these trails have been proven to affect water quality, habitats, or plants. However unless more people speak up in favor of preserving these great trails it is likely they will be lost forever.

Please ACT NOW as comments are due before 6/30/2009. Click below and create your own personalized letter to the Sierra National Forest to help keep trails open by using pre-drafted and your own comments in just Two Minutes.

http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=39

Please share this email with your lists and post it on blogs and everywhere else you can.

~Thanks your friends at Stewards of the Sierra National Forest

This campaign is supported by Save The Trails, Stewards of the Sierra National Forest,  Recreation Outdoors Coalition, Sierra Access Coalition, CORVA, National Off Road Association and others

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We are looking for Three Rocks Riding Memorabilia. Anything like posters, sign up sheets, flyers, and pictures. If you have some of these hidden treasures please contact srmc@salinasramblersmc.org <srmc@salinasramblersmc.org> .

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One of our members asked that this be posted, it is an update he received from Rick Cooper of the BLM Hollister Field Office.

"I have to admit that this is the most complex land use plan I have been involved
with.  Analyzing 7 alternatives to address all the resource decisions for
the area, as well as the human health risks, has been a challenge.  BLM is
making long term management decisions on a number of resources for the
area.  Recreation is one of several uses we are evaluating in this EIS."

"We are poised to brief the Washington Office this month.  They may take up
to three weeks to review and provide us their comments and/or their OK to
put the document out on the street.   It is my hope we get the draft out in
July followed by a 90 day public comment period."

Rick Cooper
Field Manager
Hollister Field Office

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On May 15, 2009 BRC filed a FOIA request with EPA in regards to Clear Creek Management Area. Hopefully EPA will do a better job suppling information than BLM.

Both EPA and BLM have not been responsive to information requests by the public, hopefully these FOIA requests will supply the public with the information they have been asking for.

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Here is evidence of conflictring science. It appears that EPA had inflated risk in the below mentioned study. If this is also the case with CCMA, perhaps there is a possibility that the area can be re-opened.

Hopefully the BRC's FOIA request will shed some light on the subject.

Here is the link to the abstract:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/338/22/1565

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According to sources, BLM has been restoring trails in the Clear Creek Management Area. We hope the public understands what "trail restoration" means in government speak. "Restoration" is rehabilitating an area to remove any evidence of a trail or route. In other words completey removing the trail and any evidence of such.

BLM is using "Green Sticker" funds to pay for the current restoration work. One question that arises is why is BLM restoring trails in a closed area?

Stay tuned in for more information as it comes available.

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BRC has requested information from BLM to no avail. Unfortunately BRC has had no choice but to file a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. On May 6, 2009 Don Amador of BRC sent in a formal FOIA request. We are eagerly awaiting a response from BLM. Please stay tuned for upcoming developments.

 

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FOCCMA and lots of other users from the valley recently sent in e-mails and requests for the BLM to hold Public Scoping meetings in Fresno and Visialia on the Clear Creek Closure.  Here is a copy of the request and the official response from Rick Cooper of the BLM

request comment = Dear Rick Cooper

During the last 2 scoping meetings in Santa Clara and Hollister we have

asked you to have meetings in Fresno and Visalia. We have not received any

response. The OHV community in the valley is a very large and powerful

group and we feel that we should also be included in the scoping process.

Most people can not take off work in the middle of the day and drive 2 to 3

hours to make a meeting. Please consider our request to have a meeting in

Fresno and Visalia.

THE BLM RESPONSE:

Mike,

We will not schedule another scoping meeting in the Central Valley area.

Please encourage the valley OHV community to submit their issues and ideas

on what the CCMA RMP/ EIS must address, either in writing or by email. The

Hollister BLM webpage www.blm.gov/ca/hollister has the scoping form on it.

They can also write our office for a form if they do not have a computer or

just send a letter with statement that this is a scoping issue for CCMA. BLM

will consider all scoping related issues received by June 21, 2008 in its

Scoping Report for the RMP/EIS.

We will be scheduling other outreach opportunities through the Central

California Resource Advisory Council, during the draft RMP/EIS development

and then during the BLM scheduled comment period to the draft RMP/EIS.

OUR RESPONSE BACK:

Once again we the OHV community of the valley seem to be brushed aside by our government.

Mike

 

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The second meeting with the BLM for their public scoping process was held in Hollister on Mon night 5-19-2008 at the Veterans Memorial Building.  The meeting was well attended by the OHV community but did not pack the house.  The BLM gave a outline of how they would be conducting the scoping process of the meeting before we got started.  They had everybody break into groups and give input into different sections of Clear Creek and how the public thought it should be managed and how the BLM could improve its management of the Creek.

From what I could see and hear everybody was very positive about their involvement in the planning process, and we all hope that Rick Cooper and his office staff will listen to what the public and OHV community have said and what they want to have happen in the area. 

The Friends of Clear Creek Management Area had a Booth set up inside of the meeting hall and was accepting Legal defense Fund donations and also had bumper and swing arm stickers as well as trail buttons available.

We will be looking forward to seeing everybody at the San Jose meeting on Wed night and hope to have the booth set up again for all to come by and visit.

Mike

 

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United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Managment

Hollister Field Office

20 Hamilton Court

Hollister Ca. 95023

831-630-5000-Office

831-630-5055-Fax

www.blm.gov/ca/hollister

 

EMERGENCY CLOSURE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2008 OF 31,000 ACRES WITHIN THE

CLEAR CREEK MANAGEMENT AREA

INFORMATION FACT SHEET

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began conducting a study in 2004 on asbestos exposures experienced by CCMA users during typical recreational activities. The study was conducted to provide BLM with information to manage and minimize human health risks at the CCMA and to update a similar study conducted by the BLM in 1992.

               

On May 1, 2008 the EPA released the report, “CCMA Asbestos Exposure and Human Health Risk Assessment.”  The report stated the exposures measured by EPA for many recreational activities at CCMA are “above the EPA acceptable risk range of lifetime cancers.”  It also notes that children “have greater risk than adults due to higher exposure measurements [and] are of special concern because their exposures occur earlier in their lives.

 

Based on the findings in the report, BLM simultaneously enacted an immediate temporary closure on May 1, 2008 of 31,000 acres of the area to all public access/entry upon release of the EPA report while a Resource Management Plan (RMP) to determine the long-term management of the area is underway.  The BLM’s number one priority is to protect the public’s health and safety.

 

Over the next two years, BLM will be preparing a Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement to guide the long-term management of public lands within the CCMA. EPA and BLM will host a public meeting to discuss the results of the EPA Human Health Risk Assessment and BLM will discuss the need for the temporary emergency closure on May 8, 2008.

 

The Fee Program has been suspended and partial refunds will be issued to all persons who purchased a Season Pass.

 

Public Meetings

 

May 8, Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, EPA and BLM,   open house from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, meeting from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

 

May 19, Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 649 San Benito St., Hollister, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 

May 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Library Room 225, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 

For More Information

 

Contact the Hollister Field Office at (831) 630-5000 or visit our website at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html

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It’s Club Nite at Yamaha 99.

 

28615 Green Ct.

Madera Ca. 93637

559-645-4545

 

We have been asked to include all the local OHV clubs in our monthly party nite.

 

Sounds great to us at Yamaha 99!

We love off roading just as much as the next guy or gal!

 

So please come by and enjoy the festivities Saturday April 5^th form 4:00 to 10:00 pm.

 

Bring out your rigs and show them off.

 

We will have several bands that night, a great BBQ, prizes, show and shine, Big Love Boxing and some other fun stuff.  It’s a time for socializing and sharing experiences.

 

To all our OHV friends it can be a time to connect and talk about the proposed closures in our National Forests and elsewhere in the state, and develop stronger ways to network and work as a team to keep open the trails we love.

 

Please join us the evening of April 5^th from 4:00 to 10:00 pm for lots of fun and fellowship.

 

Thanks,

Jim Riley

Owner- Yamaha 99

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The pictures of the SRMC BBQ have been posted in the membership section under pictures.

Please log in and have a look.  Tell all your friends to become members and for everyone to please donate.  Without your help we can not afford the fight to keep the creek open.

mike

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BRP and the Salinas Ramblers MC hosted the first annual Fun Ride on 12-7-9-2007  The event was held at the SRMC property to raise money for the Clear Creek Legal Defense Fund.  The weather was its usual at Clear Creek.  On Thursday and Friday we received just about 1 inch of rain which was badly needed.  This proceeded to turn the front camp into a mush pit, but put an end to the very dusty conditions on the trails.  Over the course of the weekend  there were about 500 plus people who showed up to have a great time and support the cause.  We also had many vendors show up with all kinds of goodies to offer all of those who attended. 

Saturday morning started out with overcast skies and sign ups in the SRMC building for the guided rides to be put on by the various clubs that attended and for those who did not exactly know where to go.  The guides took out groups by skill levels and toured them around the Clear Creek area.  One of the main focus points of the rides was to show people what the closures have done to the area and what is currently being attempted to open more of the trials and roads back up. 

There was also a 4.9 Mile Hare Scrambles course for all to enjoy.  The course started out in the back of camp and took riders around the surrounding hillsides and canyons on SRMC property.  This course was also used for the poker run and featured both a high and low hand for adults and kids. At this point the weather was still holding with a mix of sun and clouds.

As the various groups started to arrive back at SRMC camp it was evident by the smiles on their faces that everybody was having a really good time.  Most of the riders came back to the building to sign up for another ride or to find anybody they could go out with again.  It was reported that the conditions on the trails were incredible and the riding was just fantastic.

The SRMC BBQ crew started up the pit about 1:00 p.m. and started to get ready to feed the very hungry riders that had a great day out on the trail and all of those that volunteered their time and efforts to make this event a huge success.   About 2:30 after the BBQ was loaded with Tri Tip and the beans were cooking away the weather at Clear Creek as usual started to change.  By 3:00 p.m. we were having a mix of rain and snow (SNOW IN CLEAR CREEK?). How could this be?  Fortunate for all concerned it only lasted a short time and we went back to a mix of clouds and sun.  Dinner was served from 4:30 p.m. to about 7:00 p.m. There were a lot of smiling faces after dinner as everybody looked like they had some of the best riding and food all in one great day.

After dinner the band started playing at the SRMC building and the stories started flowing as everybody was recounting the great day of riding they had.  There was a huge raffle that could only be accomplished by the generosity of all of the vendors and donors to the event.  It seemed that the raffle just went on forever as there was so many goodies donated.  The band played till about 1:00 a.m and a good time was had by all.

Sunday morning it was COLD at 7:00 a.m. it was only 26 degrees but the skies were clear and the sun was shining.  There was a Continental breakfast at the SRMC building and sign ups for the guided rides into Clear Creek.  Once again as the riders came back into camp they had smiles on their faces and were looking for anybody to go out with again. 

All in all everybody had a great time and said they were looking forward to next years Fun Ride to support Clear Creek.  Once again thank you to all of the vendors and sponsors of the event who made it all possible.

   

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