Date: 12/24/2009 December 24, 2009. The BlueRibbon Coalition is saddened today to learn long time partner and friend, Don Klusman, California Association of 4Wheel Drive Clubs, passed away yesterday.

Western Regional Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, Don Amador, said, "I've worked with Don for 15+ years on many far reaching land use issues, and today is a sad day indeed."

"I worked closely with Don on many California issues over the years," echoed Paul Turcke, legal counsel for the BlueRibbon Coalition. "We were lucky to have him."

Don Klusman served as the northern natural resource consultant for many years, as well as being an event chair and CA4WDC board member. Among the many services to the OHV community, he worked on several national forest and BLM management plans and recently completed work on a two-state advisory council subcommittee helping to develop a management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. Don pursued studies on the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. He has served on several committees for the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, California Back Country Discovery Trail and California Chamber of Commerce.

In offering her condolences to Don's passing, Daphne Greene, of the California State Parks OHV program, well stated, "Don was a man of integrity and honesty who cared deeply for the OHV program in California. He spent many years working to preserve OHV recreational opportunities and to protect the resources. He was committed to those individuals with whom he worked for so long. His desire to bring people together to find solutions to difficult problems was a trait admired by all. He will be deeply missed."

"Don mentored me quite a bit during my early days with Cal4," added Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador who also serves as State Environmental Affairs Coordinator for CA4WDC. "Don gave me my first NEPA 101 class and helped me in the formation of the Friends of the Rubicon. His expertise and dedication will be missed."

BlueRibbon Coalition offers its condolences to Don's family. In a fitting tribute to Don's service to the OHV community, the family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the CA4WDC Jack Edwards legal fund in memory of Don Klusman.

More info on this sad news can be found on Cal4's website at http://www.cal4wheel.com

# # #

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

Date: 12/23/2009 With the release by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) 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.

*BRC Contact for CCMA is Don Amador.

# # #

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

Date: 12/22/2009

Dear Montana and Idaho Action Alert Subscribers,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all on BRC's Action Alert list!

Just a quick update on Senator Jon Tester's oddly-named Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. S.1470

As you know, the bill was heard in the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee last week. An archived webcast of the hearing is here.(it starts about 20 minutes in)

I had a nice chat with Nick Haris and Rick Podliska from American Motorcyclist Association about the hearing last Friday. (AMA sent a really well written letter on the Pioneer Mountain single-track trail, by the way. Thanks AMA!!)

Commissioner Skip Hurt from Idaho's Fremont County (St. Anthony) gave an excellent presentation. Rick said he spoke very well, gave lots of excellent economic data and gave pithy responses to questions. Well done Commissioner Hurt!

We'll have more on the hearing later. But we wanted to report that Washington DC insiders say the current Committee leadership seems to have bought into a pretty radical vision of public lands management. This means recreationists, both motorized and non-motorized, are going to have to keep the pressure on or else this legislation - and others - will take a turn for the very bad.

The Subcommittee will continue to take formal input on the legislation for another week or so. We'll keep our letter generator up in case anyone still hasn't sent a letter.

Also, we pasted some links to some news stories and op-eds about the hearing below.

Finally, I wanted to take a minute and talk about how important it is to leverage our numbers.

According to the most accurate data available,over 28 percent of Montana's residents are OHV enthusiasts. Clearly, we have the numbers to become a political force. One of the reasons so many roads and trails are being closed is because too many remain silent.

As a BRC member, or a member of any of the other great organizations in Montana, you are part of the solution. Everyone at BRC appreciates your support. Its not just a slogan - Membership is Our Lifeblood!

Please consider asking your friends, family and fellow OHV users to speak up. Silent voices = closed lands.

Thanks

Ric Foster and Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Department
BlueRibbon Coalition

What others are saying:
Rocky Barker's blog:
http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/12/15/rockybarker
/mount_jefferson_issue_creates_division_divide_between_idaho_and_

Don't miss this op-ed penned by Mark Menlove, executive director of Winter Wildlands Alliance
Conflicting Interests
http://www.backcountrymagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=420&Itemid=1

Field and Stream had a blurb online:
Montana To Consider Bill Protecting Fish Habitat and Forest Jobs
http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/fishing/2009/12/montana-consider-bill-protecting-fish-habitat-and-forest-jobs

From the NY Times:
Sen. Tester's Plan for Wilderness, Logging Roils Big Sky Country
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/12/14/14greenwire-sen-testers-plan-for-wilderness-logging-roils-b-4200.html

BARF ALERT
Why Should I Support Tester's Wilderness Bill?
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/why_should_i_support_testers_wilderness_bill/14794/

Some others...
Idaho enters into forest bill debate
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/12/16/news/100idaho.txt

Sen. Tester's Plan for Wilderness, Logging Roils Big Sky Country
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/12/14/14greenwire-sen-testers-plan-for-wilderness-logging-roils-b-4200.html?pagewanted=all

D.C. hearing: Obama administration voices concerns about Montana wilderness, jobs bill
http://www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_6d73aa74-eb6b-11de-9bbc-001cc4c03286.html

ContactsDon Amador, BRC Western Representative
- Phone: (925) 625-6287
- Fax: (925) 625-5309
- Email: brdon@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DonA

Dave Pickett, AMA Dist. 36
- Phone: (209) 295-1207

Date: 12/15/2009

LIVERMORE, CA (December 15) -- In a recent court action, a judge in Alameda County has ordered a closure of one of California's State Parks. Last week, Judge Frank Roesch ordered the closure of Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) based on his own interpretation of the appropriate application of water quality standards.

Despite years of working with regulatory agencies to address issues surrounding water quality in the Corral Hollow Watershed, Judge Roesch ordered the park, located in the hills east of Livermore, closed until State Parks files and receives approval of, or a waiver for, a report of waste discharge from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. This approval process could take months.

The order stems from a complaint filed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance. The group's complaint alleged OHV activities at Carnegie SVRA are causing discharge to enter Corral Hollow Creek, which flows through the park. The creek only runs 4 to 6 weeks a year, and after leaving the park eventually runs out into an agriculture field and disappears into the ground.

"If regulatory agencies are satisfied with what the park has been doing, why does this judge in Alameda think he knows better than the environmental professionals?" asked Dave Pickett, President of American Motorcyclist Association District 36 and member of the Carnegie OHV Taskforce. "This is an attempt by special interests groups to highjack lasting collaborative solutions, and deny family recreation enjoyed by over a 100,000 visitors to this park annually. This is just flat wrong!"

For years, staff from Carnegie has been working with the Regional Water Board and nearby property owners to address water quality issues in Corral Hollow Creek, which runs through the State Park. In 2004, State Parks initiated a watershed assessment, paid for with OHV user fees, to diagnose potential issues in the watershed and design fixes. Regulatory agencies together with State Parks are identifying solutions to address problems.

"We have been working with the park to address the hill climbs in Carnegie, which have been problematic, as well as making sure the vehicles are out of the creek. But we have no control over Hetch Hetchy, who illegally performed work in the creek bed, or the munitions testing facility," said Pickett, referring to the activities of neighbors of the park. "It is troubling when the OHV community wants to work within the system and is now taking all the blame."

According to Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition and fellow member of the Carnegie Taskforce, "If the park is forced to close, more than 100,000 park visitors will be displaced. The closure will impact other OHV recreation areas, causing overcrowding and unanticipated effects from the overload. The closure will not hasten better water quality, but is just another example of the Plaintiffs grandstanding and misusing environmental law to enact a political agenda that is anti-recreation and anti-park."

"Californians would be better served if PEER extended the hand of partnership to legitimately address the issue, rather than using the court system to close a park at a time when residents have been fighting so hard to keep State Parks open. This court decision is deeply troubling on any number of levels," Amador concludes.

# # #

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

ContactsDel Albright, BRC Ambassador
- Phone: (209) 304-7693
- Email: brdel@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DelA

Date: 12/10/2009

POCATELLO, ID (December 10) - Last call for the Christmas Auction Project of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). We've added still more stuff and the bids are flying fast (and fun). We've sold quite a few items, but the pile of off-road dream stuff is still impressive. This special online auction is designed to help us all save trails and keep our sports alive. Check out our awesomely impressive latest list of off-road goodies from some of the best outfits in the business.
http://shop.ebay.com/sharetrails/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

Just in, we have:

• Gatorz Billet Aluminum Sunglasses for Extreme Sports



• Hand-made (by Rhonda Mumm) Black Corduroy Mink and Chinchilla Bear



• Spidertrax Wheel Spacers



• Elite Motorcycle Tours Huge Discounts on Moab Tours



• Dual Sport Ride in Wisconsin (full registration)



• Neet Kart 2-Wheel Packing Cart



• Toyota Knuckle Kit from Trail Gear



• Malcolm Smith, autographed and signed prints



• Bob Hannah, autographed and signed prints
  



• Guide Books by Charles A. Wells



• Bead Buster from Just Add Dirt



• Registrations to UTV Event, Rally on the Rocks, in Moab, UT

Which adds to our list of presents going fast (and gone in some cases)

• Axia Alloys IPod Billet Mounts



• K & N Air Filters from Offroad Obsession, Inc.



• Fire Extinguishers from Offroad Obsession, Inc.



• Ironman Sprockets from Dirt Tricks



• Hatfield-McCoy T-Shirts and Hat



• The Tugger Straps (front, rear and combos) for Dirt Bikes



• Dana 44 High Steer Kit from PartsMike



• Daystar JK Suspension Lift



• Daystar JK Body Lift



• Daystar Dash/Switch Combo Panel



• Nemesis Industries Hi-Line Front Fenders



• Currie Enterprises Heavy Duty Steering System
  
  
• GenRight Offroad Jeep Fender Kits



• Del Albright's Recreational Leadership Training Course (RLTC)



• Roundeyes LED dome lights



• PIAA Accessory Light Kit, Super Driving Series



• 5ea. off-road Tires from BFGoodrich with a set of 5 Monster Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.



• 2ea. Dynatrac ProRock 44s for JK Jeeps (yes, the new ProRock 44, ready to install)



• Rubicon Express JK Suspension Upgrade



• 4 Diff covers from Dynatrac



• Olympic4x4 Products Heavy Duty Deluxe Receiver Rack



• Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers, Access Army Limited Edition

This is the last call as the auction ends in a few days. We know you've been nice and not naughty, so go get some goodies to reward yourself (or your friends): http://shop.ebay.com/sharetrails/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

# # #

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

Date: 12/09/2009

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

MONTANA WILDERNESS BILL MOVING IN COMMITTEE
ACTION NEEDED NOW - BEFORE IT GETS PUT IN OMNIBUS!

Dear friends,

Of all the proposed Wilderness bills (there are dozens), Montana Senator Jon Tester's oddly-named "Forest Jobs and Recreation Act" is most likely to move ahead this year. The bill is scheduled for a Senate Subcommittee hearing on December 17, 2009.

We need you to CLICK HERE and take action today - BEFORE the bill gets shoved into some stupid Omnibus bill! 

IMPORTANT NOTE
We want to be clear about this. This is a very dangerous situation. Tester's bill has numerous and serious flaws. Senate staff have said they are planning to fix the problems via amendment, but the bill is in committee without one single change.

In addition to locking away more than 600,000 acres of public lands as Wilderness, this bill will permanently close one of the most popular snowmobile destinations open today - Mount Jefferson.

The "sled heads" on BRC's Action Alert list will recognize the name. Mount Jefferson is known as the "Crown Jewel of Western Snowmobiling" and has been in the cross-hairs of the radical anti-snowmobiling groups for decades. However, the new Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest planning process resulted in a compromise solution that kept most of the popular snowmobile areas open. This compromise represents a hard-fought and, sadly, uncommon victory for the snowmobile community.

IT GETS WORSE:
As noted in an article printed in BRC's Magazine about the bill, it is nearly impossible to determine what impacts this bill will have on lands outside of the Wilderness it creates. Recently, we learned that Tester's bill will close the Italian Peaks - Divide Creek-Weber Lake Trail (#1111). The Weber Lake-Divide Creek Trail #1111 is one of the few high-alpine motorcycle single track trails left open in this region. 

TODAY is the day to make a difference on this bill. DO NOT wait until this bill gets pushed through via some Omnibus package "all or nothing" deal.

Click here to take action.

Brian Hawthorne                                        Ric Foster
Public Lands Policy Director                    Public Lands Department Manager
208-237-1008 ext 102                               208-237-1008 ext 107

Date: 12/01/2009

BLUERIBBON COALITION LAND USE UPDATE!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

With another winter fast approaching, the Wyoming Attorney General filed a new Yellowstone winter management legal action in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on November 20, 2009. The suit challenges the Park Service's interim rule that would allow 318 snowmobiles and 78 snow coaches per day for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons while the Park Service comes up with a permanent plan.

As previously stated, this allocation of 318 snowmobiles is not sufficient to provide for a viable winter economy in gateway communities and many visitors could be denied access. It should be noted that the Park Service's 2007 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) decision, referred to in Wyoming's latest suit, determined that 540 was an appropriate number of daily entrances by snowmobiles. Jack Welch, BlueRibbon Special Project Consultant, stated, "People will be turned away this winter. The reason is not because there is a biological or scientific reason to do so - it is because winter visitors are caught in a game of politics and 318 is a convenient number between 0 and 540."

The BlueRibbon Coalition and its pro-access partners will continue to review and monitor any legal actions that could affect snowmobile access to Yellowstone. In addition, we will continue our proactive work with the Park Service to provide a long-term winter recreation solution in Yellowstone.

Finally, there continues the possibility that a courtroom development could somehow change things. As always, we will continue to post updates at www.saveyellowstonepark.com.

In the end and perhaps most importantly, Yellowstone will open for the 2009-2010 season on December 15, 2009.  Think snow!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Jack Welch
Special Project Consultant
BlueRibbon Coalition

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

Date: 12/01/2009

BLUERIBBON COALITION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

The following information was forwarded to us by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

The State of Idaho is soliciting qualified candidates to apply for the Recreation Resources Bureau Chief - Boise, Idaho, position. Below is all the information about the position and how to apply.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position, please forward this information on to them.

Thanks for your help in this matter,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

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

The Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation is seeking applications
for Recreation Resources Bureau Chief - Boise, Idaho

Steve Frost our Recreation Bureau Resource Chief has left the department for a recreation position with the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.  We are looking to replace him.  The main duties would be supervision of the motorized/non-motorized trails, boating programs and grants.  Boise would be a great place to live, work and play.

Below is more information about the job and a link to the complete job description and application.

Leo Hennessy
Non-Motorized Trails Program Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0065
5657 Warm Springs Avenue
Boise ID 83716-8712
Work: (208) 514-2419
Work Fax: (208) 334-3741
Cell: (208) 866-6471
Web: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Recreation Resources Bureau Chief - Boise, Idaho

The Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) is accepting applications for P & R Recreation Resources Bureau Chief to work in our headquarters office in Boise.

This position reports to the Director of IDPR and is responsible for management of the following programs:

* The statewide boating program which incorporates all boating safety education and awareness training, boating law enforcement training and coordination efforts;
* Supervision of the Boating Law Administrator functions in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard;
* Coordination of motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV), and non-motorized trails and facilities programs;
* Construction, maintenance, grooming, safety education and awareness and user liaison programs statewide.
* The State Recreational Grants Program which includes state and federally funded programs such as Land and Water Conservation Funds, Recreational Vehicle Fund and Waterways Improvement Fund, etc.
* The Outdoor Recreation Resource Analyst, who provides outdoor recreation planning and data support to National Forests and Bureau of Land Management for Travel Plans; Director-level correspondence on federal land management planning documents assessing and addressing potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures to protect outdoor recreation opportunities

To view the job announcement, exam and apply for this position. 
http://labor.idaho.gov/DHR/ATS/StateJobs/jobannouncement.aspx?announcement_no=00968016676

ContactsJack Welch, Volunteer Consultant, BlueRibbon Coalition
- Phone: (303) 279-8436 or Cell (303) 324-7185
- Fax: (303) 279-8214
- Email: brjack_w@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#JackW

Date: 11/30/2009

With another winter fast approaching, the Wyoming Attorney General filed a new Yellowstone winter management legal action in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on November 20th. The suit challenges the Park Services interim rule that would allow 318 snowmobiles and 78 snow coaches per day for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons while the Park Service comes up with a permanent plan.

As previously stated, this allocation of 318 snowmobiles is not sufficient to provide for a viable winter economy in gateway communities and many visitors could be denied access. It should be noted that the Park Service's 2007 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) decision, referred to in Wyoming's latest suit, determined that 540 was an appropriate number of daily entrances by snowmobiles. Jack Welch, BlueRibbon Special Project Consultant, stated, "people will be turned away this winter. The reason is not because there is a biological or scientific reason to do so - it is because winter visitors are caught in a game of politics and 318 is a convenient number between 0 and 540."

The BlueRibbon Coalition and its pro-access partners will continue to review and monitor any legal actions that could affect snowmobile access to Yellowstone. In addition, we will continue our proactive work with the Park Service to provide a long-term winter recreation solution in Yellowstone.

Finally, there continues the possibility that a courtroom development could somehow change things. As always, we will continue to post updates at www.saveyellowstonepark.com.

In the end, and perhaps most importantly, Yellowstone will open for the 2009-2010 season on December 15th. Think snow!


# # #

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

Date: 11/20/2009

BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ALERT!

Dear BRC members, supporters and action alert subscribers,

I just got an email from Bob Cole, Chair of Friends of the Shasta Trinity National Forest (FOTSTNF), letting us know about the FOTSTNF Rally happening in December. The rally is scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2009 at noon.

I have pasted information about the rally below, and you can download a copy of the flyer here.

Please pass this on to your friends and family, and please ask them to take action as well.

Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
______________________________________________________________________

Friends of the Shasta Trinity National Forest (FOTSTNF) RALLY

The Friends of the Shasta Trinity National Forest (FOTSTNF) works with Recreation Outdoors Coalition (ROC) and we are trying to get word out about the problems we are experiencing with our local Forest. FOTSTNF is hosting a rally on Friday, December 11, 2009 at noon at the USFS Office, 3644 Avtech Pkwy (off Airport Rd. north of airport), Redding, CA. We're planning on an hour or so max, since it's at lunchtime, on a workday, but we need to do it on a day the Forest Service office is open. 

Speakers will be Les Baugh, Shasta County Supervisor, and Fred Kelly Grant, American Stewards of Liberty.

Attendees please bring something symbolizing your favorite forest recreation. Load up your dirt bikes, quads, horses, drive your 4-wheel drive, bring a fishing pole, etc.  Hunters, blaze orange hats or jackets only, no weapons please.

Regardless of your choice of recreational activities, make your public agencies aware that you are not willing to accept their Land Management Policies. If you drive off a paved road, you are driving an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)!

Thanks again,
Bob Cole
FOTSTNF
The Rat Pack 4 WD Club

PS: I recently sent a column to the local paper, the Redding Record Searchlight, depicting the problems the public is having with the Shasta-Trinity NF and their unwillingness to work us.  Here is a direct link to the piece.  

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors is working closely with us on this problem, and all five supervisors support what we are attempting to do here.

For more information on Friends of the Shasta Trinity National Forest, please e-mail fotshastatrinitynf@att.net.

ContactsDon Amador, BRC Western Representative
- Phone: (925) 625-6287
- Fax: (925) 625-5309
- Email: brdon@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DonA

Dave Bertram, Cycle Gear
- Phone: 707-747-5053

Date: 11/19/2009

BENICIA, CA (November 19) -- On November 16, 2009, Cycle Gear, the country's largest retailer of motorcycle apparel and accessories, presented a check for $10,000 to the BlueRibbon Coalition in support of the organization's efforts to ensure continued access to public lands.

The check presentation symbolized Cycle Gear's total donation to BRC via its Trail Access Fund of matching funds in 2009. This is the 7th year in a row in which Cycle Gear matches (dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 per annum) club and rider donations to the Fund.

Dave Bertram, off-road hero and CEO of Cycle Gear, states, "Despite the tough economic times that we all are facing, Cycle Gear is committed to this grant program in support of BRC's efforts to successfully champion our right to access trail-based recreation on public lands."

"The OHV community is facing serious and never-ending challenges that threaten our sport. Now is not the time for the off-road business community to abrogate our responsibility to continue support for access groups that fight to protect our rights to ride on federal and state lands," Bertram said.

Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, said, "This generous donation by Cycle Gear will help BRC continue its OHV advocacy efforts and is greatly appreciated by the organization and our members. It's critically important support programs like this that will help fund our land-use efforts in 2010."


# # #

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

ContactsGreg Mumm, BRC Executive Director
- Phone: 208-237-1008
- Fax: 208-237-9424
- Email: brgreg@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#GregM

Date: 11/18/2009

POCATELLO, ID (November 18) -- Due to the tough economic conditions that continue to impact the country, including fiscal impacts to the OHV industry, the BlueRibbon Coalition has cancelled the 2010 Breakfast of Champions.

Greg Mumm, Executive Director for the BlueRibbon Coalition, states, "The decision to cancel the Breakfast of Champions is part of an organizational strategy to focus staff and resources to effectively address the many land use issues that are impacting OHV recreational access to public and private lands and waterways."

"BRC continues our attendance at the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo and looks forward to a robust exchange of ideas with event attendees at our booth #4514," Mumm concludes.

# # #

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

Date: 11/18/2009

BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ALERT!

Dear BRC members, supporters and action alert subscribers,

Our partners in Washington State have just forwarded us information on an important issue that needs IMMEDIATE ACTION.

Tod Petersen, Legislative/Land Use Coordinator for the Northwest Motorcycle Association (NMA)  just emailed us with some important information on the Draft Reiter Foothills Forest Recreation Plan the Washington State Department of Natural Resources has released.

I've posted his email below. Please take a second to look it over and take action.

Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

PS: Please pass this important alert on to your friends and family, and please ask them take action as well.

______________________________________________________________________

HELP SAVE REITER
 
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has released its Draft Reiter Foothills Forest Recreation Plan.  While we support making Reiter an official ORV area, we have serious concerns about the current plan.
 
Historically about 4000 acres of the 10,000 acre area being studied has been used by ORV. The DNR plan proposes limiting motorized use to about only 1100 acres.
 
Even though the DNR research shows that off-road motorcycling is the most popular use, the plan contains no specific mention of facilitating it.
 
The way things currently stand there is no guarantee that there will be any single track trails open to motorized use.
 
More information on the plan can be found by following this link:
 
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/RecreationPlanning/Pages/amp_rec_reiter_foothills.aspx

YOU can help correct this injustice by providing written comments to the DNR before December 4th.
 
Comments should be submitted to the SEPA Center at, sepacenter@dnr.wa.gov  or P.O. Box 47015, Olympia, Washington 98504-7015
 
Reference SEPA File No. 09-111001 at the start of your comments.
 
Here are some sample comments to consider:
 
 
The area the plan allocates for motorized recreation is significantly inadequate to facilitate the current recreational usage.  The DNR staff involved with developing the plan concur with this finding. This shortcoming is addressable as noted below.
 
According to the map shown in figure 8 additional land suitable for motorized trail use is available in the central and western portions of the study area.
 
Excluding motorized recreation in areas identified as potential aquifer recharge areas is not consistent with restrictions as listed in Appendix A which contains no such noted exclusion.
 
Appendix E shows the motorcyclists are the largest user group, but the study does not specifically address their recreational needs.
 
It is important that the DNR recognizes that different types of ORV use have different impacts on the landscape. Just because the largest ORV may not be appropriate in a specific area that should not preclude allowing lightweight two wheeled ORV access.
 
We strongly recommend that lightweight two wheeled ORV access be included in the central and western portion of the planning area.
 
This recommendation is consistent with the DNR goals as stated on page 3:
 
"Goal 1: Ensure the safety of the public, department employees and volunteers.
Goal 2: Ensure recreation is consistent with trust obligations.
Goal 3: Ensure recreation is consistent with resource protection.
Goal 4: Provide quality recreation experiences that can be sustained over time."
 
On page 34, under the heading of "Statewide Recreation on DNR-managed Lands" it is stated that "Some sites and trails are designated for only motorized or non-motorized use".  The DNR has acknowledged that this statement is misleading, but it is actually false.  There are no DNR managed recreation areas where motorized recreation is allowed and non-motorized recreation is specifically prohibited.
 
This must be considered when evaluating the portion of the area available for various trail users and the proportional balance goals.
 
Prioritizing motorized recreation at Reiter is consistent with the DNR's Statewide Recreation Program Vision and Management Goals as stated on page 3. "DNR envisions a future in which the lands it manages offer distinct and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities within the overall fabric of recreation in Washington."
 
The overall fabric of recreation in Washington includes prohibitions on motorized trail recreation in all National Parks, all Wilderness Areas, all Natural Resource Conservation Areas, all State Parks (except the 600 acre Riverside facility near Spokane), the Mt Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest, the vast majority of county and city parks.  At a statewide level motorized trail use is prohibited on over 80 percent of the trail mileage.  In the areas adjacent to the Reiter area that prohibition is 100 percent.
 
When considering the overall fabric it is reasonable for all areas within the Reiter study area that are found to be suitable for motorized recreation to be incorporated in the plan as areas where some form of motorized trail recreation is allowed.
 
+++++++++++
 
Tod Petersen
Legislative/Land Use Coordinator
Northwest Motorcycle Association

Date: 11/17/2009

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is seeking public comments on a proposal to develop a 2,704-acre expansion to the existing Iron Range Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Area (OHVRA), in Gilbert, Minnesota. The proposed expansion site is located one mile north of the existing Iron Range OHVRA, partially within the city of Virginia, Minnesota.

The Virginia expansion site will be managed out of the existing facility, which will be linked to the expansion area by a connector road. This proposed expansion includes the development of the connector road, a core trail system, vehicle-specified trails, and perimeter fencing.

Public comments on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) will be accepted during the 30-day public review period, which runs from November 16 through December 16, 2009.

The EAW document and maps can be viewed or downloaded from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/virginia_ohvra/index.html.
Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5157.

A copy of the EAW is also available for public review at the following locations:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155 DNR Northeast Regional Headquarters (Region 2), 1201 E. Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Minneapolis Public Library, Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401 Arrowhead Regional Library, Duluth Public Library, 520 W Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802 Virginia Public Library, 215 5th Ave S, Virginia, MN USA 55792 Gilbert Public Library, 17 N Broadway, P.O. Box 75, Gilbert, MN 55741-0758

MAIL COMMENTS TO:
          Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
          Division of Ecological Resources, Box 25
          Attn: Ronald Wieland
          500 Lafayette Road
          St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

EMAIL COMMENTS TO:
           environmental.review@dnr.state.mn.us

Please put "Virginia OHVRA" in the subject line of e-mail comments. Comments should include your name and address.

FAX COMMENTS TO:
            (651) 297-1500.

Written comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

For further information, please call (651) 259-5157.

JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

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

 

ContactsDel Albright, BRC Ambassador
- Phone: (209) 304-7693
- Email: brdel@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DelA

Date: 11/16/2009

POCATELLO, ID (November 16) -- The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is pleased to announce the launch of a very special Christmas and holiday season online auction designed to help us all save trails and keep our sports alive. This "Christmas Auction Project" is being supported by a huge variety of businesses who believe in BRC's mission to provide leadership in responsible recreation nationwide.

The auction will officially launch December 1st on eBay. All proceeds will help BRC continue to champion multiple use recreation throughout our great country. Items will be shipped directly to the winning bidder. All you have to do is bid!

We are building our Christmas list of goodies for you to bid on and many more businesses are putting their elves to work to come up with more product to support this auction. So far we have:

• 5 off-road Tires from BFGoodrich with the set of 5 Monster Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.


• 2 Dynatrak ProRock 44s for JK Jeeps (yes, the new ProRock 44 ready to install)


• Rubicon Express JK Suspension Upgrade


• 4 Diff covers from Dynatrak


• Olympic4x4 Heavy Duty Deluxe Receiver Rack


• Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers


• Recovery Gear from WARN

And we're just getting started. Save up some bucks and get ready to bid.

As we get more goodies on our list, we'll let you know. We cannot thank enough the businesses who are bagging up products for BlueRibbon and bringing a special cheer to our holiday trail-saving season.

# # #

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

Date: 11/12/2009

Dear Friends:

BlueRibbon Coalition's latest membership offer is pretty exciting and an awesome deal for you. For a limited time, we've partnered with 4 Wheel Parts to give you a FREE $25 gift card when you join, renew, or extend your membership.

To learn more, check out this video:

http://www.sharetrails.org/tv/4wp/?src=Alerts

Or, if you'd rather read about the program, I have also posted the details below.

Don't miss this opportunity!

Greg Mumm
Executive Director
BlueRibbon Coalition

BRC Announces Addition to Member Incentive Program

We have never experienced such a relentless onslaught against OHV recreation and access as we are right now. Almost daily, we learn of some new planning initiative, a new piece of Wilderness legislation, a new lawsuit, or new attempt to rip-off dedicated OHV registration fees.

BRC is drawing from our unparalleled experience to turn the tide and build lasting solutions that make sense for the land and the people.  Your membership in the BlueRibbon Coalition is critical.  Now is the time to join together and expand our influence on the issues.

With the help of 4 Wheel Parts, we've made joining, renewing, or extending your membership in the BlueRibbon Coalition especially worth your while.  For a limited time, we are making you this special "no buts-no brainer" offer where you can join BRC and literally double the value of your money:

Join-renew-extend your membership in BlueRibbon Coalition now and you will get a $25 gift card from 4 Wheel Parts!

Do the math:  $29.00 BRC Membership
                        -$25.00 Gift Card 
                         $  4.00 Your final cost

YOU CAN'T LOSE!

► It's the right thing to do-at the right time
► You're helping to save trails
► You stay informed on issues
► Righteous deal for you
► Join-Renew-Extend membership in BRC for a full year
► Get the gift card-buy what you wanted to buy anyway
► Final membership cost to you is $4

Hands down, there has never been a better opportunity to help protect trails through membership in the BlueRibbon Coalition.  Won't you please join with us? 

We've made it very easy for you at www.sharetrails.org/secure/4wp/?src=Alerts

Share this with your friends; we'll give them the same opportunity when they JOIN!

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public lands and waters, and encourages individual environmental stewardship.  It represents of 10,000 individual, business, and organizational members for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide.  1-800-258-3742 www.sharetrails.org

Date: 11/06/2009

Our partners over at the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) have announced that they will be making their webinar series available once again. These workshops are designed to give riders the skills they'll need to keep trails open in their areas.

Beginning November 9th and continuing through December, each module will be presented twice so the people who may have missed a session or would like to participate in any or all of the session will have another opportunity.

I have pasted in a copy of their press release below; please take a couple of minutes to read over the information.

Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

NOHVCC HELPS RIDERS PROTECT TRAILS WITH WEB-BASED WORKSHOPS AND VIDEOS – CATCH ALL FOUR SESSIONS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

With help from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) has been conducting interactive web based workshops, or webinars, for OHV riders and anyone interested in OHV land use since mid-June.  The workshops are designed to give riders the skills they’ll need to keep trails open in their areas.  The sessions are 2 -3 hours long and are conducted by the same OHV management experts who conduct the on-site NOHVCC workshops. The four modules have been presented three times each for the past four months.  Beginning November 9th and continuing through December, each module will be presented twice so the people who may have missed a session or would like to participate in any or all of the session will have another opportunity.

There are four separate modules that are being presented at various times to accommodate people’s busy schedules:

Module 1 Route Designation: How Did We Get Here? - This module will help people understand the process required for land planning, it focuses on the US Forest Service Process, but the basics can be applied to any government agency. The course also discusses the US Forest Service Travel Management Rule, its implementation so far, and how to apply it going forward; as well as the US Forest Service structure. Module 2 Trail System Planning Part 1 - This module will help riders' and land managers understand how to plan, design, manage, and maintain trail systems that meet the riders' needs by providing high quality and adequate quantities of trails. The module will start with an introduction to OHV recreationists as it is hard to plan a trail to fit their needs if you don?t know what their needs are. It will then talk about the basic principles of OHV trail system planning before going into details on what is required to plan a sustainable trail system. Module 3 Trail System Planning Part 2 - This module starts with an overview of what was learned in module 2. It then goes into detail regarding trail maintenance, monitoring, and signing requirements. The details will instruct the land manager in various techniques to meet their needs and give the recreationists information regarding how they can assist the land managers with these trail requirements. Module 4 Making It Work: Where Do We Go From Here? - This module will help riders understand how to be effective in their efforts to influence the decisions that will determine where they can ride. It will give concrete examples of how to work effectively with land managers and make comments during the agency process. This module will also spend time looking at 4 areas where the design, planning, and implementation of the principles conveyed in earlier modules have worked to create successful trail systems. This module closes with ideas for both the enthusiasts and the land managers to move forward to creating the sustainable OHV trail systems.

In addition to the interactive webinars, NOHVCC will be offering 14 video workshop sessions as podcasts in late November.  The videos cover the same topics as the webinars without the interactive elements. Riders or groups who can’t participate in the webinars or workshops now have access to the knowledge they need to protect their riding opportunities.  The videos can be watched as streaming videos at www.nohvcc.org or contact NOHVCC and we will be able to mail you a DVD with all sessions on one disc free of charge in December courtesy of Yamaha OHV Access Initiative.
  
Russ Ehnes, Executive Director of the NOHVCC said “In these tight economic times we need to take advantage of technology to help riders get the information they need.  Last year we began developing the webinar and video programs with financial support from the Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.  This year, we are delivering the webinars and videos with funding from the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative.  This program is helping us reach thousands of OHV activists who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to take part in a NOHVCC workshop.”

The workshop modules were developed in cooperation with the American Motorcyclist Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle industry Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and United Four Wheel Drive Associations

For more information about signing up for the webinar sessions, viewing the video sessions, or to order a DVD, check out www.nohvcc.org or call 800-348-6487.

"Creating a Positive Future of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation"
427 Central Ave W, Great Falls, MT  59404
Phone:  800-348-6487 Fax: 406-454-9142  e-mail: trailhead@nohvcc.org

Date: 10/29/2009

The Tonto National Forest, located in central Arizona, is proposing changes to their motorized vehicle travel system. During the month of November, six public open houses are scheduled to explain the process used to review the current route system, the criteria for determining needs for change, and to discuss any issues people may have with the proposed changes. Dates, times, and locations of the open houses are shown below

The Forest Service is seeking input from the public on these proposed changes before making a final determination on the designated route system. The public is invited to come and share their ideas about the forest's system of roads, trails, and/or areas, review the proposed system, and submit comments about the proposal.

A copy of the Forest Travel Management Proposed Action can be found on the Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/travelmgt/index.shtml. You may also get a copy by visiting the Supervisor's Office at 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, or at one of the district offices.

Open House Schedule

Wednesday, November 4, 2009           6:30-8:00 pm
Tonto Basin Elementary School
445 South Old Hwy 188, (Punkin Center)
Tonto Basin, AZ

Thursday, November 5, 2009                 6:00-7:30 pm
Old High School Auditorium
401 High Street
Globe, AZ

Monday, November 9, 2009                     6:30-8:00 pm
Black Mountain Elementary School
33606 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale, AZ

Thursday, November 11, 2009                6:00-7:30 pm
Pleasant Valley Community Center
47533 Hwy 288
Young, AZ

Tuesday, November 17, 2009                 7:00-8:30pm
Broadway Recreation Center
59 E Broadway Rd
Mesa, AZ

Wednesday, November 18, 2009           6:00-7:30pm
Julia Randall Elementary School
601 S Greenway Parkway
Payson, AZ

Written comments regarding this proposed action may be submitted through December 4, 2009. Comments should be mailed to Travel Management Team Leader, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix AZ, 85006.

For more information, contact Genevieve Johnson at 602-225-5213, or visit the Tonto National Forest webpage at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

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

 

Date: 10/29/2009

The Siuslaw National Forest, located in western Oregon, has announced that a field tour and meeting for the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Designated Routes Working Group for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (Oregon Dunes) will be held on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, 2009.

The November 6 field tour will focus on the middle riding area of the Oregon Dunes, located adjacent to Umpqua Beach, south of Winchester Bay. The field tour will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Douglas County OHV Staging Area, and conclude at 4:30 p.m. at the same place. The staging area is located two miles southwest of Winchester Bay on the east side of Umpqua Beach Road, across from the first parking lot.

The following day, November 7, the Working Group will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Winchester Bay Community Center. The meeting agenda will focus on a review of the history of designated routes on the Dunes, criteria for evaluating potential designated route recommendations, and a specific review and discussion of potential designated route recommendations for the middle riding area.

The public is invited to attend both the field tour and meeting. A public comment period will be provided at 11:45 a.m. on November 7. Members of the public attending the field trip will have to provide their own transportation.

The Working Group was recently formed to develop recommendations for the designation of OHV routes in a portion of the Oregon Dunes (upland vegetation areas included in Management Area 10(C)). The process to designate OHV routes was identified as an action item in the 1994 Management Plan for the Oregon Dunes. Working Group members were selected from a pool of applicants, and represent a broad range of interests. This will be the second in a series of six meetings of the Working Group scheduled to take place over a one-year period. The first meeting was held on October 3 in Florence.

Working Group members represent the following specific interests or organizations: Organized OHV groups, unaffiliated OHV users, outfitters and/or guide businesses, mushroom pickers, fish and wildlife advocates, conservation groups, local Tribes, local community leaders, State ATV Program, local emergency response agencies, local Parks Departments, local landowners, and the general public.

Individuals requiring alternate format material or accommodation, or who have questions regarding the November 7 meeting, can contact Ross Holloway, OHV Designated Routes Working Group Facilitator, by phone at 503-812-4056 or by e-mail at rholloway@inciplan.net.

Questions about the November 6 field tour can be directed to Sharon Stewart, Dispersed Recreation Supervisor, by phone at 541-271-6071, or by e-mail at slstewart@fs.fed.us.

More information about the OHV working group, meeting times and agendas can be found online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/projects/rec-plans-projects.

JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

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

 

Date: 10/29/2009

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR), has initiated a planning process to create Denali State Park's first Trail Management Plan. The park encompasses about 324,270 acres, the majority of which is undeveloped. 

The most recent management plan for the park was finalized in 2006 and provides overall guidance for management of park lands and development of recreational facilities, consistent with the park's Mission Statement and applicable state laws and regulations.

The Denali State Park Trail Management Plan will set forth trail management guidelines and make recommendations for trail development in the park consistent with the park's management plan and the Division of Parks' Trail Management Policy. 

The public is invited to become part of this planning effort by helping to identify the range of issues that should be addressed in the Denali State Park Trail Management Plan. 

Open houses will be held from 7:00-9:00 PM at the following locations:

November 3 -- Talkeetna/Trapper Creek Area -- Su Valley Jr./Sr. High School

November 4 -- Wasilla -- Public Safety Building 61 (Corner of Lucille Street & Swanson Avenue)

November 5 -- Anchorage -- Campbell Creek Science Center

Written ideas and comments are encouraged during this initial scoping stage and should be submitted no later than December 15, 2009.

Mail Comments To:
          Alaska Department of Natural Resources
          Claire Holland LeClair, Project Leader
          550 W. 7th Ave. Ste. 1260
          Anchorage, Alaska  99501-3557

Email Comments To: claire.leclair@alaska.gov  

Fax Comments To: (907) 269-8901

Click HERE for planning documents, maps and other information on the Denali State Park Trail Management Plan. 

For more information, contact Claire Holland LeClair, Project Leader, at (907)269-8696, or by email to claire.leclair@alaska.gov.

JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

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