http://www.rhinoforums.net A new forum dedicated to information about Public Lands Access, Trail Closures and Advocacy Issues. Get involved and educate others about the good and bad in your area! en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:34:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.rhinoforums.net/v2/misc/rss.jpg http://www.rhinoforums.net http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45921-arizona-blm-extends-comment-period-havasu-travel-management-planning.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:24:36 GMT Good news, get those comments in!!! BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE! ARIZONA BLM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAVASU TRAVEL MANAGEMENT... Good news, get those comments in!!!

BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!

ARIZONA BLM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAVASU TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced that the public comment period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) has been extended to October 31, 2010.

The Assessment will evaluate all of the motorized and non-motorized routes of travel and their affected resources in the current inventory of existing routes in the study area. The Assessment will have three transportation route network alternatives designating each route as open, limited or closed.

The Havasu Travel Management Planning area generally includes public lands in the Lake Havasu Field Office south of Interstate 40 (both sides of the Colorado River), extending to five to seven miles north of the Bill Williams River. The Havasu Unit is the second of six Units contained in the Lake Havasu Field Office.

Copies of the maps are available for review online at the Lake Havasu Field Office website at BLM Arizona Lake Havasu Field Office or by contacting Myron McCoy, Outdoor Recreation Planner at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406; Telephone (928) 505-1216.

Public comments for consideration during the Environmental Assessment preparation need to be postmarked by October 31, 2010. Comments may also be faxed - (928) 505-1208 or emailed to lake_havasu@blm.gov.

For more information about the open house, contact Myron McCoy at (928) 505-1216.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45921-arizona-blm-extends-comment-period-havasu-travel-management-planning.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45799-asa-news-letter-september-2010-a.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:37:12 GMT http://www.americansandassociation.org/files/newsletter/currentnl.pdf http://www.americansandassociation.o.../currentnl.pdf ]]> Public Lands Advocacy zoomer http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45799-asa-news-letter-september-2010-a.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45780-important-victory-kane-county.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:05:09 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ALERT! IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR KANE COUNTY Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, BRC just has received an email... BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ALERT!

IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR KANE COUNTY

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

BRC just has received an email update from Mike Swenson, Executive Director of the Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL), regarding the great news just received out of Kane County.

I have pasted USA-ALL's email below. Please take a couple of minutes to read it over!

Thanks,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------










Kane County Wins!

Dear Ric,

Yesterday morning USA-ALL received calls from Kane County Commissioner Mark Habbeshaw to share the good news with us. The U.S. Attorney filed a response in federal court to the county's motion for summary judgement. The federal government agreed that Kane County should be granted clear title to almost all of the Skutumpah road in Kane County!

This is, as far as we can tell, THE FIRST right of way acknowledged by the federal government on Department of Interior (DOI) managed land.

It shows that when done properly rights of way can be adjudicated in a court of law. Kane County has also given other counties a template that may be followed to further pursue and hopefully resolve the argument over road ownership in counties all over the western U.S.

Last night at about 4:00 PM Kane county sent out the following press release:

Kane County wins its first R.S. 2477 road - Skutumpah road

************************************************** ******************************************

Kane County Commission

Douglas K. Heaton, Daniel W. Hulet, Mark W. Habbeshaw

Kanab, Utah76 North Main Kanab, Utah (435) 644-4901

On August 30, 2010, in a Kane County quiet title suit in the United States District Court, the United States acknowledged Kane County's ownership and jurisdiction of approximately 26 miles of the 33 mile long Skutumpah road. The County will start signing, maintaining and repairing the road today.

The Skutumpah road is believed to be the first Utah R.S. 2477 highway with title confirmed in court, and may be the first R.S. 2477 road adjudicated on lands managed by the Department of the Interior (Interior).


Kane County Commissioners and Rep Noel on Skutumpah road Tuesday afternoon with a road grader to perform much needed road maintenance.
The State of Utah joined Kane County in the suit to quiet title to twelve roads, including the Skutumpah road. Several environmental groups were denied intervention in the case by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kane County will continue to press its case and expects to quiet title to the remaining roads, and the rest of the Skutumpah road, within the next few months.

R.S. 2477 public highway rights-of-way were granted to states and counties from 1866 to 1976 to facilitate the settlement of the West. The majority of roads crossing public lands were established under R.S. 2477 and our communities depend on the secure and continued existence of these roads. Although repealed by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, all established R.S. 2477 highways were grandfathered as valid existing rights.

In 1997, Secretary Bruce Babbitt directed Interior to ignore R..S. 2477 rights and created unnecessary controversy and conflict. Interior agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), have closed and restricted numerous county roads across the West claiming that R.S. 2477 rights must be "determined" before the agency will "respect them as valid existing rights," and yet Interior has vigorously worked to avoid having any R.S. 2477 right-of-way recognized as valid.

For the last two years in court Interior denied that Kane County had any right to the Skutumpah Road, but it separately informed the public that


New Kane County road signs and road grader on the Skutumpah road

Kane County should maintain it. U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups recently advised U.S. attorneys that the federal government had placed Kane County in a "catch 22" and suggested that the attorneys coordinate with the county to resolve some of the roads in the county.

The failure of the BLM to maintain the Skutumpah road resulted in many public safety dangers along the road that warranted an expedited court hearing.

When pressed, the United States finally acknowledged Kane County's ownership of the Skutumpah road. Although the full extent Kane County's rights are yet to be defined in the litigation, the County now has the necessary jurisdiction to properly maintain, repair and manage the Skutumpah road as it historically has done.

Kane County is in the process of securing quiet title or formal recognition of all of its roads documented as R.S. 2477 roads.
************************************************** ****************************

Like we mentioned in the Take Back Utah rally this last Saturday. There is much hope for the future of access to public land. But it will require aggressive and persistent action. You and all citizens have to get involved in our events, calls for action, and by donating money. If we do these things we can support counties that take action and encourage others to do the same. We can also EFFECTIVELY fight and beat radical groups that are seeking to grab millions of acres from public access. USA-ALL has remained dedicated and heavily involved in stopping a 9.4 million acre wilderness bill in Utah that is still before Congress. We need your continued support to beat that.

USA-ALL expresses thanks to Kane County for their determination and dedication to protecting the public's access to public land and fighting for public property rights. Kane County and it's leaders have proven their methods are a viable solution to resolving road ownership disputes. We need all other Utah counties to be as responsible and aggressive as Kane County. What are your commissioners doing? We've taken one road back, now lets go get the rest!


Sincerely,


Michael Swenson
Utah Shared Access Alliance





Utah Shared Access Alliance | PO BOX 50592 | Provo | UT | 84605-0592 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45780-important-victory-kane-county.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45770-take-back-utah-rally-huge-success.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:14:02 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT UPDATE! TAKE BACK UTAH RALLY - Huge Success Hey BRC Action Alert Subscribers! The Take Back Utah Rally was... BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT UPDATE!

TAKE BACK UTAH RALLY - Huge Success

Hey BRC Action Alert Subscribers!

The Take Back Utah Rally was a huge success! Kudos to the organizers for their time and effort and also to the thousands of Utahans who attended.

Here is a round up of the news. Read and enjoy!

Thank you to all who participated,

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208.237.1008 ext 107
brrichard@sharetrails.org

Ralliers throng Capitol to voice love of recreational access to Utah lands
Ralliers throng Capitol to voice love of recreational access to Utah lands | Standard-Examiner – Ogden, Layton, Brigham, Weber, Davis, Sports, Entertainment, Dining, Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Ogden Raptors, Top of Utah News

Utahns at State Capitol protest federal public land policies
Utahns at State Capitol protest federal public land policies - KSTU

5,000 rally to "Take Back" Utah's public lands
5,000 rally to "Take Back" Utah's public lands | Deseret News

Outdoor Advocates and Enthusiasts to Rally for States' Rights
Outdoor Advocates and Enthusiasts to Rally for States’ Rights | KCPW

Thousands of off-road enthusiasts ride to the Capitol
Thousands of off-road enthusiasts ride to the Capitol | The Salt Lake Tribune

Let the Hate Mail begin!
Teabaggers' vision
Teabaggers? vision | The Salt Lake Tribune ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45770-take-back-utah-rally-huge-success.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45740-brc-americas-great-outdoors-initiative-update.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:10:40 GMT BRC AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE UPDATE - August 30, 2010

The two key goals of the American's Great Outdoors Initiative
I want to begin by saying this update will not speculate on what President Obama will do insofar as exercising his authority to designate National Monuments. We'll wait until after the November election for that. And we wont be speculating on how the Treasured Landscape Initiative is related to the America's Great Outdoors Initiative (AGO Initiative) - yet.

There seem to be two key goals in the American's Great Outdoors Initiative. One is to facilitate another omnibus public lands bill and the other is to increase White House involvement in the Departments of Interior and Agriculture's activities.

Underneath all of the 'let's get America recreating outdoors' rhetoric, President Obama's Memorandum lists three "functions:" 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the various listening sessions we've been alerting you about, as well as the information obtained by the Department of Interior (DOI) website America's Great Outdoors. The result of which will be included in a report due November 15, 2010, just in time for a lame duck Congress.

At this point its obvious that the "outreach" function is all about pushing a legislative agenda. The AGO Initiative has already been used by the Wilderness activists to push several wilderness bills. There are a couple of dozen bills that are already queued up and could pass via a "pass all or nothing" omnibus or separately. Either way, wilderness advocates are hopeful the AGO Initiative, and the attention in the media, will push several bills through during the next session of Congress (scheduled for September 14 through October 8).

The second goal of the Initiative is embedded in the "coordination" function of Obama's Memorandum. It directs the Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Ag and Interior to "identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals." The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.

At first glance, that doesn't seem all that significant. The administration, via CEQ, can already get into AG's and Interior's business, and for many previous administrations has been used to advance various White House programs. Still, adding a formal coordinating function is one more way the Executive Branch is putting its fingers in what is properly Congress's business.

Is it really all about the money?
At second glance, this new coordination function could be a very clever way to have the administration's hand on a billion dollar money spigot.

Right now, Congress is debating whether or not to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and if yes, how to fund it and for how much. LWCF is a fund that diverts federal excise taxes from offshore oil and gas development for state and local conservation programs such as buying private lands and otherwise increasing the federal estate. But it is sporadic because Congress must allocate funding each fiscal year. Congress is considering giving it long term funding authorization via a comprehensive energy bill (HR 3534) that would guarantee the program funding for the next 30 years, but there is a lot of opposition.

A separate source of funding is also on the horizon. Every version of climate change legislation has provisions that would establish some sort of "climate adaptation fund" (or similar), that would provide billions of dollars for all kinds of "climate change mitigation" projects, including buying private lands. The source of funding varies with the legislation, but essentially it's a carbon tax. Potentially, such legislation would eclipse the LWCF both in scope and the amount of tax dollars spent.

The agencies are literally salivating at the prospect of this new source of tax dollars. As far back as 2009, when the first climate bill was making its way through the House, federal bureaucrats and environmental groups have been making plans to spend it. Actually, for the last couple of decades, preservationist oriented employees inside the land managing agencies have been promoting a ambitious conservation agenda, seeking not only to greatly expand the federal estate, but also to influence what activities occur on adjacent private and state owned lands. All of the work and preparation is done. All that is needed is a source of funding.

It seems obvious that this administration, under Secretary Salazar, is determined to get it -whether through climate legislation or direct taxes. When reporting about the AGO Initiative Jim Coffin wrote in a June 28 edition of Public Lands News:

The administration under the lead of the Council on Environmental Quality will have its hands full trying to come up with a conservation consensus after the listening sessions. Citizens have focused on everything from a demand for guns to broad conservation agendas.

Instead of beginning the initiative with a set of concrete proposals the administration said it will listen to interest groups and the American people first. If and when the initiative is fleshed out, insiders believe it could include:

* full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund,
* revitalization of the National Park System in time for its 100th Anniversary in 2016,
* the designation of a number of national monuments on Bureau of Land Management land,
* an omnibus public lands and parks bill (as is in the works now in Congress), or
* all of the above.

The source of the billions of dollars to accomplish such ambitious goals will be most controversial and has of course not been identified. However, Salazar has given broad hints in a dozen Congressional hearings that he has his eye on offshore oil and gas royalties. And, perhaps, on a sharp increase in onshore oil and gas royalties.

We're now 78 days away from the final report, we've had 27 meetings, and about a gazillion hits on the DOI website. It looks as if Coffin's sources will be right. Reports from meetings in CA, MT, UT, OR, CO (and other states) certainly confirms that input the agencies are getting is all over the map. Every interest group imaginable is pitching the administration for funding. At the Salt Lake City break out session, I got the impression that every "save the bug," "save the bog" and "save the beast" group in the Northern Hemisphere was angling for their piece of those carbon taxes.

Then you have input from farmers, livestock growers, and recreational users. The input is so wide ranging and general in nature that the administration could decide on virtually anything and the report would justify it as "reflecting the view of a majority of Americans." Sadly, such is an all-too-typical result of federal land manager's "public outreach" these days.

It's always tricky to make land-use predictions, however, I do feel it is safe to say the AGO Initiative will at least include two key tenets. One is directly related to the next omnibus public lands package, the other is to increase White House involvement in the day-to-day activities of the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and to influence where the Natural Resources Climate Adaptation Fund is spent. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45740-brc-americas-great-outdoors-initiative-update.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45739-klim-usa-blue-ribbon-coalition-team-up-again.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:50:40 GMT Klim USA and Blue Ribbon Coalition team up to preserve snowmobile access to public lands Rigby, ID (August 30, 2010) -Nate Blaylock announced... Klim USA and Blue Ribbon Coalition team up to preserve snowmobile access to public lands

Rigby, ID (August 30, 2010) -Nate Blaylock announced today that the two Idaho based entities will partner this winter to increase membership in the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and to drive involvement in the public lands debate.

"Klim has long held a concern for the preservation of riding areas." said Mr. Blaylock. "Snow machine enthusiasts do not destroy, they enjoy. The tempo of land use closures have dramatically increased in the last year. We are concerned, but not dismayed. We are determined to do our part."

The BlueRibbon Coalition has admirably fought for recreational access to public land since 1987. With members in all 50 states and its headquarters just 60 miles south of Klim in Pocatello, Idaho, the nonprofit organization has represented the OHV enthusiast in significant national battles and often come away with important victories for the industry.

From September 1st to November 30th 2010 everyone that joins, extends or renews a BRC membership will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate good for snow products from Klim's technical riding gear line.


For more information visit www.klimusa or BlueRibbon Coalition: Protecting your recreational access to public lands. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45739-klim-usa-blue-ribbon-coalition-team-up-again.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45699-ohvs-lake-havasu-area.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:23:46 GMT FYI................. 3-4 years ago BLM requested from the local clubs to assist them with acquiring all the GPS coordinates to all the trails... FYI.................

3-4 years ago BLM requested from the local clubs to assist them with acquiring all the GPS coordinates to all the trails located in Havasu. They told us it was to "protect us from losing our public land." The
local clubs gladly accepted using their own GPS units and off road vehicles to drive BLM representatives through every trail in Havasu. This was all volunteer BLM did not financially assist anyone with this.

Two days ago BLM held a meeting to close most of the off road trails in Lake Havasu City. They did not advertise until two days before that they were having a meeting, in the middle of August when most of our residence (winter visitors) would not be in town. They pushed the already set meeting from November to August without notifying us and probably hoped no one would show up. Local clubs found out about the meeting and showed up for the meeting only to find that they were giving
us 30 days to "justify" why they should keep the trails open. The maps they provided were poor topo maps that had no GIS features on them what so ever (no streets, land marks or any other identifying marks). We were unable to determine what or where the trails were due to there being no GPS coordinates on the trail identifiers. We also asked them to identify why the identified trails were being closed and they could not provide us that information. When we asked them how to obtain that
information so we could go justify trails that need to stay open they told us it would take "60-90 days to figure that out and they were not even sure if they could get us the information that we need to justify
keeping our trails open. Mind you we only have 30 days to do this, did I mention the average temperature has been around 115-120 out here in Havasu during the time we have to complete this?

We need all the help we can get, this ALL of OUR public land that we pay taxes to use and we are very close to losing. This effects everyone, from the family who is riding bikes, quads, and side by sides to the hunter who is out trying harvest an animal on his/her dream hunt. What about the nature watcher or the geo-cache? It affects us all, even the economy here in Havasu. Local gas stations, convenience stores, auto repair shops, off road shops, fabrication shops, motor cycle shops, etc.

Is there any way you can forward this email link to your members, family and friends? Pirate 4x4 is assisting us by putting up a letter generator. What this does is it makes extremely simple for anyone to send Havasu BLM an email to let them know that they need to extend the Travel Management Plan from 30 days to more. All you have to do is click on the link and take one minute out of your day to let BLM know how you feel in your own words. This letter generator was set up from the same guys who helped save the Rubicon and they have offered to help us.

Go here: Pirate4x4.com Land Use - Letter Generator

Fill out the info here is an example of what I put in the letter.

Dear Local On The Ground,

I am writing to ask you to extend the comment and review period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan for 60 days beyond September 17. This additional time is important for proper review of the information and maps. For this process to be handled appropriately, everyone needs ample
time to do a thorough study to make reasonable decisions instead of rushing because of a short timeline. An extended timeline will benefit everyone involved.

Sincerely,

Shane Miller
Parker 4 Wheelers

Link to BLM's website with
maps: BLM Arizona Lake Havasu Field Office ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45699-ohvs-lake-havasu-area.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45679-congress-considering-public-lands-omnibus-bill-again.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:16:32 GMT Weigh In to Encourage Your Members to Reject Omnibus Approach As you may recall, last year Congress approved a massive omnibus public lands bill... Weigh In to Encourage Your Members to Reject Omnibus Approach

As you may recall, last year Congress approved a massive omnibus public lands bill that cobbled more than 160 separate pieces of legislation into one massive bill. The bill permanently eliminated the potential for motorized recreation on more than two million acres of public lands that were designated as wilderness in nine states. In addition, the package added three new national park units, a new national monument, three new national conservation areas, more than 1,000 miles of national wild and scenic rivers and four new national trails. Also signed into law as a part of the omnibus package was the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) Act, which is currently being used to limit motorized access on Bureau of Land Management lands.

Now Congress is considering creating another public lands omnibus package. Key Members of Congress have indicated that they would like an omnibus this year and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has made it clear that he would like Congress to move one as well.

It is important that you contact your Members of Congress and key Congressional leaders to let them know you oppose a new massive omnibus public lands law and that a repeat of the 2009 law will mean more restrictions to access.

Please click the TAKE ACTION link below to urge your Members and key Congressional leaders to oppose a massive omnibus bill in favor of ensuring that all public lands bills have hearings to allow for full local input.

https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site...rAction&id=241 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45679-congress-considering-public-lands-omnibus-bill-again.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45650-lake-havasu-city-riding-areas-closed-blm.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:38:37 GMT ...well not yet. But they will if you don't act now. Use the following link for more info and contact addresses:

The second Travel Management Plan of the Lake Havasu Field Office (LHFO) is Havasu, located below I-40 in Arizona and California, north, east and south of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, within 5-7 miles north of the Bill Williams River. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy Rockhound http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45650-lake-havasu-city-riding-areas-closed-blm.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45645-managing-increased-use-ohvs.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:10:33 GMT GAO Report to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives FEDERAL... GAO
Report to the Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests and Public
Lands, Committee on Natural
Resources, House of Representatives

FEDERAL LANDS
Enhanced Planning
Could Assist Agencies
in Managing Increased
Use of Off-Highway
Vehicles


The following are excerpts from a study commissioned by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which was conducted from 2004-2008 and dated June, 2009.

The full document can be found here . . . http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09509.pdf


“Over the past 5 years, OHV use has increased on federal lands and has
emerged as a national issue. Federal land management agencies have only
recently begun to respond to this trend by revising their plans and how
they manage OHV use, but they are having to do so in an environment of
constrained budgetary and staff resources and other competing
management priorities. Although they reported taking a variety of actions
to manage OHV use in this environment, agency field unit officials
reported that they cannot sustainably manage their OHV route systems.

To help provide quality OHV recreational opportunities while protecting
natural and cultural resources on federal lands, we recommend that:

• the Secretary of Agriculture direct the Chief of the Forest Service to
identify additional strategies to achieve the agency’s goal of improving
OHV management, as well as time frames for carrying out the strategies
and performance measures for monitoring incremental progress; and

• the Secretary of the Interior direct the Director of BLM to enhance the
agency’s existing “Priorities for Recreation and Visitor Services” by
establishing performance measures and time frames for carrying out its
stated goals for OHV recreation.

Additionally, to improve communication with the public and enhance law
enforcement efforts regarding OHV use on federal lands, we recommend
that the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior direct the Forest
Service and BLM, respectively, to take the following actions:

• enhance communication with the public about OHV trails and areas
through, for example, developing user-friendly signs and maps to improve
visitors’ experiences; and

• examine fine amounts across various U.S. district courts to determine the
range of fines for OHV-related violations and petition appropriate judicial
authorities to make modifications where warranted.”

If you read the entire document you will see what we are facing and how this report could likely be directly linked to the rash of Public Land closures and restrictions, The President’s leaked secret DOI “National Monument” plan and his “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative”.

These proposed land grabs appear to be tied to a recently exposed giant “Omnibus” package of “One Size Fits All” legislation which seems designed to significantly reduce OHV access opportunities on OUR Public Lands.

Stand-by and watch it happen or STAND UP and get involved in fighting this!


And just in from the BRC’s Recreation News . . .

AGO Initiative Update:

BLM document on monument proposals made public
BLM document on monument proposals made public | greatfallstribune.com | Great Falls Tribune

Salazar says they aren't going to propose monuments where there isn't local support. So we can expect the administration will remove this monument from consideration?

I'm not holding my breath...

Lewistown meeting shows monument opposition mounting
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/Lew...ition-mounting

Lawmaker: Monuments a matter for public
Lawmaker: Monuments a matter for public | GJSentinel.com
By Gary Harmon

Wilderness, resource issues discussed at public "gathering"
Illinois Valley News Vol. 73 No. 23 Dated: August 18, 2010

And the "Listening Sessions" continue. I hope you've logged onto the DOI website and weighed in...

It's interesting to read the different take from the Listening Sessions in other parts of the country...

Smokies doing its part to advance Great Outdoors Initiative
National parks play key role in creating nature enthusiasts

Smokies doing its part to advance Great Outdoors Initiative Knoxville News Sentinel

And...as is to be expected... greenie's will be chiming in in praise of the AGO Initiative goals and encouraging more National Parks and Monuments...
National Treasures or American Wastelands, the Choice is Ours

Philippe Cousteau: National Treasures or American Wastelands, the Choice is Ours
Philippe Cousteau
________________________________________
Forest Service Planning Rule Update:

Lame stream media doing their part to advance the USFS "all lands" approach to forest planning...

USFS Report: 'Ecosystem Services' at Risk From Suburban Development
http://www.nytimes.com/19greenwire-u...-sub-6173.html

Private Forests Public Benefits: Download Report
Open Space Conservation

The other day the US Forest Service blasted a Planning Rule update informing the public that they've dismissed the many serious concerns over this concept of planning for state and private lands within the Forest Planning process. Doing so before the Draft Rule is out is not a good sign.

More here . . . BRC Recreation News - BRC Land Use Update ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45645-managing-increased-use-ohvs.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45562-tellico-update.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:43:50 GMT Tellico Update- August 24, 2010 From: Greg Mumm Executive Director BlueRibbon Coalition These days, we are often asked one or both of the... Tellico Update- August 24, 2010

From: Greg Mumm
Executive Director
BlueRibbon Coalition

These days, we are often asked one or both of the following questions, 1) "What is going on with the Tellico lawsuit?" and 2) Why bother with the fight there when the trails are being obliterated before the courts can decide anything?"

For those who aren't familiar with the issues surrounding Tellico, it's appropriate to start with a brief history. Mind you, there is more to it than what we share here—much more—but that is an emotionally charged discussion for another time.

For all intent and purpose, the Forest Service, under outside pressure of a threatened lawsuit, began the process of closing the trail system in Tellico in late 2007. It began with an emergency closure order. Following that, and arguably as a result of pressure from a legal action of our own, the Forest Service conducted formal planning that predictably resulted in a decision to permanently close the system and "rehabilitate" most of the trails.

We don't agree with that decision. The partnership of Southern, BRC and United filed an administrative appeal, as did others, all of which were denied by the appeals deciding officer. Faced with the outcome of either quietly accepting the decision of the Forest Service to close Tellico or take legal action, we opted for the latter, and the partner groups filed the necessary 60 day notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act.

Ironically, as we did so, the Forest Service quickly began the process of obliterating the trails. That action on the part of the Forest Service necessitated the step of the partnership groups formally filing a separate legal action in May of 2010.

Cases like this are not simple to litigate. Nor are they quick. In fact, the proposed litigation schedule on the current case stretches into mid-July of 2011. Meantime, through their contractor, the Forest Service is continuing to obliterate the trails and the bottom line is there are only two ways to get a quicker answer from the courts: 1) a preliminary injunction, or 2) seek a solution through mediation. We debated both options and, under the advice of legal counsel, the partner groups decided to seek a solution through mediation, and with good reason.

Contrary to what many assert, obtaining an injunction is very challenging to achieve. The courts give broad deference to agency actions as long as the agency isn't acting irrationally.

Many would rightly argue that it is the lack of rational thought in all of the Forest Service actions in Tellico that is at the core of the whole issue here. However, it is another thing altogether to convince a federal judge that, under the law, the recreation groups have or will suffer "irreparable harm." Especially since the counter argument is simply that anything being done in Tellico now can just as easily be undone later should the judge ultimately rule in our favor.

On the other hand, choosing the mediation route, as we have, allows for "out of the box" solutions to come into play, and the potential for long-term solutions is only limited by the resolve and the creativity brought to the table. If no solution is reached, mediation also leaves the door open to put it back in the hands of the judge to decide on the merits of the case.

So, the answer to the first question is that we are going to mediation, the first session of which is scheduled for mid-September.

Which brings up the second question regarding what is there to gain through mediation or the lawsuit in Tellico, particularly once "all the trails are gone." The fact is there is not only much to be gained, but so much more to avoid losing.

There are three primary goals that we have always had and will continue to have for the Tellico legal action:

1) Turn the corner on advocacy encouraging the Forest Service to manage FOR this type of recreation instead of FROM it
2) Establish meaningful and well managed trails in Tellico and beyond
3) Ensure confidence in the validity of the public process and agency partnerships

What is happening in Tellico won't stay in Tellico. Frankly, we have seen this ongoing saga everywhere across the country. If we don't draw the line here, what is going to happen with the next planning process… and the one after that? Whether you want to define it as the Agency lacking the necessary skill-sets to manage for recreation, or whether you want to call it a fear of being sued by the extreme anti-access crowd, or even just a negative OHV attitude, something has to change or we are going to continue to be steamrolled into oblivion. It is time to send a very clear message that the Forest Service can no longer play "dumb" and ignore their Congressional mandate to take an active role in managing for recreation.

Yes, we are hopeful of re-establishing meaningful and sustainable, vehicle-based, trails in Tellico and/or other areas of the Nantahala National Forest. More importantly, this case has broader national implications. There is no question that recreational access is under attack. Issues like Tellico provide an opportunity to demonstrate the resolve, effectiveness, and creativity of our advocacy effort.

We need your continued support and ask that you not listen to those who throw up their arms and walk away saying, "What's the point? The Forest Service is going to do whatever they want anyway." We cannot give up. Please donate to Rescue Tellico today to help protect the trails where you are. You can give that tax deductible donation quickly and securely online at Contribute to Rescue Tellico - BlueRibbon Coalition. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45562-tellico-update.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45535-alaska-nps-releases-wrangell-st-elias-national-park-preserve-nabesna-orv-plan-dei.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:18:20 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve - Nabesna ORV Management Plan DEIS Now Available

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

The National Park Service (NPS) has just announced the release of the Nabesna Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS evaluates the impacts of several alternatives that would manage ORV use/access in the Nabesna District of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

The DEIS is available electronically on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/wrst. A limited number of hard copies of the DEIS will be available for distribution at Park Headquarters in Copper Center, Alaska, or a copy may be requested, as long as supplies last, from Bruce Rogers, Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, Alaska, 99573. Copies for public review will also be provided to the Glennallen, Alaska library.
NPS PEPC - Nabesna Off-Road Vehicle Managment Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

The National Park Service (NPS) will accept comments on the DEIS during a 90-day public comment period, which ends November 10, 2010.

Electronic comments may be submitted online in the PEPC website by visiting
National Park Service - PEPC - Nabesna Off-Road Vehicle Managment Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement -Submit Comments

If you wish to submit your written comments in hard copy (e.g. in a letter), you may send them by U.S. Postal Service or other mail delivery service or hand-deliver them to: Bruce Rogers, Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, Alaska, 99573.

Written comments will also be accepted during the open house style public meetings which will be scheduled at Glennallen, Slana, Tok, Fairbanks, and Anchorage during the public comment period.

Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.

Dates, times, and specific locations of the public meetings will be announced in press releases, e-mail announcements and on the PEPC website for the project, National Park Service - PEPC - Meeting Notices.

COMMENT DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 10, 2010

If you have any questions, please call Bruce Rogers at (907)-822-7276.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107




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

As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit Make a Difference Now - BlueRibbon Coalition to help fund our efforts to protect your trails! ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45535-alaska-nps-releases-wrangell-st-elias-national-park-preserve-nabesna-orv-plan-dei.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45453-utah-ohv-clubs-call-action-help-stop-wilderness-takeover.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:14:35 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT! Attend “TAKE BACK UTAH RALLY” -- Help Stop The Wilderness Takeover Attention All OHV Clubs in Utah (Idaho,... BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Attend “TAKE BACK UTAH RALLY” -- Help Stop The Wilderness Takeover

Attention All OHV Clubs in Utah (Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado too!)

This is Ric Foster from BRC’s Public Lands Department and If you’re an OHV club in Utah I just want to find out if any of you or your members is going to the big event, the "Take Back Utah Rally" in Salt Lake on Saturday, August 28th. (See Alert TAKE BACK UTAH LAND ACCESS RALLY & PARADE - AUGUST 28, 2010 - BRC Action Alert)

If so, I would like to ask you to take your BlueRibbon Coalition Banner to display at the event along with your club’s banner. If you need one send me an email with your club name and mailing address to send it to and I will send one to you. But, because time is short, you will need to let me know by Monday the 23rd.
My contact information is listed below.

Take Back Utah is working hard to make this a successful event. (They are trying to raise $1000 dollars to pull off a live TV buy for next week. So, anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.)

If you can help, go to Take Back Utah and click the Donations link.

For those clubs in Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming, and Colorado that can attend this event, our fellow OHVers in Utah can use all the support they can muster to help keep the greenies from locking it all away.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208.237.1008 ext 107
brrichard@sharetrails.org ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45453-utah-ohv-clubs-call-action-help-stop-wilderness-takeover.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45452-ago-additional-listening-session-announced-bangor-maine.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:11:03 GMT BRC ACTION ALERT
AGO - Additional "Listening Session" Announced for Bangor, Maine

Greetings BRC Action Alert Subscribers!

On April 16, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically change the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative which, among other things, will take public input on how to conserve public and private lands and how to promote outdoor recreation among young Americans.

It is important that off-highway vehicle and mountain bike users participate. OHV, snowmobile and mountain bike recreation are family-oriented activities that connect millions of Americans to the out-of-doors.

Additional "Listening Session" has just been announced for Bangor, Maine. (See schedule below) This events is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Listening Session (more to come)

Listening Session and Discussion Information

WHEN: Thursday, September 2, 2010 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.


WHERE: Bangor Civic Center
100 Dutton Street,
Bangor, Maine 04401

WHO: Senior Washington, D.C. and local leadership from USDA, DOI, CEQ, and EPA will be present to hear your thoughts and to participate in a conversation with you about America's Great Outdoors.

PLEASE REGISTER: This event is free and open to the public. For planning purposes it would be helpful if you would pre-register by August 26th by sending an email to elaine.tremble@me.usda.gov with your name, the name of the organization with which you are affiliated, if any, and your telephone number. They will make every effort to accommodate everyone. Please also let them know if you need any special accommodations.

If you have questions, please call Elaine Tremble at 207-990-9569.

There is also an online forum that allows folks to make suggestions and comment on ideas others have suggested. We encourage you to attend the meetings and/or to log on and express your opinion via the America's Great Outdoors website at America's Great Outdoors

BRC and others are wondering aloud if this America's Great Outdoors Initiative is connected to the Treasured Landscape Initiative and the leaked memo outlining plans for 14 new or expanded national monument designations on 13 million acres of public and private land.

We'll have more on that later. There is limited time to give input into this new Initiative. Please take action today.

Keep an eye on your inbox for additional information and analysis.

Thanks!
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45452-ago-additional-listening-session-announced-bangor-maine.html http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45422-cibola-national-forests-mount-taylor-ranger-district-releases-travel-management-draf.html Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:06:26 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ALERT

Cibola National Forest's Mount Taylor Ranger District Releases Travel Management Draft EA

Dear BRC Members and supporters in New Mexico,

We wanted to pass along an alert sent by the folks over at the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA). The Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest has released their Draft Environmental Assessment (EA).

There is more information in the alert, which is pasted below, and also available on NMOHVA's Current Issues webpage. Keep up to date on this and other OHV issues by subscribing to NMOHVA's email Action Alert list.

As always, call or email if you have any questions or comments.

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107


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ACCESS ALERT!

Cibola National Forest Releases Long-Awaited Mount Taylor
Travel Management Environmental Assessment

The Cibola National Forest has released the Draft Environmental Assessment for Travel Management for the Mount Taylor Ranger District. This release starts the official 30 day comment period for the Environmental Assessment (EA) document.

The draft EA proposes some really BIG changes from the current situation. In addition to the elimination of cross country travel, the Proposed Action (Alternative B) would close nearly 350 miles of currently existing road (although some of the closed road would be designated for motorized trail use). Of perhaps even greater impact, Alternative B would also eliminate dispersed camping on all but a 200 foot corridor along a mere 80 miles of roads. By its own admission, this would result in an 85% reduction in the available camping sites that are currently being used by the public. Three of the four alternatives being considered would also completely ban motorized big game retrieval.

The public has only 30 days to comment on these issues by submitting letters or emails. The 30 day comment period will end on September 14, 2010. Only those who provide comments during this comment period will be eligible to appeal the final decision.

The purpose of the Travel Management EA is to designate a motorized road and trail system on the Mount Taylor District. Designation will include class of vehicle and time of year for motor vehicle use. The decision will result in the publication of a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). After the MVUM has been released, ALL other motorized travel off the designated system will be prohibited. The full text of the document is on the Mount Taylor Ranger District Travel Management website.

Two Open House public meetings will be held on August 25th and August 26th in Gallup and Grants. This will be an opportunity to meet with the Forest Service and ask questions about the project and the proposed closures. The meeting will begin with a short presentation on the alternatives at 5:00pm, followed by the open house.

Wednesday, Aug. 25th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Gallup Community Center
410 Bataan Veterans St.
Gallup, New Mexico

Thursday, Aug. 26th, 5 :00pm - 7:00pm
National Guard Amory
2001 East Santa Fe Ave.
Grants, NM ]]> Public Lands Advocacy honda1971 http://www.rhinoforums.net/public-lands-advocacy/45422-cibola-national-forests-mount-taylor-ranger-district-releases-travel-management-draf.html