We lost the fight. They are taking our OHV funds

[Stone Crawler]

Lots of great points in the post above me. I agree with almost all of them. Most deals are struck long before a hearing. A couple counter points I would like to make.

First the 29 Palms expansion is far from a done deal. We are playing a new type of ball, and are scoring some points. I agree going East was not a good option for an argument, but we are not using that argument today, and we have employed a top Washington DC lobby with expert experience in military affairs. This coupled with a dedicated group of hard working OHV users from multiple backgrounds we are making small strides. Where we are lacking is participation from the desert racers. With exception of the Ultra4 racers we have had little activation from this community. Industry leaders like King Shocks and 4 wheel parts are helping finance the effort but it takes boots on the ground as well. As an example today we lobbied the Secretary of the Navy using Facebook. People just like the ones on this website are making a difference. We have seen this work with the passage of the Bartlett Amendment in Congress a few weeks ago that requires the Marines to explore the option of a Permit rather than expansion. Its a new way of fighting and we are making positive ends. But Its far from over and we need help and Money.

In the State of Ca. I agree the states a mess and its a lot bigger problem than just OHV areas, and Grant Money. I would like to point out for those that are calling on business leaders to pony up. ORBA (The Off Road Business Association) employes one of the Lobbyist that has been working on the OHMVR Issues in the State. (There are many more than just the stolen Money) There are are a few leaders who do a whole bunch behind the scenes. All of them give money, but some give time. Greg Adler of 4 wheel parts, Jim Ryan of Dirtsports, Mark Turner of Daystar, Randy Wiesser of ORW,and Lindsey Hubley of OffRoad Expo are all ORBA Board members working behind the scenes on some pretty heavy stuff. If you want to keep an eye on them join the ORBA facebook page and get the monthly newsletter that gets emailed the second Tuesday of the month.

Lastly in regards to Corps that don't want to waste money. You are 100% correct. I have seen this first hand, and listened to what they told me. That feedback has helped organize this new type of strategy we are using successfully in Johnson valley. 8 of the largest OHV associations all working together under one banner "California Motorized Recreation Council" (CMRC) have created a written Strategic plan and put in motion an effort like we have not seen in some time. This type of activity is working because we are pooling resources, and ideas. Sometimes they argue, but with that comes the best possible solutions to problems. If you would like to see what that looks like, please check out savethehammers.org. Money from around the world has gone to a single fund and every dime goes to save Johnson valley.

Today we are starting to realize some big changes in the way we fight, but we need all the help we can get. Please join us in looking for solutions to the problems we are facing, we invite all.

Last Why did we Lobby the Secretary of the Navy on Facebook today? He has to sign off on the base expansion as does a number of people. We have learned that the document that moves it forward is on his desk. This is the kind of stuff we are doing now. He reads Facebook, so its a window into his office. Come join the fight to keep our public lands open, the water is fine.

Jeff Knoll

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[kim]

Here is the facebook page Jeff referred to in his post.
https://www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy

Please post your comments.

[kim]

I made this post on Facebook last night. I can only hope that all of my friends see it and act on it. Please folks, if you are on FB, click the link, make a comment. It will take less than a minute and won't cost you a dime.

OHV = Off Highway Vehicle. If you enjoy the outdoors and take a dirt road to get to a destination, you are a member of the OHV community. Whether you fish, hunt, camp, enjoy nature and yes.....ride motorcycles or drive an off road car.

As a user of public lands - I am asking each and everyone of my friends to visit the facebook page of the Sec of the Navy - https://www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy.

Please ask that he respectfully consider alternate options to the 29 Palms Marine Corps base expansion in Johnson Valley. Local communities will suffer devastating economic impacts as will local small business. Users of the area will face increased risk of injury as we continue to force more users into smaller areas.

Please, use facts not feelings and be respectful. Write your comments NOW!
Secretary of the Navy
Welcome to the official page of the 75th Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Mabus' job is ensuring the Navy and Marine Corps are trained and resourced to continue to be the most formidable expeditionary fighting force in the world.

[Stone Crawler]

Kim the entire race community owes you and your family for its unbridled support of efforts to keep public lands public. Thank you for everything you do.

The best thing about facebook campaigns is that we can watch them working. Thanks to the people who have taken the time to drop the Secretary of the Navy a message. Its never too late, you can message him all week. hopefully we helped change his perception.

If you want to see who is supporting the effort you just need to scroll down the right side of his wall. Its kind of fun to see where everyone is from. Its also fun to see who is missing. LOL

[pdailey]

I really wish I had more time to fight the fight. But I do have cash. BRC and CORVA are great orgs. Donate so they can continue the fight.

[ACME]

Jeff/Gill: Great comments/points in your posts and thanks to you, Wayne and Kim and all the others that represent for the "Car Community". We do need a cohesive effort and as you know a number of people have been trying for years. IMO the apathy shown by the stars of the sport and a lack of support from the businesses that make a living show seem to have set the tone when it comes to this fight and sadly; the herd seems to follow suit. However, if they need to pimp themselves or something you'll see sparks fly... As far as federally elected officials attempting to dip into state funds I believe when asked about funding a proposal like S-11/S22 and the other various similar proposals by Cranston, Boxer and Fienstein; all cited use of un-allocated funds from the general fund (part of which is green sticker $'s) as possible sources for the $'s needed to support their pet projects. Thanks again for keeping us in the fight!

[Wayne_Nosala]

Request per Ed Waldhiem to post this here


It worked well, I customized my letter with the following info:

Using other fees and taxes collected from other purposes will not help the future of California. It is a Band-Aid for a dying patient. California needs meaningful and forward thinking changes that will create sustainable and manageable budgets. Keeping OHV opportunities creates jobs, allows more gas tax revenues to come in. The OHV Trust Fund prevents completely illegal use of OHV areas that would otherwise be unmanaged and overrun.

I love the State Parks and I visit them throughout the year, but they must be self-sustaining. Increase their user fees, team up with volunteer organizations and figure out other ways to live within the Parks' budget without pulling this money out of its intended destination.

The downside of this system is that the Governor's own website states that they don't look at these in a timely manner. Phone calls are key, so call and e-mail. I think that the note needs to say, "Please call the Governor's office at (916) 445-2841, press 1 and then press 6 and encourage him to veto the Sustainable Parks Proposal because it does nothing to create sustainable parks." I just called and told them.

Ed Waldheim

[ACME]

Request per Ed Waldhiem to post this here


It worked well, I customized my letter with the following info:

Using other fees and taxes collected from other purposes will not help the future of California. It is a Band-Aid for a dying patient. California needs meaningful and forward thinking changes that will create sustainable and manageable budgets. Keeping OHV opportunities creates jobs, allows more gas tax revenues to come in. The OHV Trust Fund prevents completely illegal use of OHV areas that would otherwise be unmanaged and overrun.

I love the State Parks and I visit them throughout the year, but they must be self-sustaining. Increase their user fees, team up with volunteer organizations and figure out other ways to live within the Parks' budget without pulling this money out of its intended destination.

The downside of this system is that the Governor's own website states that they don't look at these in a timely manner. Phone calls are key, so call and e-mail. I think that the note needs to say, "Please call the Governor's office at (916) 445-2841, press 1 and then press 6 and encourage him to veto the Sustainable Parks Proposal because it does nothing to create sustainable parks." I just called and told them.

Ed Waldheim

Bump for Waynes post, it only takes s minute of your time...

[LENNY]

What we need is a State wide campaign/tea party DONT PAY YOUR GREEN STICKER till they give that money back!!!!the penalties would be worth the fight.

[Wayne_Nosala]

What we need is a State wide campaign/tea party DONT PAY YOUR GREEN STICKER till they give that money back!!!!the penalties would be worth the fight.

It wont work, Its not the actual Green sticker from your registered OHV they took, They
diverted funds from the gas tax contribution to the fund worked though a formula of
how much fuel we burn getting our toys to the dez and street licensed vehicles
that travel on dirt roads.

Some think this will curtail law enforcement, well, it wont, they will still be funded regardless

Wayne