OFF-ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, Inc.
&
The American Motorcyclist Association, D37 Competition
Meg Grossglass &
The American Motorcyclist Association, D37 Competition
Media Relations
951-926-1953
951-415-1869
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELP SAVE JOHNSON VALLEY BY ENCOURAGING CONGRESSMAN JERRY LEWIS TO SUPPORT MAKING IT A “NATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA”. LET HIM KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THIS AREA IS TO THE ENTIRE OHV COMMUNITY.
A designation of this type would prevent the Marine base at Twenty-Nine Palms from expanding into Johnson Valley and give it additional federal protections.
BAKERSFIELD, CA (April 23, 2009) The Wildlands Conservancy, a Oak Glen based organization, dedicated to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the earth, and to fund programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature, is proposing legislation to Senator Dianne Feinstein that would create a national monument surrounding the historic Route 66 area. Included in this proposal is designating Johnson Valley as a National Recreation Area.
The off-road community needs to let Congressman Lewis know how important it is that the Johnson Valley area be given this designation and therefore set aside for OHV recreation in perpetuity.
We need the support of Congressman Lewis to make this happen. Please let him know how you feel and that you are a voter, especially if you live in his district. Please go to either ORBA’s website at www.orba.biz or to AMA D37’s off-road message board at http://www.district37ama.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3 for sample template letters that can be sent to the congressmen from either recreational users or off-road business owners. If Johnson Valley were to be given this type of federal designation it would prevent the Marine Base at Twenty-Nine Palms from expanding into the area and it would also prohibit commercial development, like renewable energy facilities. The Wildlands Conservancy has chosen to include Johnson Valley in their proposal because they understand in order to protect the health of the desert we need to protect the rights of all of the diverse recreationists that use it, including off-roaders.
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The Honorable Jerry Lewis
U.S. House of Representatives
1150 Brookside Ave. J-5
Redlands, CA 92313
Dear Congressman Lewis:
I am writing to you today because my family recreates in the Johnson Valley OHV Area, which is located in your district. The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) has proposed legislation to Senator Dianne Feinstein that would create a national monument to protect the area surrounding historic Route 66. In addition they have recommended that the Johnson Valley OHV Area be designated as a National Recreation Area. This designation would stop the westward expansion of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) at Twenty-Nine Palms, California.
During a time of war the proper training of our troops is of the utmost importance to me and all Americans. If the Marines prove that they actually need a portion of Johnson Valley, to properly train our soldiers for combat, than I believe a “no net loss” policy must be adopted with regard to OHV recreation. Meaning that if one acre of OHV recreation is lost it should be replaced by an acre of land in a different area but of equal recreation quality. If the Marines actually take a portion of Johnson Valley the remaining section needs be designated as a National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area and the amount lost should be replaced by an area of similar size and recreation quality. The Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Base should not be allowed to expand until they have found appropriate replacement areas and funded and completed the required NEPA analysis to ensure these areas are suitable for OHV use. Then and ONLY then should the military be allowed to expand westward into the Johnson Valley Open Area.
In order to protect the diverse types of recreation currently occurring in the California desert we will need legislation that preserves the rights of all users, including OHV recreationists. Currently there is NO plan in place to preserve and protect the remaining OHV areas. This is why I request that you support a “no net loss” policy with regard to OHV recreation. Additionally I ask that you request that Senator Feinstein also designate the Stoddard Valley OHV Area, the Spangler Hills OHV Area, the Rasor OHV Area and the El Mirage OHV Areas as National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Areas as part of this legislation. If these areas were included then all of the desert recreationists would have their interests protected and as a result the deserts delicate balance would remain intact in perpetuity.
Sincerely,
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