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Legal-Ease 101: What is Intervention in court (and why)?

jeepndel@goldrush.com (Del Algright) — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:23:47 +0000

You may have heard about one of our off-road groups "intervening" in a court action. This is not the same as filing a lawsuit. Herein we will explain what it means to be an "intervenor" in a court action, and why it is an essential part of our access efforts.

Legal actions can be described as offensive and defensive. To intervene is a defensive maneuver that can save the day for us, by ensuring we have a seat at the table when recreational decisions are made.

The core of the defensive maneuver is the "defendant Intervenor" play. Off-roader organizations intervene in lawsuits filed by the anti-access crowd as a defendant. Sometimes, we can mix the offensive and defensive play as well. This is an excellent way of making sure no federal judge makes a decision (about our trails and our sports) without hearing from the people who use them.

An Intervenor allows the OHV community to directly oppose the arguments made by the radical anti's. Specifically, to intervene (become an Intervenor) a person or group that was not part of an original lawsuit, must show that they will be directly harmed by the court's decision. Often, groups like BRC act as representatives of people who have a direct concern in the legal issues.

Intervenors (like BlueRibbon Coalition, the California Association of 4Wheel Drive Clubs, and others) become a player in the outcome of a lawsuit they were not originally part of. They often request intervention because the agencies defending the lawsuit may not fully represent off-road interests, or worse.

Click here to read more of Legal-Ease 101: What is Intervention in court (and why)? from the BlueRibbon Coalition

Inyo NF Travel Management Meetings Set

jstewart@4x4wire.com (USFS Press Release) — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:41:50 +0000

BISHOP, Calif., May 10, 2012 – The Forest Service will be hosting two public meetings in the end of May to update the public on the implementation of the 2009 Motorized Travel Management decision for the Inyo National Forest. The meetings will be held on:
-- Tuesday May 29 – Mammoth Lakes, Forest Service Auditorium, 2500 Highway 203, 6:30-8:00 pm

-- Thursday May 31 – Bishop, Inyo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Conference Rm., 351 Pacu Lane (behind the DMV), 6:30-8:00 pm

NEPA - The Basics

jstewart@4x4wire.com (John Stewart) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:09:33 +0000

NEPA - The Basics

by: John Stewart
Natural Resources Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assures that federal agencies will consider the impact of an action on the human environment before decisions are made and the action is taken. It requires that NEPA documents concentrate on issues that are significant to the action in question. The NEPA process is intended to help public officials make better decisions based on an understanding of environmental consequences, and take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the human environment.

Standing is ....

jstewart@4x4wire.com (John Stewart) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:44:28 +0000

The topic of the day is travel management (aka route designation). Many people are voicing complaints about the pending loss of their favorite trail and are threatening to file a lawsuit.

Keep in mind, to file a lawsuit, you must have “standing” and prove that you are “harmed” by the decision. So, just what is “standing” and what is “harm”?

You, the recreationist, have an opportunity to participate in the discussions and make our opinions known to the planning team about routes (roads and trails) that need to be considered for developing the alternatives to the Proposed Action. Participation establishes “standing”.

RUGGED RIDGE HALF DOORS – A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE JEEP® WRANGLER

jstewart@4x4wire.com (Rugged Ridge Press Release) — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:39:37 +0000

Replacement Doors Offer Unrestricted Open-Air Driving Capability

Suwanee, Ga. (May 1, 2012) – Rugged Ridge, a leading manufacturer of high-quality Jeep® accessories, today announced the availability of Half Doors for 2007-2012 Jeep® Wrangler JK two and four-door models.

Rugged Ridge Half Doors enable Jeep® owners to add a new level of enjoyment to their vehicle by providing an open-air driving experience unachievable with the standard full-size doors. Off-road enthusiasts benefit even further, with added visibility, making spotting obstacles on the trail a much easier task. Additionally, Half Doors can be paired with optional Rugged Ridge Upper Soft Doors to fully protect your Jeep® from the elements.

Rugged Ridge Half Doors are engineered to be a direct bolt-on replacement for all 2007-2012 Jeep® Wranglers and are compatible with both factory and Rugged Ridge’s replacement mirrors. Constructed from high quality UV-resistant, impact-resistant ABS thermoplastic over a reinforced internal steel frame, Rugged Ridge’s new doors are lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions of off-roading. The doors are manufactured in a striking matte black finish, but can be painted to one’s preference.

Come out and play at Hi Desert Roundup

jstewart@4x4wire.com (Dave and Val Henry) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:27:28 +0000

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer. For the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), it is also the time for the 41st Annual Hi Desert Round Up (HDR). This year’s event will be held at the new location on Anderson Dry Lake in north Johnson Valley. HDR is a family event with guided trail rides on Saturday to locations in the Cougar Buttes and the world famous Hammer Trails.