BlueRibbon Coalition News and Alerts

Shoshone NF Resumes Forest Plan Revision-Public Meetings in May

Date: 05/08/2008 BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Attention Wyoming Recreationists!

The Shoshone National Forest will resume public input on the revision of their Land and Resource Management Plans (Forest Plans). A new round of public meetings is scheduled during the month of May for Thermopolis, Cody, Dubois and Lander (See schedule below).

The Forest Service (FS) will discuss the 2008 Planning Rule and the process will continue where they left off a year ago with your comments on the draft proposed plan. The new rule doesn't mean the work from the last two years isn't useful. Under the 2008 rule, they will be able to use all the input already received.

Documents that will be available in May include the May 2008 version of the draft proposed plan, a document describing how they utilized comments on the 2007 draft, and maps. A timeline for the next steps in the Forest Plan revision process will also be presented at the meetings.

Type of meeting Date and time Location

Public meeting Tuesday, May 20 Big Horn Federal
6:00 pm643 Broadway
Thermopolis, WY

Public meeting Wednesday, May 21 Big Horn Federal
6:00 pm1701 Stampede Avenue
Cody, WY

Public meeting Tuesday, May 27 Headwaters Art and
6:00 pmConvention Center
17 Stalnaker
Dubois, WY

Government Cooperators Wednesday, May 28 Headwaters Art and
Work Group meeting 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Convention Center
17 Stalnaker
Dubois, WY

Public meeting Wednesday, May 28 Best Western Inn at Lander
6:00 pm260 Grandview Drive
Lander, WY

The FS anticipates releasing the draft proposed plan in August for a formal 90-day comment period. About a month into the 90 days, members of the revision team will be available in local communities to answer questions in informal, open house settings during daytime and evening hours. The schedule will be posted on the Forest's revision website and in your local newspaper.

More information about the 2008 Planning Rule is available from the Forest Service website at
http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/2008_planning_rule.html.

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

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

Comments Needed on Lakes Travel Management EA

Date: 05/08/2008 BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Attention Colorado Recreationists!

The San Juan National Forest, Columbine Ranger District/Field Office is requesting comments on the Lakes Travel Management Environmental Assessment. The analysis area encompasses approximately 67,600 acres of National Forest system lands north of Durango and Bayfield. The pre-decisional Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for a 30-day public comment period beginning May 8, 2008.

The proposal would designate roads, trails and areas open for motorized use and would institute regulations to allow certain recreational use while protecting other resource concerns. The action would prohibit cross-country motorized travel, and would designate what types of motorized vehicles may legally travel forest roads, trails, and areas. It would specify where dispersed camping and day use parking would be allowed, and would provide for closures on roads and trails based on seasonal conditions and/or wildlife concerns.

Written, hand-delivered, facsimile, electronic, and oral comments concerning this action will be accepted for 30 calendar days following the publication of a legal notice in the Durango Herald announcing the comment period for this project, which was published May 8, 2008.

Download the full EA and accompanying maps at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/projects/projects.shtml. For a hard copy of the documents, or for more information on the project, please contact Nancy Berry at 970-375-3304 or call the Columbine Ranger District at 970-884-2512.

Electronic copies can be obtained by sending an e-mail request to: chooley@fs.fed.us.

SUMMARY
The USDA Forest Service proposes to implement the 2005 Travel Management Rule through the designation of roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use by vehicle class and, if appropriate, by time of year within the Lakes Landscape. The project area encompasses 67,600 acres of National Forest system lands. It is located north of Durango and Bayfield on the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest, Archuleta, Hinsdale, and La Plata counties, Colorado.

This action is needed to provide a consistent national approach for motorized travel on National Forest system lands and to provide for motorized and non-motorized opportunities while protecting the biological resources. The proposal is designed to provide for appropriate motorized use yet eliminate cross-country motorized travel. It will provide for a sustainable system of roads, trails and areas and lessen the resource impacts from uncontrolled motorized travel. This analysis and decision will revise the current travel management, which allows for cross-country motorized travel by All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles in some areas during the "summer" season. The action will not address over-the-snow winter travel.

ALTERNATIVES
In summary, the Forest Service evaluated the following alternatives in detail:

Alternative 1 - No Action
This alternative would allow for the existing travel management designations to remain in place; cross-country travel by ATVs and motorcycles in the existing "D" areas would continue to be permissible. Utilization of user-created routes and the proliferation of those routes would continue. This alternative would not address mixed use or off-road travel for dispersed camping. A motor vehicle use map (MVUM) would not be published. This alternative does not meet the requirements of the 2005 Travel Management Rule and cannot be chosen; it will be used as a basis for comparison of the alternatives.

Alternative 2 - Minimum Compliance with 2005 Travel Management Rule
This alternative would allow for existing travel management designations to remain in place except in areas where cross-country motorized travel is currently permitted. Cross-country motorized travel by ATVs and motorcycles in the existing "D" areas of the Lakes Landscape would no longer be allowed and all motorized travel would be restricted to existing open National Forest system roads and trails. No new motorized roads, trails or areas would be designated. The existing seasonal closure at Tuckerville would remain unchanged.

Alternative 3
This alternative would utilize many existing open Forest roads for all motorized vehicle use.
Some selected closed roads and user-created routes would be utilized to create loops and out-and-back trails for ATVs and motorcycles. Cross-country motorized travel by ATVs and motorcycles in the existing "D" areas of the Lakes Landscape would no longer be allowed, and all travel would be restricted to system roads and trails as designated under this analysis and decision. Road closures would be put into effect for all Forest roads to protect the road base from erosion and rutting during the wet seasons (December 1 - May 31).

The Forest roads, both system roads and user created routes, beyond Tuckerville would be closed to all motorized vehicle travel.

The spur roads (NFSR 597B, NFSR 597C and NFSR 597D) off the East Florida road (NFSR 597) would be closed to all motorized vehicle use.

The Forest road between Florida Campground and Transfer Park Campground and the roads within Transfer Park Campground would be closed to non-highway legal vehicles.

The East Vallecito road (NFSR 603) would be closed to non-highway legal vehicles.

Red Creek road (NFSR 599) would be graveled for approximately 1.1 mile a parking area would be constructed and the remaining 0.6 mile of this road would be closed to all motorized vehicle use.

All other existing open Forest roads in this landscape would remain open to all motorized vehicle use.

The Runlett trail (NFST 530) from milepost (MP) 0 to MP 3 would remain open to ATV and motorcycle use. The remaining segment from MP 3 to MP 5 would be closed to all motorized use.

Alternative 4
This alternative would be the same as Alternative 3 with the following changes:

Middle Mountain Road (NFRS 724) would remain open beyond Tuckerville to a parking area located approximately 0.1 mile from the Weminuche Wilderness boundary.

A requirement of this alternative would be monitoring of motorized designations in the Tuckerville area for a three-year period after the Decision. If users continue to use non-designated routes and create new routes above Tuckerville, a closure to all motorized vehicle use beyond Tuckerville would be put into effect.

The Runlett trail (NFST 530) would remain open and designated for ATV and motorcycle travel from MP 0 to the private property boundary, a distance of five miles (one-way).

Eight miles of single track trail would be designated in the future for motorcycles pending further design and re-construction.

A Closure Order would be put into effect for the area above the gate at Tuckerville from April 15th - June 15th annually to protect the naturally occurring herd of bighorn sheep during their lambing period.

The four routes above Tuckerville identified for decommissioning (Figure 8) would have the highest priority within this landscape as funds become available.

All Action Alternatives
The following items would occur under any of the action alternatives:
A Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) depicting roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use by vehicle type and by time of year (36 CFR 261.13) would be published; the designated road and trail system would be signed; closures of non-designated roads, trails and areas would be accomplished as money becomes available; mixed use analysis would be conducted; parking for the purpose of dispersed camping within 300 feet of a designated system road would continue to be allowed where such travel would not result in resource damage; and day use parking off of a designated route would be allowed within one vehicle length from the edge of designated roads.

Based upon the effects of the alternatives, the responsible official will decide what roads, trails and areas will be open to what type of motorized vehicles; what seasonal or wildlife closures would be implemented; and what distance motorized vehicles will be allowed to travel from forest roads for dispersed camping and day use parking. Also, the responsible official will determine routes for decommissioning, and the appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures to protect the resources while providing both motorized and non-motorized recreational opportunities.

The responsible official may choose an alternative in its entirety, may modify an alternative, or may craft a decision merging specific components from different alternatives.

COMMENT PERIOD
Hand-delivered, facsimile, electronic, and oral comments concerning this action will be accepted until June 7, 2008.

Written comments may be mailed to: District Ranger, PO Box 439, Bayfield, CO 81122, or hand-delivered to the Columbine District Office at 367 Pearl Street in Bayfield. Comments may also be faxed to Attn: Camela Hooley, 970-884-2428.

Comments can be e-mailed to comments-rocky-mountain-san-juan-columbine@fs.fed.us. If comments are sent electronically, please submit them in plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), or Microsoft Word (.doc) format in a common font such as "Times." For electronically mailed comments, the sender should normally receive an automated acknowledgement from the agency as a confirmation of receipt. If the sender does not receive an automated acknowledgement receipt of comments, it is the sender's responsibility to ensure timely receipt by other means (36 CFR 215.6 (4) (iii)).

Oral comments must be provided in person at the Columbine District office during normal business hours or via telephone to either Nancy Berry at 970-375-3304 or Camela Hooley at 970-884-1414. It is the responsibility of persons providing comments to submit them by the close of the comment period.

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

Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

RECREATION WRONGLY TARGETED IN CLEAR CREEK CLOSURE

Contacts

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

Date: 05/01/2008

BOISE, ID (May 1)--Recreation groups expressed dismay at the surprise announcement that federal agencies are closing approximately 31,000 acres of public land in Central California. The Clear Creek Management Area ("CCMA"), located in San Benito County and managed by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), is one of the most popular off-highway vehicle recreation sites in the West.

BLM yesterday announced it would immediately close roughly half of the CCMA as a result of a new EPA report alleging an increased long-term cancer risk associated with recreational activities in the CCMA. The CCMA contains a form of naturally occurring asbestos known as Coalinga chrysotile. Despite years of study and intensive use of the area, EPA's latest report apparently makes new findings determining the risk levels to be above the range that EPA considers acceptable.

"We dispute not only these findings, but the manner in which they have been presented and imposed upon the public," said Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, a recreation advocacy group. "This topic has been debated at length, and highly-motivated special interests have ruthlessly scoured any population spending even a trivial amount of time at the CCMA. The simple fact is that asbestos-related disease does not show up in any of these populations. Period. We are reviewing the EPA report to see what compels this new finding and immediate closure, but anticipate taking quick and decisive action," Amador concluded.

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. http://www.sharetrails.org

Yellowstone Snowmobile Season Ends - Response to New Legal Threats

Contacts

Jack Welch, Special Projects 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: 04/24/2008

We have completed another winter season in Yellowstone. Let's review the events of the last few months and see what the future may hold for the 2008-2009 winter season. First, on November 20, 2007, the National Park Service issued its Record of Decision (ROD) on winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. This culminated a three-year process of developing a long-term winter use plan for the Parks. The ROD was followed by promulgation of an implementing rule on December 17, 2007. The Park opened to snowmobile access on December 19, 2007. With some limitations, these decisions marked another milestone for continued snowmobile access to the Parks, and while opponents made threats, this was a season without tangible interference from the courtroom. Snowfall was plentiful, and the Park closed to all snowmobile access on March 9, 2008.

The ROD maintains continuing snowmobile opportunities, but not without some frustrations. The new winter use plan allows for continuing limited commercial snowmobile access to Yellowstone National Park on best-available-technology machines. Daily snowmobile entries will be limited, and the Park Service has continued to prohibit non-commercially guided sledding. Despite these new restrictions, the preservationist forces are distraught over the fact any snowmobiling continues and they have taken steps to make good on their long-standing threat to eliminate snowmobiles from the Parks.

Even before the ink was dry on the new decisions, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wilderness Society and National Parks Conservation Association filed two new lawsuits in the U.S. District of Columbia. In a notable counter-balance, the State of Wyoming and Park County, Wyoming have filed additional legal actions in the U.S. District of Wyoming. None of these suits sought injunctions or were otherwise expedited in a way that would impact the 2007-2008 season. The Federal Defendants have filed an interesting series of motions attempting to have the cases all consolidated and heard before a single judge. The first motion was filed in the D.C. court and asks to have those cases transferred to Wyoming. The second "contingent" motion was filed in Wyoming, and is premised upon a ruling denying the first motion and seeks a change of venue to the D.C. court. Briefing is underway on the motions, although the Defendants have asked for expedited review before Judge Sullivan and are seeking a ruling on April 25, 2008. Regardless of the various maneuvers or rulings, the preservationists have made it clear that they intend to vigorously pursue their claims before the 2008 opening and we can anticipate that they hope to use the 2008 general election as a springboard to renewed efforts to manage Yellowstone from Capitol Hill and even Pennsylvania Avenue.

The BlueRibbon Coalition has continued its long-running involvement in defense of reasonable snowmobile visitation to Yellowstone, and has moved to intervene in all of the lawsuits alongside its pro-access partners, including ISMA, ACSA and other snowmobile enthusiasts. These cases all remain in their initial stages, but we can anticipate that the preservationist lawyers are honing their anti-access arguments just as we are preparing to store our sleds for the summer.

In summary, it was an eventful and ultimately successful year in Yellowstone from the pro-access perspective, but our work is far from over. Please continue in your support of our efforts in Yellowstone as we move into the next critical phase of this management. None of our accomplishments will mean a thing if our complacency contributes to re-writing of these decisions through the courts or in the halls of congress.

I hope you had the opportunity to visit and enjoy these two treasures of the National Park System this winter. For the specific details concerning the ROD and Final Rule, as well as continuing updates, please visit our dedicated Yellowstone website at www.saveyellowstonepark.com.

Bridger-Teton NF To Hold Open House On Travel Plan

Date: 04/24/2008

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Attention Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho recreationists!

As you know, the Jackson, Buffalo and Big Piney Ranger Districts on the Bridger-Teton National Forest are working on their new travel plan. The Forest Service (FS) will be hosting a Draft Environmental Impact Statement Informational Open House for the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Route Designation Project - North Zone on Tuesday May 6, 2008, between 4:30pm and 8:30pm in the Ordway Auditorium of the Teton County Library in Jackson, WY.

This event will be the first opportunity for the public to view the five alternatives to date that were created in response to earlier public comments and resource considerations. Maps for alternative designated OHV route systems will be available for review. Resource specialists will be on hand for questions about each alternative. Information on how to participate in the review process and how to comment on the alternatives will also be available at the Open House.

For more information, contact David Wilkinson at the Jackson Ranger District at (307) 739-5544.

Thanks in advance for your support,
Brian Hawthorne
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

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BLM Announces Public Meetings Scheduled For Revised Dunes Recreation Plan

Date: 04/21/2008

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

BLM Announces Public Meetings Scheduled For Revised Dunes Recreation Plan

We just received an email from the American Sand Association (ASA)with an update on the Revised Imperial Dunes Recreation Plan, along with the public meeting schedule. They have also included some excellent comment suggestions. Please take a couple of minutes to read over the information and pass it along.

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

Subject: ISDRA RAMP Scoping Meetings - Comments Due
From: ASA_News@asasand.com
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 9:34 PM
To: "Ric Foster" brrichard@sharetrails.org

PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR REVISED IMPERIAL DUNES RECREATION PLAN

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), El Centro Field Office, has scheduled three public meetings concerning the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreations Area (ISDRA) revised Recreation Management Plan (RAMP) and new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). These are preliminary scoping meetings.

Written comments will be considered in forming the new RAMP. These meetings will be informal. No speakers are scheduled. Several BLM staff members will be available to hear what you would like considered in the revised EIS and RAMP. Your comments will carry weight ONLY if in writing.

Other groups that disagree with our desires will also have this same opportunity.

This will be your opportunity to tell BLM what you would like to see at the ISDRA. The RAMP is the road map for the future of the dunes. So, this is your chance to provide your ideas about raven proof dumpsters, vendor procedures and availability, corridors through the critical habitat to the open central dunes, Comp Hill curfew, etc. Your comments will carry weight ONLY if in writing.

The following is an abbreviated list of topics that the ASA Board has endorsed. ASA will develop more comprehensive comments that will be submitted in writing to BLM by the May 31, 2008 deadline. It is recommended that you stress the following items at the public meetings.

If you are unable to attend one of the meetings listed below, you can mail your comments in. Comments should be sent to:

Erin R. Dreyfuss
Planning and Environmental Coordinator
BLM El Centro Field Office
1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243.

The deadline is May 31, 2008. Your comments will carry weight ONLY if in writing.

Suggested Comments:

Business Plan and Vending
The new RAMP and supporting Business Plan should address the limitations on the vendors at the dunes, as it does not make sense at this time. The best way to protect the private business interest is to make sure the vendors at the Dunes don't have an advantage over private businesses at the dunes. A re-evaluation of vending at the Dunes is needed.

Camping Facilities
Increased availability of hardened camping facilities should be constructed in the areas between the existing Gecko road and the Coachella canal to allow additional camping areas in the Gecko road area. Add additional hard surface camping pads at locations along Gecko road. Easy access to camping should be mechanically maintained in the Mammoth wash area as well as wash road south of highway 78.

Trash Containers
Consider a program to remove the trash containers provided at the ISDRA. If all users could be convinced to take their trash home then considerable cost savings could be realized by not having to pay for trash service. Provide additional outreach programs to encourage visitors to take their trash home. Establish visitor service priorities to provide BLM guidance when resources (human and financial) are limited. i.e., law enforcement and medical aid takes precedent over trash collection.

Adaptive Management Area
In the previous RAMP there was an Adaptive Management Area (AMA) designated to protect plants and animals. As this area experienced little use before the temporary administrative closures were implemented, it is unlikely that these perceived threats would materialize. This AMA proposal will require a large effort to manage and enforce the rules for admittance. A better approach would be to set monitoring areas to monitor the status of any plant or animal that is thought to be threatened. Using that approach would allow the BLM and US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to have controlled areas to compare to open areas in the same vicinity. Access corridors through Peirson's milk vetch (PMV) Critical Habitat (CH) and the microphyll woodland area are mandatory for safety, resource protection and public access.

BLM Sponsored ATV Training
ATV safety training that is well published should occur throughout in the ISDRA on a routine schedule.

User Fees
Beyond appropriated and grant funding, we believe user fees should be kept to an absolute minimum required, and be in full compliance with existing law.

Best Available Data
The new RAMP provides an opportunity to update the recreation plan with the best available recreation use, biological, and visitation data. Today, we have more current and better information that will be critical for decision making.

Fee Compliance
There is a management need to work towards full 100% compliance in collecting entrance fees for all ISDRA users.

The above are only suggestions. Please add/delete/change any items that are important to you.

Your comments will carry weight ONLY if in writing. Please take the time to present them either in person or US mail.

Tuesday, April 22nd (6pm to 8pm)
Handlery Hotel
950 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 398-8333

Wednesday, April 23rd (6pm 70 8pm)
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 943 - 2656

Thursday, April 24th (6pm to 8pm)
Imperial Irrigation District William R. Condit Meeting Room
1285 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243
(760) 339-9422

Please DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Please direct questions or comments to: asaboard@americansandassociation.org

Thank you,

The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform, and Mobilize

American Sand Association
Phone: (888) 540-7263
Fax: (951) 242-1332
URL: www.americansandassociation.org

USA-ALL HOSTS DUNES & TUNES THIS WEEKEND IN KANAB

Date: 04/21/2008

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

USA-ALL HOSTS DUNES & TUNES THIS WEEKEND IN KANAB

BRC received an email reminder from Mike Swenson, Executive Director of the Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL) (http://www.usa-all.com), regarding their Dunes & Tunes event coming up this weekend.

I have pasted his emails below; please take a couple of minutes to read over the information and pass it along.

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

Subject: DUNES & TUNES INVITE
From: "Michael Swenson"
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:30:46 -0600
To: "Brian Hawthorne"

We sent this out 2 weeks ago but some people didn't receive it due to the flyer that we originally attached.

One additional opportunity for some fun in the same location will be the Utah Arizona ATV Club's Annual poker run on Saturday morning. Join the poker run in the morning, eat lunch at USA-ALL base camp, send a video comment to your congressman and tell him what you think, enjoy the dunes, and then come relax in the evening to the live concert. Click here for details on the poker run http://www.utazatvclub.org/2008_Poker_Run.htm

April1, 2008

Dear Members,

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Plan to attend. So many times we come to you asking for money to help support what we do to preserve our right to access public land this time we decided to make a fundraiser an event you can enjoy with your entire family. Incase you can't see the attached PDF document here are the details. Check this out...

Dunes & Tunes
April 26-27
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located 22 miles northwest of Kanab, Utah on Sand Dunes Road.

This is a fundraising event to help a local non-profit organization, the Utah Shared Access Alliance, which protects motorized access to the land we love. The fundraiser is being sponsored by the television show "At Your Leisure" and other local businesses who have donated raffle items. Bring your whole family. It gives us the opportunity to rub shoulders and get to know each other better and enjoy what we are fighting to preserve. Please come and enjoy the dunes, tunes, trails, and other events. There will be opportunity thru ought the day to get on your soapbox and have your land use opinions recorded on camera. These comments will be compiled on to a DVD and copies will be sent to a variety of government agencies and elected officials.

Saturday:
A.M.
9:00 Let the fun begin!
           The following will be available all day long:

Trail/Ride orientation

Food and drinks will be available from 9:00 AM to 9:00
All proceeds to benefit USA-ALL

Your personal opinions will be recorded by At Your Leisure
and sent to government agencies and elected officials

USA-ALL home base to find out more about us and
what you can do to help

A few display booths w/ related info

Ride the dunes and surrounding area

Enjoy time with your family

See nearby attractions
We will have local concierge service to help you know what is available

10:30 Raffle
1:30 Auction
  4:30 Raffle
  7:00 Free Concert

Sunday: Breakfast will be available
               Open for you to enjoy your day as you would like.
There are Park entrance fees:
Day Visits: $6
Camping: $16
For more info on Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park visit their website at: http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink/

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

      USA-ALL

Update on Deepening the Castle Rock Cut at Lake Powell

Contacts

Jack Welch, Special Projects 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: 04/16/2008

by Jack Welch, Special Projects Consultant
BlueRibbon Coalition

Good News, the Cut Could Open This Season!

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, also known as Lake Powell, has just finished its comment period on the Environmental Assessment (EA) on deepening an area on Lake Powell commonly called the Castle Rock Cut. Your comments that supported the deepening of the Castle Rock Cut will make a difference!

Even as the Park Service considers your comments, there is good news. On April 3rd, the Park Service released information titled "Heavy Snowpack in the Rockies Will Likely Raise Lake Powell to Highest Levels Since 2002;" the release continues, "Causing the Castle Rock Cut to Become Passable to Boaters by June." That is very good news! In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation's projections are that the cut will remain usable until 2010. What is causing this good news? It is all caused by the Snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin being at 124% of average in early April. As the snow melts, it will flow into the Colorado River and eventually into Lake Powell.

Before I continue, let me provide some background information to help understand why deepening and using the Castle Rock Cut is important. The cut is a popular short-cut route on Lake Powell that allows all boaters, including PWCers, to conveniently travel between the Wahweap Marina and other destinations uplake. Traveling through the Castle Rock Cut, when operational, saves about 12 miles of travel and more than one hour's transit time to locations uplake. These areas uplake include Rainbow Bridge, Padre Bay, Warm Creek Bay, etc. In the case of PWCs, the narrow channel that ALL boating activity is forced to navigate now can create some potentially dangerous areas. There are areas of large wave action and close proximity to much larger crafts, making the 12 mile transit difficult at best. PWCs vs. 75ft long house boats, not good!

When the Lake Powell water level drops again, and that day will come, it will be time to excavate the cut. The BlueRibbon was glad to help lead the charge to get the project underway last fall and will lead the charge again when needed. This project proposes to deepen the existing cut to 3,580-foot elevation and make the cut available to boats drafting 4 feet or less when the lake level is above the 3,585-foot level. This would allow most boat operators, including PWCers, to use the cut much of the peak season.

Your comments on the EA this time will help the Park Service move ahead on the project when it is needed. In simple terms, all recreational boaters, including PWCers, told the Park Service that deepening the cut is important to them and they support Alternative 2, the preferred alternative. This showing of major support for deepening the cut will hopefully get the Park Service to put the deepening process on a fast track when the Lake level falls.

Highlight of BlueRibbon's comment included the safety issue I mentioned above. In addition, we commented on the issues of decreased fuel consumption from the savings of the 12 miles of travel required through the regular channel. A final comment was that boaters would be dispersed more widely across the Lake due to the opening of the Castle Rock Cut.

Thanks again for commenting on this important effort and, for now, enjoy using the Castle Rock Cut this coming season!

Additional details about the project are available online at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/glca. At the website, under Current Project, click on Deepen Castle Rock Cut Project. A copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA) is available online at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?parkId=62&projectId=20386
A limited number of hard copies of the EA are available by calling 928-608-6200

Williams Ranger District Extends Travel Management Comment Period

Date: 04/09/2008

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Williams Ranger District Extends Travel Management Comment Period

The Kaibab National Forest, along with all the other national forests and grasslands in the country, is undertaking an analysis of its transportation system. That transportation system ranges from paved roads designed for passenger cars to single-track trails used by dirt bikes. In addition to this managed system of roads and trails, the Kaibab National Forest has many user-created roads and trails. The result of the travel analysis process will be the creation of a Motor Vehicle Use Map, which will identify all the roads, trails and areas on the forest that are open to motor vehicle use.

On March 31, 2008, the Kaibab National Forest released its proposal for managing off-highway vehicles and other motor vehicles on the Williams Ranger District. The Proposed Action document and accompanying maps are available on their website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/travelmanagement.

The Proposed Action focuses on needed changes to the existing motorized transportation system on the district. It does not propose any changes to non-motorized travel such as hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. The Proposed Action designates about 1,300 miles of roads as the district transportation system open to motorized travel. The document also proposes several other actions including the following:

Prohibit motorized travel off of designated routes, unless authorized by an exemption.

Close approximately 350 miles of currently open roads.

Add approximately 12 miles of road to the designated road system. This includes 7 miles of formerly closed roads and 5 miles of unauthorized user-created routes.

Add approximately 25 miles of motorized trails to the transportation system.

Allow motor vehicle travel up to 200 feet off of open roads in designated fixed distance corridors to access dispersed camping sites.

Authorize cross-country travel up to one mile off of system roads to retrieve a legally-hunted and tagged elk during the warmer months of September and October.

In order to provide additional time and opportunity for the public to comment, the Kaibab National Forest has extended the deadline for receipt of comments on the Williams Ranger District travel management Proposed Action. All comments are now due by May 30, 2008.

In addition to the extended comment period, the Williams Ranger District also plans to host an additional work session to gather public input. The work session is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. on May 24 at the triple wide building located on the Williams Ranger District compound at Camp Clover.

During the work session, resource specialists will be available to take comments and answer questions. Maps showing the proposed transportation system will be on display and members of the public will be able to review that information and provide input. The public input received from the work session will be used to refine the Proposed Action and develop alternatives to it.

Written or oral comments may be submitted to:

TMR, Williams Ranger District
742 S. Clover Rd.
Williams, AZ 86046

Telephone (928) 635-5614 or FAX (928) 635-5680

Hand-delivered comments may be submitted to the Williams Ranger District office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays. Comments may also be submitted electronically via a web form located on the Forest's website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/travelmanagement/get-involved.shtml.

For more information, please contact Jackie Denk at (928) 635-8314.

PLEASE, IF YOU RECREATE IN THE KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST, GET INVOLVED NOW!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

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ELDORADO FOREST RELEASES LONG-AWAITED TRAVEL PLAN

Contacts

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

Date: 04/01/2008

PLACERVILLE, CA (April 1) -- The Eldorado National Forest has released its Travel Management Plan, which is one of the first final decision documents promulgated in California under the Forest Service's Travel Management Rule. The new decision, signed by Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo on March 31, follows a tumultuous history of planning, controversy and litigation. Upon signing the Record of Decision, the Forest met with numerous stakeholder interests, including recreation groups and representatives from the state OHV program, to review its designation of approximately 1,847 miles of roads and trails for motorized vehicle use.

The designation represents a significant reduction to the historic public route network of 2,342 miles of National Forest System Roads and Trails and over 500 miles of user-created routes. However, the mileage in this alternative (modified B) represents an increase of about 300 miles as compared to the preferred Alternative D in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

The added routes apparently came as a result of the agency listening to thousands of site-specific comments submitted by OHV enthusiasts and other users who spoke about important modifications to provide trail connectivity, sites for dispersed camping, and to provide for an enjoyable and sustainable route network.

Supervisor Villalvazo stressed at the meeting that this base route network is a beginning and a foundation for future travel planning on the Forest. He also made a commitment to a volunteer trail program and to work with the recreation community to provide a quality recreational experience on the Forest. Villalvazo specifically noted that his office would continue to work with El Dorado County in developing a master plan for the world-famous Rubicon 4WD Trail.

Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, observed, "There is certainly frustration by the OHV community regarding the significant reduction from routes historically used and maintained by the Forest. However, we recognize the thankless position of current personnel who inherited a regulatory 'perfect storm' fraught with misinterpretation of rules, regulations and the court order."

"This product is far from perfect, but many users will appreciate the agency's effort to provide for meaningful trail mileage, to reduce the wet weather closure period, and to commit to working with the OHV community and other publics on the implementation and improvement of the plan," Amador concluded.

Due to the various appeal and administrative time-lines associated with this project, implementation of the decision will likely not occur until January 2009.

The recreation groups at the meeting included Friends of the Rubicon, California Enduro Riders Association, American Motorcyclist Association District 36, El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation, California Off Road Vehicle Association, California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, and the BlueRibbon Coalition, all of whom have been active in the administrative process and prior litigation addressing Eldorado travel management.

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. www.sharetrails.org

OHV ACCESS AND POTENTIAL LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY ARE THEMES AT CONGRESSIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Contacts

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

Date: 03/24/2008

SAN DIEGO, CA (March 24) -- Loss of off-highway vehicle access to popular federal recreation sites in Southern California was the main theme at a town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Duncan Hunter at Cuyamaca College on the outskirts of San Diego. Mike Pool, the director for the California Office of the Bureau of Land Management, also shared the podium at the March 22 meeting.

Over 200 off-roaders attended the event and many expressed concerns about the various competing interests that are impacting recreational opportunities in the California Desert region. The proposed expansion of the Marine Corps base into the Johnson Valley OHV Area, renewable energy construction projects, the endless parade of eco-lawsuits filed by anti-access groups against federal land agencies, and new Wilderness plans were the main points of contention.

Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, states, "I think this meeting was a true 'grassroots' success. It was not just representatives from organized groups that spoke, but many individuals took time out of the holiday weekend to make their voices heard."

"Both Congressman Hunter and Director Pool assured the crowd that the military was now acutely aware that Johnson Valley is an internationally recognized and world-class OHV recreation area. Hunter also made a promise to the group that he would meet with the Marine Corps in the next two weeks to discuss this issue and see if a solution can be found," Amador said.

"The event hosts urged OHVers to stay engaged in the political and land-use planning processes. The group was also reminded about shrinking federal recreation budgets and that supporting trail volunteer efforts and user-fee programs at selected sites will be key factors in the public land-use equation," Amador concludes.

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742.
http://www.sharetrails.org

BLUERIBBON COALITION PROVIDES NEEDED PERSPECTIVE IN CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON OHV USE

Contacts

Brian Hawthorne, BRC Public Lands Policy Director
- Phone: 208-237-1008 (x102)
- Fax: 208-237-9424
- Email: brbrian@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#BrianH

Date: 03/13/2008

POCATELLO, ID (March 13) -- The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national recreational access organization based in Pocatello, Idaho, today offered qualified support to federal off-highway vehicle (OHV) policies and responded to anti-access groups' campaign to nearly eliminate OHV use in National Forests and other public lands.

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the impacts of unmanaged off-highway vehicles on federal lands. The hearing appears to have resulted from a previous effort by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), an anti-OHV activist group, which previously had demanded congressional oversight of the ongoing OHV planning undertaken by federal land managers.

Both Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service representatives gave testimony at the hearing. Both agencies spoke about their policies to address the increase in popularity of OHV use on public lands. The U.S. Forest Service published directives in 2005 that limits all motor vehicle use on National Forests to designated roads, trails and areas. The BLM is in the process of implementing similar directives. Testimony was also given by several anti-access groups, including PEER.

"The hyperbole of the anti-motorized crowd surprises no one anymore. These groups are beyond predictable," said Brian Hawthorne, Public Lands Policy Director for the BlueRibbon Coalition. "Leave it to the well-funded anti-access lobbyists to find fault with policies that attempt to bring management consistency and further controls on vehicle access," Hawthorne observed. "These groups will not stop until they've closed most of the roads and trails to wheeled vehicles. The responsible recreation community and hopefully the public have grown weary of the distorted perspective offered by these groups."

Hawthorne noted these groups overlook the fact that the Forest Service has made significant road and trail closures in recent years. Indeed, many of these closures were a result of lawsuits from these very same groups. "Every year more and more public lands are off limits to people who choose or are required to use vehicles, yet these people are never satisfied".

In its written testimony, the BRC made it clear that the OHV community supports a policy of vehicle access limited to designated roads, trails and areas. BRC supports an open and public process to properly designate recreational trail systems. Importantly, BRC noted in its testimony that the agency's allocation of budget, staff, and management effort should reflect the developing reality that outdoor recreation on public lands is increasingly valued by Americans. The time has come to make managed recreation the top priority for federal land managers.

"It would be nice to have PEER's support and cooperation, but it worries me that they seem bent on the elimination of vehicle access to most public lands. In the end, our energies would be better spent providing information to the agencies and working toward management solutions that can allow more Americans to visit our public lands while preserving the natural beauty that makes these lands special," Hawthorne concluded.

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742.
http://www.sharetrails.org

RECREATIONAL BOATING INDUSTRY APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF THE CLEAN BOATING ACT OF 2008

Date: 03/13/2008

Bill Will Restore Nationwide, Commonsense Exemption, Protect Waterways for Recreational Boaters

WASHINGTON, DC (March 13) -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today applauded legislation introduced by Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), ensuring recreational boaters and anglers will not need a federal permit to operate their boats. The Clean Boating Act of 2008 fully and permanently restores a longstanding, commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships.

"On behalf of America's recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, their hundreds of thousands of employees and the nation's 73 million boaters, NMMA offers its thanks to Senators Boxer and Nelson for working toward honoring their pledge to protect recreational boating," said Scott Gudes, vice president of government relations for NMMA. "This issue has been a cloud hanging over our industry and, as promised, Senators Boxer and Nelson have worked to address it. We call on Congress to swiftly adopt this bill well in advance of the September 2008 permitting deadline."

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 restores a 35-year old Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemption for water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water. The legislation recognizes that discharges from recreational boats, which are operated on average 31 days a year, are completely distinct from commercial ship discharges. To help protect the health of the nation's waterways on which recreational boaters and anglers depend, the bill also pursues whether reasonable best management practices need to be put into place for some recreational boat discharges.

Recreational boats are currently heavily regulated under the Clean Water Act, the Clean Vessel Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and other federal and state laws.

"There is no need for federal or state permits for water-based discharges from recreational boats," Gudes said. "This legislation takes a balanced approach which protects the American marine manufacturing sector, boaters and anglers, and the nation's aquatic resources."

The issue of new federal permits stems from a September 2006 U.S. District Court ruling that ordered the EPA to regulate ballast water discharges, and mandated a deadline of September 2008 to put it in place. Although the litigation was aimed at ocean-going vessels, the court's ruling struck down an exemption instituted in 1973 that applied to the incidental discharges from all vessels, including recreational boats. Large ocean-going ships use ballast water for stability and routinely discharge that water, introducing pollutants and invasive species in U.S. waters in the process.

"Unfortunately, the court's decision to overturn the entire exemption unintentionally tossed recreational boats into the same category as commercial ships," said Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA. "While minimizing the exchange of ballast water from one international port to another is very important in reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species, it is equally important not to sweep small recreational boats into the same regulatory scheme. It was clearly never the intention of the law, or the EPA, to treat your everyday boater the same as these large ocean-going ships, and doing so would have a devastating effect on recreational boating in America."

"Without legislative relief soon, everyday boaters would be required by federal law to apply for the same expensive permits as ocean-going commercial vessels and land-based industrial facilities," Gudes said. "We are pleased that Senators Boxer and Nelson recognize the economic, social and cultural significance of the recreational marine industry and recreational boating and are moving to enact this crucial piece of legislation."

"NMMA has been working with a broad coalition of stakeholders, including BoatU.S., to resolve this problem in advance of the permitting deadline," Gudes added. "And it's important to note that we are heavily indebted to the strong bipartisan efforts over the last year to provide relief for recreational boaters and anglers, including the leadership of Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), Representatives Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and Candice Miller (R- Mich.), who have also introduced legislation to address this matter. Congress must now enact this legislation before the clock runs out on America's recreational boaters."

--Article provided by the National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA),
the nation's largest recreational marine industry association. For more
information on this important issue, visit them on the web at http://www.BoatBlue.org

Snowmobile Visitation to Yellowstone Increases 4.5%

Contacts

Jack Welch, Special Projects 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: 02/11/2008

by Jack Welch, Special Projects Consultant
BlueRibbon Coalition

Yellowstone National Park remains a very popular winter destination for snowmobile enthusiasts. In fact, the rate of visitation to the Park continues to grow, as shown by the just-released report from the National Park Service, which shows that December through January snowmobile visitors year over year were 17,007 versus 16,268 for a 4.5 percent increase. This increase is on top of a 10.31 percent increase for the 2006-2007 winter season in Yellowstone.

What does this mean? It means that, even with the plethora of restrictions and controversy, snowmobile visitation to Yellowstone is on the rebound! And here are several reasons for the national appeal of Yellowstone by snowmobile and for the increase in ridership.

I just returned from a commercially guided trip into the Park with "Wyoming Adventures." We went from Flagg Ranch in Wyoming through the South Entrance to the West Thumb and Old Faithful area. In my group were people from varied locations, including Tennessee and South Carolina. Yes, Yellowstone has the same broad appeal in winter as in other seasons. We traveled to West Thumb and on to Old Faithful area for lunch and to view the Old Faithful Geyser. In our 90-plus mile trek, we viewed thermal features and, of course, the wildlife along the groomed roads. A major reason snowmobiles continue to grow in popularity for visiting the Park is that they provide the most flexible mode of transportation. If a group of riders want to stop to watch a geyser erupt, they can just pull over on the groomed roads and do so. In addition, the view of the Park from a snowmobile is a personal one, with ever-changing vistas to be remembered for the rest of your life.

And now let's review the management prescriptions that continue for the rest of this season. The main points include 720 snowmobiles entries to Yellowstone per day, all of which have to meet Best Available Technology standards (BAT) and must be commercially guided. Please note, the regulations for next season are changing and will be covered in additional updates.

For more information, review the Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton National Parks' latest winter planning newsletter posted at the end of this update.

In closing, please remember that Yellowstone remains open to snowmobiles and represents one of the most profound victories over the extreme preservationists in our lifetime. Enjoy the victory and make your plans to come enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this winter on a snowmobile. We are blessed with abundant snow this winter and the Park will be open for sledding until early March!

Note: For current information on items covered in this summary, go to our dedicated website of www.saveyellowstonepark.com

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks' Winter Planning Newsletter

Trails in Trouble Video Available

Date: 02/04/2008

BRC Land Use Advisory
Trails in Trouble Video Available

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Chris Horgan, the driving force behind Stewards of the Sequoia ( http://stewardsofthesequoia.org/ ), has just completed a Video designed to be used by OHV clubs and individuals.

Horgan envisions thousands of OHV enthusiasts across the U.S. playing the video for local elected officials, land managers and especially Congressman, Senators and their staff.

Included with the DVD are detailed instructions on how to find and present the DVD to law makers in your area. Horgan even includes step-by-step instructions and some really good tips and pointers about how to make the most of this exceptional video.

This sort of project is highly effective and highly recommended. The video is only $9.95 and is available on Horgan's new website: http://www.trailsintrouble.org/

And while you are there placing your order, don't forget to click the "Information for Lawmakers" link toward the top left of the webpage. Said in the voice of Monte Burns, of "The Simpsons".... Eeeeeexelent! Well done Chris!!

Please take a minute and visit the website and order your copy of the video today!

Brian Hawthorne
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 10