So-Cal Atv.com

January Quad of the Month

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Just a note ....................

 SB 742 and YOU!!!...

Our Governor back in October of this year signed a bill into law extending the current ohv legislation out another 10 years which would be the longest extension ever signed into law before. This bill also has changed the way the ohv funds are used but not necessarily for the better. It has designated the percentage used for law enforcement, restoration and administration in certain specific areas but does not do the same for acquisition and improvements of current systems. That part is specified with this: The remainder of the annual revenues to the fund shall be available for the support of the division in implementing the off-highway motor vehicle recreation program and for the planning, acquisition, development, construction, maintenance, administration, operation, restoration, and conservation of lands in the system.  Oh yeah and by the way, 50 percent of the fund is solely for grants that have to do with non-motorized recreation. They word it as "use of off-highway motor vehicles for recreation or motorized access to non-motorized recreation." That could go either way. Registration fees have doubled and fines have been increased also.

But on a lighter note they now have more members on the board, have to establish a web sight with specific updated information regarding ohv opportunities and publish a book of the same. Also must publicly meet across the state at least 4 times a year with public input. And the OHMVR commission no longer holds the purse strings, they have been relegated to an advisory role. So that much is good. BUT Any moneys not used during a year will go to the general fund, not so good.

If you are interested the full bill is right here for your perusal.

Did You Know?.......

RRAC Meeting, Jan 14-15

"Recreation Resource Advisory Committee holds its first meeting"
The Pacific Southwest Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) held its first meeting on November 5 and 6 in Sacramento. The RRAC is a citizen's Federal Advisory Committee that provides recommendations on creating new or changing existing recreation fees managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in California. Their next meeting is planned for Jan. 14-15 in southern California. It will be held in the Ontario area, but I can't find the address. I will post it as I get it. If you hear where it is conact us via the contact page. Here is the link to the story.  Here and Here
 

"Off-road groups want in on debate"

  "Off-roading groups are concerned that they could be left out of the discussion on how to prevent motorized vehicle damage to public lands....Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility...released figures on criminal activity on lands under the protection of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management or the BLM between 2004 and 2007....In interviews Tuesday, representatives of the national Off-Road Business Association and Blue Ribbon Coalition said they support law enforcement cracking down on irresponsible riders who give the sport a bad name, but they also feel scapegoated."
The full story is here

"BLM releases Eastern San Diego Proposed Resource Management Plan"  
  The PRMP/FEIS addresses public lands managed by the BLM’s El Centro Field Office in the eastern portion of San Diego County, CA. These public lands cover about 100,000 acres, spanning a portion of the eastern escarpment of Southern California’s Peninsular Ranges. The area is adjacent to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Cleveland National Forest, several Indian reservations, and the U.S.-Mexico border. The PRMP will provide future management guidance for use and protection of the resources in this area.
The story is here, and the document is here. Do not follow the link in the story it does not work. The 30 day comment period is in effect also so now is the time to get involved.

Volunteers turn out to lend a hand
"Ken Belt is an off-road enthusiast who wants to preserve the desert, so four years ago he decided to coordinate a clean-up effort. “I use the desert a lot and I saw a need to clean up the Superstition Mountains area because a lot of local people go there,” Belt said....On Saturday, about 250 people showed up looking to lend a hand....Bureau of Land Management officials are always willing to work with groups willing to lend a hand."
A little on the old side but worth it. We all need to help with this.

"Riverside County rules frustrate off-roaders"
Sheriff says "off-roading is a major issue at every community meeting he attends....Enforcement is being stepped up in response to complaints....There is the lingering impression...that Riverside County is some remote 'cowboy' territory where anything goes....At the same time...he sympathizes with those who ask for accessible, legal places to ride....Mona Daniels, a Bureau of Land Management outdoor recreation planner, said there are trails in eastern Riverside County open to off-roaders on motorbikes, quads and the like. She said anyone who wants information about those trails may meet with a BLM recreation planner."
I guess in the age of computers, posting where to ride would be out of the question?  Check it out here.

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