- Location
- Desert Beach So Cal
Moderator's Note:
November 2, 2004 is Election Day and there are many pivotal issues
and candidates on the ballot. Please take the time to review your
local ballot and be prepared to vote on Election Day. For your
convenience, Absentee Ballots can be requested. For California
voters, October 26, 2004 is the last day to request an Absentee
Ballot.
**************************
California - Desert Managers Group
A partnership of state and federal land mangers and wildlife agencies
has been receiving reports of increased encounters by humans and
wildlife with uncontrolled/unrestrained dogs in southern California
deserts. There is mounting concern that these encounters could pose
public and wildlife safety issues.
The Desert Mangers Groups is requesting public assistance to report
encounters with feral/free-roaming dogs in the southern California
deserts. Information about past encounters is also requested, The
data collection will continue through August 2005.
For additional information, contact Glenn Black, California Dept of
Fish and Game, [email protected].
(Moderator's Note: I have a hard copy of the Incident Report Form.
I have requested an electronic copy which will be made available for
download.)
**************************
Sidekick's 2005 Off Road Event Calendar
We'd like to include your 4x4 event(s) for next year (if the event is
open to the public). If this event has been scheduled, please let us
know the following details for each event. There is NO CHARGE to have
your event listed in our calendar. We're looking for trail rides,
expos, jamborees, fairground events, races, etc (no meetings).
1. name of the event
2. dates (we know dates are subject to change)
3. nearest city and state
4. a phone number for people to call to get more information (required)
5. a website address, if available
Example of an event in April last year:
Red Rock 4 Wheelers: Easter Safari,
Moab, UT (801)259-ROCK (12th-20th)
Our company, Sidekick Off Road, has been publishing off road event
calendars since 1990. Each year 10,000 calendars are printed and sold
through off road stores, by mail order and on the internet. (We also
produce Rick Russell's Off Highway Adventure Videos, southern
California Off Road Maps, Bandana Maps and off road computer screen
savers.)
The calendar is a hanging wall calendar (12"x17"). The top half has a
full color off road photo (we have already chosen twelve awesome four
wheel drive action photos for next year's calendar). The bottom half
has a calendar grid. In the grid squares we list off road events that
are happening for that day or weekend. Last year we had over 200
events listed on the calendar.
We are hoping to get information about 2005 events as soon as
possible. If you have details for next year's events posted on a
website, please email the website address.
Thank you so much,
Marilyn, Customer Service
Sidekick Off Road
Toll Free Phone: (877) 628-7227
Fax: (909) 628-5392
Website: www.sidekickoffroad.com
Email: [email protected]
**************************
Air Quality Campaign Could Affect Car Prices
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040923/news_1n23carsmog.html
09-23-04
Riding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's endorsement, state air-quality
regulators are expected to launch a campaign against global warming
that could increase new-car prices over the next 10 years. The
California Air Resources Board today plans to put the finishing
touches on the nation's first web of regulations that would force
automakers to redesign their fleets to reduce carbon-dioxide
discharges. Initially, price increases would top out at $36 per
vehicle when the program is scheduled to begin in 2009, according to
state estimates. But by 2016, when standards are set to be fully
phased in, consumers may have to spend up to $1,064 more per vehicle.
**************************
California - Cleveland NF
The Cleveland National Forest will be starting the closures
associated with the EXTREME fire danger levels this coming Monday
9.27.2004. All access to National Forest land south of I-8 will be
closed.
This closure will likely remain in effect until we receive sufficient
rainfall to reduce the fire danger level. The area south of I-8 is
being closed because of the extremely dry condition of the old
chaparral which makes up this entire area.
This EXTREME fire danger will impact all users of the area south of
I-8 including OHV users, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, wilderness
users etc.
During EXTREME all Forest Service gates north of I-8 will also be
closed on Forest Service roads. No motorized vehicles will be
permitted on these roads. There will be no impacts on non motorized
users north of I-8. So all users can hike, hunt, ride bikes or
horses North of I-8. All county, state and federal roads will
remain open.
Within the area impacted by the Cedar Burn, all mountain bikes and
equestrians must stay on designated trails regardless of the Fire
Danger Level.
This chart is explains the restriction by fire danger levels The
fire danger level is posted on our web site
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/ or a recorded message can be found
at 619-593-2183.
(See attached file: Fire Danger Levels Descanso extreme 9.27.04.doc)
Thanks for your cooperation.
Anne G. Carey
Recreation & Lands Officer
Descanso Ranger District
619-445-6235 x 3418
619-445-1753 FAX
(Moderator's Note: Similar access restrictions have been issued for
Angles NF. For updated information about fires danger restrictions
in California forest, check: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/conditions/)
**************************
House Resources Committee - Recreation Fee Demonstration Bill Passes
House Committee
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Contact Brian Kennedy or Matt Streit at (202) 226-9019
Recreation Fee Demonstration Bill Passes House Committee
Washington, DC - Today Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA) and the House
Resources Committee passed H.R. 3283, the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act, introduced by Rep. Ralph Regula. The bill would
improve recreational facilities and visitor opportunities on federal
recreational lands by reinvesting receipts from fair and consistent
recreational fees and passes.
"I commend Rep. Regula for working with this committee on improving
the public's recreational opportunities on federal lands," Chairman
Pombo said. "This legislation protects the public's pocketbook, while
enabling federal land managers to assess reasonable fees for specific
activities and uses. This will put an end to fears that federal land
managers cannot be trusted with recreational fee authority because we
lay out very specific circumstances under which these fees can be
collected and spent."
The Recreational Fee Demonstration Program (Rec Fee Demo) was
originally proposed in 1996 as a tool to generate needed revenue to
manage the growing occurrence of recreation on public land. The
program has been both praised and assailed by federal land users.
Since its inception, federal land managers have been able to actively
reinvest fees assessed into the site or activities used.
"Like many, my family enjoys the vast outdoor recreational
opportunities our public lands have to offer," said Rep. Greg Walden
(R-OR). "For those sites that are developed with facilities such as
information centers, picnic tables, security and restrooms, it is
understandable that we who use them pay nominal fees to help maintain
them. However, fees should not be collected when there are no funds
being invested in a given recreational site. When a hiker parks on
the side of the road and ventures onto an unmanaged trail with no
amenities along the way, they should certainly not have to pay."
Due to the numerous concerns and reauthorizations, the Resources
Committee, the committee with authorizing jurisdiction, undertook
reauthorizing the Rec Fee Program. Rep. Regula's bill will extend the
program for 10 years and specifically states where and what a fee may
and may not be charged for, while also establishing types of fees.
"More importantly, fees collected for recreating on public lands
should be used directly for those sites," continued Walden.
"Collecting fees from individuals and families only to use the money
elsewhere is wholly irresponsible, not to mention unfair. This
legislation addresses that very issue, and instructs the Secretary to
reinvest fees in ways that will allow those who pay to reap the
benefits."
The bill incorporates public participation by establishing Recreation
Advisory Committees that will consist of members of the local
government and recreation community. This group will provide
recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior regarding the
establishment, elimination, or adjustment of a fee. Additionally, a
Federal Lands Pass will be established for all entrance and amenity
fees for federal lands.
**************************
California - California League of Off Road Voters 2004 Election News
Off Highway newsletter editors, Interested off road groups-
The California League of Off Road Voters PAC is comprised of
politically active members of the California Off Road Vehicle
Association (CORVA), the San Diego Off-Road Coalition (SDORC),
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37 Off Road
Division, Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), as well as other off
road associations and individual Off Roaders.
The list of endorsements are broken down by region-- Northern,
Central, and Southern. Districts in Bold are considered to be hot
races. These endorsements were chosen based on the candidates
responses to a questionnaire of OHV Issues only or on their voting
record. This information will help you make an educated vote. If
you need a custom list for an area or county, please let us know. We
will be happy to accomodate you.
The State Senate has 40 Senators. Each Senator serves a four year
term. Elections are held every two years for 20 of the 40 districts
odd or even numbered. The candidates in 2004 election are running
for districts with odd numbers.
The State Assembly has 80 members. Each member serves a two year
term. All seats are voted on in each election every two years.
For more information, please visit the California League of Off Road
Voters website at <http://www.clorv.org>, or contact CLORV via e-mail
at [email protected], or contact Justin Smith at (916) 447-1761, or fax
at (916) 447-1757.
**************************
Colorado - Hayman Fire EA
The Hayman EA decision is out. You are not going to like it.
Alternative C was chosen, but modified. The Wildcat Canyon roads are
CLOSED, unless . . . see the Wildcat decisions.
You can view it at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/hayres/travel/roadsEA/DN/index.htm
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the decisions.
If you want a hard copy, contact the South Platte Ranger District at
303-275-5610.
November 2, 2004 is Election Day and there are many pivotal issues
and candidates on the ballot. Please take the time to review your
local ballot and be prepared to vote on Election Day. For your
convenience, Absentee Ballots can be requested. For California
voters, October 26, 2004 is the last day to request an Absentee
Ballot.
**************************
California - Desert Managers Group
A partnership of state and federal land mangers and wildlife agencies
has been receiving reports of increased encounters by humans and
wildlife with uncontrolled/unrestrained dogs in southern California
deserts. There is mounting concern that these encounters could pose
public and wildlife safety issues.
The Desert Mangers Groups is requesting public assistance to report
encounters with feral/free-roaming dogs in the southern California
deserts. Information about past encounters is also requested, The
data collection will continue through August 2005.
For additional information, contact Glenn Black, California Dept of
Fish and Game, [email protected].
(Moderator's Note: I have a hard copy of the Incident Report Form.
I have requested an electronic copy which will be made available for
download.)
**************************
Sidekick's 2005 Off Road Event Calendar
We'd like to include your 4x4 event(s) for next year (if the event is
open to the public). If this event has been scheduled, please let us
know the following details for each event. There is NO CHARGE to have
your event listed in our calendar. We're looking for trail rides,
expos, jamborees, fairground events, races, etc (no meetings).
1. name of the event
2. dates (we know dates are subject to change)
3. nearest city and state
4. a phone number for people to call to get more information (required)
5. a website address, if available
Example of an event in April last year:
Red Rock 4 Wheelers: Easter Safari,
Moab, UT (801)259-ROCK (12th-20th)
Our company, Sidekick Off Road, has been publishing off road event
calendars since 1990. Each year 10,000 calendars are printed and sold
through off road stores, by mail order and on the internet. (We also
produce Rick Russell's Off Highway Adventure Videos, southern
California Off Road Maps, Bandana Maps and off road computer screen
savers.)
The calendar is a hanging wall calendar (12"x17"). The top half has a
full color off road photo (we have already chosen twelve awesome four
wheel drive action photos for next year's calendar). The bottom half
has a calendar grid. In the grid squares we list off road events that
are happening for that day or weekend. Last year we had over 200
events listed on the calendar.
We are hoping to get information about 2005 events as soon as
possible. If you have details for next year's events posted on a
website, please email the website address.
Thank you so much,
Marilyn, Customer Service
Sidekick Off Road
Toll Free Phone: (877) 628-7227
Fax: (909) 628-5392
Website: www.sidekickoffroad.com
Email: [email protected]
**************************
Air Quality Campaign Could Affect Car Prices
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040923/news_1n23carsmog.html
09-23-04
Riding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's endorsement, state air-quality
regulators are expected to launch a campaign against global warming
that could increase new-car prices over the next 10 years. The
California Air Resources Board today plans to put the finishing
touches on the nation's first web of regulations that would force
automakers to redesign their fleets to reduce carbon-dioxide
discharges. Initially, price increases would top out at $36 per
vehicle when the program is scheduled to begin in 2009, according to
state estimates. But by 2016, when standards are set to be fully
phased in, consumers may have to spend up to $1,064 more per vehicle.
**************************
California - Cleveland NF
The Cleveland National Forest will be starting the closures
associated with the EXTREME fire danger levels this coming Monday
9.27.2004. All access to National Forest land south of I-8 will be
closed.
This closure will likely remain in effect until we receive sufficient
rainfall to reduce the fire danger level. The area south of I-8 is
being closed because of the extremely dry condition of the old
chaparral which makes up this entire area.
This EXTREME fire danger will impact all users of the area south of
I-8 including OHV users, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, wilderness
users etc.
During EXTREME all Forest Service gates north of I-8 will also be
closed on Forest Service roads. No motorized vehicles will be
permitted on these roads. There will be no impacts on non motorized
users north of I-8. So all users can hike, hunt, ride bikes or
horses North of I-8. All county, state and federal roads will
remain open.
Within the area impacted by the Cedar Burn, all mountain bikes and
equestrians must stay on designated trails regardless of the Fire
Danger Level.
This chart is explains the restriction by fire danger levels The
fire danger level is posted on our web site
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/ or a recorded message can be found
at 619-593-2183.
(See attached file: Fire Danger Levels Descanso extreme 9.27.04.doc)
Thanks for your cooperation.
Anne G. Carey
Recreation & Lands Officer
Descanso Ranger District
619-445-6235 x 3418
619-445-1753 FAX
(Moderator's Note: Similar access restrictions have been issued for
Angles NF. For updated information about fires danger restrictions
in California forest, check: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/conditions/)
**************************
House Resources Committee - Recreation Fee Demonstration Bill Passes
House Committee
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Contact Brian Kennedy or Matt Streit at (202) 226-9019
Recreation Fee Demonstration Bill Passes House Committee
Washington, DC - Today Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA) and the House
Resources Committee passed H.R. 3283, the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act, introduced by Rep. Ralph Regula. The bill would
improve recreational facilities and visitor opportunities on federal
recreational lands by reinvesting receipts from fair and consistent
recreational fees and passes.
"I commend Rep. Regula for working with this committee on improving
the public's recreational opportunities on federal lands," Chairman
Pombo said. "This legislation protects the public's pocketbook, while
enabling federal land managers to assess reasonable fees for specific
activities and uses. This will put an end to fears that federal land
managers cannot be trusted with recreational fee authority because we
lay out very specific circumstances under which these fees can be
collected and spent."
The Recreational Fee Demonstration Program (Rec Fee Demo) was
originally proposed in 1996 as a tool to generate needed revenue to
manage the growing occurrence of recreation on public land. The
program has been both praised and assailed by federal land users.
Since its inception, federal land managers have been able to actively
reinvest fees assessed into the site or activities used.
"Like many, my family enjoys the vast outdoor recreational
opportunities our public lands have to offer," said Rep. Greg Walden
(R-OR). "For those sites that are developed with facilities such as
information centers, picnic tables, security and restrooms, it is
understandable that we who use them pay nominal fees to help maintain
them. However, fees should not be collected when there are no funds
being invested in a given recreational site. When a hiker parks on
the side of the road and ventures onto an unmanaged trail with no
amenities along the way, they should certainly not have to pay."
Due to the numerous concerns and reauthorizations, the Resources
Committee, the committee with authorizing jurisdiction, undertook
reauthorizing the Rec Fee Program. Rep. Regula's bill will extend the
program for 10 years and specifically states where and what a fee may
and may not be charged for, while also establishing types of fees.
"More importantly, fees collected for recreating on public lands
should be used directly for those sites," continued Walden.
"Collecting fees from individuals and families only to use the money
elsewhere is wholly irresponsible, not to mention unfair. This
legislation addresses that very issue, and instructs the Secretary to
reinvest fees in ways that will allow those who pay to reap the
benefits."
The bill incorporates public participation by establishing Recreation
Advisory Committees that will consist of members of the local
government and recreation community. This group will provide
recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior regarding the
establishment, elimination, or adjustment of a fee. Additionally, a
Federal Lands Pass will be established for all entrance and amenity
fees for federal lands.
**************************
California - California League of Off Road Voters 2004 Election News
Off Highway newsletter editors, Interested off road groups-
The California League of Off Road Voters PAC is comprised of
politically active members of the California Off Road Vehicle
Association (CORVA), the San Diego Off-Road Coalition (SDORC),
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37 Off Road
Division, Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), as well as other off
road associations and individual Off Roaders.
The list of endorsements are broken down by region-- Northern,
Central, and Southern. Districts in Bold are considered to be hot
races. These endorsements were chosen based on the candidates
responses to a questionnaire of OHV Issues only or on their voting
record. This information will help you make an educated vote. If
you need a custom list for an area or county, please let us know. We
will be happy to accomodate you.
The State Senate has 40 Senators. Each Senator serves a four year
term. Elections are held every two years for 20 of the 40 districts
odd or even numbered. The candidates in 2004 election are running
for districts with odd numbers.
The State Assembly has 80 members. Each member serves a two year
term. All seats are voted on in each election every two years.
For more information, please visit the California League of Off Road
Voters website at <http://www.clorv.org>, or contact CLORV via e-mail
at [email protected], or contact Justin Smith at (916) 447-1761, or fax
at (916) 447-1757.
**************************
Colorado - Hayman Fire EA
The Hayman EA decision is out. You are not going to like it.
Alternative C was chosen, but modified. The Wildcat Canyon roads are
CLOSED, unless . . . see the Wildcat decisions.
You can view it at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/hayres/travel/roadsEA/DN/index.htm
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the decisions.
If you want a hard copy, contact the South Platte Ranger District at
303-275-5610.