- Location
- Desert Beach So Cal
PRESS RELEASE
September 24, 2005
Contact: John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
619-390-8747 or E-mail: [email protected]
######
CALIFORNIA OHV PROGRAM AUDIT
On August 17, 2005, the California Bureau of State Audits issued
Report 2004-126: Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program.
This audit report is the result of a joint effort by California OHV
recreation organizations, supported by Senator Bill Morrow
(R-Oceanside), to investigate the state Off Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Trust Fund which is administered by the Off Highway Motor
Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of the California Department of
Parks and Recreation.
After a careful review of the audit, state recreation organizations
sent a letter to Senator Morrow citing concerns outlined in the audit
and requesting additional legislative hearings be conducted by the
Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Joint Boards, Commissions,
and Consumer Protection Committee on the conduct of the California
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and Commission.
A key element of this audit is it is the latest in a series of audits
over the past 29 years citing similar issues. The history of
unresolved issues underscores the mismanagement of the user funded
recreation program by current and past state officials. The audit
also noted that current and former state officials and contractors
engaged in contract actions in violation of state contracting
regulations.
The core issues identified in the audit involve the grants program
funded by the OHV Trust Fund and land acquisition practices. Both of
those issues are also noted in other audits of the Department of
Parks and Recreation.
The state OHV Program and Trust Fund was established to provide user
funded recreation opportunities. The audit noted that OHV Trust
Funds were diverted to fund general park operations and restoration
efforts where no OHV opportunity is provided.
The audit also cited potential conflict of interest and personal bias
on the part of the OHMVR Commission which has fiduciary oversight
responsibility of the OHMVR grant program. Grants were awarded based
on personal bias without regard to their benefit to the overall OHV
program and without regard to public comment.
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs and the United Four
Wheel Drive Associations joined the following state recreation groups
signing the letter: American Motorcyclist Association, American
Motorcyclist Association - District 36, District 37, and District 37
Dual Sport, American Sand Association, BlueRibbon Coalition,
California Nevada Snowmobile Association, California Off-Road Vehicle
Association, Desert Vipers Motorcycle Club, Duners, Off-Road Business
Association, and San Diego Off-Road Coalition.
A summary of the audit with link to full audit may be viewed at:
http://www.bsa.ca.gov/reports/summary.php?id=484
The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC) is an
association representing the interests of member clubs and
individuals within the State of California. The United Four Wheel
Drive Associations (UFWDA) is an international association
representing and supporting the interests of member associations,
clubs, and individuals. CA4WDC is a member of UFWDA.
--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, http://www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, http://www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, http://www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network
To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to MUIRNet, send email to [email protected].
*******
September 24, 2005
Contact: John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
619-390-8747 or E-mail: [email protected]
######
CALIFORNIA OHV PROGRAM AUDIT
On August 17, 2005, the California Bureau of State Audits issued
Report 2004-126: Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program.
This audit report is the result of a joint effort by California OHV
recreation organizations, supported by Senator Bill Morrow
(R-Oceanside), to investigate the state Off Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Trust Fund which is administered by the Off Highway Motor
Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of the California Department of
Parks and Recreation.
After a careful review of the audit, state recreation organizations
sent a letter to Senator Morrow citing concerns outlined in the audit
and requesting additional legislative hearings be conducted by the
Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Joint Boards, Commissions,
and Consumer Protection Committee on the conduct of the California
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and Commission.
A key element of this audit is it is the latest in a series of audits
over the past 29 years citing similar issues. The history of
unresolved issues underscores the mismanagement of the user funded
recreation program by current and past state officials. The audit
also noted that current and former state officials and contractors
engaged in contract actions in violation of state contracting
regulations.
The core issues identified in the audit involve the grants program
funded by the OHV Trust Fund and land acquisition practices. Both of
those issues are also noted in other audits of the Department of
Parks and Recreation.
The state OHV Program and Trust Fund was established to provide user
funded recreation opportunities. The audit noted that OHV Trust
Funds were diverted to fund general park operations and restoration
efforts where no OHV opportunity is provided.
The audit also cited potential conflict of interest and personal bias
on the part of the OHMVR Commission which has fiduciary oversight
responsibility of the OHMVR grant program. Grants were awarded based
on personal bias without regard to their benefit to the overall OHV
program and without regard to public comment.
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs and the United Four
Wheel Drive Associations joined the following state recreation groups
signing the letter: American Motorcyclist Association, American
Motorcyclist Association - District 36, District 37, and District 37
Dual Sport, American Sand Association, BlueRibbon Coalition,
California Nevada Snowmobile Association, California Off-Road Vehicle
Association, Desert Vipers Motorcycle Club, Duners, Off-Road Business
Association, and San Diego Off-Road Coalition.
A summary of the audit with link to full audit may be viewed at:
http://www.bsa.ca.gov/reports/summary.php?id=484
The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC) is an
association representing the interests of member clubs and
individuals within the State of California. The United Four Wheel
Drive Associations (UFWDA) is an international association
representing and supporting the interests of member associations,
clubs, and individuals. CA4WDC is a member of UFWDA.
--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, http://www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, http://www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, http://www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network
To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to MUIRNet, send email to [email protected].
*******
