Monday, March 4, 2024

BOOK REVIEW - THE BIG BURN - How the Massive 1910 Wildfire Saved the Forest Service and Preserved Access to Public Lands


 

BOOK REVIEW

By Don Amador

March 4, 2024

  

*This book is of particular import to the motorized trail community and outdoor enthusiasts who use motorized routes to access non-motorized areas.  Without the conservation efforts by Roosevelt and Pinchot over a century ago, most, if not all, of our FS and BLM recreation areas today would be owned by private interests and guarded by locked gates and posted with no trespassing signs.  Trail users owe these and other visionaries a great deal of thanks.

 

THE BIG BURN – How a Massive 1910 Wildfire Saved the Forest Service and Preserved Access                                                to Public Lands for Future Generations

 

As a native of the Pacific Northwest and an outdoor recreation enthusiast and advocacy lead for the last 33 years, I had some knowledge of the role that President Teddy Roosevelt and the former Chief of the USDA Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot, had in setting aside vast amounts of timberlands in the West for the use and enjoyment of the American People and creating the FS in 1905 to manage those public lands for future generations.

 

However, I was not aware of the intense amount of opposition they faced by Congress and private sector interests to block reservation of those lands for public use and to hamstring the agency with staffing challenges, very little if any forestry tools, no wildland fire training, and a very limited or nonexistent road and trail network.

 

Fortunately for me, a longtime friend and retired FS Recreation Officer, gave me THE BIG BURN, a book written by award winning author, Timothy Egan, that takes a deep dive into the conditions and other factors that led up to the Big Burn Fire, the largest wildfire in U.S history, that burned approximately 3 million acres of forested lands in Idaho, Montana, and Washington in the summer of 1910.

 

I was inspired that a relatively small number of Forest Rangers could muster a large and diverse corps of local residents, business owners, railroad workers, Buffalo Soldiers from the 25th Infantry, outdoorsmen, frontier women, and others to try and save lives, property, and natural resources that were in the path of this wind-driven firestorm.


2023 Smith River Complex Fire
Smith River NRA - Six Rivers NF

 

The book helped me better appreciate the vision for conservation of public lands and the grit both Roosevelt and Pinchot displayed in their fight against the many enemies they had.   And, it let me get to know the heroism and leadership shown by FS personnel such as Ed Pulaski (inventor of the Pulaski trail tool) as they rallied largely untrained forces to fight the fire.

Pulaski Trail/Wildfire Fighting Tool


I believe this is a must read book for FS/BLM staff and private sector partners who are engaged with recreation management, forest health/fuel projects, forest planning, wildfire suppression, and post-wildfire mitigation efforts.   

 

For those who have experienced first-hand the devastating impact that an intense wildfire can have on forested lands that we live, work, or recreate on, this literary journey will most likely bring back painful memories but the hope it offers is worth it.

 

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.  Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don served as a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don served as the government affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California from 2019 – 2023. Don is a Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, February 4, 2024

JOHNSON VALLEY - RATIONALE FOR STRONG OHV ADVOCACY

 

Marine Corps Booth at 2024 KOH


OPINION

Don Amador

Feb. 4, 2024

Email: damador@quietwarriorracing.com


OHV recreation in California is replete with seminal moments that have impacted motorized access to public lands for better or worse. Such key events include creation of the CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Program in 1971, passage of the 1994 CA Desert Protection Act, the complete overhaul of the CA OHV program via passage of SB 742 by the legislature in 2007, closure of the BLM’s Clear Creek OHV Area in 2009, and passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in 2014 that created the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area.


Marine Corps Representative Talks with CA OHV Commission
2024 KOH at BLM's Johnson Valley OHV Area

 

On a recent visit to the Johnson Valley OHV Area as part of a CA OHMVR Commission Tour of the King of the Hammers off-road racing event, I was again impressed by the strong partnership that exists between the Marine Corps, BLM, State Parks, local law enforcement, OHV community, racing promoters, powersports industry, and local businesses.

March 2008 Public Scoping Meeting for Combat Expansion Proposal


Over 15 years ago, many OHV grassroots groups got their memberships and elected officials engaged (circa 2008 – 2012) in the early planning process for the Combat expansion proposal that threatened to

permanently close all or part of the Johnson Valley OHV Area to the public.  Besides asking our members to send letters, a strong coalition of OHV recreation groups sent in the following position statement to the Marine planning team as listed below.


AMA D37 Dual Sport Club Attends March 2008 Scoping Meeting

California OHV Recreation Stakeholder Group

                                  October 2008 Position Statement on Johnson Valley Issue

 

 We the undersigned strongly oppose the withdrawal of the Bureau of Land Management, Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area by the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms.

 While we respect the need to train our troops, we believe the Marine Corps must clearly demonstrate a need for the expansion of the base.  If such expansion is warranted then we support, in general, expansion in an eastward direction from the base.

 Eastward expansion presents the least conflict with multiple use of the public lands in the Johnson Valley area, and further, has the least impact on local communities and their residential and economic interests. 

 We will participate actively in the continuing development of alternatives for the proposed expansion as necessary.

While we respect the need to train our troops, we believe the Marine Corps must clearly demonstrate a need for the expansion of the base.  If such expansion is warranted then we support, in general, expansion in an eastward direction from the base.

 Eastward expansion presents the least conflict with multiple-use of the public lands in the Johnson Valley area, and further, has the least impact on local communities and their residential and economic interests. 

 We will participate actively in the continuing development of alternatives for the proposed expansion as necessary.

 

Signed,

 

American Motorcyclist Association, American Motorcyclist Association District 36,  American Motorcyclist Association District 37 Competition, American Motorcyclist Association District 37 Dual Sport, American Sand Association, Blue Ribbon Coalition, California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off Road Vehicle Association, California Trail Users Coalition, Friends of Giant Rock, Friends of Johnson Valley, High Desert Multiple Use Coalition, Off Road Business Association, Partnership For Johnson Valley, and San Diego Off-Road Coalition.

 

For those who ask why they should be involved in, or support, government relations, volunteerism, and building partnerships, I believe this issue provides the rationale for that engagement.


Marine Map of Johnson Valley Shared Use Area

 

The thousands of comment letters sent in by the OHV community to the planning process and elected officials combined with the hard work by your OHV advocacy corps back in the day is why millions of motorized recreation enthusiasts continue to enjoy use of public lands at Johnson Valley and elsewhere in CA and the West.  And, is why their presence – and member participation/support - continues to help preserve and protect access to sustainable OHV recreation for current and future generations.

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.  Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don served as a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don served as the government affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California from 2019 – 2023. Don is a Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine.



Sunday, December 17, 2023

CHRISTMAS TRAILS

Oak Knoll Trailhead
BLM Redding Field Office

 

                                                               CHRISTMAS TRAILS


While hiking yesterday at a popular BLM recreation site near Igo, CA, I was reminded about how the Greater Redding Area is blessed with an abundance of diverse outdoor recreational opportunities that include both motorized and non-motorized activities.

 

Many who read this blog already know about the world-class OHV trail system at the Chappie Shasta OHV area adjacent to Lake Shasta, but the BLM also has many non-motorized routes that are enjoyed by hikers, runners, MTBers, and equestrians.


          Don & Ellen Amador       


                                                                                          
                                                
    

One of those sites is at the Oak Knoll Trailhead where a major trail network exists that is used mostly by hikers, MTBers, and equestrians.  During our hike we encountered several groups of MTBers and chatted with them about the area.  They loved the managed trail system and the opportunity to get long day’s ride on varying terrain that offered some spectacular views.

Redding Trails Alliance

 

BLM partnerships with trail groups are clearly evident at this site.  Just like the agency works with the Redding Dirt Riders to maintain the Chappie Shasta OHV Area, the BLM has a strong partnership with the Redding Trails Alliance to help maintain many non-motorized routes.  Good stuff!

Trail Sign with Slash Piles in Background Ready to Burn


 Both Ellen and I can’t wait to get back out on this and some of the other trails in the Clear Creek Greenway.  And, the area has also inspired me to get out my MTB and give those trails and myself a good workout.

 

Christmas is a great time to get out on trails with family and friends.  A Merry Christmas to all and to all a great outdoor experience.

 

Thursday, December 14, 2023

OHV/CONSERVATION COLLABORATION ON NOR CAL NATIONAL MONUMENT PROPOSAL

Current Entrance Sign to Walker Ridge 
BLM Indian Valley Management Area

 


OHV/CONSERVATION COLLABORATION ON NOR CAL NATIONAL MONUMENT PROPOSAL

 

*The article below is an overview of the recent FS/BLM public listening session and I have added a link to my testimony with links at the end of the article to the 2016 Monument dedication and some additional background on this expansion proposal for those who want more info.  

 

 

On December 13, the Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service hosted a public meeting in Woodland, Calif. to hear from the community about management of the region’s public lands, including a proposal to add the Walker Ridge area to the existing Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. 

Standing Room Only at FS/BLM Listening Meeting

 

As many OHVers already know, in the BLM’s Indian Valley Management Area there is currently a significant amount of unauthorized use of both street-legal and non-street legal within the proposed expansion area and adjacent federal and private lands since the BLM did not undertake travel planning in that area during the 2006 Resource Management Planning effort due to lack of agency resources.

 

 All Historic OHV Routes Currently Closed

Numerous conservationists, OHV representatives, and other stakeholders mentioned the importance of bringing the proposed expansion lands into the existing Monument management umbrella so there could be a unified command structure that would aid in subsequent Monument and travel planning efforts.  

 

LINK TO DON AMADOR TESTIMONY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poNJmxSxcdk

 

Tribal leaders, officials from the CA Natural Resources Agency, and elected local and state representatives also stated their support for the proposal.

Del Albright                                    Allen Schrage

 

Having been on the front-line in many of the highly contentious 1990s-era land-use battles between multiple-use advocates and hard-core environmental groups, I much prefer the 10-year or longer collaborative relationship that exists between OHV and conservation groups regarding the original Berryessa Monument designation process and now in this proposed addition.

 

It was great to have Allen Schrage from the Mendo 4x4 Club and CAL4WD state his support and also remind the audience that OHV recreation is an important use and value. I want to commend Duffy Collin from the Oakland Motorcycle Club for attending and submitting their support letter.   And thanks also to the California Enduro Riders Association and the Marin County Motorcycle Association for allowing me to submit their support letters for the public record.

 

Del Albright, a 40-year long advocate for sustainable motorized recreation, stated his belief that National Monuments should be designated by Congress but highlighted the collaboration and outreach in this specific Monument proposal and the need for a unified command structure as the rationale for his support of this effort.

Duffy Collin

 

I want to commend Duffy Collin from the Oakland Motorcycle Club for attending and submitting their support letter.   And thanks also to the California Enduro Riders Association and the Marin County Motorcycle Association for allowing me to submit their support letters for the public record.

Bob Schneider - Conservation and Monument Lead

 

As the former Chair of the CA State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, former OHV representative on the BLM’s Central CA Resource Advisory Council, and OHV leader who has a long-term commitment to the collaborative process that brings land agency leaders, Tribes, conservation groups, local government, other stakeholders, and the OHV community together with a common goal of both protecting natural and cultural resources and providing a high-quality outdoor experience, I believe the robust attendance by those stakeholders at the FS/BLM public listening session held on December 13 in Woodland, CA highlights what can happen with diverse interest groups find common ground on land management issues.

 

One of the speakers said that in a world filled with chaos it is nice to be part of something positive.  I strongly agree.

 

LINK TO 2016 BERRYESSA MONUMENT DEDICATION

https://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2016/03/ohv-recreation-key-partner-in-national.html

 

LINK TO HISTORY OF WALKER RIDGE ADDITION PROCESS

https://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2023/09/qwr-news-release-monumental-decision-in.html

 

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don served as a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don served as the government affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California from 2019 – 2023. Don is a Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA. 

 

 

 

Monday, December 4, 2023

"BIG RICH" PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH OFF-ROAD ACCESS WARRIOR - DON AMADOR

Don Amador - Goat Mountain 
Stonyford OHV Area - Mendocino National Forest

 


Special thanks to the Big Rich podcast and their ongoing effort to interview Inductees into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame to preserve their off-road advocacy and access stories for those future generations that are interested in the early land-use  battles (circa 1980s – 2000s).

 

Recently, I was interviewed by Big Rich where we had a great conversation about my earlier life in Humboldt County growing up enjoying the great outdoors in the Pacific NW.  We also talk about a lot of subjects including my first motorcycle, recreating on nearby timber company property and public lands, what event started my land-use career, getting involved in the BRC and subsequently becoming their Western Representative, remembering the successes of the BRC /Turcke legal program (circa 1996-2000s), OHV politics, my run for Congress in 1998, getting the 2003 CA 96 dBA OHV Sound law enacted, rewriting the CA OHV Program via SB 742 in 2007, Oceano and other OHV challenges, getting riders engaged, finding common ground with conservation groups, cost recovery,  1984 Wilderness Act/trail closures, Timber Wars, building quality relationships with decision-makers and agency staff, import of on-the-ground trail decisions made at the local level, and many other topics.

 

LINK TO HOF WEBSITE/AMADOR – Scroll down to Big Rich Show #191

https://www.ormhof.org/don-amador

 

The interview is 54 minutes long and I hope that it sheds some light on my advocacy journey and its goal to preserve and protect access to public lands for responsible OHV recreation.

 

Lastly, I want to thank the many leaders in the powersports industry, politics, government, grassroots, conservation groups, and recreation organizations who have mentored me over the last 34 years.  Their patience, commitment, fellowship, and support is what I credit for helping me become an effective advocate for responsible recreation and resource management-related policies, legislation, and projects.

Monday, November 20, 2023

QWR NEWS RELEASE - TWO BLM OHV MANAGERS GIVEN NATIONAL AWARDS

Don Amador (L) and Sky Zaffarano (R) 
Chappie Shasta OHV Area, BLM Redding Field Office
 


TWO BLM OHV MANAGERS GIVEN NATIONAL  AWARDS

 

 

This is a special time of the year where the OHV family gives thanks for our access to many high-quality federal and state recreation areas that are managed by dedicated and talented trail specialists who work hard to ensure these facilities are open for our enjoyment.

 

I was thrilled to see two BLM recreation program managers recognized by the National Off-Highway Conservation Council and given awards for their outstanding service. 

Neil Hamada, OHV Program Manager

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, BLM El Centro Field Office       


According to the NOHVCC website,  Neil Hamada, BLM El Centro Field Office, was given the Special Recognition Award for his service as the longtime manager of the Imperial Sand Dunes, one of the most popular OHV destinations in the country. Neil has always promoted quality management, excellent communication, and the highest level of customer service.

 

Sky Zaffarano, OHV Recreation Manager
Chappie Shasta OHV Area, BLM Redding Field Office



The BLM’s, Sky Zaffarano, was also honored with the Rob Perrin Manager of the Year Award. Rob Perrin was an advocate for all types of recreation during his career at the Bureau of Land Management, and always made sure that OHV had a seat at the table. Perrin was a NOHVCC Hall of Fame Member, and ardent supporter of the organization. Upon his passing NOHVCC decided that it was only fitting to rename our Program Manager of the Year award in his honor. Each year NOHVCC recognizes an OHV manager who exemplifies Rob’s dedication to providing quality recreation experiences and strong community partnerships. In 2023 NOHVCC recognized Sky Zaffarano with the Bureau of Land Management Redding Field Office. Sky manages the Chappie Shasta OHV area where he works every day to make the area the best that it can be. Local OHV clubs and associations give glowing recommendations of Sky for his hard work, open dialogue with partners, and willingness to explore new ideas.

 

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “I have ridden and worked with Neil and Sky since the 1990s and consider it a privilege to know them.  They exemplify the concept of servant leadership where they put the customer (recreation public) above themselves and have developed world-class OHV programs that are enjoyed by millions of outdoor recreationists each year.”

 

“I also want to congratulate the other award winners which include;  Chris Gamache, CORVA, Tasha West, Carol Smith, and Russ Ehnes for their long-time commitment and contributions to promoting environmentally sound OHV recreation,” Amador concludes.

 

LINK TO NOHVCC WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://nohvcc.org/nohvcc-announces-2023-award-winners/

 

 

 

 

Monday, October 30, 2023

ENHANCING ADVOCACY SKILLS

Giving Testimony on Clear Creek and other Issues
CA STATE PARK OHMVR COMMMISSION MTG

 

ENHANCING ADVOCACY SKILLS

 By Don Amador

President, Quiet Warrior Racing

Oct. 30, 2023

 

One key takeaway from the recent CA State Park OHMVR Commission meeting and field trip was the clear message given by the State Park Director, Armando Quintero, to a large group of youthful participants from several local conservation corps and others in the audience that volunteering to serve on government or non-profit boards and commissions is not only a noble endeavor but an effective way to learn public speaking, running meetings, and understanding/navigating/managing a bureaucracy.

New OHMVR Commissioner, Kat Anderson (L) - OHMVRD Dep. Dir., Sarah Miggins (C)
and  State Park Director, Armando Quintero (R) at Commission Field Trip to Carnegie SVRA

Over the years, I have had several members from the OHV community ask me how they could become an advocate for motorized recreation.  I first tell them there are no short-cuts in the field of advocacy and they need to develop their skill-craft in the field of politics and the public process.

 

As Quintero pointed out, there are many opportunities to develop your advocacy and people skills

by serving as a member on a school board, a park or planning commission, or agency resource advisory council.

 

CAL-SPAN VIDEO OF OCT. 26 OHMVR COMMISSION *Good information!

https://cal-span.org/meeting/ohmvr_20231026/

 

Since “All OHV decisions are political decisions” an aspiring advocate should volunteer on political campaigns to support a candidate or issue to better understand how government sausage is made.

CA OHMVR Commission


 

Volunteering on numerous state and federal political campaigns in the early 1990s is how I learned to hone my advocacy skills so I could champion environmentally sound OHV recreation and natural resource management in an effective manner.

 

At the same time, I served on a local school board and was appointed to the CA OHMVR Commission by Governor Pete Wilson. 

 

You also have to show up at meetings and forums to practice your presentations and observe how effective (and non-effective) advocates give testimony and otherwise engage in the public process.  And, engage with stakeholders you interface with so they know you are committed to building a strong professional and/or personal relationship with them.  They want to know their effort in this two-way process will not be a waste of time and resources.



Demo of 4WD Challenge Course at Prairie City SVRA


 

Nothing in OHV is ever easy, but building your advocacy career on a sound foundation will help you achieve your goal and that is a very good thing!  Future generations of outdoor recreationists will be in your debt.

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