New Smokey Bear Ad and OHV Spark Arresters

QWR Sound Check Station at Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

 

As you know, QWR promotes the use of sound compliant exhaust with a functioning spark arrester when riding an OHV on designated roads, trails, and areas on public lands.  Recently, the Ad Council started its new Smokey Bear campaign in time to remind various publics about how they can help prevent wildfires.

Smokey Bear Campaign

www.smokeybear.com

QWR also wants to commend the campaign for its positive message when it comes to the use of OHVs on public lands.  Several years ago, the Smokey Bear program had a less-than-positive message about the legal use of OHVs on federal lands. 

In addition, the Forest Service updated their Spark Arrestor Guide last year with a lot of good information including a detailed list of all OHV-related approved spark arrestors.

 

Spark Arrester Guide – OHV Vol. 3

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/programs/fire/spark_arrester_guides/index.htm

 

 

According to the guide, Forest Service Standard 5100-1c requires that each arrester shall be permanently marked with the model number and the manufacturer’s name or trademark. The model number must match exactly. The identification must be stamped in the metal body or on an attached metal plate.

 

Many states have spark arrester laws.  For those if you in CA, you can find that law below:

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23039

 

QWR looks forward to seeing many of you out on the trail this year.  Let’s all work to help ensure that OHV recreationists are using sound compliant spark arrestor exhaust systems to help reduce the threat of wildfires on public lands.

The New CA State Park Director - "Service Before Self"

Since millions of people from across this country use and enjoy the California State Park system every year, I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent appointment of retired Marine General Anthony Jackson as the new State Park Director.

Yesterday, I had the privilege to meet General Jackson in Sacramento and listen to his vision for restoring public trust and confidence to state parks.  I was impressed with his motto of “service before self” and that he was bringing his ethos to the program.  I believe a number of other OHV representatives who also got to meet General Jackson came away with that same impression.

As a former federal land manager at military bases, he successfully balanced the use-of-land to train Marines with many of the same environmental challenges that face the OHV community.   Although relatively new to his current assignment, General Jackson shows a deep understanding of what it takes in 2013 and beyond to manage both motorized and non-motorized forms of recreation.

To get a better understanding of the new CA State Park Director, I would encourage all of you to listen to his January 15, 2013 radio interview on KQED.  The 50 minute interview will give you a great insight into the man and his views on the future of state parks.  If you cannot listen to the entire broadcast, I would encourage you to listen to the “OHV-related” segment from 36:00 to 40:00.

KQED Radio Interview

http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201301150900

 

In closing, I believe he will use his vast experience to bring accountability to the office and work hard to improve communications between diverse stakeholder groups, federal and local partners, and others that have an interest in access to a viable park system.