QWR NEWS RELEASE - MONUMENTAL DECISION IN NOR CAL BLM AREA

Don Amador on Designated OHV Trail

Berryessa National Monument- Mendocino NF

NEWS RELEASE

 CONTACT: Don Amador  @ damador@quietwarriorracing.com

 DATE: September 26, 2023

 MONUMENTAL DECISION IN NOR CAL BLM AREA

 I want to join the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, elected officials, and community leaders by also thanking Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning for visiting the proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument expansion area which is to include Molok Luyuk - also known as Walker Ridge.

Interior Secretary, Sally Jewel, Talks with OHV and other Stakeholders

2016 Dedication of Berryessa National Monument

 

The field trip occurred on September 24 and also included a roundtable discussion between local stakeholders and Biden Administration officials about why this proposed expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is so important to the Tribe, conservation groups, and the recreation community.

 

The plan would recognize and protect important cultural resources that are sacred to the Tribe and improve access to managed recreation opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized outdoor activities.  

 

Currently there is a significant amount of illegal and unauthorized use of non-street legal “Green Sticker” OHVs within the 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.

CA State Park OHMVR Division Booth

2016 Dedication of Berryessa National Monument

I believe the expansion is critical to helping restart the stalled 2021 BLM Travel Management Planning Process for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument since it will help bring said lands under one management umbrella.  A designated system of legal roads and trails will help reduce impacts from illegal activities to important cultural and natural resources as well as making the routes eligible for CA State Park “Green Sticker” grant funds that can be used for trail planning/construction, restoration of damaged areas, and law enforcement.

 

LINK TO TULEYOME NEWS RELEASE ON TOUR WITH DOI AND BLM LEADS *Amador and other quotes

https://tuleyome.nationbuilder.com/interior_secretary_blm_director_visit_proposed_berryessa_snow_mountain_national_monument_expansion

 

 

As an 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 trail-based recreation community together with a common goal of both protecting natural and cultural resources and providing a high-quality outdoor experience, I believe this proposal highlights what can happen with diverse interest groups find common ground on land management issues.

Trail in the Proposed Addition Area

 

Just as many OHV interests attended the 2016 dedication of the Berryessa National Monument because of the outreach and partnership between the conservation and OHV community on that effort, I think this addition merits that same level of support by trail riders, dual sport/ADV enthusiasts, and 4WD clubs.

 

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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/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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILDFIRES - Not Just Whistling Dixie

Looking West at Lassen and Burn Area

 

WILDFIRES - Not Just Whistling Dixie

By Don Amador

August 10, 2023

 

As residents and property owners in the historic town of Lahaina struggle to try and cope with the catastrophic wildfire-caused loss of life, homes, and businesses owners (including  a life-long friend of mine) , I am reminded about similar wind-driven firestorms that have impacted California and other western states over the last 15-20 years.

NASA - Dixie Fire Burn Footprint 

 

While the aforementioned losses are devastating and hard to process, the impacts from mega wildfires to public land access and recreation opportunity cannot be understated for the millions of people who visit federal areas for OHV and other forms of recreation with family and friends.

 

Having spent most of my personal life and professional career recreating and working on federal OHV recreation areas impacted by intense wildfires, I think it is important for those touched by these events to understand the devastating long-term effects these fires can have on them.

View of Lassen with Dixie Fire Burn Area in Foreground

West Prospect LO - Elevation 8,172 ft.

 The American Psychological Association (APA) states that trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Dixie Fire Impacts - Lassen NF

 

APA goes on to say that accidents or wildfires are typically unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. For many people, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there can be nonetheless an emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced disaster to have strong emotional reactions.

 

Health professionals at the Mayo Clinic state that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

 

The Mayo Clinic also states that most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.

 

Over the last year, I have had the privilege to talk with residents, recreationists, and land managers who lived through the 2021 Dixie Fire in northern California that burned through 963,309 acres of rural communities, private timber property, and lands managed by the Forest Service and other government agencies. 

 

LINK TO NASA VIDEO OF DIXIE FIRE BURN PATH/TIMELINE

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4993/

 

 

Listening to their stories of courage in overcoming the loss of a home or business and their resolve to rebuild and persevere was stirring and inspires me to continue supporting pre and post fire forest health and fuel mitigation projects and to help private sector non-profit post fire recovery efforts of fire damaged recreation facilities. 

 

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OPINION - WHEN MOUNTAINS CALL

 

View of Mount Lassen from Backcountry Loop

Lassen National Forest - Forest Road 29N18

WHEN MOUNTAINS CALL  

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

July 12, 2023

 

Those fortunate to have been raised in the Pacific Northwest know the lessons that are learned or healing gained by exploring the mountains, forests, and streams of that special region.  In fact, noted conservationist, John Muir, once said, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

Mixed Use Road - Lassen National Forest

 

After working on a number of stressful OHV recreation-related state legislation and federal rule-making proposals for the last several months, I answered that “Call of the Mountains” to journey up to portions of the Lassen National Forest that I had never visited. 

 

Nobles Trail Marker - Part of California Trail

So I loaded up the 2010 Nissan Xterra PRO 4-X on what would be a 265 mile day trip - from the Recreation HQ in Cottonwood, CA - to circumnavigate the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 142 miles of Forest Service roads and trails.  

 

142 Mile Loop - Lassen National Forest

The drive up from the Redding area takes about one hour but is a pleasurable experience since you have Mount Lassen in full view for most the way until you arrive on the Lassen National Forest.  

 

The graveled or native surfaced roads that are part of the loop can be traveled in a passenger car. However, they might be are more enjoyable if experienced on an Adventure Bike or 4x4 SUV so you can take one of the more difficult OHV-type trails that stem off the main loop.  

Caribou Lake - Lassen National Forest

There are a number of subalpine developed and dispersed camping opportunities in this part of the Forest where one could stage or stay overnight.  Some of them have access to a lot of OHV “green sticker” routes where you and your family could do some backcountry exploring.

Forest Road 17 is a Segment of the Lassen Backcountry Adventure Trail

Lassen National Forest

This is a beautiful alpine or sub-alpine region that has some spectacular large diameter trees, streams, lakes, and vistas.  Be sure and bring your fishing pole!

 

Wildflowers in Dixie Fire Burn Footprint

Lassen National Forest

This was one call that I was glad to answer.  Although navigating the loop was challenging given that many of the road markers were destroyed in the 2021 Dixie Fire that burned 963,309 acres, the journey was refreshing and helped remind me of why I answered another call some 33 years ago to champion our access to the great outdoors.

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WE ARE NOT ALONE - OPPOSITION TO BLM CONSERVATION RULE GROWS

OUR ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

OPPOSITION TO BLM CONSERVATION RULE GROWS 

 

 I first want to thank all the growing number of OHV and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts, organizations, clubs, and businesses who have answered the call to send comment letters and alert their rider networks to the BLM regarding their Proposed Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (PR).

 

I also want you to know that OHV recreation and other multiple-use interests are not fighting this battle alone.  Besides a number of OHV recreation and powersports associations submitting substantive comments urging the BLM to withdraw this ill-advised, counter-productive, most likely illegal, and highly divisive PR, we have support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Governors from six western states that are challenging the plan.

 

SBA COMMENT LETTER

https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BLM-Conservation-Letter-FINAL.pdf

 

The Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration states, that BLM’s proposed rule may be contrary to the statutory land management principles laid out in the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA). Furthermore, BLM’s proposed rule does not adequately consider the impacts to small businesses as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).

 GOVERNORS JOINT LETTER

https://governor.mt.gov/Governors-Letter-to-Sec-Haaland-on-BLM-conservation-rule-June-14-2023.pdf

 

The Governors’ letter states, This Proposed Rule, if adopted, could fundamentally alter the future management of BLM lands to the detriment of recreation, livestock grazing, mineral extraction, renewable energy production, and other common uses on BLM lands.

 

The letter goes on to state, In 1976, Congress declared in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (“FLPMA”) that the BLM must manage its lands “on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield.

 

Yet this Proposed Rule seeks to define “conservation” as a “use” within FLPMA’s multiple use framework. This reframing of the term “multiple use” would contravene FLPMA and violate Federal case law in Public Land Council v. Babbitt, where the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals found that the BLM lacks the statutory authority to prioritize conservation use to the exclusion of otheruses.

 

The Proposed Rule could push BLM lands into a protection-oriented management regime more akin to the National Park Service than an agency statutorily obligated to promote multiple use and sustained yield.

 

The letter closes by urging the BLM to set aside the Proposed Rule in favor of a new, collaborative process with states, local governments, and stakeholders coming to the table.

 

In closing, I urge each rider, family, club, or business to send in a comment letter – by the July 5 deadline - on how this PR will affect you including any economic impacts such as loss of employment if your shop closes or if you are a restaurant that is supported by recreation tourism that might be forced to close if outdoor recreation use is prohibited.

BLM 3.0 - SEISMIC SHIFT IN BLM PUBLIC LAND POLICY

BLM's Fort Sage OHV Area - Special Recreation Management Area

Eagle Lake Field Office, Susanville, CA

OPINION

 By Don Amador

 June 23, 2023

  

BLM 3.0 - SEISMIC SHIFT IN BLM PUBLIC LAND POLICY

 

 Nobody in the OHV public land policy arena supports conservation of federal lands to protect natural resources - while still providing access to environmentally sound multiple-use recreation – more than I.  A lot of that support includes active participation on trail stewardship, restoration of lands damaged by illegal OHV use, and pre-fire fuel reduction and post-fire recovery projects.

 

Most, if not all, of those projects are done in collaboration with the Forest Service, BLM, agency partners, and volunteers with grant support from the powersports industry and the California State Parks OHV Grant Program.

 

The proposed 2023 BLM planning rule redefines the term Conservation, creates Conservation leases managed by private sector interests, and emphasizes Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) as the sole designation for protecting important natural, cultural, and scenic resources.

Current Restoration Project at Fort Sage OHV Area

Conservation is a key element of land management today that protects natural resources and also provides sustainable recreation for OHV and other activities that families enjoy.  Traditional Conservation includes maintaining trails to reduce soil loss, restoration, and post-fire recovery.   However, under this rule proposal Conservation efforts would be restricted to “protection” and “restoration.”

 

The proposed rule would direct BLM staff to identify and mitigate “disturbances” and restore the land to its natural state.  Authorized officers would be required to avoid authorizing any use of the public lands that permanently impairs ecosystem resilience.  Staff would also be directed to review and mitigate OHV and other recreation uses at designated intensive use areas such as the BLM Fort Sage OHV Area in California and the BLM Knolls OHV Area in Utah.

Current Post Wildfire Conservation Project

Fort Sage OHV Area

The new mitigation hierarchy would be to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to all public land resources.

 

The new concept of private sector managed Conservation leases on BLM lands is also troubling for OHV access since the strict prohibition of OHV activity is a core tenet of most, if not all, private, state, and federal conservation lease plans and programs.

 

Many recreation and other multiple-use interests objected to the BLM’s 2017 2.0 Planning Rule because it created a vague set of hard to follow or implement standards that would have resulted in confusion, chaos and a loss of OHV access for casual use and permitted events such as amateur competition and club rides.  For those and other reasons, Congress and the President repealed the rule.

 

If this new rule is enacted it will also create confusion and chaos.  Agency staff will no longer have time to authorize permitted OHV events or do travel plans.  Designated OHV sites would most likely see a loss of opportunity including entire areas being closed due to new definitions.

 

I believe the agency should redraw this proposal that appears to have been crafted behind closed doors with little if any substantive input from diverse multi-use stakeholders.  The public, partners, and agency staff that we work with deserve better.

 

LINK to BLM PROPOSED PLANNING RULE – Public Comments Due by July 5, 2023

https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023-0001-0001

 

 

 

 

  

QWR OPINION - BLM 3.0 - SEISMIC SHIFT IN BLM PUBLIC LAND POLICY

BLM Fort Sage OHV Area - Special Recreation Management Area

BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, Susanville, CA

OPINION

 By Don Amador

 June 23, 2023

  

BLM 3.0 - SEISMIC SHIFT IN BLM PUBLIC LAND POLICY

 

Nobody in the OHV public land policy arena supports conservation of federal lands to protect natural resources - while still providing access to environmentally sound multiple-use recreation – more than I.  A lot of that support includes active participation on trail stewardship, restoration of lands damaged by illegal OHV use, and pre-fire fuel reduction and post-fire recovery projects.

 

Most, if not all, of those projects are done in collaboration with the Forest Service, BLM, agency partners, and volunteers with grant support from the powersports industry and the California State Parks OHV Grant Program.

 

The proposed 2023 BLM planning rule redefines the term Conservation, creates Conservation leases managed by private sector interests, and emphasizes Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) as the sole designation for protecting important natural, cultural, and scenic resources.

RESTORATION PROJECT UNDER CURRENT BLM STANDARDS

BLM Fort Sage OHV Area, Eagle Lake Field Office

 

Conservation is a key element of land management today that protects natural resources and also provides sustainable recreation for OHV and other activities that families enjoy.  Traditional Conservation includes maintaining trails to reduce soil loss, restoration, and post-fire recovery.   However, under this rule proposal Conservation efforts would be restricted to “protection” and “restoration.”

 

The proposed rule would direct BLM staff to identify and mitigate “disturbances” and restore the land to its natural state.  Authorized officers would be required to avoid authorizing any use of the public lands that permanently impairs ecosystem resilience.  Staff would also be directed to review and mitigate OHV and other recreation uses at designated intensive use areas such as the BLM Fort Sage OHV Area in California and the BLM Knolls OHV Area in Utah.

CURRENT POST FIRE RECOVERY CONSERVATION PROJECT

BLM Fort Sage OHV Area, Eagle Lake Field Office

 

The new mitigation hierarchy would be to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to all public land resources.

 

The new concept of private sector managed Conservation leases on BLM lands is also troubling for OHV access since the strict prohibition of OHV activity is a core tenet of most, if not all, private, state, and federal conservation lease plans and programs.

 

Many recreation and other multiple-use interests objected to the BLM’s 2017 2.0 Planning Rule because it created a vague set of hard to follow or implement standards that would have resulted in confusion, chaos and a loss of OHV access for casual use and permitted events such as amateur competition and club rides.  For those and other reasons, Congress and the President repealed the rule.

 

If this new rule is enacted it will also create confusion and chaos.  Agency staff will no longer have time to authorize permitted OHV events or do travel plans.  Designated OHV sites would most likely see a loss of opportunity including entire areas being closed due to new definitions.

 

I believe the agency should redraw this proposal that appears to have been crafted behind closed doors with little if any substantive input from diverse multi-use stakeholders.  The public, partners, and agency staff that we work with deserve better.

 

LINK to BLM PROPOSED PLANNING RULE – Public Comments Due by July 5, 2023

https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023-0001-0001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTION ALERT – Comment on FS Special Use Permit Proposal

Don Amador on Event Trail 

Eldorado National Forest

ACTION ALERT – Comment on FS Special Use Permit Proposal

 

Comments due: June 20, 2023

 

 

I first want to thank my counterpart at AMA, Nick Haris, for bringing this issue to my attention as it has the potential to increase the red-tape and costs of obtaining a special use permit for OHV and even non-motorized clubs if fees are charged to attend a competition or group event.

 

The Forest Service has proposed to amend its special use regulations to update the processing and monitoring fee schedules based on current Agency costs; to provide for recovery of costs associated with processing special use proposals, as well as applications; and to remove the exemption for commercial recreation special use applications and authorizations that involve 50 hours or less to process or monitor.

 

 

LINK TO FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/19/2023-10436/land-uses-special-uses-cost-recovery-strict-liability-limit-and-insurance

 

LINK TO PROPOSED RULE

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-19/pdf/2023-10436.pdf

 

 

QWR believes the proposed rule amendments with their collective weight will disenfranchise important partners by creating a significant fiscal hardship on the motorcycle clubs, riders, and families that use FS lands.  Many clubs, are 501 (c) 7 volunteer-based social clubs or have some other non-profit classification. 

 

QWR believes the loss of the 50-hour exemption and other proposed, yet vague, fee increases will force many partner clubs to cease applying for a special use permit since events such as an amateur enduro  are many times a “break-even” proposition since the entry fees will not cover the club’s expense for items such as on-site medical services, communications, and other event materials.  This proposal threatens those important partnerships and the pre-event volunteer trail work they do.

 

In 2011, I was part of a national effort that called for reform of the permitting process because it had become so complicated and costly that most "non-profit club events" could simply not comply with the requirements. In addition, historic and popular competitive events occurring without problems had been subjected to arbitrary fees where permit fees were raised from $500 to $10,000 -$20,000 or more. In some areas, the application process to obtain a special use permit was used to prohibit and/or severely restrict otherwise allowable activities.

 

QWR is urging our motorized and non-motorized recreation group partners to review the proposal and  urge the agency to amend the proposal to address  concerns you may have.  The comment period ends on June 20, 2023.  Thanks for your review of this important topic.