PICKETT JOINS TIMELESS LIST OF GREAT LEADERS
On October 26, 2024, a diverse group of approximately
250 family members, government officials, regional and national OHV or
powersports representatives, motorcycle clubs, land agencies, community service groups, and
friends gathered to celebrate and honor the storied land-use and political
career of Dave Pickett. Dave’s “Standing
Room Only “ Celebration of Life was held in Volcano, CA. Dave had passed away at his mountain home
near Pioneer, CA on August 21, 2024.
Dave had worked tirelessly for almost 40 years with the CA State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, federal, state, and local legislators to help ensure outdoor enthusiasts had access to high-quality managed OHV recreation on public lands in CA.
Dave Pickett was President of District 36 of the
American Motorcycle Association for 10 years, from 2004 through 2013. Dave had also served at the Legislative Action
Officer for District 36 until he retired in 2018.
Dave was a lifetime member of AMA and District 36 and
one of his many noted accomplishments was his key role in getting the 2003 OHV
96dBA Sound Law passed that lowered sound emissions for off road motorcycles.
Dave helped educate the legislature about the how the CA OHMVRD incorporates a strong environmental responsibility ethic at its 9 State Vehicular Recreation Areas and through state assistance grants awarded to federal land managers and law enforcement agencies to help support OHV-related trail stewardship, conservation, and restoration efforts on public lands.
At the service, I shared with the group that Dave was my
brother from another mother,
close friend, mentor, and colleague and that Dave was
a fellow political animal who loved the back and forth of politics. In fact, he ran for the California Assembly
in 1998.
Dave was well known and respected by legislators of
both parties and many administrations as a passionate and effective advocate
for our sport and ridership.
Dave was a Good Man which is the highest compliment
you can give a man. Listed below were some of those characteristics that qualified him for that citation.
Dave did not run from problems
Dave had Empathy
Dave was Honesty and Trustworthy
Dave had Patience for Complicated Tasks
Dave Lifted Up Others
Good Communication Skills
Commitment
Dave understood from the start there are no silver
bullets in the land use battle. Dave knew his advocacy choice would be his life’s
work.
In closing, Dave was also a Great Man! Dave has now joined that timeless list of
Great Leaders that were born to lead and steeled that leadership with their God
given talents and abilities. Thank you Dave for being one of those honored
leaders and heroes who helped ensure our CA OHV Program would continue to provide
a positive future for current and future generations of off-road enthusiasts. --- RIP Brother Dave