QWR NEWS RELEASE - CA OHV COMMISSION SHIFTS TRAJECTORY OF COYOTE CREEK SOLAR PROJECT

QWR NEWS RELEASE

March 2, 2026

                     OHV Commission Shifts Trajectory of  Coyote Creek Solar Project

 

At the February 26, 2026 meeting of the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, recreation advocate Don Amador delivered a clear message: Commission leadership mattered — and it made a difference.

 

In his testimony (SEE VIDEO LINK BELOW), Amador directly connected the Commission’s actions and oversight to the broader chain of events that reshaped the future of the proposed Coyote Creek Solar Project adjacent to Prairie City SVRA.

 

He noted that the Commission’s engagement helped create the policy foundation and public momentum that contributed to:

 

A unanimous vote of opposition by the California State Park Rangers Association

 

The filing of three lawsuits challenging the project

 

SMUD’s decision to cancel its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

 

These were not isolated developments. They were part of a sequence — and Commission deliberations were a catalyst.

 

When an oversight body raises substantive concerns about viewshed loss, habitat disruption, and long-term impacts to a State Vehicular Recreation Area, it sends a signal. That signal resonates with professional associations, legal advocates, policymakers, and partner agencies.

 

The takeaway for stakeholders is straightforward: Commission engagement is not symbolic. It is consequential.

 

Public land decisions are influenced by leadership, record development, and institutional accountability. The Coyote Creek case demonstrates that when recreation voices are heard at the Commission level, the effects can extend well beyond the meeting room — into organizational action, legal review, and contract decisions.

 

For those invested in protecting recreation access, environmental integrity, and sound public land policy, this testimony marks an important acknowledgment of what coordinated oversight and advocacy can accomplish.

 

Watch the testimony: OHMVR Commission Meeting, Feb. 26, 2026 (1:48:45–1:50:04), Cal-Span.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8zbUmHwasY

 

Watch entire OHMVR Commission Meeting, Feb. 26, 2026: https://cal-span.org/meeting/ohmvr_20260226/

 

 

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QWR PSA - "MAGIC" AT FEB. 26 OHV COMMISSION MEETING NEAR LOS ANGELES

 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

“Magic” at the OHV Commission Meeting

February 26, 2026  in the Los Angeles Area

 

Quiet Warrior Racing (QWR) encourages OHV stakeholders in the Los Angeles region to attend the upcoming Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission meeting on February 26 at the Canyon Country Community Center in Santa Clarita, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.

 

OHMVR Commission Meeting and Agenda:

https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27160

 

While the meeting location is near the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park, the real “magic” will take place inside the hearing room. OHMVR Division staff and specialists have prepared a comprehensive set of reports designed to inform both the Commission and the public on several key issues affecting the OHV community.

Among the agenda items scheduled for review and possible action are:

·         Certification and approval of the Hungry Valley SVRA Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

·         Oceano Dunes Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)

·         Updates from the Commission’s Ad Hoc Committee addressing the OHV program budget

 

A Public Comment Period for Non-Agenda Items will occur near the beginning of the meeting, following opening remarks by the State Parks Director and the OHMVR Deputy Director. This provides an important opportunity for local OHV enthusiasts, clubs, volunteers, and other stakeholders to share their perspectives, concerns, and support for responsible and managed OHV recreation at the local, state, and federal levels.

 

QWR plans to provide comments and updates on several agenda items, as well as non-agenda matters such as the Coyote Creek Solar Project and the WEMO court order. QWR also looks forward to meeting with OHV leaders and stakeholders who attend in person.

 

Constructive engagement remains essential to ensuring a sustainable path forward for OHV recreation on public lands.

 

We hope to see many of you there.

OPINION - FS ANNOUNCES HIRING LOCAL RECREATION STAFF

QWR's Don Amador

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

February 18, 2026

 

FOREST SERVICE TO HIRE LOCAL RECREATION STAFF

QWR applauds the U.S. Forest Service’s recent announcement to hire up to 2,000 seasonal employees to strengthen recreation services is welcome news for OHV stakeholders, industry partners, and agency professionals alike.

 

FS ANNOUNCEMENT

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/leadership/strengthening-recreation-services-season-ahead

 

For years, QWR has emphasized that access to high quality outdoor recreation activities depends on a strong “boots on the ground” workforce.  Trails, roads, and campgrounds require skilled and committed field staff to remain open, safe, and sustainable.

 

This hiring initiative signals recognition that field-level workforce capacity matters. It recognizes that seasonal recreation employees are essential to maintaining trail systems, repairing infrastructure, managing campgrounds, and supporting multiple-use access that drives rural economies.

 

While the announcement does not address broader budget or structural debates, it does move in a direction long supported by OHV advocates, industry leaders, volunteers, and collaborative partners: ensuring that resources reach the local unit where public service is delivered.

 

Continued engagement and partnership between user groups, industry, and agency staff will be critical to maintaining this momentum and securing long-term support for recreation access and responsible land management.

 

A key QWR axiom is -  “Access doesn’t maintain itself. Investing in field-level recreation staff is investing in the people who care for the land and serve the public every day.”

 

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for 35 years.   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 is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino, a forest health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don served as an AD Driver for the Forest Service North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.  

OPINION - REFLECTIONS ON SIERRA CASCADE LOGGING CONFERENCE

 

TN20D SWING MACHINE

OPINION

By Don Amador

February 9, 2026

 

REFLECTIONS ON SIERRA-CASACADE LOGGING CONFERENCE

 

 

On February 5, I had the honor to attend the 2026 Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference and Equipment Show held at the Shasta County Fairgrounds in Anderson, CA.  And, to meet Tom Schultz, Chief of the Forest Service, before he gave the keynote presentation early Thursday morning to a crowd over 250 leaders from the timber industry, state and federal land agencies, CAL FIRE, logging equipment suppliers, and elected officials.

Forest Service Chief, Tom Schultz, Keynote Speaker

I appreciated that Chief Schultz emphasized the agency’s commitment to “actively manage” this country’s national forests and to increase the pace and scale of forest management efforts via a major overhaul of NEPA and other regulations.  Those efforts also include engaging more with tribes, timber companies, Resource Conservation Districts and other community partners to do more on-the-ground projects that will support rural economies, provide more lumber for building homes, and support more wildfire mitigation and post-fire recovery efforts.  Schultz did mention the necessity for the agency to ensure the forest transportation system is repaired and armored post-fire and that recreation is another important product of the forest.

Jeff Marsolais - USFS Lead (Retired)

In the afternoon, the recently retired Jeff Marsolais - with his extensive background of serving in key lead roles in the Forest Service both in Region 5 and Washington DC – gave his overview and status of current agency reforms, policy/guidance updates, consolidation, priorities, and focus on partnerships. 

 

Key Takeaways

 

·         FS Going through Greatest Upheaval in History

 

·         Chaos and Deep Staff Cuts were Demoralizing

 

·         Focus on Active Management

 

·         Amplifying “Getting Work Done” Mindset

 

·         Revise/Streamline NEPA, ROADLESS, other Rules, and Permits

 

·         Increase Use of Post Fire EAs

 

·         New Stewardship Agreements with Partners including Tribes, Counties, Timber Industry, RCDs, and successful project-driven NGOs

 

·         Continue Dismantling/Restructure of WO and ROs and Redirect Resources to the Local Unit

 

·         Demand Accountability/Quantify Accomplishments from Decision-makers

 

Anther topic that came up during post meeting discussions was the critical need for the Outdoor Recreation Community to continue their advocacy efforts in support of the Forest Roads and Trails Program and post fire recovery of recreation facilities to ensure they are not forgotten during reorganization or budget activities.

The good news is there appears to be momentum to PUSH THE RESET BUTTON and redirect fiscal and staff resources to individual Forests and Ranger Districts in support of on-the-ground forest health, fuel, wildfire, and recreation projects with a significant reliance on private and public sector partners to help accomplish that mission.

 

2026 Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference

https://www.sclcexpo.com/expo/current-expo

 

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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for 35 years.   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 is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino, a forest health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don served as an AD Driver for the Forest Service North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons. 

 

 

"DOUG WAS ONE OF US" - POST MEMORIAL REFLECTIONS ON DOUG LAMALFA

 

“DOUG WAS ONE OF US” - POST MEMORIAL REFLECTIONS ON DOUG LAMALFA (with video link)

By Don Amador

January 25, 2026

 

In politics and in life, the greatness of a man is not measured by their lofty speeches or self-praise but rather by actions they take and how they treat others.  I had the honor yesterday to attend the Celebration of Life for Congressman Doug LaMalfa who was taken suddenly and unexpectedly from his family, friends, and constituents on January 6, 2026 at the young age of 65.

 

LIVESTREAM OF SERVICE – *You will want to watch the entire service

https://youtu.be/8ZP_1rNWwkM?si=aGIXLEb19ZhV7ZZp

 

CLOSING VIDEO CLIP OF HONOR GUARD

https://youtube.com/shorts/oTSj1vNud7s?si=tT_Uw_0VSwvYq2yC

 

It was truly one of the most inspirational memorial services I have ever attended.  There was a distinguished list of teachers, former staffers, and a bipartisan congressional delegation (including House Speaker Mike Johnson) that traveled from Washington D.C. on Air Force 2 so they could attend and/or give testimony at the service.  Governor Newsom and other state and federal legislators, various law enforcement agencies, and the Forest Service were there too.

 

You will be moved by all of the speakers who share their memories ranging from poignant stories to lighthearted moments that highlight Doug being a genuine Giant of a Man who wanted you as a friend regardless of your political party or station in life.  Doug was indeed a Servant Leader.

 

PS- Thanks to all the law enforcement staff who provided a reassuring high level of security for the service.

 

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If you would like a PDF copy of the service brochure, please send a request to – damador@cwo.com

 

 

 

ACTION ALERT - CHAMPION OHV AT OCEANO DUNES - SEND COMMENT LETTERS DUE JAN. 23

Don Amador - Oceano Dunes SVRA
 

ACTION ALERT – SUPPORT OCEANO DUNES SVRA HCP

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026

 

QWR is requesting those OHV enthusiasts and their families/friends that ride (or would like to ride) at Oceano Dunes SVRA to send separate comment letters of support for the CA State Parks Draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and their application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to obtain an Incidental Take Permit (ITP).   Public comments to CA State Parks and FWS are both due by January 23, 2026.

 

Over the last 16 years, QWR has made numerous trips to Oceano to attend meetings, give testimony at hearings, participate in field trips, and even ride for fun.  QWR is very acquainted with management prescriptions at the SVRA and commends the Parks planning team for developing a Draft HCP and ITP application that is focused on using proactive “Avoidance and Minimization” management practices vs. permanent closures to motorized recreation.

 

QWR is urging you to take just a few minutes to send in a short albeit important comment letter to both agencies.  Be sure to include some of your background info before stating your support for the Draft HCP and ITP application.  If you have time, be sure and read the HCP and ITP Application documents at the links below.

 

CDPR OCEANO DUNES DRAFT HCP DOCUMENTS

https://www.oceanoduneshcp.com/

 

FWS APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R8-ES-2025-0143-0001/comment

 

 SEE ACTION ITEMS BELOW

 

#1 - LETTER TO PARKS - State your support for the Draft HCP is due to the agency’s focus on proactive or adaptive management prescriptions that are based on an avoidance and minimization strategy vs. permanent closures to OHV recreation.  

 

Please send your comments to comment@oceanoduneshcp.com

 

 

#2 -  LETTER FWS – State your support for issuance of an ITP in the Proposed Action Alternative 2 that is based on mitigation for unavoidable take accomplished through the SVRA’s existing conservation program and meeting the biological goals and objectives outlined in the HCP.  File comments online via link –   https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R8-ES-2025-0143-0001/comment

 

Your comments will help preserve and protect important natural resources, wildlife habitat, and continued OHV access to the dunes for current and future generations.

 

Thanks in advance for taking time to send in these two important public comments!

 

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QWR - OHV POKER RUN HIGHLIGHTS PROACTIVE RECREATION STRATEGY

Don Amador on Poker Run Course Rest Stop

BLM Chappie Shasta OHV Area - Redding Field Office 

OHV POKER RUN HIGHLIGHTS PROACTIVE STRATEGY

 

After last year’s blistering pace of new recreation-related politics, policy, and planning, QWR thought it wise to kick-off 2026 by driving our Teryx 800 SxS at the Redding Dirt Riders (RDR) annual “New Years’ Day” Poker Run held at the BLM’s Chappie Shasta OHV Area near Redding, CA.

One of the event’s “X Factors” is always the weather that can range from 70 degrees and sunny to freezing blizzards.  Per usual, the weather question was answered this year as nature greeted OHV enthusiasts at higher elevations with an obscuring mix of rain and fog that kept riders and drivers on their toes.

 

This popular and super fun event also highlights how an off-road motorcycle OHV club recalibrated some of their events over the last 10-15 years to serve new and/or experienced trail recreationists who have purchased SxSs or UTVs to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.

 

Another variable that has made said evolution possible is how the BLM’s Redding Field Office embraced the concept of “adaptive management” of the trail network to enhance and improve sustainable recreation opportunities for SxSs as a way to address increased demand for this new vehicle type to complement historic use of the unit by dirt-bikes, ATVs, and 4WDs.

Don Amador, QWR President, states, “This event is a shining example of how proactive recreation groups and land agencies have worked in a collaborative manner over the last several decades to provide access to high quality OHV recreation for a very diverse group of trail enthusiasts.”  

 

The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s Grant Program is another key part of that equation since it helps fund a lot of those dynamic planning efforts and projects that make the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area one of the crowned-jewels in the BLM’s national network of destination motorized recreation sites.

 

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