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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DONSTRADAMUS - OHV RECREATION PREDICTIONS FOR 2026

          

                                             

           OHV RECREATION PREDICTIONS FOR 2026

 

 

The Great Donstradamus has emerged from his cabin deep in an oak savanna located at a secret location in the Pacific Northwest with his OHV and resource management predictions for 2026.  He offers insights into key topics of the day such as a new “Trail Czar”, Moto Moms, OHV Safety, Presidential recognition, Health Food, Wildfires, hybrid or all electric OHV, and other issues that affect the outdoor recreation community.

 

 

10- A statewide alliance of CA OHV groups introduce legislation to create an online E-Course OHV Safety  Program to help educate new users of motorized vehicles about trail ethics, wearing safety gear, regulations, different land agencies, law enforcement, and conservation practices related to managed OHV recreation.   

  

9 -There will be at least one participant ride a hybrid or all-electric motorcycle in the famous Oakland Motorcycle Club’s Annual SheetIron Dual Sport/ADV Ride.  This is the largest DS/ADV coastal range-based DS/ADV event on the West Coast.   This event will test the bike’s range and reliability.

  

8 - Health experts and nutritionists within the outdoor recreation community rediscover a potent high protein diet to be used by trail enthusiasts who want to build/repair muscle, increase mental acuity, and promote a strong gut.   This health program consists largely of steaks and other cuts of meat from wagyu or Angus beef raised on family-owned cattle ranches.   These steaks and other cuts will be offered in select stores or can be purchased online.       

 

7- DOGE effort helps refocus Forest Service leadership to redirect fiscal and other resources out to local units to empower District Rangers and Forest Supervisors to increase the pace and scale of on-the-ground projects that benefit natural, cultural, and recreation programs.

 

6- Ivanka Trump purchases a dirt-bike for her 10-year old son, Joseph, so he can pursue his passion to become a MX star.  Ivanka also starts a new “Moto Mom” clothing line for those moms out there who support their sons and daughters who want to ride off-road motorcycles.

 

5- President Donald Trump recognizes the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship non-profit trail organization for their vision and hard work on their “Connected Communities” project to connect numerous small towns in the Sierra Nevada with a 500-mile network of multiple-use routes. 

 

4- Forest Service Chief, Tom Shultz, creates a new “Trail Czar” position in the agency to promote the designation of roads, trails, and areas for OHV and other outdoor recreation activities.   That new Czar will spend a lot of time in the field meeting with National Forests that already have a high quality trail recreation program and, most importantly, those Forests that do not to encourage them to get on the trail recreation train.

 

3- CA State Parks reverses course on creating and maintaining artificial man-made vegetative islands that   that can be used by skunks, raccoons, and foxes to more easily access snowy plover nesting grounds near the beach at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and adopt the mechanical removal of man-made vegetation structures used at the OR Dunes National Recreation Area so as to inhibit easy access by predators to the plover nesting sites.   This change in management direction could restore a significant amount of acres closed over the last 15 years by the aforementioned mitigation measures.

  

2- After significant push-back against the Coyote Creek Solar Project from OHV interests, conservation groups, and Indian Tribes, the Solar Industry commits to robust stakeholder engagement during pre-scoping and formal scoping periods to avoid proposing solar projects that directly impact popular OHV recreation areas such as the CA State Parks Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area.

 

1- National and regional motorized and non-motorized outdoor recreation groups will continue to collaborate and find common ground on a growing number of access challenges realizing there is strength in numbers.  Those collaborative efforts take on even more importance as they address  new problems and find solutions.  

 

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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 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 served as an AD Driver at the FS North Zone Fire Cache for the 22, 23, and 24 wildfire seasons. Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

NEW FS TRAIL STATUS REPORT - HIGHLIGHTS KEY ISSUES IMPACTING TRAIL ACCESS

 

MY TWO CENTS

By Don Amador

December 18, 2025

  

NEW FS TRAIL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS KEY ISSUES

 

The second paragraph in the report actually highlights the key issues that need to be addressed by the Chief -- including having his office officially make management of recreation trails and facilities a priority!

 

2025 FS TRAIL STATUS REPORT

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/35318bd9-fb41-4ae1-a63b-d816afcfcdad.pdf?itid=lk_inline_manual_33

  

ONE OF MANY ARTICLES

https://open.substack.com/pub/ourpubliclandsandwaters/p/staffing-and-budget-cuts-are-leading?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

 

IMHO - the report fails to highlight Forests that continue to manage high quality trail opportunities largely due to their pro-recreation culture, can-do attitude, robust partnerships with OHV and other recreation groups, participate in diverse forest health collaboratives, and take advantage of non-federal funding such as state OHV grants monies or from Powersports Industry grants from Right Rider Action Fund, Polaris, Yamaha, etc.    Forests that don't have those factors are often the ones that falter the most.

 

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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 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. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.