OPINION - FS REORGANIZATION A PLUS FOR RECREATION

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

April 1, 2026

 

Forest Service Reform – Recognize Recreation as Essential Program

 

The recent move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service—including shifting key leadership functions out of Washington, D.C.—has sparked cautious optimism across both the powersports community and agency ranks.

 

For years, stakeholders—from tribes and counties to recreation groups and industry—have voiced the same concern: too much bureaucracy and not enough capacity in the field. The impact is tangible. Projects move slowly, fuels reduction lags, and recreation infrastructure—especially trails—falls behind maintenance needs.

 

Agency leads and field personnel are often tasked with delivering results while navigating increasingly complex processes with limited resources. The gap between policy and implementation has grown, and with it, frustration on all sides.

 

If done right, it could mark a long-overdue shift—moving resources, authority, and accountability closer to the landscapes and communities where they are needed most. The USDA’s emphasis on “common-sense forest management” suggests a renewed focus on active management, wildfire resilience, and getting projects across the finish line.

 

For the powersports community, this is not an abstract policy debate. Access depends on capacity. When field offices are understaffed or under-resourced, trails degrade, maintenance backlogs grow, and opportunities for collaboration are lost. When resources are aligned with field delivery, the opposite happens—projects move forward, partnerships strengthen, and access improves.

 

There is also a unique opportunity right now. The direction of this reorganization aligns with long-standing recommendations from stakeholders: streamline bureaucracy, empower field staff, and focus on outcomes. Across the West, collaborative models—tribal co-stewardship, stewardship contracting, and recreation partnerships—are already proving what works.

 

To succeed, it must go beyond structural change. It needs to continue shifting real resources to the field, empower local decision-making, and recognize recreation as essential infrastructure—not an afterthought.

 

FS NEWS RELEASE ON REORGANIZATION

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/03/31/usda-prioritizing-common-sense-forest-management-moves-forest-service-headquarters-salt-lake-city

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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.   

 

 

SPRING 2026 – COMMITMENT TO WILDFIRE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE

Ridgetop Fuel Break - Rural Urban Interface

Backbone Ridge Area - Near Pitt River Arm Lake Shasta

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

March 20, 2026

 

SPRING 2026 – COMMITMENT TO WILDFIRE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE

 

As Californians welcome the first day of spring, an unusually warm and dry start to the season serves as an early reminder of a growing reality: wildfire is no longer a seasonal concern—it is a year-round challenge that requires shared responsibility.

 

Over the past decade, California has experienced some of the most destructive wildfires in its history. These events have reshaped landscapes, devastated communities, and impacted millions of acres of forests, rangelands, and watersheds. They have also affected access to public lands, damaged roads and trails, and placed extraordinary demands on land managers, firefighters, and rural communities.

 

In response, a broad coalition of partners—including federal and state land management agencies, local governments, tribes, private landowners, recreation organizations, and volunteer groups—is working together to apply lessons learned and strengthen the resilience of California’s landscapes and communities.

Post August Complex Fire Campground Restoration

Plaskett Meadow - Mendocino NF

At the center of this effort is a shared understanding: healthy, accessible, and well-managed lands are essential to both public safety and sustainable recreation.

 

Across the state, collaborative efforts are underway to reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest and watershed health, and improve preparedness. These efforts are supported by science-based planning, increased coordination across jurisdictions, and a growing recognition that proactive management is critical to reducing wildfire risk.

FireScape Mendocino - Forest Health Collaborative

Recreation communities—especially the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community—are important partners in this work. For decades, OHV riders, clubs, and volunteers have contributed to trail maintenance, stewardship projects, and on-the-ground monitoring of conditions across vast and often remote landscapes.

 

Equally important, the roads and trails used for recreation also serve as critical infrastructure. They provide access for wildfire response, support forest management activities, and play a key role in post-fire recovery. Maintaining these systems—and using them responsibly—is a shared priority.

 

As we move into the spring and summer months, we encourage all who live, work, and recreate on public lands to take simple but meaningful steps to reduce risk and support safe, sustainable use:

 

 Follow fire restrictions and seasonal closures

 Use spark arrestors and maintain equipment to prevent ignition

 Stay on designated routes and respect land management guidance

 Be aware of weather conditions and changing fire risk

 Participate in local stewardship and volunteer efforts

 

For rural communities, continued investment in defensible space, emergency preparedness, and local partnerships remains essential. For land managers and policymakers, sustaining the pace and scale of forest health and fuels reduction work will be critical in the years ahead.

 

We also recognize the human dimension of wildfire. The impacts extend beyond the landscape—to the people who manage these lands, respond to emergencies, and call these communities home. Supporting their well-being and strengthening the workforce needed to meet these challenges is an important part of building long-term resilience.

 

Spring is a time of renewal. It is also a time to prepare.

 

By working together—across agencies, communities, and recreation groups—we can reduce wildfire risk, protect lives and natural resources, and ensure that California’s public lands remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

 

The path forward is rooted in partnership, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the lands we all value.

 

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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 and serves as the Safety Training Coordinator. Don is a Co-Founder and Current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don served as a North Zone Fire Cache AD Driver for the 2022 to 2024 fire seasons.

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