BOOK REVIEW - YOU REPORT TO ME -Accountability for the Failing Administrative State

 

BOOK REVIEW

By Don Amador

December 12, 2024

 

 *This book gives elected or appointed officials - tasked with a leadership and oversight role in a federal land management or regulatory agency - a better understanding of the challenges they face as they seek to bring accountability to the administrative state

 

YOU REPORT TO ME – Accountability for the Failing Administrative State

 

As a fellow political appointee, CA State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commissioner (circa 1994-2000) with 34 years of experience working with government agencies and elected officials on recreation and resource management policy and legislation, I appreciate David Bernhardt’s  book where he shares his insights into how some career bureaucrats successfully jam the reform efforts of a new administration.  

 

Just how the administrative state (aka deep state) operates to obfuscate, hinder, or bury issues and ignore leaders they disagree with has been a topic of many conversations I have had – on a bipartisan basis – with appointees, elected officials, recreation groups, scientists, agency staff, attorneys, and other stakeholders.

 

Often those discussions center on actions taken by an agency that just don’t make any sense.  When a regulator is questioned by an appointee or the public, the response (if one is given at all) is irrational or confusing.  Those non-responses are exacerbated when millions of dollars are unaccounted for or misspent resulting in lost recreational opportunity.

 

The book is full of examples of how the administrative state operates. However, one of my favorite stories is about the “Surname” process where letters and other documents are “required” to jump through lengthy approval or clearance procedures.

 

The book goes on to detail how unelected rule makers can run-out-the-clock by slowing down a NEPA process they don’t like or agree with by creating an unusable or shoddy work product that extends the final plan until after the current leadership or elected official leaves office.  

 

Bernhardt also illustrates how judicial deference has empowered agencies with more authority than was originally intended by Congress.    

 

Regardless of political affiliation, this book may help inform those with questions about what happened with the EPA digging it their heels regarding the closure of the BLM Clear Creek Management Area to OHVs or even at the state level with Oceano Dunes and the Stipulated Order of Abatement.

 

I believe this is a must read book for all stakeholders who want to get a better understanding of how the administrative state operates and on potential strategies and solutions to restore accountability in federal agencies.  

 

# # #

 

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 Co-Founder and current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QWR POST ELECTION OPINION - THE 80 PERCENT RULE

 

THE 80 PERCENT RULE

Post- Election Opinion

By Don Amador

December 3, 2024

 

 

President Ronald Reagan is famous for a number of quotes that continue to influence American politics and policy.  Reagan is not often thought as a public land recreation icon, but for me his statement, “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor” has become a cornerstone of my recreation career.

 

I believe that OHV should urge the Trump administration to continue support for federal land agency  collaboration with diverse force multipliers/partners including recreation groups, conservation organizations, Tribes, timber, land owners, and others with a focus on planning for, and implementing,  unit level projects that provide a direct public benefit.

 

The new cabinet appointments should authorize the increased use of youth-based conservation corps (non-profits, government, tribal, etc.) type groups to bolster their workforce in support of ground-level trail stewardship projects.  Congress may also want to target funding for those youth based efforts.

 

I also believe that any agency staff downsizing in the Washington D.C. bureaucracy should include options for surging those positions out to the field to help backfill Forest or Field Office vacant positions to implement many shovel ready projects.

 

Those new staff positions could make the currently stalled 1,300 acre Blue Oak Ranch OHV Staging/Camping Area addition to the BLM’s South Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Ukiah, CA a reality.  Also, they could help restart the 2020 OHV Travel Management Planning process that would designate a legal trail system at Indian Valley located within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.  

 

Using the Reagan 80 percent rule, finding common ground with other recreation interests is easier than you think.  You may or may not be a Reagan fan, but most of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that finding that zone of agreement is a good long-term strategy for securing access to sustainable recreation activities and protecting important natural and cultural resources for future generations.

 

# # #

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 Co-Founder and current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.

 

 

 

 

SHARE THE TRAILS - CA OHV FALL SAFETY WEEK MESSAGE

SHARE THE TRAILS – CA OHV FALL SAFETY WEEK MESSAGE

 

QWR wants to encourage OHV enthusiasts in CA to support the 2024 “SHARE THE TRAIL” themed  Fall OHV Safety Week that is running November 16-24.  The educational goal for this CA State Parks event is to help new owners of OHVs better understand the responsibility they have to drive in a safe manner since there is often two-way traffic on public land roads and trails.

CA STATE PARKS  “SHARE THE TRAIL SAFETY WEEK” NEWS RELEASE

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1330

  

The foundation for this ongoing State Park safety week program was developed by the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and partners after robust discussions on current OHV safety issues at the August 2022 OHV Safety Summit held at the McClellan Training Center in Sacramento.

 That conference was attended by various key state and federal agency representatives, powersports industry leads, major OHV organizations, ROV/UTV trainers, motorized media outlets, law enforcement, competition event organizers, and educational non-profits.

  

The primary focus was on improving/updating safety efforts to address the rapid growth of ROV/UTV/SxS use on public lands.  That inaugural summit was successful as the group subsequently planted the “safety standard” in the ground and resolved to improve safety education to reduce impacts to natural resources and other user groups.

Don Amador, QWR President and ROHVA Driver Coach, states, “I am glad to see the California Department of Parks and Recreation and OHMVR Division continue these key OHV safety programs.   As a ROHVA driver coach, I have seen the importance of SxS owners enhancing their driving skills,  trail ethics, and the use of proper safety gear.” 

 

 “What makes these OHV safety programs so important is that many new operators have very little if any driving experience on public land roads and trails.  Often they are not aware there could be other vehicles using the same route and meeting another vehicle coming around a blind corner could be a safety hazard which is what makes these outreach programs so important.”  Amador concludes.

  

QWR believes it is important for the greater OHV community to “share” this important safety and responsible use message with our riding network and those new to the sport.

 

# # # 

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 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

 

PSA - PICKETT JOINS TIMELESS LIST OF GREAT LEADERS

Pickett Believed in Voting

 

                         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.

Pre-Service Lunch at Celebration of Life

 

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. 

Pickett Presented with the Hutzler Award at AMA D36 Event

 

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

 

 

 

PSA - BLM RAC POSITIONS OPEN IN WESTERN STATES - APPLICATIONS DUE NOV. 15, 2024

Christmas Valley Sand Dunes 

BLM Lakeview Field Office, OR

BLM RAC POSITIONS OPEN IN WESTERN STATES – APPLICATIONS DUE NOV. 15, 2024

 

 

QWR is encouraging local OHV, outdoor recreation, and other multiple-use leads in Western States to consider the greater good by serving a term on a BLM Resource Advisory Council.  It is an outstanding opportunity for an advocate to further develop relationships with other stakeholder groups and agency leads, help support important projects, give input on policy, and champion responsible use of public lands.

 

*Please see the BLM News Release below for info in various categories  

 

 

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for existing and upcoming member vacancies in nine Resource Advisory Councils. The Councils provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on local public land use planning and management within designated geographic areas.

 

BLM NEWS RELEASE (with hotlink to application form)

https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-seeks-nominations-nine-regional-resource-advisory-councils

 

Each citizen-based Council generally consists of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities including ranchers, environmental groups, Tribes, state and local government officials, academics, and other public land users.

 

Resource Advisory Councils across the West assist BLM by providing advice and recommendations on local public land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing, wild horse and burro herd management, etc.

 

Individuals may nominate themselves or others. The BLM will evaluate nominees based on their training, education, and knowledge of the Council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must include letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations, a completed background information nomination form, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

 

The Resource Advisory Councils accepting nominations and their BLM contacts are:

 

Arizona contact Dolores Garcia at dagarcia@blm.gov

 

Central California contact Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov

 

Northwest (Colorado) contact JD Emerson at jemerson@blm.gov

 

Rocky Mountain (Colorado) contact Levi Spellman at lspellman@blm.gov

 

Southwest (Colorado) contact D. Maggie Magee at dmagee@blm.gov

 

Northern New Mexico contact Jamie Garcia at jagarcia@blm.gov

 

Southern New Mexico contact Winifred Brown at wabrown@blm.gov

 

Southeast Oregon contact Lisa McNee at lmcnee@blm.gov

 

Western Oregon contact Megan Harper at m1harper@blm.gov

 

 

For more information or to submit a nomination application, please email the designated Resource Advisory Council contact listed above. Nomination applications must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2024.

 

--BLM—

 

Managed OHV recreation in the 21st Century is a sophisticated activity and has many moving parts which include construction of engineered trails, restoration of lands damaged by unauthorized use, law enforcement, maintenance of existing trail networks, protection of cultural resources, planning for new OHV areas, and education/safety programs. 

 

OHV is a significant contributor to the economy in the West and is an important part of recreation opportunity matrix. OHV recreation is also a key partner when it comes to addressing the growing threat of intense wildfires on both public and private lands. 

 

QWR is asking readers to share this PSA with other clubs and stakeholders who may want to serve on a RAC. 

 

# # #

NOME CULT "TRAIL OF TEARS" WALK - LEAVE IT ON THE ROAD

NOME CULT WALKERS 

Mendocino National Forest near Log Springs

                                                           LEAVE IT ON THE ROAD

 

As a powersports recreation representative and co-founder of FireScape Mendocino (FSM), I had the privilege to help support and participate in the 29^th annual 100-mile Nome Cult “Trail of Tears” Walk a forced march on roads and trails between Chico and the Round Valley Reservation in the Covelo area during the Fall of 1863.  This year’s walk occurred during the 2^nd week of September, 2024.

NOME CULT SIGN - Kiosk @ Log Springs

Mendocino National Forest

Other FSM representatives and Forest Service staff also joined the Walk to support descendants from the Concow Maidu, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California, Redding Rancheria, Grindstone Nomlaki, the Mechoopda Tribe, Pit River, Wintu, Nisenan and Greenville Maidu. 

 

Of the 461 Concow Maidu who started the march, 32 tribal members died, and 150 were too malnourished and sick to complete the arduous journey.  

 

VIDEO OF 2024 NOME CULT WALK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bGhEwxmNJY&t=690s

 

 

Over the last 11 years, FSM has worked to increase more tribal participation in the collaborative since  tribal/local knowledge is vital to planning efforts that seek to restore/protect cultural resources, support forest health, address pre and post wildfire mitigation/recovery, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.  

WALKER LUNCH STATION near Log Springs

Mendocino National Forest

 

Don Amador, states, “It was an honor to work with the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County in serving lunch to the walkers on September 11 and also walking with them on a short segment of the trail.”

WALKERS LEAVING LUNCH STATION

Mendocino National Forest

 

“The next time I ride my ADV bike in this part of the Mendocino National Forest, I will remember and reflect with a different perspective. I appreciated the tone of this walk was to ‘Leave it on the Road’ (watch for this theme in the video) by forgiving, welcoming everyone, and moving into the future with a positive spirit,” Amador concludes.

 

The Nome Cult Walk highlights that building and enhancing relationships with the Tribes - and other partners for that matter - is important and, in fact, can and does make a difference.

 

FIRESCAPE MENDOCINO

https://www.firescapemendocino.org/

 

# # #

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

OHV BLM SITE REVIEW - CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY IN S. CENTRAL OREGON

                                    Designated Camping Area - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes 

 

     OHV BLM SITE REVIEW – CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY IN S. CENTRAL OREGON

 

It’s not uncommon for Santa Claus to surprise an off-road enthusiast on Christmas morning with a new OHV either stuffed under the Christmas tree or parked outside in the driveway.  Discovering that new dirt-bike, ATV, or SxS is always a joyous occasion for all parties involved. 

On Top of a Large Dune - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

 

Trail fans also enjoy finding a new riding area where they can explore unfamiliar opportunities and challenges with family and friends.  For example, there is a very cool sand dune riding area in the high desert of south-central Oregon called the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and might be one of those destination OHV sites where you want to vacation.  

Main Entrance Sign - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

The BLM states the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is the largest inland shifting sand dune system in the Pacific Northwest. It is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts with nearly 8,900 acres of the Sand Dunes site open to vehicle use. Nearby, the Lost Forest Research Natural Area is an unusual stand of ancient ponderosa pine forest, the remnant of a forest that existed in a cooler and wetter age. Another facet of the ACEC is Fossil Lake, the site of paleontological work for more than 100 years and where hundreds of species of reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals have been identified.

 

Kiosk at Main Entrance - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

It was interesting to see how the BLM was managing a rather complex ACEC that had an 8,900 acre sand dune area that was OPEN to cross-country travel, a Research Natural Area comprised  of an ancient ponderosa pine forest with OHV use limited to routes posted “open” , and the Fossil Lake Area that is CLOSED to OHV use.

Lost Forest Research Natural Area - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

                                                           BLM Lakeview Field Office
 

In my experience, the only way this area could remain open to meaningful OHV use would be if the agency was committed to managed OHV recreation and had implemented a substantive travel program that includes quality signing, trail delineators, closed area barriers, well-stocked informational kiosks, and a robust volunteer program with local, state, and regional partners.

Fence Post Barrier/Route Delineator - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

Fortunately, that agency commitment to sustainable OHV recreation and resource protection is exactly what was witnessed upon first entering the west boundary of the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes.  The kiosk had quality maps of closed and open areas, vehicle registration info, driver requirements, and safety regulations.   

WSA Closed Area Sign - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

 

The fence pole delineators and routes signs appeared well maintained and effective.  I saw very little if any OHV off-route travel into protected areas.

Exploring the Dunes - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “This recreation area is one of the most impressive and well-managed federal OHV units that I have ever seen.  I think it is a great example of what can be accomplished when there is a strong working relationship between the agency and volunteer partners such as the Deschutes County 4 Wheelers, Four Runners of Klamath Falls, and the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association – Region 6.  The BLM also receives OHV management grants for this unit from Oregon State Parks.”

Juniper Camp - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

BLM Lakeview Field Office

“This would be an awesome place to bring your UTV/SxS, ATV, dirt-bike, or 4WD and explore the open sand dunes and/or tour the designated route system that exists in the vegetated area next to the dunes or though the Lost Forest.  There are also numerous campgrounds that can accommodate everything from a group of toyhaulers to a single tent,” Amador continues.

 

No Off Route Travel Carsonite - Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

                                                           BLM Lakeview Field Office

 

The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes is listed as one of the BLM’s Top OHV Recreation Areas in the country with a world-wide reputation for providing a high quality and unique OHV recreation experience.  It deserves not only to be on your OHV bucket list but added as an area to be visited on a regular basis.

 

BLM CHRISTMAS VALLEY SAND DUNES

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/poi/262727

 

OR STATE PARKS OHV PROGRAM

https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-permits.aspx

 

# # #

 

 

 

 

 

PSA - MISSION CRITICAL WILDFIRE INFO APP

HARD TRAFFIC STOP - HIGHWAY 199

2023 Smith River Complex Fire - Smith River National Recreation Area

PSA

By Don Amador

June 17, 2024 

MISSION CRITICAL WILDFIRE INFO APP

 

Those of us who live and work in California and the West know all-too-well the grave impacts that wildfires can have on lives, homes, property, businesses, and public lands.   We also know just how important it is for us to have access to a rapid and accurate alert system when a fire starts nearby that could threaten our homes and family and use that information to take the appropriate action.

 

Over the years, access to that rapid and accurate wildfire information has been spotty at best.  Fortunately, the WATCH DUTY app was created in 2021 by a team of tech savvy and deeply committed first responders, fire professionals, and seasoned communication experts.   

 

WATCH DUTY

https://www.watchduty.org/how-it-works/overview

 

WATCH DUTY states their mission is to publish only the facts that provide true situational awareness in case of emergency, without editorialization or prediction. We honor integrity and correctness over speed or sensationalism so we can build and maintain trust with not only our community but our first responders. 

 

WATCH DUTY is a free app that I downloaded in 2022 when I joined the emergency wildfire response effort in Northern California by driving wildfire suppression supplies from the North Zone Fire Cache located at the Redding Airport to fire camps throughout the region.  It keeps me updated on fires that I am driving on and if there is a new fire start or a fire start near my home or that of a friend.  My wife got the WATCH DUTY app so she could keep track of her family and friends as well. 

 

TESTIMONY FROM FIRST RESPONDERS

https://www.watchduty.org/about/newsroom

 

I purchased the $25 dollar app upgrade so I could add a larger number of counties to my alert package to better keep track of wildfire starts near homes of friends or at popular recreation sites that we visit for OHV and other forms of outdoor recreation.

 

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “I was prompted to post this alert since much of California is currently in a Red Flag Warning and there are wildland fires burning state-wide and I want you to get this free app now.  This is a mission critical program used by a lot of the fire professionals and first responders that I know and work with and may just help save your life or that of a family member or friend.”

# # # 

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.  

 

"DISTURBANCE" AT BLM'S CHRISTMAS VALLEY SAND DUNES AREA IN S. OR

BLM'S CHRISTMAS VALLEY SAND DUNES AREA - LAKEVIEW FIELD OFFICE

Photo Credit - BLM RECREATION MAP

 

“DISTURBANCE” AT CHRISTMAS VALLEY SAND DUNES AREA

 

 

On June 7, the BLM in Southern Oregon posted the Draft Lakeview Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which started a 90-day public comment period ending on September 4, 2024.

 

BLM NEWS RELEASE

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeks-input-proposed-management-updates-southern-oregon

 

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE

https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/114300/530

 

 I have just started to review the document for impacts to OHV.  The BLM has selected Alternative C as the preferred alternative that seeks to find a balance between conservation and multiple-uses including OHV. 

 

As many of you know, QWR is a strong supporter of managed OHV recreation on roads, trails, and areas.  That support includes a substantive commitment to conservation and restoration efforts that can include mitigations strategies such a limiting use to existing routes and areas and/or to future designation of those facilities when time and resources become available.  

 

However, this plan appears to promote a significant change from that approach by zeroing out cross-country travel on about 30K acres at popular sites such as the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes.  This dramatic proposal appears to be based on guidance from the BLM’s new Conservation and Landscape Health Rule that has identified OHV as a “disturbance.”

 

According to the BLM, the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes is an OHV Designated Area that is 9,821 acres in size.  And this area, located near Fort Rock in south-central Oregon, is the largest inland shifting sand dune system in the Pacific Northwest that is a popular destination site for OHV enthusiasts.

 

Eliminating cross-country travel on sand dunes to LIMITED to existing routes seems to ignore the fact that sand dunes often don’t have trails or routes since wind driving sand covers up tire tracks.

 

QWR plans on making a recon trip up there in the near future to see how the area to see the current travel management prescriptions and use patterns.

 

QWR is asking for OHVers who recreate at this site to email a pic or two of you riding on the dunes and any stories you have about your recreation experiences there.  Send info to – damador@quietwarriorracing.com

 

OPINION - CA OHV PROGRAM NOT OUT OF THE WOODS

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

May 15, 2024

 

 

CA OHV TRAIL PROGRAM NOT OUT OF THE WOODS

 

 

While many in the OHV community including numerous federal and county land agency partners are breathing a sigh of relief after seeing $29M restored back into the OHMVR Division local assistance grants program, the question remains: what is Parks doing to increase the revenue stream?

 

How can we grow the OHMVR Program into the future when spending is outpacing revenue by 25% every year, which is draining the previously robust OHV Trust Fund?

 

With the latest $29M budget allocation the OHV TF is dangerously depleted with only a $50M balance to start the 25/26 fiscal year. At current spending levels the TF will soon be empty. Will Parks then bail out the division with SB1 gas tax money?

 

Over the last 4-6 years the OHV Program has annually been $25 - $30 million in the red and has only survived by spending down the OHV Trust Fund and axing important capital outlay projects that improve recreation experiences and safety.  I continue to believe this all points to a program in crisis unless Parks takes immediate action and implements measures to increase the revenue stream.

 

I believe that Parks should review the following issues:

 

• Update the antiquated day use, camping and annual pass fee schedules
• Object to the “temporary” $866,000 monthly gas tax diversion to the General Fund that has continued for 13+ years. 
• Review questionable SB1 personnel % allotments that further drain the OHV TF
• Review questionable OHMVR Division equipment and personnel charges to the OHV TF when work occurs outside of OHMVR units. 

 

Dangling the future of the OHV Program from a fiscal cliff each year during the budget process is not a pretty sight nor sustainable for this historically financially sound and forward-thinking program.

 

# # #

 

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.

ROHVA SAFETY COURSE FOR YUROK BIOLOGY TEAM

SXS SAFETY TRAINING - North Coast Marine Biology Team

On May 3, QWR had the honor and privilege to teach the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) ROV Basic DriverCourse (RBDC) on sovereign lands of the federally recognized Resighini Tribe of Yurok People.  The class was comprised of biologists from the Tribe’s Marine Natural Resource Management Program.

Exercise 4: Backing and Turning

 

The biology team wanted to take the safety course since they recently purchased a new Kawasaki Pro Mule 1000 from a local dealership in Eureka, CA to assist them in various research and monitoring projects as part of their management efforts in the Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area (IMSA) that includes coastal lands in California ranging north from Trinidad to the Oregon border.

 

CREATION OF IMSA

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2024/01/25/tribal-nations-designate-first-us-indigenous-marine-stewardship-area

 

One of the key topics covered in the class is Search, Evaluate, and Execute (SEE) and is one of the many important themes stressed by ROHVA in both the online E-Course and field training.   SEE is a common sense yet powerful decision-making process where a driver looks for various factors such as trail difficulty then evaluates the risk level of the situation and subsequently executes an action such as turning around and taking another route.

Exercise 3: Low Speed Steering Limits

 

Use of protective safety gear such as wearing a helmet and using eye protection is another area that is highlighted during online and field education process.

 

Don Amador, a ROHVA-certified DriverCoach, states, “It was great to get back to the north coast of California to help train tribal resource management specialists about how to safely operate a ROV/SxS .”

Exercise 5: Serpentine Forward & Reverse

 

“I always enjoy seeing students taking pride in learning some of the basic skills such as two-foot throttle/brake control to cross an obstacle, back-up, or load the SxS into a tight area such as trailer,” Amador concludes. 

 

QWR is a strong supporter of the focused safety efforts by our partners at CA State Parks OHMVR Division, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, ROHVA, Tread Lightly!, Kawasaki, and the CA Outdoor Recreation Foundation to address the rapid growth of ROV/UTV/SxS use on public lands.

 

Also since many land management agencies, tribes, and cooperators have increased the use of ROVs for recreation/resource management and fire suppression activities, QWR offers the RBDC course for agency or cooperator staff that need to get certified or recertified before operating a government or corporate SxS/ROV.

 

Finally,  a special note of thanks and appreciation to Dave Bertram and our good friends at Helmet House for donating full-face safety helmets and goggles to the biology department for use during the course and in their subsequent resource management efforts.

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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. 

  

MENDO FOREST SUPERVISOR SIGNS DECISION TO INCREASE PACE AND SCALE OF FUEL PROJECTS

Post Fire Recon of M5 OHV Trail - 2018 Ranch Fire

MENDOCINO FOREST SUPERVISOR SIGNS FOREST-WIDE FUEL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 

 History was made last week at FireScape Mendocino’s (FSM) 10 year anniversary community celebration held on April 25 in Williams, CA when – for the 1^st time in my 34 year recreation advocacy and stewardship career – I witnessed a Forest Service line-officer sign a decision for a NEPA planning document. 

 

What makes this even more of a seminal moment is the decision authorizes a Forest-wide fire and fuels management strategy to dramatically increase the pace and scale of fire related projects to protect natural landscapes, cultural resources, and recreation facilities.

 

Don Amador, OHV recreation professional and co-founder of FSM, states, “This decision notice to increase the pace and scale of forest health and fuel projects could not have come at a better time as  Forest specialists, recreationists, and other stakeholders continue to grapple with the aftermath of the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex Fire.”

 

“Seeing Supervisor McMaster sign the decision is a highpoint for me and validates all of the hard work done by the agency and partners such as FireScape Mendocino to increase the number of fuel and post fire recovery projects on the Forest,” Amador concludes.

 

LINK TO FS DECISION DOCUMENT SIGNED AT FSM CELEBRATION

https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1514580275080

 

 Forest Service Update

 News, events and stories from Mendocino National Forest

 Decision signed on Forest-wide Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy

 

WILLOWS, Calif., April 29, 2024 — The increasing frequency and extent of high-intensity wildfires pose a significant threat to California’s ecosystems. To address the current wildfire crisis and restore forest health, Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster has signed a decision on the Mendocino Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy. McMaster signed the document in front of a diverse group of local partners, tribal representatives and community members at a FireScape Mendocino workshop and 10th anniversary celebration, held in Williams, Calif.

 

“The Mendocino Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy is incredibly important to me and my team, especially after we’ve had several catastrophic, dynamic fire seasons and other challenges with insect infestation, drought and back-to-back winters with severe storms,” said McMaster.

 

“This forest-wide and multi-phased approach will allow us to more quickly adapt to changing conditions, reduce impacts from future fire and improve forest resilience and health.”

 

With this decision, forest managers can use prescribed fire with manual and mechanical treatments to reduce the build-up of hazardous fuels (e.g., grasses, brush, small-diameter trees, downed trees and woody debris).

 

Treatments will be phased over time, targeting overly dense forest underbrush and small trees before and after wildfires. Prescribed fires will be applied at varying intensities, sizes, frequencies, seasons, and places, and manual and mechanical fuels-reduction tools will be utilized up to 20,000 acres per year to achieve and maintain desired vegetative conditions.

 

Treatments will vary across the landscape and will depend on several factors, including terrain, fire severity, desired conditions and ecology. Several constraints are in place to protect key resources. The strategy excludes treatment within Wilderness Areas and within 100-acre nest groves for the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. Also, treatments like thinning to reduce fuels are limited to small trees, up to 12 inches in diameter. No new roads or landings will be constructed under the strategy.

 

Projects under the strategy will have to meet site-specific conditions. Before the forest can implement in the field, projects will be vetted by an interdisciplinary team in a screening process. Local tribes, partners and collaborative groups like FireScape Mendocino will also play an important role in monitoring and helping identify potential areas for treatment.

 

“As we look to return fire to the landscape, our relationships are going to be key. I am excited to work alongside our tribal partners to incorporate cultural burning and healing as we move forward,” McMaster said.

 

The Mendocino Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy is consistent with the post-fire restoration framework and conforms to several elements of the 2023 Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which calls for a new paradigm to step up the pace and scale of the fuels and forest health treatments.

 

More information about the Mendocino Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy, including the decision notice and environmental assessment are available on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/mendocino/?project=59722.

 

 

Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster signs decision notice on the Mendocino Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management Strategy in front of community members at FireScape Mendocino’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, Apr. 25, 2024.

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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 Co-Founder and current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.