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I'd like to compile a list of ways to get involved, ways to stay informed and anything else that will help the 4-wheeling community have their voices heard in the never-ending land use debate.
But first let me state:
MJR promotes responsible backcountry recreation at all times. Proper stewardship is following “Tread Lightly” principles and follow all laws and closures. We will not entertain or discuss any convoluted reasoning, justifications or rationalizations concerning our responsibilities as stewards of the forests and deserts of Southern California.
Let's keep this thread to the basics, any discussion can get a new thread elsewhere.
Getting Involved
There has been discussion lately on the board about "getting involved." We realize that it's hard to get started, when you don't know where to start! A good plan always needs focus. Choose your issue and start talking about it. Figure out if people will join you on it, or if someone is already working on it. Find out who manages the land, for example, if it's a land use issue. Find out which political figures have a say in what goes on there and how to contact them. Figure out if your action item, if implemented, is worth the fight. Don't be afraid to lose! Political heads will try to discourage you - but that's just their tactic.
Recent Accomplishments
Allright, so hopefully we've convinced you to do something. Let's get the inspiration going...
General Tips/Ideas/Etc.
Tread Lightly
San Bernardino National Forest Links
Bureau of Land Management Links
Local Community Politics
Groups, Clubs and Organizations
Support groups that support you! Volunteer your time and money to your choice of causes.
This list will grow as I compile information and ya'll post links below.
But first let me state:
MJR promotes responsible backcountry recreation at all times. Proper stewardship is following “Tread Lightly” principles and follow all laws and closures. We will not entertain or discuss any convoluted reasoning, justifications or rationalizations concerning our responsibilities as stewards of the forests and deserts of Southern California.
Let's keep this thread to the basics, any discussion can get a new thread elsewhere.
Getting Involved
There has been discussion lately on the board about "getting involved." We realize that it's hard to get started, when you don't know where to start! A good plan always needs focus. Choose your issue and start talking about it. Figure out if people will join you on it, or if someone is already working on it. Find out who manages the land, for example, if it's a land use issue. Find out which political figures have a say in what goes on there and how to contact them. Figure out if your action item, if implemented, is worth the fight. Don't be afraid to lose! Political heads will try to discourage you - but that's just their tactic.
Recent Accomplishments
Allright, so hopefully we've convinced you to do something. Let's get the inspiration going...
- Look back at the Johnson Valley issue - where the marines are trying to expand to turn our trails into a practice bombing area. People here on MJR attended the local public hearings. Tammy (JeepGal) started a petition online (it was free) that gathered to-date about 10,300 signatures. It was then printed and sent off to various people that had influence on the final decision. Others like Brian (blktj) realized that our congressmen knew nothing about our trails and why JV is important to us, so he gathered some people together and made a book of our trails using iPhoto. It was professionally printed and sent out to key congressmen. "Friends of Johnson Valley" and other groups were formed and were present at meetings, hearings, etc. They made bumper stickers for awareness and put up simple websites. As a whole, we were able to push back. The issue hasn't been resolved as of this writing.
- Holcomb Creek from Kurt: In working with the Adopt-A-Trail Program, the MJR group has been working with the forest service, the CDF hotshots from Ventura and Big Bear, with other groups of the AAT program, and with many other volunteers. We've been putting in massive amounts of time and effort, and some of us have been certified by the forest service to operate machinery on National Forest land. All in an effort to get our beloved trails opened again. And as you probably know, after three + years of closure, we opened Holcomb Creek this Summer. A task that all the experts said was impossible. We also helped get the 2N06X connector, Lower Larga opened as well.
- Rattlesnake Canyon from Roger: Read the story here from Roger.
General Tips/Ideas/Etc.
- You may have to break out of your shell a bit and actually hang out with some non-jeepers in order to make a difference. Plant trees in the forest, attend town/city council meetings, join clubs in your area and get to know people. It's fun!
- Find out which government agency or private company manages the area you're interested in and call or email the ranger or person in charge. Introduce yourself and let them know you're available to volunteer.
- Staying informed is just as important as treading lightly. Talk to people and share your action alerts on the forum.
Tread Lightly
- Buy products from business that support public access: Off Road Business Association http://www.orba.biz
- Take a Tread Lightly! Class http://www.treadlightly.org
- Participate in clean ups in the areas you enjoy recreating.
- Pick up trash on every trail you run http://www.trasharoo.com/iWeb/TRASHAROO%20/About.html (Thanks Doug)
San Bernardino National Forest Links
- Stay Informed: Motorized Vehicle Use Maps
- Stay Informed: SBNF RSS News Feed (subscribe in your email client, phone, or RSS reader to stay up-to-date)
- Attend: Adopt-A-Trail meetings hosted by the Forest Service. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every 3rd month (quarterly) at Sizzler in Corona. 1461 Rimpau Avenue (I-15 Magnolia exit) (909) 272-825. August 18, 2010, November 17, 2010, etc.
- Join: Become an SBNF OHV Volunteer The SBNFA OHV Volunteers meet every 2nd Wednesday of each month at the same Sizzler. July 14, August 11, September 8, etc.
- Volunteer: A list of volunteer programs in the forest
Bureau of Land Management Links
- Barstow Office - see sidebar for "ways to get involved"
- Calendar of Events
Local Community Politics
- Run for office. You won't have a better effect on your elected representatives. After all, it's many of them making the decision to close/alter trails. (Ask Sarah how easy this is to do!)
- Support candidates for office. If you don't wish to run for office, support someone who is! Find out where they stand on land use issues, post up on the board, volunteer on their campaigns and send them money.
- Join CERT. Contact your fire department or town hall to ask about community volunteer programs. You'll learn some great skills that will benefit everyone on the trails too - plus you'll be getting to know your local government and representatives. Here are Apple Valley's programs.
- Read your local newspaper and attend your town council meetings! Recently, Apple Valley officially wrote a letter to Feinstein thanking her for her wonderful desert protection act. We need to hold our town councils/local governments accountable and tell them how we feel on issues. This didn't make big time news of course, but I was there to see it happen and comment. That's important.
Groups, Clubs and Organizations
Support groups that support you! Volunteer your time and money to your choice of causes.
- CA4WD http://www.cal4wheel.com/
- CORVA http://www.corva.org/
- Blue Ribbon Coalition http://www.sharetrails.org/
- United 4WD http://www.ufwda.org/
- Friends of Johnson Valley http://www.fojv.org/
- Partnership for Johnson Valley http://www.pfjv.org/
- American Sand Association http://www.americansandassociation.org/
- Friends of Jawbone http://www.jawbone.org/foj/
- Friends of El Mirage http://elmirage.org/
- Friends of Panamint Valley http://www.fopv.org/
- Friends of Oceano Dunes http://oceanodunes.org/
This list will grow as I compile information and ya'll post links below.
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