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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 |
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Corva Annual Meeting results
Thank you to outgoing CORVA Board members Jim Woods who moves to the position of Past President and trusted advisor, and to Katherine Kelsey who leaves the position of State Secretary.
Congratulations to incoming CORVA Officers Harry Baker CORVA President, Don Alexander Vice President Sales and Marketing, Bruce Whitcher reelected to the position on Vice President of Land Resources and Public Policy, and Linda Wucherpfennig State Secretary
The following are the winners of the CORVA Annual awards
George Thomas Memorial Trophy For Off Roader Of The Year: Congressman Kevin McCarthy
Looney Duners Trophy to Charity: Inland Empire 4 Wheelers
Los Aventureros State Conservation Award: The San Bernardino National Forest Adopt A Trail Program
American Buggy Association Edward H. Waldheim Political Activism Award: Kim Carpenter
Past Presidents Trophy: Wayne Ford
Northern & Southern Club Awards:
Northern: Modesto Ridge Runners
Southern: Bear Valley 4X4
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Monday, May 13, 2013 |
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Corva Annual Meeting - May 18th 2013
CORVA Annual meeting 2013 May 18, 2013 - Visalia, CA
Please join us for this years CORVA Annual meeting 2013, Please join us at the Lamp Liter Inn, 3300 W Mineral King Ave 559-732-4511 (rooms are available) Starting at 9:00 am for a meet and greet General meeting starts at 10:00 am. This year elections include President, Vice-President of Land Resources and Public Policy, Vice-President Sales and Marketing, and the CORVA state Secretary. We will also have By-Law changes, along with discussions on land use issues with guest speakers covering topics that affect everyone in California. This is your Organization, please come out and voice your opinion, and VOTE!
Club Delegates need to check in before meeting, along a with a club roster and confirmation letter signed by current club president. Club Delegate form:
http://www.corva.org/skin1/forms/LETTER%20OF%20ASSIGNMENT%20-%20CLUB%20DELEGATE.pdf
Members and Proxy votes, all membership must be current and up to date to vote. CORVA form located at:
http://www.corva.org/skin1/forms/LETTER%20OF%20ASSIGNMENT%20-%20NON-CLUB%20DELEGATE.pdf
Nominations for the Annual Trophies are needed before May 18th.(please submit your nominations to terry.work@corva.org):
For more information please check the CORVA facebook page
If you have any questions, please contact Terry Work at 800 42- CORVA box 513.
See you there.
Terry Work
CORVA Vice President Administration
terry.work@corva.org
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013 |
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Johnson Valley new Feb 13, 2013 From my desert.co
CORVANews
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LATEST CORVA NEWS
December 2012
Navy outlines proposed Johnson Valley expansion
Move could spell the end of King of the Hammers off-road race
Less than a week after the King of the Hammers off-road race in Johnson Valley , the U.S. Navy today issued its decision on a proposed expansion of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms that could spell the end of the popular event as well as put a major brake on off-roading in the high desert.
The official record of decision, which will not be available online until Thursday, endorses a plan under which the Marines would take over more than half of the the federally protected 188,000-acre public off-roading area now under the protection of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
As outlined in a previous environmental report, more than half of the valley, 108,530 acres, would be permanently closed to off-roaders and used for Marine training exercises involving tanks, helicopters and live ammunition.
An additional 38,137 acres, which include the valleyÃÔ world-famous rock-crawling trails, known as the Hammers, would become a ÅÅual-use area, available to off-roaders for 10 months a year. The Marines would use the area for training exercises for the other two months, but would not use live ammunition, the report said.
The proposed expansion would also include 21,304 acres directly southeast of the existing Marine base.
Off-roaders have said the expansion would make the King of the Hammers and other off-roading events in Johnson Valley difficult, if not impossible. About three-quarters of this yearÃÔ 112-mile race course, which drew thousands to the Å©ammertown encampment on Friday, lies within the 108,530 acres the Marines would take over permanently.
ŵhe trails we have out there, you have 30-plus rock crawling trails that are the hardest in the country. ThereÃÔ recreational uses. People bring dirt bikes, said D.J. Harmon of Cathedral City, who took part in this yearÃÔ Hammers both as a driver and pit crew member.
ŵhe Marines have not said they need this land; they said they wanted it, said Dave Cole, 41, a co-founder of King of the Hammers, pointing to other alternatives explored in the environmental report released last year, at least one of which involved no land in Johnson Valley. ŵhere are even ways for them to use this land and not take it away from us.
Marine officials have said the land would be used for training exercises that are critical for the Corps post-Middle East role as a slimmed-down, rapid-response force. Brigades of up to 20,000 Marines would take part in the training exercises, using helicopters and live ammunition.
Despite its existing 596,000 acres more than half the size of Rhode Island the base ÅÄurrently does not provide sufficient live-fire and maneuver space to support this training, said Capt. Kendra N. Motz, a Marine spokeswoman.
Ŧxisting training is restricted to multiple maneuver battalions operating simultaneously for up to 24 hours with unconstrained live fire. Maneuver space is required to enable three infantry battalions to simultaneously conduct live fire and maneuver for 48-72 hours, she said.
Congress still has to approve the expansion, and off-roading groups have mounted a lobbying campaign. According to a news release from the Marine base, the approval would be part of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.
The California Off-Road Vehicle Association
Please
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Instead...
Please direct questions
or comments to:
The CORVA Board of Directors HERE |
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013 |
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1,000 Signatures a Day Needed to Help Save Johnson Valley
In the ongoing effort to Save the Johnson Valley OHV area, a new campaign has emerged to raise national awareness regarding the expansion of the 29 Palms Marine base onto public lands. Volunteers have created a petition on the White House.gov site (http://petitions.whitehouse.gov) with the hope of receiving formal recognition from the White House regarding The Johnson Valley OHV area. The White House has committed to responding to any petition that receives 25,000 or more signatures within a 30 day time frame.
The petition specifically requests the White House to deny any request by the 29 Palms Marine Base to withdraw land from The Johnson Valley OHV area and use it for base expansion purposes. The title of the petition specifically requests the White House to: Save the Johnson Valley OHV Area. Be fiscally responsible. Stop 29 Palms Marine base expansion. Keep public lands open. This petition will need roughly 1,000 signatures a day to be eligible to receive a response from a White House representative.
We have made great strides forward in our fight to Save the Johnson Valley OHV Area said Jeff Knoll, Off Road Business Association (ORBA) representative. There was an amendment passed by Congress and signed into law by the President last month that requires the Marines to further investigate the economic impact the loss of this public land would have on multiple communities, but we need to do more, Knoll explains.
The amendment's passing grants some reprieve from the Marines expansion initiative, however, it does not stop the expansion. In fact, the Secretary of the Navy is expected to release a formal Record of Decision any day announcing the Marines desire to move forward with existing expansion plans. The Marines current preferred plan means expanding the world's largest Marine Base by 160,000 acres, roughly the size of Singapore, and the public would lose over 100,000 acres of public land forever. Those opposed to base expansion argue that the expansion will cost tax payers millions and will have a negative financial impact on surrounding communities in the high desert.
We are hoping with this petition to raise the level of national discussion on this issue. Said Dave Cole, founder of the King of The Hammers, a popular and growing motorsport event held annually in Johnson Valley. 1,000 signatures a day is an aggressive goal, but we have already submitted more than 22,000 letters directly to the Marines opposing base expansion, so we are confident we have the voices to make it happen. They just need to make themselves heard.
The petition has from January 15th to February 14th to gain the necessary signatures required to receive a formal response. The full petition is available at:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/save-johnson-valley-ohv-area-be-fiscally-responsible-stop-29-palms-marine-base-expansion-keep-public/5r0C7Xw4
To learn more about the efforts to Save Johnson Valley, please visit: www.savejohnsonvalley.org
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Friday, December 21, 2012 |
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Johnson Valley OHV Area Guaranteed Temporary Protection
Johnson Valley OHV Area Guaranteed Temporary Protection from Marine Base Expansion
The California Motorized Recreation Council has succeeded in getting a bill passed in Congress mandating the Marine Corps to analyze the effects of their proposed expansion of the 29Palms Marine Corps base. They will now be required to determine the effects of the proposal on local communities both physically and financially, while also determining the impacts of displacing thousands of off-roaders who currently enjoy the unique topography the Johnson Valley OHV Area offers.
The passage of this bill presents a challenge to the Marines Corps which is hoped will delay the expansion while bringing to light more concrete information, exposing how devastating the expansion of the 29Palms Marine Base would be to visitors and residents alike.
CORVA is proud to be a contributing and working member of the California Motorized Recreation Council, along with 5 other off-road groups, as well as working with Partnership for Johnson Valley and local interests to fight against the withdrawal of the Johnson Valley OHV Area from public access.
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012 |
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Off Roaders Meet with USMC Concerning 29 Palms Base Expansion
Congressional Leadership Encourages Continued Talks
At the urging of members of Congress, including House Majority whip Kevin McCarthy, the United States Marine Corps met with key members of the California Motorized Recreational Council (CMRC) December 5th 2012 in Twentynine Palms, CA. Major General James Kessler led the discussion and the Marines re-established their position regarding the Twentynine Palms base expansion. The Marines preferred expansion route would consume the majority of land that currently belongs to a popular off-highway vehicle (OHV) area in Johnson Valley, CA.
With a footprint larger than the state of Rhode Island, The Twentynine Palms base is the largest Marine base in the world. With the expansion, the USMC is hoping to gain an additional 167,000 acres. The Johnson Valley OHV area is home to many popular off road events, including 50 years of District 37 motorcycle races and one of the fastest growing motorsport events in the country, King of The Hammers. This is the last great wilderness experience for motorized recreation in California said Jeff Knoll Chairman of the CMRC sub-committee on base expansion.
The USMC maintains that the expansion is needed to insure the proper training of its Mechanicalized Expeditionary Battalions (MEBs). Of the six expansion alternatives outlined by the Marines, the USMC continues to prefer option 6, which affects 147,000 acres of OHV land. The Marines do not currently have a plan in place to secure the new border with fencing which could present a security risk for the Marines. If the Marines move their boundaries into an area that has been open to OHV use for generations, popular opinion believes, that it will likely take 5 years to safely secure this perimeter. said Fred Wiley, President of the Off Road Business Association. He continued by saying, However, we believe the OHV community created a plan where the Marines could start training in six months, under the use of a permit.
The Marines study outlines six alternatives that meet the minimum requirements for training. Our plan uses an existing alternative but asks that the USMC use the property under a permit with the BLM rather than the Marines taking outright ownership of the land, this way the public can continue using this area when the Marines are not. said Knoll. CMRC believes utilizing a BLM permit process will meet the requirements of the USMC training, reduce the cost of expansion to US tax payers, continue the stream of $71 Million annually spent by OHV enthusiasts in the communities surrounding Johnson Valley, and keep the majority of the land open for public use.
Jim Woods, President of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) pointed out that CMRC is a very focused group who has made a priority to seek out solutions that best represent the interests of the American people. With the fiscal cliff looming, I do not think the Marines have considered the true costs of their expansion.
The Marines hope to release their final decision in early January, which will leave the expansion in the hands of Congress. Last July, thousands of OHV enthusiasts contacted their federal representatives asking them to save Johnson Valley. This weeks meeting with the USMC was a direct result of those efforts.
The CMRC, with the help of dedicated OHV enthusiasts, environmental groups and local residents to Johnson Valley, will continue its campaign to save the Johnson Valley OHV area. Their plan is to educate congressional leadership, the general public and the Marines regarding their proposed alternative. This campaign has proven that pro active participation in our government can affect change said Knoll. Without the engagement of the OHV Community the gates might well have already been installed, and I am proud that we have come this far.
Those interested in assisting with the campaign to save Johnson Valley should visit www.savejohnsonvalley.org or www.facebook.com/savethehammers
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Monday, August 6, 2012 |
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CORVA TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE JOHNSON VALLEY!
Now is the time for all off-roaders to contact the committee members listed below. We are asking you to contact at least one of them per day. Using the talking points below, emphasize how the loss of Johnson Valley will affect you and your family. The politicians in Washington DC are on recess this week so you are encouraged to contact them in their home offices. Remember, be polite but direct.
This important campaign will let them know that Johnson Valley is of critical importance to all off-roaders. Take the time to share this information on Facebook and all other social media. Even your friends and associates from across the Nation or world. Anyone, anywhere who believes in maintaining off-road access should want to save our OHV area in Johnson Valley. This is a simple straightforward action YOU can implement that can really make a difference. Do NOT Wait. Print off the talking points and make your calls. It will only take a few minutes every day this week. CORVA will send further information and calls for action as the process moves forward. Join us and other off-road organizations in this important cause. Do Not Delay.
Download this message here:
CLICK HERE
PLEASE MAKE YOUR CALLS AND HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
CALIFORNIA PHONE LIST
Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA): District Director Tevor Daley Los Angeles
310-914-7300 fax 310-914-7318
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 22): District Director Vince Fong Bakersfield
661-327-3611 fax 661-637-0867
Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA 25): Deputy COS Bob Haueter Santa Clarita
661-254-2111 fax 661-254-2380
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA 41): District Director Rachel Khalili Redlands
909-862-6030 fax 909-335-9155
Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA 45): District Director Marc Troast Palm Desert
760-320-1076 fax 760-320-0596
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA 44): District Director Jolyn Murphy Corona
951-784-4300 fax 951-784-5225
Rep. David Drier (R-CA 26): District Director Mark Harmsen San Dimas
909-575-6226 fax 909-575-6266
Johnson Valley Off Road Recreation Area Talking Points
ISSUE: Marine Corps plans to acquire 160,000 acres of BLM land next to Marine Corps Ground Air Combat Center (MCGACC) Twenty Nine Palms eliminates most of the land available under the California Desert Conservation Plan (1980) available for to off highway (OHV) recreation impacting OHV activity and the local and national economy.
Johnson Valley OHV recreation area is 189,700 acres that develops at least 300,000 visitor days per year and is world renowned as an OHV recreation area...
Economic impact: BLM estimates $71.5 million annually into the local economy and $191.2 Million into the national economy.
USMC has a new requirement for MEB level maneuver training and intends to acquire 160,000 acres of this the land from BLM and conduct live fire on all but 40,000 acres permanently closing access to 120,000 acres.
Local authorities and State authorities and thousands of citizens are opposed to the transfer of this land.
USMC is well into the EIS process and could issue a Record of decision as early as this summer.
Options other than those in the Draft EIS need to be considered:
o Permitted use of land from BLM (like at other BLM sites used for training)
o Other BLM land in the region (not necessarily adjacent).
More time needed for deliberation and seeking options on both sides and with the State.
o Not urgent since Marines have been deploying to combat for 10 years without this extra range should have more time to seek a broader solution set.
o Once live fire starts the land is permanently lost. We need to find accommodation for OHV needs and that will require BLM and State officials.
The US House of Representatives passed an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act that requires, prior to transfer, the Secretary of the Navy to provide a report on the new Marine requirement for this land and on the economic impact and on other potential solutions to the elimination of recreational land.
In spite of this Congressional interest, the Secretary of the Navy just entered the final Environmental Impact Statement into the Federal Register and can now within a short time announce his Record of Decision to acquire this land.
The intent of the House of Representatives was to slow this down to have a better look at it. The Navy has run roughshod over the House and ignored their intent. The House should be angry. We are.
Please call the Secretary of the Navy and tell him to stop this process until all the stakeholders including federal legislators have had their voices heard.
If the Marines went through 10 years of war without this extra land, it surely could wait a few months until all interests could be accommodated.
PLEASE MAKE THOSE CALLS TODAY!
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Friday, July 27, 2012 |
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Marine Corps Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed 29Palms Expansion
The Marine Corps released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed expansion of the 29 Palms Marine Base.
This is the summary paragraph in the document: Preferred Alternative; Alternative 6 was selected in the DEIS as the preferred alternative and slightly modified in the Final EIS: it is the optimal alternative considering operational and environmental impact factors together. Developed in response to public comments it was designed to preserve public access to important off-road recreation areas during periods when MEB training did not require use of those lands. The Preferred Alternative would allow for reopening to public recreation use approximately 40,000 acres of the acquisition area for 10 months a year.
A Q&A document with highlights of major changes in the final EIS is posted at:CLICK HERE
To find the entire document;CLICK HERE
This starts a 30-day protest period, when those who wrote comments on the draft can submit protests about how the issues in their comments were handled. These protests are due August 27th.
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Friday, July 20, 2012 |
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Pacific Legal Foundation Files Lawsuit Over Loss of Off-Road Access
7/20/12: Representing OHV enthusiasts, Pacific Legal Foundation has filed suit in federal court against the Tahoe National Forest for the mistakes, miscalculations and downright errors in their analysis during the Travel Management NEPA process.
This lawsuit points out the many ways the Forest Service manipulated data and abused the management privileges granted by Congress, while undergoing analysis for the Route Designation process. Most California forests, and all the Northern California Forests have been undergoing analyses related to the Travel Management Rule since 2005.
All those concerned over the loss of motorized access throughout California must stand together and support this fight for justice! We have many battles ahead of us, and this is one step forward on a very long road.
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CLICK HEREfor the Pacific Legal Foundation website and press release.
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Sunday, July 1, 2012 |
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Governor Brown responds to requests!
Governor Brown responds to requests, vetoes majority of take from the OHV Trust Fund for the Sustainable Parks Proposal.
The Sustainable Parks Proposal, as authored by Senators Simitian and Evans was largely taken apart by line-item vetoes by Governor Brown. Of the $21 million proposed to be transferred from our fund to State Parks for 3 years, only $7 million was taken, for only 1 year. All the letters, phone calls and petitions asking the Governor for help really worked as well as personal contact by our OHV Commissioners, and lobbying by groups including Friends of Jawbone, AMA District 36 and CORVA.
What did make it through the budget, and has the greatest potential to hurt the areas where OHV recreation takes place throughout the state, is a limit of $10 million for the Grant and Local Assistance Program. Two years ago there was $26 million allocated for grants, and this year only $21 million. For next year's grants, at this point only $10 million is included in the budget. CORVA is asking legislators for help, perhaps a bill that would restore the correct amount of grant funding to the program, but we would be also wise to think outside the box and create a similar program to the public-private partnerships that State Parks is using to keep open those parks previously stated for closure.
The announcement that 70 state parks would close come July 1st started this whole ordeal. Ironically, the day the budget was signed, it was announced that only 5 state parks would close, and that closure would only consist of stopping trash collection. Seems like this was a man-made problem that grabbed a lot of headlines, but in reality did not exist.
Thanks again for your phone calls, faxes and letters, it truly helped!
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Monday, June 11, 2012 |
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The Grand Opening
The Azusa Canyon Off Road Association (ACORA) are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the Obstacle Course, ASI Training Course and the Yamaha Kiddie ATV Course on Saturday, July 14th 2012. Area opens at 8am, opening ceremony at 10am.
The project has been about 11 1/2 years in the making! They built the three courses on the site and have room for more! EVO is next with an Articulation Ramp!
CORVA will be holding a Southern Board meeting there at the event, hope to see you there.
CLICK HERE for the event flyer.
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Saturday, June 9, 2012 |
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PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION:
As you probably know, the California State Legislature is poised to eliminate our $21 million OHV Trust Fund grant program and divert the money to fund the states troubled State Parks system.
If passed and signed by the Governor, this budget would lead to the elimination of OHV access to public lands in California. As a result, the fragile rural economies of California that depend on OHV tourism will suffer crippling job losses and closed businesses.
Friends of Jawbone and others depend on the OHV Trust Fund grant program for its ground operations, restoration work, and education and safety programs. Friends of Jawbone partner with the BLM who also depends on these grants to staff and operate the Jawbone Station Visitors Center. The recent Visitors Center expansion was funded much in part through the OHV Trust Fund grant program.
Please help by signing this simple online petition that will be delivered to the Governor's office early next week. There is no time to wait -- please sign the petition now! CORVA needs your help now more than ever to stop the taking of our funds.
CLICK HERE
Thank you in advance for signing the petition.
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Sunday, May 27, 2012 |
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CALL TO ACTION - HELP SAVE OUR OHV TRUST FUND!
This Call To Action is for everyone as a follow up to our attendance at the Sacramento Senate subcommittee hearing on the State Budget. Five of us from Southern California went to this Sacramento hearing and I have to tell you, I have been reminded again why our State of California is in such trouble. We have Senators who have been around way too long and should not be elected to another office. It is the likes of Senator Simitian from Palo Alto and Senator Lowenthal from Long Beach (who both, thankfully, term out from the Senate this year) who voted to gut our OHV grants program. The Senate, with a simple paragraph inserted into a 36 page Budget and Fiscal Review, voted to legally steal $11 million from our OHV Gas Tax monies prior to its deposit into the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund (OHVTF).
Senator Jean Fuller from Bakersfield waged a brave war during this hearing, but the other two Senators mentioned above just did not care. Senator Fuller stated, "You both are going to be gone and leave me here with this mess". That is exactly what they did. They were going to take $21 million, but they came to an agreement to leave $10 million for Law Enforcement. That is not what the OHV bill SB742 authorized back in 2007, but again, they did not care. Based on SB742, Law Enforcement should get 25% of the funds available in any given year and in this case they get 100%. We all agree that Law Enforcement is incredibly important, but not at the cost of complete removal of Operations & Maintenance, Restoration and Education & Safety dollars.
Now, here is where you come in. Without any objection by the Assembly during their upcoming Budget hearings, this will be the new rule for the next three years! We need you to contact all the members of the Assembly Budget Committee (listed below) and tell them that they should respect the collaborative efforts of SB742 in establishing expense priorities for the OHV Gas Tax and they should overturn the Senate Budget Committee OHV Gas Tax grab from the May 23rd meeting. OHVers paid these taxes at the gas pumps for off-roading and they deserve to see the money spent as required by SB742.
After you call your own Assembly member (
Find yours here: ) then please call the Budget Committee members at their local offices and/or the 916 (Sacramento Chief of Staff (COS)) offices listed below. Let them know you are calling about the OHV Gas Tax. Let them know it is unfair, it is an illegal tax grab and it has to be overturned. The fate of your future OHV opportunities lies in the balance here. Make your calls today.
Democrats:
Alejo, Luis D-28 Salinas 831-750-8676, 916-319-2028 COS Marva Diaz
Allen, Michael D-7 Napa 707-258-8007, 916-319-2007 COS Sean MacNeil
Bonilla, Susan D-11 Concord 925-521-1511, 916-319-2011 COS Luis Quinonez
Brownely, Julia D-41 Woodland Hills 818-596-4141, 916-319-2041 COS Wendy Notsinneh
Buchanan, Joan D-15 San Ramon 925-328-1515, 916-319-2015 COS Michelle Henry
Butler, Betsy D-53 , El Segundo 310-615-3515, 916-319-2053 COS Jan Ballesteros
Cedillo, Gilbert D-45 Los Angeles 323-225-4545, 916-319-2045 COS Daniel Savage
Chesbro, Wesley D-1 Santa Rosa 707-576-2526, 916-319-2001 COS Lisa Ramer
Dickinson, Roger D-9 Sacramento 916-324-4676, 916-319-2009 COS David Gonsalves
Feuer, Mike D-42 W Los Angeles 310-285-5490, 916-319-2042 COS Rebecca Marcus
Gordon, Richard D-21 Los Altos 650-691-2121, 916-319-2021 Dist.Dir Jeremy Dennis
Huffman, Jared D-6 San Rafael 415-479-4920, 916-319-2006 COS Debra Gravert
Mitchel, Holly D-47 Culver City 310-342-1070, 916-319-2047 COS Tiffani Alviderz
Monning, Bill D-27 Santa Cruz 831-425-1503, 916-319-2027 COS Judy Fujii
Swanson, Sandre D-16 Oakland 510-286-1670, 916-319-2016 COS Larry Broussard
Republicans:
Berryhill, Bill R-26 Ripon 209-473-6972, 916-319-2026 COS Evan Oneto
Harkey. Diane R-73 San Juan Capo 949-347-7301, 916-319-2073 COS Sherry Hodges
Jeffries, Kevin R-66 Murrieta 951-894-1232, 916-319-2066 COS Jeff Greene
Jones, Brian R-77 Santee 619-441-2322, 916-319-2077 COS Bob Giovati
Logue, Dan R-3 Chico 530-895-4217, 916-319-2003 COS Ken DeVore
Mansoor, Alan R68 Costa Mesa 714-668-2100, 916-319-2068 COS Chat Morgan
Morrell, Mike R-63 Rch Cucamonga 909-466-9096, 916-319-2063 COS Jaime Rosales
Nestande, Brian R-64 Riverside 951-369-6644, 916-319-2064 COS Robert Flanigan
Valadao, David R-30 Hanford 559-585-7170, 916-319-2030 COS Tal Eslick
Wagner, Donals R70 Irvine 949-863-7070, 916-319-2070 COS Sam Cannon
Get to know your Legislators and their office staff. You never know when those relationships will help you get your point across more clearly and directly. Focus on the trail ahead, stay on the designated paths and we will all win. Please call or e-mail if you have any questions about this.
Thank you for your help in changing the outcome of this budget disaster.
Ed Waldheim
VP Education
PS. If you want to see the archived May 23rd hearing, here is the link:
CLICK HERE: The OHV portion starts around 1:38:00:
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012 |
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CORVA Comments Project Workshop - June 2nd
An invitation to attend the CORVA Comments Project Workshop on Saturday, June 2nd.
The NEPA process is a crucial tool for working to maintain access to public lands. We are currently facing huge challenges with the Proposed Land Management Plan Amendment affecting Four Southern California National Forests (Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino) and the Pipes Canyon closure proposed by the Wildlands Conservatory. The class below is an excellent step for the OHV community in our battle to keep motorized vehicle access to our local public lands. If you can, please join us. Also, please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
CORVA COMMENTS PROJECT NEPA WORKSHOP
( National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA))
Presented by Amy Granat and Randy Burleson
DATE: JUNE 2, 2012
TIME: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Redlands Jeep 4x4 (Redlands Auto Plaza)
500 W. Redlands Blvd. Redlands, California 92373
FEE: $35.00 includes all materials, lunch, drinks and snacks, plus
covering Amy's travel expenses from northern California.
Loren Campbell, GM of Redlands Auto Plaza, is providing the meeting room.
MAXIMUM # of ATTENDEES: 25 due to space limitations.
To register, E-mail don@backcountry4x4.com
Payment information and more info will be sent after you register.
Paste the link below for a map to Redlands Auto Plaza.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=500+W.+Redlands+Blvd.+Redlands,+California+92373&hl=en
PS - If any of you have a business and would like to sponsor lunch or the printing of materials, please let us know. Cost for each will run under $200.
Background information can be found here:
MORE INFO
To help CORVA attend these meetings and make comments please consider a
Donation to CORVA
THANKS for your Support!
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Monday, May 21, 2012 |
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NOW LETS TELL STATE PARKS - LEAVE OUR OHV TRUST FUND ALONE!
Two weeks ago, Senators Simitian and Evans introduced a bill to take the money from the well-managed OHV Trust Fund and divert it to the cash-strapped, poorly performing, deficit ridden State Parks. Over a year ago Director of State Parks Ruth Coleman announced plans to close the least visited, most poorly performing state parks around the state.
Instead of determining how these problems at State Parks got out-of-hand, Senators Simitian and Evans want to take OHV Trust Funds to prop up State Parks. The real person behind this problem in the first place is State Parks Director Ruth Coleman!
Tell State Parks; "Don't Take Our OHV Trust Funds". Ruth Coleman hasn't exhibited the leadership necessary to save State Parks from closures, she needs to step down and let someone better take over. Instead of taking funds from our OHV Trust Fund, State Parks needs to look at their issues and solve their own problems without hurting the OHV program.
Call State Parks at: 916-653-8380 and tell Director Ruth Coleman to step down and copy her bosses, Secretary Laird and Governor Brown as well!
Email Ruth Coleman at: ruth@parks.ca.gov
Email Secretary Laird at: secretary@resources.ca.gov
Email Governor Brown at: http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php
THANKS for your Support!
Amy Granat
Managing Director, CORVA
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Thursday, May 10, 2012 |
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Sustainable Parks Program Threatens OHV Fund
Senators Evans and Simitian Unveil Plan to Keep State Parks Open.
Proposal Could Divert Funds from the OHV Division to State Parks.
SACRAMENTO On Tuesday, May 8th, State Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) and State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) unveiled a budget proposal to keep open up to 50 state parks slated for closure this year while providing a stable and long-term funding solution that will keep all parks open. As many as 70 state parks had been slated for closure beginning July 1, 2012.
The essence of the Sustainable Parks Proposal is: Providing assistance to non-profit partners working for operating agreements for state parks; Finding new ways of working in the parks, including allowing parks to become more entrepreneurial and allowing more personnel flexibility; Accessing up to $121 million of existing funding sources that may be appropriately used for park purposes over a five year period, including using up to $10 million/year of existing funds collected the Motor Vehicle Account, $21 million from the Local Assistance Program which would possibly consume the entire OHV grant fund and $10 million/year from the Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund.
The Sustainable Parks Proposal was heard in Senate Budget Subcommittee #2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation, which is chaired by Simitian. CORVA attended the hearing and delivered testimony against taking funds from the OHV funds. Sen. Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield, was also reluctant to support the proposal, saying she gets more letters from constituents in favor of the off-highway programs than any other issue.
The bill will be heard again in committee on May 23rd. More information will be available prior to the next hearing.
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Thursday, May 10, 2012 |
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Forest Service Seeking Public Comments
The Forest Service is seeking public comments on a Proposed Amendment to the Land Management Plans for the four Southern California National Forests (the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino).
The Proposed Amendment would modify the existing land use zones allocations in selected inventoried roadless areas to include more back country non-motorized and recommended wilderness areas. An alternate monitoring framework is also proposed. The full details of the proposed action can be found on the project webpage at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35130
This Proposed Amendment to the Land Management Plan is part of the Settlement Agreement approved January 3, 2011, in the case of; California Resources Agency, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, and Center for Biological Diversity, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture.
Public Meetings
The four National Forests will be hosting multiple open houses during the 45-day scoping period that began April 27th. The content and format of each meeting will be identical; however each forest will be presenting information specific to what the Proposed Amendment means locally. Forest Service staff officers will be available to answer questions and maps of the proposed changes will be available for viewing. The meeting times and locations are:
* May 29, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (Los Padres National Forest)
* May 30, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Angeles National Forest Headquarters, 701 North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 (Angeles National Forest)
* May 31, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Santa Maria Red Cross, 3030 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455 (Los Padres National Forest)
* May 31, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Santa Clara Mojave Rivers Ranger District Office, 33708 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510 (Angeles National Forest)
* May 31, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, San Bernardino National Forest Headquarters, 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408 (San Bernardino National Forest)
* May 31, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Palomar Ranger District Office, 1634 Black Canyon Road, Ramona, CA 92065 (Cleveland National Forest)
* June 1, 2012, 1:00 PM to 4 PM, Frazier Park Library, 3732 Park Drive, Frazier Park, CA 93225 (Los Padres National Forest)
* June 5, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Descanso Ranger District office, 3348 Alpine Blvd, Alpine, CA 91901 (Cleveland National Forest)
* June 5, 2012, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Trabuco Ranger District office, 1147 E. 6th Street, Corona, CA 92879 (Cleveland National Forest)
How To Comment
The public is encouraged to participate in the process. Comments should be received within 45 days of the publication of the Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The Notice was published on Friday, April 27, 2012, and the comment period closes on Monday, June 11, 2012. Send written comments to:
Cleveland National Forest, 10845 Rancho Bernardo Rd, Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92127-2107, ATTN: LMP Amendment.
Comments may be sent via e-mail to: socal_nf_lmp_amendment@fs.fed.us
or filed through the project web page at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35130
For further information contact Project Manager Bob Hawkins at:
socal_nf_lmp_amendment@fs.fed.us
or visit the project website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35130
Rep. Duncan Hunter recently sent his letter in, to see it
CLICK HERE
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Saturday, April 28, 2012 |
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CORVA ANNUAL MEETING 2012
Our Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, May 19th in Visalia. All Supporting Members are invited to attend.
Please make sure that you are current on your dues (check the mailing label on your newsletter or check your profile online)
One of our bylaw changes of 2007 created a staggered board. We have 3 offices on the Association board due at this time.
Those offices are;
Vice President - Administration, Vice President - Education and Treasurer.
Any Supporting Member of CORVA in good standing may run for any office. All candidates will be nominated
from the floor at the beginning of the election process during the Annual Meeting.
If you are not able to attend and not part of a CORVA Club, you can still cast a vote. Please see the bylaws under ARTICLE X - VOTING AND DELEGATES for all requirements.
Registration will begin at 9:00am and the Annual Meeting to start at 11:00am. Meeting to end by 3:00pm.
Representatives of clubs are encouraged to submit their club rosters before the meeting date. Agenda Items to include: Elections of Association Officers, Annual Awards, Bylaw Amendments, Reports and other business.
The Lamp Liter Inn is located at 3300 West Mineral King, Visalia. Discounted rooms are available by calling 800-662-6692
Mention CORVA when placing your reservations. (deadline May 5th)
Map and directions to the CORVA Annual Meeting:
MAP - CLICK HERE
For all questions please contact Jim Colln at:
jim.colln@corva.org or 800-42-CORVA ext. 509
Can't make it to the meeting this year, you can always make a donation to help keep us on the ground and running.
Do that by click here:
Donate to CORVA
Hope to see you there.
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012 |
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Rallying to Preserve Access - Bakersfield - Saturday, April 21st
Rallying to Preserve Access to Your Public Lands
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Attend the Rally to Preserve Access to Your Public Lands next
Saturday.
The battle cry is NO MORE TRAIL CLOSURES!
This will be an historic occasion if lots of folks like you attend.
Show the world that people who enjoy all forms of recreation including -
Off Road Vehicles, Mountain Biking, Horseback, Hiking, Hunting and
Fishing are joining together to Stop the Closure of their Public Lands.
WHEN: April 21, 2012 at 11 AM
WHERE: Valley Cycle 3917 Buck Owens Blvd. Bakersfield, CA 93308
FREE BBQ to celebrate Keeping Trails Open will be provided to all.
Sponsored by, Chris Horgan and your friends at Save The Trails.
More info here:
http://www.savethetrails.us/Rally2012.html
Hope you can make it, THANKS for your Support!
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