S.F.W.D.A. join West Virginia Jeep Club , Blue Ribbon Coalition, Senators & Delegates of West Virginia, and other off-road clubs on Feb 2nd to promote off-road trails recognition throughout West Virginia at the State Capitol for the Off-Road Invasion 2020 event. S.F.W.D.A. showed up in the morning at the State Capitol and behold there were 162 rigs that show up and it was raining.
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Conservation
This past year alone in 2018, SFWDA contributed $56,538 in cash along with countless volunteer man hours
What's your Association been up to.......
Video from meeting archived on Facebook from our LIVE stream
SFWDA Membership Status
- Membership overall is up over 10% on a year to year bases.
- Active club members: 2018 / up 16%
- Individual members 375 / Premium members 223
- Clubs 36/ up 12.5%
- Business members: 62 /up 19.2%
Social Media (Dec. 2017)
- Facebook Group: 7,006 / up 13%
- Facebook Page 1,000 Likes + since mid 2017 inception
- 500+ followers for Instagram
- 300 followers on Twitter
Third party awards for BOD Members
- UFWDA Four-Wheeler of the Year Award: Flint Holbrook
- ORBA/SEMA Recognition Award for Outstanding Commitment: Walter Shafer and Pete Mier
Regional Land Use Updates
Brent Galloway: WindRock – state of park activities
- Additional cabins to be built on WR land and within the next 2 months online reservation will be available.
- Building new parking lot next to T2- will be open for special events.
- WRP be getting into the concert business. Spring 2018 will be timeframe of first event.
- Currently has a Shooting range- shoot your own or rent.
- A new restaurant on site: WR Grill
- WR Bike Park- leased area for a prof mountain cyclist. WR is diversifying.
- WR ATV Club is involved with trail systems since inception. Disbanding at end of year.
DBBB Mountain Springs Rd Update:
- Another hearing schedule on December 6. We are trying to show 15 years of public use of roads.
- Goal to move forward to receive from the court system a Summary Judgement by Feb 2018.
New dialogues about the Blackwater Watershed.
- Aaron Roddy- Carburetor Hill update:
- Early this year Forrest Service has closed it to OHV traffic due to landslide.
- Next few years to start process to do a land swap with the Forest Service and County.
Uwharrie National Forest update: updates by Flint Holbrook and Ray Stanley
- New District Ranger Michael Spisak
- USFS approved Interpretive OHV Trail system developed by Tread Lightly, 4Wheel Parts and Path Less Traveled, Inc.
- Construction of expansion of Baldwin Lake Trail starting mid-December and will be RTP funding.
Beasley Knob OHV
- GBR GA RTP grant complete. The ongoing maintenance continues.
- Problem area at Nicholson Gap, the potential solution may be re-route.
- GBR proposed adding camping to Satterfield Station area.
- Jay Bird discussed new Rock Garden at Beasley Knob.
Tennessee Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails
- Update provided by Bob Yarbrough:
- Things are more positive than in years past.
- Currently in the planning stage which includes the study and surveys of OHV usage
NFS Region 8 Southern Region Recreations Resource Advisory committee
- Ray Stanley has seat on committee
- First meeting was elections, setting up structure and by-laws.
South Carolina Recreation Trail Program
- Updates provided by Flint Holbrook
- Rebecca Smith is the point of contact.
- Trick N Traction looking for RTP grant to provide help to land area.
GA Recreation Trail Program Ken Sutz GA RTP committee
- Completed a 2year cycle for RTP grant funds.
- Estimating roughly 2million dollars available for motorized RTP grant funds.
- Pre-application phase in progress and Phase 2 scheduled to commence April 2018
- GA NR Projects for 2017
- Conassuga Ranger district OHV trail Maintenance $70K
- Bush Head Shoals State ATV Park $1.1M ATV project
Proposal had public resistance with NEPA issues; the project was not approved. - GA DNR Projects for 2018, preliminary $2M to develop OHV trails.
Overview on Land Use:
Adventure Off Road Park:
- change of ownership in 2017
- Committed to hosting Trailfest May 3-6 2018
- Troy discussed conversations with Shawn and his continued commitment to the AOP.
Big Creek Rocks LLC Uwharrie NC
- Mapping by Cartotracks/ campsites built / entrance gate and fencing installed / road repaired and shelter pad rocked.
Busted Knuckle Off-Road Park, Stevenson AL
- Monitor progress of BKOR / hosting SFWDA M&R March 3, 2018
Coalmount TN Southern Gulf Off Road Park:
- Roger Theurer provided status of construction.
- TN RTP grant – purchased 1340 acres with an additional RTP grant for Construction
- Started the project in 2010; $528K construction grant coming in.
- Will need volunteers to help complete this park.
- Will be requesting SFWDA grant to help maintain water issues and road access.
- Target is to open in end of year 2018.
Golden Mountain Park – Sparta Tn
- Property is for sale and was reclassified for tax purposes.
- GMP loss significant monies in recent periods.
- DR31 & DR32 on GMP calendar, but no firm commitment if property sells.
- Review findings of Event Planning Committee in the 2018 SFWDA calendar building portion of meeting. SFWDA will continue to monitor progress of any potential investors.
Tread Lightly updates
Al Sweeney: Master Trainer Regional training projected schedule
- July in Troy NC
- November in Greenville SC
- Support of UNF Interpretive trail and SFWDA Educational Initiatives
- Membership discussion on cost, time and requirements for having a Master Training Class with individual clubs in the Southeastern area.
ORBA and UFWDA
- ORBA association of motorized offroad related businesses formed to promote and preserve off road recreation.
- One Voice: explanation of the purpose and what is stands for “one voice to our government leaders”
2018 Grant opportunities:
- Regional Tread Lightly Training
- Educational Videos
- Organizational Support
- Charity Contributions
- UNF Mapping Project
2018 Organization support
Charity Contributions
- Grant request to continue annual commitment to $1K each to TreadLightly, UFWDA, ORBA, and BRC
- Grant request to donate $2500 each charity Crawling for Reid and 4 wheeling for a Cure
UNF Interpretive Trail System Project
- Scope: create printable map of 173 miles in UNFTS which includes OHV, hiking, mountain bike, horse back and Kayaking trails. Key part of Treadlightly interpretive trail project.
- Start Dec 2017 / projected complete date May 2018
- Total cost $10,954 / Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless contributing $5954/4 Wheels Parts $10,000
- Approved $5K SFWDA grant to help support
We are optimistic for a very successful and prosperous year ahead in 2018.
Hope to see you on the trails soon.
California Legislators and Governor Make the Off Highway Vehicle Program (OHMVR) a Permanent Part of the State’s Recreation Plan
After many months of concentrated effort the California State Assembly just recently passed amended legislation that provides permanent status for reauthorization of the highly successful Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation program. The State Senate concurred and the legislation was submitted to the Governor for signature. On October 3, 2017, the Governor signed legislation making the OHMVR program permanent.
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA - After nearly a year of work with the California Legislature, State parks, Governor Jerry Brown, and stakeholders from across the country, the California OHV program has been extended. In addition, there’s a partner bill that makes the program a permanent part of recreation in California.
S.B. 249 and S.B. 159 are the legislative bills that Governor Jerry Brown signed into law. The California OHV program was introduced in 1971 and is funded by self-imposed user fees and taxes. The program does not utilize general tax funds to accomplish its goals. The program also has an extensive “Grant Program” that provides funding for education, law enforcement and restoration through state, federal and local communities across the state
Over 80% of OHV opportunities in California are on federal land and facing budget shortfalls at all levels. The OHV program is an integral part of making sure that responsible and meaningful motorized recreation continues in California and provides the necessary funding to help augment those short-falls.
While it may seem that a complicated state like California would never allow OHV use, this proves that a viable, responsible and important program can work its way through a super majority and become stronger. Our original goal was to keep the existing program intact while at the same time make it permanent. With strong collaboration and hard work, we have accomplished these goals and are now looking forward to the future of off road recreation.
For more information, please contact the Off-Road Business Association at www.orba.biz
Fred Wiley
President/CEO
Off Road Business Association
UFWDA Treasure
Huge THANKS!!!
To Jeep Invasion, CartoTracks, and all of our Tread Lightly Master Trainers....
In case you missed it SFWDA sponsored 3 Off Road Education classes daily at the SMJC Jeep Invasion. We were successful in connecting with thousands and shared some valuable awareness with about 125 participants in our classes. We gave away some door prizes and a pair of Dixie Run 31 family event passes to a couple of very lucky folks. Thanks again for your support to everyone who made it happen. Be on the lookout for our next Off Road Education class coming to your area. #offroadeducation #TreadLightly #SFWDA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Patrick Wagenbrenner Brand Communications Manager PatrickW@4WP.Com
$30,000 Contribution to ORBA from 4 Wheel Parts Round Up Campaign
Compton, California (June 14, 2017) – 4 Wheel Parts, the global leader in off-road performance product sales and installation, presented a check in the amount of $30,872 to the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) as part of its “Round Up” charitable fundraising initiative. The “Round Up” initiative served to raise funds to support the foundation’s goals of promoting, preserving and expanding meaningful off-road recreation on public and private land. Led by 4 Wheel Parts Regional Manager, Jeremy Komorn, the full roster of 80 stores across North America supported the successful campaign by providing customers the option of rounding up to the next dollar at checkout with the proceeds to be directly contributed to ORBA.
The Off Road Business Association is an International Trade Association, comprised of member businesses ranging from large, international corporations to rural family run businesses. ORBA provides leadership and advocacy for the preservation of motorized access and the future of off-highway vehicles. “With their dedication to ensuring that the off-road industry maintains a voice at the local, state and federal level, ORBA is performing crucial work as they continue protecting people’s opportunities to enjoy recreational off-roading,” said 4 Wheel Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler. “Off-road activities are important to our customers and we are grateful to them that they have shared in our objective of supporting this cause that is so important to us all.”
All monies collected were directed to the nonprofit trade organization to further their objectives. The presentation was made this past Friday at the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) meeting and luncheon held at the Ontario Convention Center by LTAA Chair, Kathryn Reinhardt and 4 Wheel Parts executives, Brent Goegebuer and Sam Cervantes.
“For nearly two decades 4 Wheel Parts and its subsidiary companies have been passionate supporters of ORBA,” said ORBA President and CEO, Fred Wiley. “Several years ago, Greg Adler stepped up and became an ORBA board member and shortly after that, he was elected chairman. In addition to his active participation in our endeavors, this contribution is an example of how Greg and 4 Wheel Parts’ passion for the off road world furthers our collective efforts to preserve accessibility to the public private lands we offroaders enjoy.”
For more information about the Off-Road Business Association, make a donation or to become a member please visit http://www.orba.biz.
About 4 Wheel Parts 4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products. With 79 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nation’s largest inventory of off-road tires, wheels, suspension products and accessories, 4 Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road™. Visit them at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/06/prweb14428329.htm
Shared from our friends and partners at Share Trails / BRC
https://sharetrails.org/alert/national-doi-announces-formal-public-comment-period-for-antiquities-act-monuments/
Releases List of Monuments Under Review
The Department of the Interior has announced the first ever formal public comment period for members of the public to officially weigh in on monument designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906, and the Department released a list of monuments under review under the President’s Executive Order 13792, issued April 26, 2017. A public comment period is not required for monument designations under the Antiquities Act; however, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and President Trump both strongly believe that local input is a critical component of federal land management.
Comments may be submitted online after May 12 at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0001 or at http://www.regulations.gov by entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the Search bar and clicking “Search,” or by mail to Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The Department published a notice in the Federal Register officially opening the public comment period on May 11, 2017. Written comments relating to the Bears Ears National Monument must be submitted within 15 days of publication of that notice. Written comments relating to all other designations subject to Executive Order 13792 must be submitted within 60 days of that date.
For a complete list of National Monuments being reviewed and to read the Department of the Interior press release go here. To read the Federal Register Notice go here.
Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext. 2
With cooperation from ORBA and the SEMA group among other OHV organizations we have been working on a draft letter to be submitted out our newly appointed Secretary for the Department of the Interior, Honorable Ryan Zinke.
The goal here being that with so many newly appointed representatives within our government we may have greater success in expressing our concerns within our OHV communities.
The letter in whole is attached below (click to view). In essence the letters intent is to bring to light the huge economic impact stimulated from the out doors recreation community, and more importantly the motorized recreation component we're very familiar with. "As our nation’s largest landlord of federal lands, you have a unique opportunity to make these lands available to the American public in ways never done before in our country’s history." It was noted in our draft that in A 2012 study on outdoor recreation found that it contributed more than $646 billion to the national economy. Forty percent of that amount, more than $258 billion is directly attributable to motorized recreation.
Last year the T-N-T club out of Clemson, SC launched a new workshop which is funded by SFWDA grant funds and provides a totally free opportunity to learn the Tread Lightly! ® principles and how they play such an important role in our sport. With the success from last year we are continuing this initiative through 2017.
Education is at the core of our mission. Our goal is to educate enthusiasts and local citizens about what Tread Lightly! is all about, and why Environmental Stewardship is so important. When on the trail these steps are critical to preserve OHV access to public land for future generations. It's also a huge benefit knowing established best practices when off road that all fellow enthusiasts should aspire towards.
Interested?
Then join us for a three-hour workshop and our second annual Tread Lightly! training event that's entirely free to the public!
Last years workshop being led by Official Tread Lightly! trainers; Scott Fields, and Mike Morrison
Here is what you can expect......
This Awareness Workshop is a 3-hour course that will provide attendees with an introduction to Tread Lightly! principles as decision making guidelines while enjoying the great outdoors in a safe and responsible manner. The workshop will provide you with situational awareness, the know-how on minimizing your impact while recreating, and the outdoor ethic that will help sustain our trails for generations to come.
Many Great Door Prizes will be given away!
“The focus of this workshop will be on the Tread Lightly! principals. Uwharrie Off-Road Training Centers’; Scott Fields is a Tread Lightly! Master Training. He will be leading the workshop based on Tread Lightly’s! three hour workshop outline. Note that we will only be able to accommodate the first 100 people to register for this exciting event.” - Al Sweeney; SFWDA Vice President”
Event Details
COST =
There is NO COST for the event. This workshop is funded by grant proceeds from within SFWDA.
WHERE =
Youth Center at NewSprings Church
2940 Concord Rd
Anderson, SC 29621
HOW =
Register here and now online. It's free! We just want to know who all to expect.
You can also register in person at the event if space is still available but this event is limited to 100 attendees.
WHEN = Feb 25, 2017 ( 9 AM- 12 PM )
“Great Falls, MT, January 12, 2017 — The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) announced today that Russ Ehnes has expressed his intent to leave his position as Executive Director, effective June 1st, 2017. Ehnes, who has held that position for nearly 20 years, will be shifting gears to other opportunities in off-highway vehicle recreation, including managing the Bull Run Guest Ranch, near Great Falls, Montana.
by Karen Umphress | Jan 12, 2017”
Russ Ehnes
NOHVCC's Executive Director
“I am still fully committed to the mission of NOHVCC, and extremely proud of what we have all managed to accomplish,” said Ehnes. “NOHVCC is in a great position right now. Its mission has incredible momentum, with many positive initiatives, thanks to a large and energetic team effort by the NOHVCC staff and Board of Directors. The initiatives include the “Great Trails” resource book, Great Trails Workshops, trail design projects of NOHVCC Management Solutions (NMS), and our partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on its National Motorized Recreation Action Plan.
“I’m extremely proud and privileged to have worked with an incredible staff and board, who are dedicated to making the NOHVCC vision come true. I will still be involved in NOHVCC and keep contributing where the skill sets I have developed over the past 20 years can be put to good use. And, of course, I’ll remain engaged in off-highway vehicle (OHV) activism at the State and local level.”
NOHVCC will begin the search for a new executive director in the near future in order to provide a smooth transition and allow for continuity with its many OHV enthusiast, club, industry and agency partners.