Notes from our last Leadership Meeting on Monday, Oct. 24th;

Currently SFWDA membership is at 2293 members and climbing

UFWDA and O.R.B.A are considering uniting forces together

Trail/Grant news

• 2017- East Tennessee 4 Wheel Drive club will be developing new trails at Windrock
• Beasley Knob- Blairsville, GA
• Develop a picnic shelter on one of the trails
• Uwharrie Off-Road Training Area- NC
• Repair an access road for trailer parking and more accessible
• Build an educational classroom shelter

SFWDA receive a $1000 dollars grant from the Appalachian Toyota Roundup and will go into SFWDA grant program

SFWDA dates for next year ( not yet officially confirmed)

• Trailfest 2017- AOP (Adventure Off-road-Road Park) May 4th-6th
• Dixie Run - Golden Mountain Off-Road Park) Sept 21-24
• Spring Meet and Greet Ride- March 5, 2017
• Summer Meet and Greet - June 10th, 2017
• Fall Meet and Greet Ride- Nov 4th or Nov. 11th
• Possible Locations for 2017 Meet and Ride's
  • Hale Mountain - AL
  • Windrock- TN
  • Black Mountain- KY
• June 2-3 -Unlimited Off-Road Expo- Louisville, Ky Crager

Sandlick Rd- Slade, KY Looking at following the RS2477 act , which states that we can get the road back, very similar process to how the Rubicon Trail was left open.

DBBB - Mountain Springs Rd.- Waiting on Estill county to re-affirm the road, Please do not use until this  is resolved.

- Thanks for sharing Aaron Roddy

UFWDA eNews October 2016

UFWDA eNews October 2016 

  Some of the topics inside of this months Newsletter include; 

Tell Your Elected Officials to Protect Motorsports This Month

It’s election season and that means your Federal-level elected officials have left Washington, D.C., to campaign in communities and states across the country until November. This is an ideal time to reach out to lawmakers and urge them to support the RPM Act before the end of the year.

  The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is proposing to amend regulations pertaining to the National Forest System Land Management Planning.

The proposed rule would amend the administrative procedures to amend land management plans developed or revised in conformance with the provisions under a prior planning rule. 

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Managed by the National Park Service, over 90,000 buildings, sites, structures and objects are listed in the national register. These important resources are preserved to help tell the story of who we are as a nation and inspire us to learn from our past. Learn more here:https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservation/national-historic-preservation-act.htm

http://ufwda.bmetrack.com/c/v?e=A31AA5&c=48E9&t=0&l=16163C58&email=0EnQ6xbRWFPP9CaHGkYR0Aif8GG0Zxj9

USFS Proposed Planning Rule Amendment - FAQ's and Updates

Good afternoon members of SFWDA,

 We thought a few of you may like to know that the Forest Service published a Federal Register Notice today (Oct. 12), requesting public comment on a minor but important proposed amendment to the 2012 Planning Rule.

 While the 2012 Planning Rule includes direction specific to national forest plan amendments, the 2012 Planning Rule did not explicitly direct how to apply substantive requirements set forth in the 2012 Planning Rule (requirements for sustainability, diversity, multiple use and timber) to those plans developed under the 1982 Planning Rule. 

 This proposed amendment to the 2012 Planning Rule would clarify the Department’s and Agency’s expectations for plan amendments, including expectations for amending 1982 Rule plans.

 The proposed amendment is recommended and supported by the National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule (http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/committee) and is based on experience gained by early adopter forests, public input garnered through plan amendment processes, and extensive dialogue with the National Advisory Committee.
 
 The 30 day public comment period begins on Oct. 12 and ends on Nov. 14 2016.

 Attached are some Frequently Asked Questions about the amendment. Additional information will be posted at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/home .

 We appreciate your on-going interest in the Forest Service and its 2012 Planning Rule. 
 With kind regards,

 Andrea Bedell Loucks
 Assistant Director
 Forest Service
Ecosystem Management Coordination
> p: 202-295-7968
> c: 202-295-7968
> abloucks@fs.fed.us
> 201 14th Street, SW
> Washington, DC 22046
> www.fs.fed.us

Check out the latest Spring 2016 issue of the National Advocate edition from ORBA

National Advocate Fall Edition 2016

Check out the latest Spring 2016 issue of the National Advocate edition from ORBA......

“The Fall 2016 issue of the National Advocate features: updates from ORBA Representatives, SEMA, Backwoods Promotions, NOHVCC, Cal4Wheel and much more!”

— http://orba.biz/national-advocate-fall-2016/

From the BFG Press Room - 23 AUG 2016 BFGOODRICH® TIRES RELEASES NEW SIZES OF ITS TOUGHEST ALL-TERRAIN TIRE EVER

BFGoodrich® Tires Releases New Sizes Of Its Toughest All-Terrain Tire Ever

“GREENVILLE, S.C., August 22, 2016 – BFGoodrich® Tires has released two new tire sizes of its most advanced light truck tire ever — the new All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tire. The tire is now available in 64 total sizes to consumers at more than 20,000 BFGoodrich authorized dealers. Since being launched in late 2014, more than 5.3 million KO2 tires have been sold in North America.”

— http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfg-nation/article-detail.page?DCRName=2016-08-22_BFG_Releases_New_Sizes_Allterrain_Tire

   In market now are new sizes for the Jeep Wrangler (LT255/75R17) and a popular replacement tire for light trucks - the 35x12.50R20.

Engineered from BFGoodrich’s championship off-road motorsports racing technology, the KO2 delivers exceptional toughness, treadlife and traction for traversing harsh conditions, including gravel, dirt, rock, mud and snow. The new KO2 provides consumers the confidence to take on the toughest challenges for work or play.

Compared to the already formidable current KO tire, the new KO2 brings the toughness, traction and treadlife that demanding light truck owners require in a tire.

Key features of the KO2 include tougher sidewalls using race-proven and race-winning CoreGard™ technology bringing split and bruise-resistant sidewall rubber and a thicker, extended shoulder to prevent sidewall failures.

Compared to the already formidable current KO tire, the new KO2 is up to 20 percent stronger in this critical off-road performance area1.

The tire also boasts longer treadlife with a new design and rubber formulation that helps it last twice as long on gravel and 15 percent longer on asphalt than the previous tire2, allowing off-road enthusiasts to extend their adventures and working professionals to get more use out of the tire. The tread rubber has been optimally blended to reduce chips and tears on gravel.

The KO2 also has a range of tread features for better mud and snow traction. The improvements to the legendary all-terrain performance include 10 percent greater traction in the mud3 and 19 percent greater traction in the snow4 compared to the previous-generation KO tire.

The KO2 is an all-season tire that carries the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating that it exceeds the Rubber Manufacturer Association’s severe snow traction requirements.

Building on BFG’s long heritage as an innovative all-terrain tiremaker, the KO2 incorporates technology developed and tested through the brand’s legendary off-road motorsports teams that have earned 87 off-road wins at races in the Baja peninsula – by far the most by any tire brand.

The KO2 fits a range of vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota and Nissan pick-up trucks and SUV’s as well as Plus Fitments for a wide variety of vehicles.

About BFGoodrich®

Tires With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 40 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

# # #

Media Contact:
Tom Sullivan
tom.sullivan@us.michelin.com
(office) – 864-458-4321

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfg-nation/article-detail.page?DCRName=2016-08-22_BFG_Releases_New_Sizes_Allterrain_Tire 

UFWDA eNews September 2016

   From UFWDA Newsletter Editor;
 Welcome to this edition of eNews and to readers who've recently joined us. I've just recognized that this edition did not publish earlier this month as scheduled, so here's a belated September edition. As summer and holiday memories fade for those in the northern hemisphere, the pending elections may be diverting attention from opportunities to be a part of various 'advisory' groups, as several have needed to call more than once for candidates. Another reason may simply be a general reluctance to volunteer?

- Peter Vahry; editor

     Read More....

http://ufwda.bmetrack.com/c/v?e=A036A3&c=48E9&t=0&l=16163C58&email=0EnQ6xbRWFPP9CaHGkYR0Aif8GG0Zxj9
 

Appalachian Toyota Round-Up raises $1,000 for SFWDA at their annual Labor Day event. !

  Fantastic is the word; that's all we can say!!!

  The “Appalachian Toyota Round-Up” is the largest annual gathering of Toyota off-road enthusiasts on the East Coast. This year their 2016 event brought in 186 rigs, and 290 people, and everything went off without an issue.  Together they raised right at $1000 for SFWDA, I believe it's $1006.00 to be exact!

  The “Appalachian Toyota Round-Up”, (also known as ATR) is the largest annual gathering of Toyota off-road enthusiast on the East Coast.  This annual event is held every Labor Day Weekend at WindRock Park, the world’s largest privately owned OHV area.  This family friendly event is the perfect opportunity to meet other off-roaders from around the country while enjoying the mountains of East Tennessee.  Attendees will enjoy three nights and four days of great food, entertainment, and off-roading on over 72,000 acres of the most beautiful terrain imaginable. The event hosts; nightly gatherings, catered food, live entertainment, amazing door and raffle prizes, and the chance to build lasting friendships with others in the off-roading community, this is truly an event you don’t want to miss. You too can join them in 2017. Check out their website and Facebook group for all the latest.

http://www.appalachiantoyotaroundup.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianToyotaRoundUp/

TrailFest 2017 dates will be May 4-7, 2017 at Adventure Off Road Park. Mark Your Calendar!

Here's a list of just some of the fun in store at this years TrailFest 2017

View fullsize

All new Trailfest 2017 Shirt Design

• Expanded New trails inside of AOP.
• Expanded Guided Trail & Excursion rides with new destinations and an expanded schedule. 
• New & Enhanced Education Seminars & Demos will be back on a limited availability.
• Exclusive Early Registrant prizes will be awarded separate of all other raffle prizes to one of only the advanced event registrants. (No additional purchase necessary) 
• Test your Skills on the new Expanded Obstacle Course / Dirt Track with added Technical Obstacles creating a more challenging opportunity still manageable for all vehicles.
• Timed Uphill Multi-Class Challenge ( Southern Shootout) will be back again bigger and better. Everyone can have a shot against the clock up the hill. Bring what you got and compete among your equal level rig to win the trophy. 
• Expedient Raffle Awards (buckets) with more amazing prizes from Top brands and Sponsors.
• More Food Vendors, including more options, more efficient. 
• More details are in development, but it's planned to be the biggest and best ever TrailFest event. 

Registration Coming Soon......

Online ticket sales will close for Dixie Run 30 at the end of the day on Monday, September 19th.

Reminder; There are just 3 Days remaining.......

Online ticket sales will close for Dixie Run 30 at the end of the day on Monday, September 19th.

  If you're not already on the many who preregistered then go now and get your tickets.
 This time next week you will riding on some of the best trails around and part of an amazing event shared with a thousand other new friends.   What are you waiting for.......

 

Get your tickets now to skip the line, and save $10 off the gate price.
http://www.sfwda.org/dixierun/
#SFWDA #DixieRun30

SFWDA contributes $1,000 to the inaugural 2016 Share Trails Challenge.

   Each year we contribute a portion of our annual proceeds to other fellow nationwide stewardship organizations through. This we have a more direct mission to support our partners with the Blue Ribbon Coalition, now referred to as Share Trails.

  These folks work tirelessly to fight for our access across the entire nation and have been a great resource for us here locally in the South. We are currently working their representatives, lawyers, and consultants to ensure success on our Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway project.

Learn More on DBBB
http://www.sfwda.org/dbbb

SFWDA contributes $1,000 to the inaugural 2016 Share Trails Challenge....

SFWDA contributes $1,000 annually to BRC, and now to the Share Trails Challenge for 2016

  Sharetrails.org / BlueRibbon Coalition is nearly 30 years old and to celebrate we want to try something new, our first ever online Fundraiser Challenge. We really need your help to make it work!

 

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  Here's what you can you do to help........

   Our goal is to promote Sharetrails.org and the preservation of access through social media like we've never done before. We want this to go viral! Please accept our challenge to participate and by all means share, share and share! Show the preservationists and extreme environmentalists that you care just as much as they do about public land and support your rights to access by joining, donate and sharing. 

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JOIN

  We've grown at a rate of about 15% over the past 7 quarters but we are still at a relative disadvantage in numbers because our starting point is far behind groups who oppose access. Preservationists groups succeed largely because of their numbers, not because of the merits of their arguments. As the only multi modal 50-state organization that fights for your rights to access we need to grow. More members increase our ability to stand up for access and makes us harder to ignore. Accept our challenge and join us - and bring along your friends who care about access. DONATE:  We have received a generous match from Inland Empire Four Wheelers for the specific purpose of bringing onboard our first land use rep and ambassador for the Eastern United States, Randy Block. Please help us fund this position by donating to this fundraiser. 

DONATE 

CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS:  Here's how it works. Go HERE to download and print a copy of our Sharetrails Challenge sign (or make your own). Then take a photograph or video holding the sign (interesting backgrounds are a bonus!) and share it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the #sharetrailschallenge hashtag. Tell everyone how you are answering the challenge!  Post your photo and comments to social media, send to your friends, tag them and challenge them to join and match your support for Sharetrails/BRC’s vision (to ensure that your posts show up in the feeds above, be sure to make your post public and also post it on the Sharetrails/BRC Facebook page). 

POST ON

SHARETRAILS/BRC
FACEBOOK PAGE
 

Learn More....