ENSURE ACCESS FOR GENERATIONS
LAND-USE ACTIVISM—GET INVOLVED AND WIN THE GAME
Back in 2008, my buddy Del Albright and I were attempting to do an all-dirt Jeep trip from the Mexican border to the 49th parallel, the Canadian border. We deemed it Border 2 Border, and while searching for an old mining road that led into Joshua Tree National Park, we came face-to-face with tactile evidence of a crime scene. Before us were the desiccated remains of dreams … campers, dogs, camp res, bicycles, and Jeeps unceremoniously expunged from the future. We stared at a locked gate with an oxidized sheet of metal welded to it. There were graphics of the aforementioned victims, alone with a tent and ri e, each with a big red slash line across them.
In the previous issue ( Tread January/February 2021), “Backcountry Conservation” discussed the importance of proper trail protocol and being responsible stewards of our natural resources. But during the last 40 years, millions of acres of public lands have been closed to OHV use and millions more are in the crosshairs of the anti-access crowd (AAC). So, the question begs, how do we combat a well-organized, well-funded, and legislatively connected foe? How do we ensure access for our kids, for future generations?
It may seem like an overwhelming task, but as is the case in most sports, it takes a team to score a goal, each player contributing to the end result. Having said this, we’ve reached out to OHV land-use experts, government agencies, and regional organizations for advice on what we, the average enthusiasts, can do to help. While each had speci c advice related to their jurisdiction, they shared a common message: Get involved!
What the Experts Say
Joe Chavez
Affiliation: Tahoe National Forest Title: Recreational Specialist
We’ve worked with Joe Chavez on conservation projects and he’s joined us on Sierra Trek driving the Forest Service’s well-equipped
Jeep JK. He emphasized the importance of getting to know your land managers and express your interest in preserving access to an area. “We really appreciate volunteers; working with them is the best part of our job. They are the experts with regard to OHV needs, we trust their input, and by partnering together we come up with sustainable solutions to keep an opportunity available.”
Chavez also mentioned the Adopt-a-Trail program, where a club or group of individuals can “adopt” their favorite trail. “Clubs are a great asset. They bring numbers, enthusiasm, a positive presence, and their volunteer hours can help secure grant funding for speci c projects.” Although he works for the National Forest Service, his position is held by all land managers we’ve worked with.
TIP: Land managers are our friends; get to know them.
Matt Caldwell
Affiliation: Tread Lightly
Title: Director
Tread Lightly (TL), a non-pro t focused on responsible backcountry recreation, has been in the education business for more than 30 years. Through their partnerships with manufacturers, regional organizations, and local clubs, they have been involved with hundreds of training and conservations projects over the years. We talked with Matt Caldwell about the recent “COVID affect,” millions of new folks heading for the mountains rather than the Mediterranean for vacation. “It is now more important than ever that we recreate responsibly, do our part to leave an area cleaner than we found it, and educate others. It is all about being good stewards of our natural resources.”
He emphasized that membership, whether as a club, individual, or business, is vital to the organization’s ability to facilitate programs and keep members apprised of volunteer opportunities in their area. “If we sit back and be passive, the result will be a greater impact on trails, which will lead to closures and reduced access.”
TIP: Educate yourself and others on backcountry etiquette.
Jack Chapman
Affiliation: California Four Wheel Drive Association (CA4WDA)
Title: President
There are dozens of state and regional OHV associations around the country, and the United 4WD Association works on a national level. They consist of clubs and individual members, represent tens of thousands of OHV enthusiasts, and have political clout. We talked with CA4WDA president Jack Chapman, who said, “Collectively we have a voice and our members are represented on a state and national level. Membership is the key to sustaining this. The greater our membership, the greater our political strength.” Founded in 1959, Cal4 has become a role model for other associations, and employs two full-time environmental affairs officers to monitor legislation that affects OHV access. As you might surmise, this representation comes at a cost. They can’t foot the bill without our support.
TIP: Join a local 4WD club and association. Collectively we have a stronger voice.
Del Albright
Affiliation: Self
Title: Land-use Advocate
Much more than an advocate, Del Albright is akin to the commander and chief of a land-use war machine. He has trained hundreds in the craft of OHV activism, written books and training curriculum, spearheaded Friends of the Rubicon, and was the founding president of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. He has also been inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame for his exceptional advocacy work.
Careers with the U.S. Special Forces and CalFire taught him to “never accept the first three nos” when fighting the good fight. In his training courses, students learn to organize groups, draft proposals, public speaking, and techniques for working with land managers. He emphasized, “Get to know your local managers, have central point of contact, and learn the jargon. You have to know the jargon to effectively execute your agenda.”
Over the years, graduates of his Recreational Leadership Training Course have organized their clubs, crafted clean-up and restoration projects, and successfully kept their favorite trails open. “Internet groups are fun, but lack influence. Organized clubs have influence. They can get things done. You can’t sit back and expect someone else to do it.”
If we review the above comments, we find a number of common themes. #1: As an organized force we have influence and power. #2: Our public land managers need our help and input on how to manage our OHV opportunities. #3: We can’t sit back on our keisters and expect someone else to do the work. Join a club or state association, pick your favorite area, and organize a clean-up or trail maintenance project.
TIP: You can’t win the battle from the sidelines. Get in the game.
Money and In uence
Roger Salazar
Affiliation: California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHVMVR).
Title: Commission member
You may not be aware of this, but many states have grant funding available for OHV-related conservation projects. Yep, free money! We asked Roger Salazar how the process works. “Our grant cycle starts each January with a workshop [virtual this year]. Prospective applicants learn how to ll out the forms, as well as various requirements based on the type of project. There is a public comment period, review, and selection, and in September grants are awarded.” Mr. Salazar added, “There will be competition, but if a group has a worthy project I strongly suggest they apply.”
The Ellis Creek bridge on the Rubicon Trails (environmental requirement to mitigate sediment in the creek) is an excellent example of a cooperative effort. Friends of the Rubicon and the Rubicon Trail Foundation (volunteer groups) worked with El Dorado County (land manager) to secure grant funding from the California OHVMVR. It was a big, very expensive project, but allowed the trail to remain open for countless users each year.
BFGoodrich, a long-time supporter of OHV access, also has funding available through their Outstanding Trails Program. Each year, their selection committee picks four projects from a list of applications and cuts the coordinating club a check for $5,000. Since conception, the program has awarded more than $200,000. Big kudos to BFG for their commitment.
TIP: Grant funding is available. Don’t let it get away.
Through our purchases of vehicles, accessories, and camping gear, we represent a multi-billion-dollar industry. Let’s leverage that financial influence by soliciting companies that support access to public lands such as Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro Shop, and Cabela’s. We also suggest reaching out to your congressperson’s office. Let them know that OHV access is important to you and plays a role in how you vote.
TIP: Your vote and spending habits are powerful. Leverage them.
Lastly, there is an old saying that we can support a cause with our time, treasures, or talents. Are you handy wielding a shovel, can you volunteer a few hours a month writing letters, did you recently win the lottery? Think about in what way you can contribute. I recently spent a day photographing Cal4’s annual $5 raffle Jeep and sending out press releases. It is a small way I can contribute my time and talents to help them land the treasures (it is one of their biggest fund-raisers). My reward is that it feels good be part of a greater cause.
When the dust settles, we need to remember that you can’t win the game if you don’t have a seat at the table. Get involved! Join! Be part of the solution! Together we can make a difference.