Breaking News
ORVs helping a struggling economy in Northern Michigan
By Eric Young [The Ogemaw County Herald]
News Editor | editor@ogemawherald.com
OGEMAW COUNTY — With the economic problems throughout the nation, many communities are looking for ways to bring money back into their local economy. Many Northern Michigan counties have turned to off-road vehicles as a way to bring people into the area.
Ogemaw County was the first county in the state of Michigan to pass an ordinance opening the shoulders of roads throughout the county to ORVs, when commissioners voted to accept the ordinance on Sept. 11, 2008.
Since that time, 34 other counties have passed a similar ordinance, including neighboring Arenac, Roscommon, Iosco, Gladwin, Oscoda, Crawford and Alcona counties.
And according to Rose City-Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Dunn, more people bringing ORVs to Ogemaw County means economic growth.
By Eric Young [The Ogemaw County Herald]
News Editor | editor@ogemawherald.com
OGEMAW COUNTY — With the economic problems throughout the nation, many communities are looking for ways to bring money back into their local economy. Many Northern Michigan counties have turned to off-road vehicles as a way to bring people into the area.Ogemaw County was the first county in the state of Michigan to pass an ordinance opening the shoulders of roads throughout the county to ORVs, when commissioners voted to accept the ordinance on Sept. 11, 2008.
Since that time, 34 other counties have passed a similar ordinance, including neighboring Arenac, Roscommon, Iosco, Gladwin, Oscoda, Crawford and Alcona counties.
And according to Rose City-Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Dunn, more people bringing ORVs to Ogemaw County means economic growth.
Herger Bill to Limit Bureaucracy and Increase Access to Federal Lands Passes House
Congressional Desk [American Chronicle]
June 17, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Herger (R-CA) released the following statement after the House passed legislation he wrote to provide more efficient management of federal lands in the 2nd Congressional District. H.R. 689 would allow the consolidation of federal lands in the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for those looking to use the lands. The bill passed unanimously by voice vote. Herger delivered the following speech on the House Floor in support of his measure:
"I rise today in support of H.R. 689 to interchange the administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands between the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. I am a firm believer in policies that limit bureaucracy and limit government interference in our every day lives. H.R. 689 accomplishes these goals and will also improve access and recreational use of these federal lands. This bill is a simple jurisdictional exchange between federal agencies to allow for more consolidated and efficient management of the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area in the Northern California congressional district I represent.
Congressional Desk [American Chronicle]
June 17, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Herger (R-CA) released the following statement after the House passed legislation he wrote to provide more efficient management of federal lands in the 2nd Congressional District. H.R. 689 would allow the consolidation of federal lands in the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for those looking to use the lands. The bill passed unanimously by voice vote. Herger delivered the following speech on the House Floor in support of his measure:"I rise today in support of H.R. 689 to interchange the administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands between the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. I am a firm believer in policies that limit bureaucracy and limit government interference in our every day lives. H.R. 689 accomplishes these goals and will also improve access and recreational use of these federal lands. This bill is a simple jurisdictional exchange between federal agencies to allow for more consolidated and efficient management of the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area in the Northern California congressional district I represent.
Ogemaw County opens two new ORV trailheads
By Gary Ridley [The Ogemaw County Herald]
Staff Writer | reporter@oscodaherald.com
OGEMAW COUNTY — ORV riders in northern Ogemaw County now have two new trailheads at their disposal following the opening of the Rose City and Lupton ORV trailheads.
The Rose City trailhead opened on Tuesday, June 16, with an opening ceremony that drew nearly 50 people to and filled the parking lot of the new trailhead.
“This is cool,” Yamaha representative Steve Murad said. “There’s a lot of people here.”
Yamaha awarded the Rose City-Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce a grant for $18,750 to assist in the building of the trailhead, located on Main Street, east of M-33, in Rose City.
By Gary Ridley [The Ogemaw County Herald]Staff Writer | reporter@oscodaherald.com
OGEMAW COUNTY — ORV riders in northern Ogemaw County now have two new trailheads at their disposal following the opening of the Rose City and Lupton ORV trailheads.
The Rose City trailhead opened on Tuesday, June 16, with an opening ceremony that drew nearly 50 people to and filled the parking lot of the new trailhead.
“This is cool,” Yamaha representative Steve Murad said. “There’s a lot of people here.”
Yamaha awarded the Rose City-Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce a grant for $18,750 to assist in the building of the trailhead, located on Main Street, east of M-33, in Rose City.
ATV riders pack hearing
By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau
Published: June 16, 2009 [Rutland Herald]
MONTPELIER — Hundreds of all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts asked public officials Monday to lift a prohibition that bans them from accessing state lands.
A proposed rule change at the Agency of Natural Resources would, for the first time in state history, allow off-road vehicles to establish a network of legal trails on state-owned land. Responsible Vermonters who enjoy riding their ATVs, supporters of the rule said Monday, shouldn't be prevented from accessing the state lands their taxes help support.
"I'm a lifelong Vermonter who has supported his country by serving in the Navy," said Royalton resident Ed Davis. "I've always supported other groups and their right to use public lands, roads and lakes. I believe there is room for all to share in public lands and waters."
By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau
Published: June 16, 2009 [Rutland Herald]
MONTPELIER — Hundreds of all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts asked public officials Monday to lift a prohibition that bans them from accessing state lands.A proposed rule change at the Agency of Natural Resources would, for the first time in state history, allow off-road vehicles to establish a network of legal trails on state-owned land. Responsible Vermonters who enjoy riding their ATVs, supporters of the rule said Monday, shouldn't be prevented from accessing the state lands their taxes help support.
"I'm a lifelong Vermonter who has supported his country by serving in the Navy," said Royalton resident Ed Davis. "I've always supported other groups and their right to use public lands, roads and lakes. I believe there is room for all to share in public lands and waters."
Proposed ATV rule is good policy
[Rutland Herald]
By Steve McLeod - Published: June 13, 2009
The Agency of Natural Resources has proposed a rule that will set up a process for designating ATV trails on state land. This proposed rule is clear, concise, thorough and timely.
Many Vermonters recognize that most ATVers are working families and civic contributors much like themselves. They recognize that ATVers, like everyone else, have paid for Vermont's public land, and should not be excluded from using it. Vermont has always embraced diversity, and that includes recreational diversity.
However, there are those who "just say no" and would like to ban ATVing altogether, including on state lands, as evidenced by some recent opinion columns.
This column will focus on why the "just say no" exclusionists are advocating a policy out of step with the Vermont way.
[Rutland Herald]
By Steve McLeod - Published: June 13, 2009
The Agency of Natural Resources has proposed a rule that will set up a process for designating ATV trails on state land. This proposed rule is clear, concise, thorough and timely.Many Vermonters recognize that most ATVers are working families and civic contributors much like themselves. They recognize that ATVers, like everyone else, have paid for Vermont's public land, and should not be excluded from using it. Vermont has always embraced diversity, and that includes recreational diversity.
However, there are those who "just say no" and would like to ban ATVing altogether, including on state lands, as evidenced by some recent opinion columns.
This column will focus on why the "just say no" exclusionists are advocating a policy out of step with the Vermont way.
Girl Scouts Donate Signs for MSF OHV Campus
Courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety Institute
Thursday, June 11, 2009 [MotorcycleUSA.com]
They look more like off-road warrior princesses than traditional Girl Scouts. But under the protective plastic armor and helmets are 10- and 11-year old Girl Scouts whose hearts are definitely in the right place ... on the trail.
So much so that Junior Girl Scout Troop 3323 took it upon themselves to raise more than $700 to purchase signs for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Campus at Alpharetta. The donated signs remind trail users to AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS!, LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND! and TRASH YOUR TRASH!, messages that reflect the eco-friendly principles the girls learned while attending classes at the MSF Campus' Outdoor Education Center. And earned the coveted Girl Scout Bronze Award for community service in the process. The highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn, the Bronze Award requires that she learn the leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project that makes a positive impact on her community.
Courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety InstituteThursday, June 11, 2009 [MotorcycleUSA.com]
They look more like off-road warrior princesses than traditional Girl Scouts. But under the protective plastic armor and helmets are 10- and 11-year old Girl Scouts whose hearts are definitely in the right place ... on the trail.
So much so that Junior Girl Scout Troop 3323 took it upon themselves to raise more than $700 to purchase signs for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Campus at Alpharetta. The donated signs remind trail users to AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS!, LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND! and TRASH YOUR TRASH!, messages that reflect the eco-friendly principles the girls learned while attending classes at the MSF Campus' Outdoor Education Center. And earned the coveted Girl Scout Bronze Award for community service in the process. The highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn, the Bronze Award requires that she learn the leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project that makes a positive impact on her community.
2 Matheson bills pass committee
Measures sponsored by Utah lawmaker affect public lands
By Lee Davidson [Deseret News]
Published: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:36 p.m. MDT
The House Natural Resources Committee endorsed two bills Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, that affect public lands in Utah.
One would preserve some wild and scenic Utah school trust lands in southeast Utah by swapping them for U.S. Bureau of Land Management parcels where oil and gas development is possible — which could generate money for Utah schools.
The other bill would allow Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City to sell off some of its once-federal land to the Rowland Hall school for its expansion.
That bill would erase a "reversionary clause" in the deed that says if the land owned by Mount Olivet were used for anything but a cemetery, that its ownership would revert to the federal government.
Measures sponsored by Utah lawmaker affect public lands
By Lee Davidson [Deseret News]
Published: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:36 p.m. MDT
The House Natural Resources Committee endorsed two bills Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, that affect public lands in Utah.One would preserve some wild and scenic Utah school trust lands in southeast Utah by swapping them for U.S. Bureau of Land Management parcels where oil and gas development is possible — which could generate money for Utah schools.
The other bill would allow Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City to sell off some of its once-federal land to the Rowland Hall school for its expansion.
That bill would erase a "reversionary clause" in the deed that says if the land owned by Mount Olivet were used for anything but a cemetery, that its ownership would revert to the federal government.
Off-roaders once again try for Tenderfoot trails
By Bob Berwyn [summit daily news]
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SUMMIT COUNTY — Local off-road riders hope taking a step back and starting over will ultimately bring them closer to their goal of establishing a bona fide trail system on the flanks of Tenderfoot Mountain.
The Summit County Off-Road Riders wants to redevelop some existing multi-use trails in the area between Dillon and Keystone. As previously presented, the plan includes closing off some user-created trail segments, while adding a few other trails to complete loops in the area.
The group has won accolades from the Forest Service for its overall stewardship efforts in Summit County, including work on high country four-wheel-drive trails. As a first step, they have hired an environmental consultant to prepare a proposal and coordinate public meetings.
The study will be funded by a $173,500 grant awarded to the motorized group more than a year ago.
By Bob Berwyn [summit daily news]
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SUMMIT COUNTY — Local off-road riders hope taking a step back and starting over will ultimately bring them closer to their goal of establishing a bona fide trail system on the flanks of Tenderfoot Mountain.The Summit County Off-Road Riders wants to redevelop some existing multi-use trails in the area between Dillon and Keystone. As previously presented, the plan includes closing off some user-created trail segments, while adding a few other trails to complete loops in the area.
The group has won accolades from the Forest Service for its overall stewardship efforts in Summit County, including work on high country four-wheel-drive trails. As a first step, they have hired an environmental consultant to prepare a proposal and coordinate public meetings.
The study will be funded by a $173,500 grant awarded to the motorized group more than a year ago.
Whose land is it?
[Vernal Express] June 3, 2009
“They act as if they are owners of the land, and they are not,” declared Dan Deans, organizer of the recent rally held on the courthouse lawn to protest proposed changes to ATV trails and campgrounds.
Dozens of community members took the time to stop by the rally held Saturday afternoon, to sign petitions and voice their opinions about not only road changes, but about the unjust authority they feel the government is abusing.
“We’re losing freedoms, and they’re more concerned about erosion on mountains than erosion of our constitution” Deans said to the crowd as they reviewed large maps of current motorized roads that are in danger of being closed.
[Vernal Express] June 3, 2009
“They act as if they are owners of the land, and they are not,” declared Dan Deans, organizer of the recent rally held on the courthouse lawn to protest proposed changes to ATV trails and campgrounds.Dozens of community members took the time to stop by the rally held Saturday afternoon, to sign petitions and voice their opinions about not only road changes, but about the unjust authority they feel the government is abusing.
“We’re losing freedoms, and they’re more concerned about erosion on mountains than erosion of our constitution” Deans said to the crowd as they reviewed large maps of current motorized roads that are in danger of being closed.
California Senate Eases Proposed Motorcycle Emissions Testing Legislation
Jun 03, 2009, ©Copyright 2009, [Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.]
From a press release issued by AMA:
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Thanks to the efforts of thousands of AMA members and other concerned motorcyclists, the sponsor of a proposed California law to require motorcycles to undergo periodic exhaust emissions testing has backed away from the idea, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
The measure -- Senate Bill 435 introduced this year by state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica) -- would have required all model year 2000-and-newer on-road motorcycles with engine displacements of more than 280cc to be tested every two years. The motorcycles would have been included in the state Department of Consumer Affairs "smog check" program, which involves testing for unacceptable levels of pollutants in emissions.
Jun 03, 2009, ©Copyright 2009, [Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.]
From a press release issued by AMA:
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Thanks to the efforts of thousands of AMA members and other concerned motorcyclists, the sponsor of a proposed California law to require motorcycles to undergo periodic exhaust emissions testing has backed away from the idea, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.The measure -- Senate Bill 435 introduced this year by state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica) -- would have required all model year 2000-and-newer on-road motorcycles with engine displacements of more than 280cc to be tested every two years. The motorcycles would have been included in the state Department of Consumer Affairs "smog check" program, which involves testing for unacceptable levels of pollutants in emissions.
Trail funding
Posted by Letters editor [The Seattle Times]
May 31, 2009 at 6:00 AM
Fund diversion affects all outdoor enthusiasts
The recent article on the state Legislature's diversion of funds from the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) account is right in calling attention to the desperate plight of trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources ["Many of trail systems in Wash. may be lost," seattletimes.com, Local News, May 23]. But it was wrong in characterizing the NOVA program as being exclusively funded by off-road vehicle (ORV) users.
The NOVA program is a refund of taxes paid on gas used on roads the state does not maintain, such as logging roads that lead to hiking trailheads or the paved roads in national parks. Grants from the NOVA program are allocated according to the rate of contribution of the different user groups, including ORV riders, equestrians, hikers and families out for a picnic.
Posted by Letters editor [The Seattle Times]
May 31, 2009 at 6:00 AM
Fund diversion affects all outdoor enthusiastsThe recent article on the state Legislature's diversion of funds from the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) account is right in calling attention to the desperate plight of trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources ["Many of trail systems in Wash. may be lost," seattletimes.com, Local News, May 23]. But it was wrong in characterizing the NOVA program as being exclusively funded by off-road vehicle (ORV) users.
The NOVA program is a refund of taxes paid on gas used on roads the state does not maintain, such as logging roads that lead to hiking trailheads or the paved roads in national parks. Grants from the NOVA program are allocated according to the rate of contribution of the different user groups, including ORV riders, equestrians, hikers and families out for a picnic.
Wilderness is not the answer
Monday, May 4, 2009 9:18 AM MDT
Editor: [Casper Star Tribune]
Here are the first dramatic effects of our new administration in Wyoming, a wilderness proposal. How fitting that these administrations, Republican or Democrat, always try to rule the West with Eastern ideals and misconceptions. However no matter what administration shall come into play, whatever political manipulations shall arise for us, there will be a fight. And it is a good fight. We fight all the time to scratch out a living in Wyoming, and so there will always be a fight to keep the blind political ambitions of the bureaucrats in the east at bay. This is Wyoming, keeping it Wyoming takes work.
Wilderness proposals are an archaic form of legislation that is akin to a '74 clunking Oldsmobile. To prescribe something as inflexible and exclusive as wilderness designation over areas that are sparsely populated with heavy winters is reflective of the blind perspectives in Washington.
Monday, May 4, 2009 9:18 AM MDT
Editor: [Casper Star Tribune]
Here are the first dramatic effects of our new administration in Wyoming, a wilderness proposal. How fitting that these administrations, Republican or Democrat, always try to rule the West with Eastern ideals and misconceptions. However no matter what administration shall come into play, whatever political manipulations shall arise for us, there will be a fight. And it is a good fight. We fight all the time to scratch out a living in Wyoming, and so there will always be a fight to keep the blind political ambitions of the bureaucrats in the east at bay. This is Wyoming, keeping it Wyoming takes work.Wilderness proposals are an archaic form of legislation that is akin to a '74 clunking Oldsmobile. To prescribe something as inflexible and exclusive as wilderness designation over areas that are sparsely populated with heavy winters is reflective of the blind perspectives in Washington.
Youth Bike Ban Lifted... But Not Over
Stay of Enforcement grants relief to the OHV industry, but the fight is still far from over.
By: Jean Turner [Cycle News]
Photography By: Carlos Aguirre
Youth Bike Ban LiftedThe CPSC voted a stay of enforcement into place that effectively lifts the ban of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs on Friday, May 1, with the document being made public on Monday, May 4. The stay extends through May 1, 2011, following a unanimous vote by acting chairwoman Nancy Nord and commissioner Thomas Moore.
While this provides relief to the industry, it’s not the permanent solution. Simply put, the fight isn’t over – it’s just a two-year timeout.
“While we applaud the CPSC commissioners’ vote to stay enforcement of the law, this doesn’t solve the real issue, which is the law itself,” said AMA vice president for government relations Ed Moreland. “Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen.
Stay of Enforcement grants relief to the OHV industry, but the fight is still far from over.
By: Jean Turner [Cycle News]
Photography By: Carlos Aguirre
Youth Bike Ban LiftedThe CPSC voted a stay of enforcement into place that effectively lifts the ban of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs on Friday, May 1, with the document being made public on Monday, May 4. The stay extends through May 1, 2011, following a unanimous vote by acting chairwoman Nancy Nord and commissioner Thomas Moore.While this provides relief to the industry, it’s not the permanent solution. Simply put, the fight isn’t over – it’s just a two-year timeout.
“While we applaud the CPSC commissioners’ vote to stay enforcement of the law, this doesn’t solve the real issue, which is the law itself,” said AMA vice president for government relations Ed Moreland. “Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen.
CRAPO SEEKS TO STOP PUBLIC LANDS FEES
April 28, 2009 [American Chronicle]
Cites double payment in reintroducing fee repeal act
Washington, DC – Legislation to stop Americans from paying twice to access their public lands has been reintroduced in the United States Senate by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Montana). The Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act, S. 868, repeals legislation passed in 2004 that allowed federal agencies, with the exception of the National Park Service, to institute fees for public access to many campgrounds, trailheads and other public uses.
Crapo and Baucus heard complaints from many people using backcountry sites that the fees constitute duplicate payments for taxpayers who already fund agency improvements through paying federal taxes. Both the Idaho and Montana state legislatures have endorsed the no-fee bill.
April 28, 2009 [American Chronicle]
Cites double payment in reintroducing fee repeal act
Washington, DC – Legislation to stop Americans from paying twice to access their public lands has been reintroduced in the United States Senate by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Montana). The Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act, S. 868, repeals legislation passed in 2004 that allowed federal agencies, with the exception of the National Park Service, to institute fees for public access to many campgrounds, trailheads and other public uses.Crapo and Baucus heard complaints from many people using backcountry sites that the fees constitute duplicate payments for taxpayers who already fund agency improvements through paying federal taxes. Both the Idaho and Montana state legislatures have endorsed the no-fee bill.
U.S. House committee to hear bill on May 5 closing 24 million acres to OHV riding
Posted April 24, 2009
[American Motorcyclist]
The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on May 5 to consider a bill that would designate more than 24 million acres of public lands in western states as Wilderness or Wilderness Preservation System land. If approved by the full Congress, the measure would close off more than 24 million acres in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders.
This is equivalent to a land grab the size of the state of Indiana.
Even though H.R. 980 -- The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act -- only affects western states, Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York City introduced it.
"This is one of the biggest OHV land grabs in our nation's history," said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Ed Moreland. "Even more disconcerting than the fact that the bill is being proposed by a representative from a densely populated urban area, New York City, is that the bill is being considered without the support of a single member of Congress who represents the affected districts. Shouldn't the people who live in these areas have some say in whether or not they should be banned from riding in it?
Posted April 24, 2009
[American Motorcyclist]
The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on May 5 to consider a bill that would designate more than 24 million acres of public lands in western states as Wilderness or Wilderness Preservation System land. If approved by the full Congress, the measure would close off more than 24 million acres in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders.This is equivalent to a land grab the size of the state of Indiana.
Even though H.R. 980 -- The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act -- only affects western states, Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York City introduced it.
"This is one of the biggest OHV land grabs in our nation's history," said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Ed Moreland. "Even more disconcerting than the fact that the bill is being proposed by a representative from a densely populated urban area, New York City, is that the bill is being considered without the support of a single member of Congress who represents the affected districts. Shouldn't the people who live in these areas have some say in whether or not they should be banned from riding in it?
ORV hearing in Yakima draws more than 300By Pat Muir [Yakima Herald-Republic]
Posted April 23, 2009
YAKIMA — The standing-room-only crowd at Tuesday’s public hearing on Yakima County off-road-vehicle rules spilled into the hallways, shouted from the wings, and gave the county commissioners plenty to think about.
More than 300 people, many in motorcycle gear, packed a room that had only about 200 chairs, to argue the matter. The meeting was held at the Yakima Convention Center because the commissioners knew it would attract a crowd.
Both sides made property-rights arguments. Proponents of expanding off-road-vehicle use argued they ought to be free from enforcement for simply riding dirt bikes on their own land.
"The issue is whether a landowner has a right to make a reasonable use of their own property without having to ask permission to do so from a government agency," said Mark Watson, president of the Yakima Valley Dust Dodgers Motorcycle and ATV Club.
Public lands coalition plans to 'Take Back Utah'
By Amy Joi O'Donoghue [Deseret News]
Published: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:41 p.m. MDT
T
he dust may have settled from the Obama-inspired tea party last week, but get ready for the next storm of rallying cries to sweep Utah's capital city.
Call it Sagebrush Rebellion Two.
Representatives from a variety of groups met Monday to plan the "Take Back Utah" Rally, a protest over federal rules, regulations, policies, laws and practices that critics say unfairly strip Utahns of their rights of access to public lands.
While dormant for several years, the Utah Public Lands Multiple Use Coalition has been reinvigorated by necessity driven by dismay over several key decisions made by newly-named Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
By Amy Joi O'Donoghue [Deseret News]
Published: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:41 p.m. MDT
T
he dust may have settled from the Obama-inspired tea party last week, but get ready for the next storm of rallying cries to sweep Utah's capital city.Call it Sagebrush Rebellion Two.
Representatives from a variety of groups met Monday to plan the "Take Back Utah" Rally, a protest over federal rules, regulations, policies, laws and practices that critics say unfairly strip Utahns of their rights of access to public lands.
While dormant for several years, the Utah Public Lands Multiple Use Coalition has been reinvigorated by necessity driven by dismay over several key decisions made by newly-named Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Off road enthusiasts may find a home at site of failed airport
By ERIC STAATS (Contact) [Naples Daily News]
4:45 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2009
COLLIER COUNTY — In 1969, plans to build a jetport along the Collier-Dade County line spurred a seminal fight in the history of Everglades conservation.
It galvanized nationwide support for the River of Grass and, with key backing from sportsmen’s groups, led to the creation of the Big Cypress National Preserve in 1972.
Forty years later, only an inkling of those heady plans for aero-glory sits within the boundaries of the national preserve north of U.S. 41 East: a lone runway with an underwhelming name, the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
By ERIC STAATS (Contact) [Naples Daily News]
4:45 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2009
COLLIER COUNTY — In 1969, plans to build a jetport along the Collier-Dade County line spurred a seminal fight in the history of Everglades conservation.It galvanized nationwide support for the River of Grass and, with key backing from sportsmen’s groups, led to the creation of the Big Cypress National Preserve in 1972.
Forty years later, only an inkling of those heady plans for aero-glory sits within the boundaries of the national preserve north of U.S. 41 East: a lone runway with an underwhelming name, the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.