Motorized Recreation, Under Attack: Tri-State OHV Jamboree Event

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From Utah Shared Access Alliance:

Please take a minute to comment on this. Environmental groups are doing all they can to shut down our access at every turn. If we the people don’t become involved, we the people will lose the majority of our traditional access to public land. You may not think you have the time or you don’t directly participate in this event, but you still need to comment, if you have knowledge of this area you especially need to comment and tell them how you have used these trails and that you like what the Tri-State OHV Jamboree has done for the area. For those of you who don’t have time to comment when USA-ALL and Blue Ribbon Alerts, take comfort that in a few years when there are limited trails to use and no open play areas, the time you had previously given to motorized recreation will be free to garden, knit, play computer games, and maybe write a letter or two.



Comment as they have outlined. Thanks!

USA-ALL

Greetings OHV/ATV enthusiasts,



The Tri-State OHV Jamboree Event (Hurricane Utah) needs your help and support.



The Tri-State Jamboree Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared and the BLM is accepting public comments through March 5, 2005. This is a big issue with the Jamboree as this is the first year that the EA was required.



We know that the extreme environmental groups will be making negative comments as they always do in trying to eliminate or seriously restrict motorized events and motorized travel on public lands. Your help is needed in making sure that our side of the story gets a fair share of attention this time.



The BLM Field Office Manager was at our meeting this week and made the comment that when these issues come up and the only comments that are received come from the non-motorized sector that it makes it really hard for them to approve some of these events. They are trying to serve all of the public interests and when the motorized sector is silent as we too often are, we will continue to lose our access to these motorized events, trails and roads.



Please take just a few minutes and make a comment. Comments can be mailed or e-mailed.



We have provided all the needed information and suggested talking points below to make it easy for you. This isn’t a test; your high school English teacher is not going to grade your comments. Your comments don’t have to be long or detailed, but they do count and it is very important that you support this.



Also please forward to everyone that you think may help.



Thank you,



Tri-State OHV Jamboree Committee





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Environmental Assessment (EA):



The EA as been posted at www.az.blm.gov.asfo if you would like to see it. On the lower right hand side of the home page you will see a link titled “new.” Clicking the first item (Notice of Availability Letter) is a good overview. Not many of you will read the whole document but reading the Availability Letter will be helpful. There are also some great maps included showing the jamboree ride routes.





Comment Address:



RJ Hughes

345 E. Riverside Dr.

St. George, UT 84790

Or

E-mail to: rj_hughes@blm.gov



Comments:



Comments will be received through March 5, 2005.

By law, the names and addresses of those commenting are available for public review during regular business hours. However, individuals commenting may request that their name and/or address be withheld from the record. These requests will be honored to the extent allowable by law. If you wish your name and/or address withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment letter.

It is very important that you do include your name and address however, otherwise your comment will not be included in their considerations.



We will be reviewing these comments and we expect to see lots of names that we recognize.

If you would like please send us a copy of your comments. stevecc@infowest.com





Suggestions:



Your comments do not have to be lengthy or detailed, but if you have the time go for it.



Make sure you include:

Your name and address

Identify the issue (Tri-State ATV Jamboree, EA = UT(AZ)-100-05-EA-01

Make a point that you support the Jamboree permit as applied for.



Be pleasant, positive and polite.



If nothing more simply say, that you support this type of activity and suggest that they approve the Special Use Permit as requested. It can be that simple.





Good Talking Points: (mix and match so everyone doesn’t say it the same way/order)



Tell them how you enjoy using public lands by motorized travel.



Mention that Jamboree Events are a great family activity that is important to you.



If you are older or have physical limitations then mention the fact that you need motorized access and events of this nature to access public lands.



If you have attended other jamborees tell them that you know that events of this nature are well supervised and managed and are reasonable and good use of public land.



Mention that you will be spending a lot of money in the local community and the economic impact that has.



Thank the BLM for providing for multiple use of public lands including motorized users.



If you are new or not from this area tell them that events of this type are a good safe and responsible way to become familiar with the area rather than striking out on your own. Guided rides are a great introduction to the area.



Tell the BLM that supervised and managed events of this type are a great way for the BLM to manage the land. Events of this nature can be great training and example tools to the rest of the motorized users.



If you have read the EA then tell them that it seems that all necessary considerations, planning and precautions have taken place.



Mention that this is not a new jamboree and that there were no problems in the past with this event.



Sample Comment:



02/10/05



RJ Hughes

345 E. Riverside Dr.

St. George, UT 84790



Re: UT(AZ)-100-05-EA-01 Tri-State Jamboree



Dear Mr. Hughes,



I would like to make an official comment on this issue. I have been riding my ATV for many years on public lands and feel that this is good use of our national resources.



I have reviewed the EA and feel that everything has been considered and recommend that you approve this event as requested.



I’m too old to gain access to these areas other than by ATV and find that this is the only way I can enjoy the great outdoors.



Jamborees of this nature are a great family activity and having trained guides to introduce us to new areas is very helpful.



The amount of money we will be leaving in the local economy during our stay should be considered also.



Thank you,





JT Happyrider

123 Easy Street

Anytown, AnyState 99999