YellowSub1962
01-14-2002, 12:33 PM
EDIT: this is from Brian Hawthorne at Utah Shared Access Alliance
Dear friends,
I've received a fair amount of emails in response to our BLM ACTION
ALERT and Planning Update from OHV enthusiasts who are concerned and
want to participate.
Most of the emails are from folks who aren't certain about what to do or
what to say. Many are new to land use issues and don't understand the
process. A lot are busy with their jobs and their families and feel a
bit overwhelmed.
I spoke to a young man whose family had enjoyed the trails in the San
Rafael and riding at Factory Butte since the early 1970's. He was
extremely concerned about what plans the BLM had for his favorite rides.
But he said our ACTION ALERT was too technical and asked me to tell him
exactly what to say to the BLM.
Is this you? Is the public land planning process just a bunch of
technical mumbo jumbo? Or, have you become cynical after sending letter
after letter into some bureaucratic black hole?
The first thing you need to know is the organized OHV community is here
to help. USA-ALL, BRC, UFWDA, NOHVCC and others exist to give the
average Joe and Jolene the tools to actually make a difference in how
our public lands are managed.
The second thing OHV enthusiasts need to understand is we don't have the
multimillion-dollar budgets of the WAGS. In order to keep areas open, WE
NEED YOU.
Let me say this as straight as I can. OHV enthusiasts who look to me to
write their comment letters for them are too common. USA-ALL is here to
help, but it is way to early in the process to ask for "cut and paste"
info. Comment deadlines are at least a month away. That is plenty of
time to learn about the process, contact the BLM and get involved!
A priceless treasure is at risk. If OHV enthusiasts aren't willing to
become involved they WILL be locked out.
I've pasted two items into this message. Both are MANDATORY READING for
OHV enthusiasts. The first item is Dave Jarvis's Twelve Steps for Access
Advocates. The second is a brief overview of the current stage of BLM
planning focusing on the Price Field Office. A more in-depth overview is
available. Just ask.
Print this message. Go over the material with your family. Then follow
the ACTION ITEMS at the bottom.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please don't misunderstand my frustration here. We are here to help and
I am personally available to assist anyone who wants to keep his or her
favorite rides open. Call 801-465-1145 or email brianh@usa-all.com for
help.
Thank you for your involvement.
Brian Hawthorne
Utah Shared Access Alliance
ITEM ONE: DAVES TWELVE-STEP PROGRAM
Wake Up Our access to public lands is being threatened as never
before. Everyone needs to be active and involved in the issues that
affect your access.
Study Up The more you understand the issues and process the better.
If you want to make informed and useful comments, it helps to understand
the process.
Listen Up Get information from a variety of sources, soak it up.
Join Up Join the organizations that support your sport or user group.
Take part, recruit others and be there when you're needed.
Sign Up Get into the information flow. Many agencies have updates and
regular mailings on issues, proposals, processes, etc..
Show Up "The world is run by those who show up".
Hone Up Work to improve your writing and study skills.
Speak Up Most everyone hates to get up in front of a crowd and speak.
Still, it's never quite as scary as those closure signs. Practice and
you will learn to get your point across.
Stand Up Get Visible, Get Vocal, Get Heard!
Clean Up Polish your act. Presentation, image, and language all
matter.
Team Up Network with others. Don't try to do it alone. "Together
Everyone Accomplishes More".
Wrap Up Make your point. Do your best, but know when to quit.
ITEM TWO: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT PLANNING PROCESS
The Bureau of Land Management makes management decisions according to
Resource Management Plans (RMP). An RMP can be compared to a county
master plan where management direction and objectives are defined for
specific resources and areas.
They formulate these "master plans" using a carefully defined process.
The process requires meaningful public involvement as well as analysis
and disclosure of environmental effects. Currently we are in the
"Scoping Phase" where the BLM seeks public input on which ISSUES* will
be addressed in the planning process. Analysis of the ISSUES and
information received from the public comments are used to develop
MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES**. Alternatives will be released for public
review later in the process.
Public input regarding ISSUES and ALTERNATIVES is what is needed at
this time.
The BLM in the PRICE FIELD OFFICE has identified the following list of
ISSUES 1) Identification and management of summer and winter ranges for
mule deer and elk; 2) Forage competition between wildlife, wild horses
and burros, and livestock; 3) The cumulative effect of land uses and
human activities on threatened, endangered or sensitive species and
their habitats; 4) Management of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs); 5)
Revision of Reasonable Foreseeable Development (RFD) scenarios for oil
and gas development; 6) Concerns about water and air quality; 7)
Management of cultural and paleontological resources including the
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry; 8) Fire management opportunities and
potential effects on vegetative communities; 9) Potential establishment
of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs); 10)
Determinations of wild and scenic river eligibility, suitability, and
tentative classifications (wild, scenic, or recreational); and 11)
Potential establishment of Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs).
Some possible comments on issue #4 "management of Off Highway Vehicles
are pretty easy to identify: 1) Keep existing roads and trails open. 2)
Existing OHV road and trail systems should be identified, mapped and
"zoned" (for lack of a better word) to allow management and development
to meet the needs of the growing OHV use. 3) The BLM should identify
specific travelways and areas that should be managed for organized and
competitive events. 4) The BLM should develop a complete inventory of
roads and trails in the planning area.
Note issue # 3. It contains the words "cumulative effect". The BLM knows
that management for T&E and sensitive species is well defined in law and
regulation. This is a legitimate issue but the BLM goes beyond their
lawful mandates when proposing to manage for "cumulative effects". Ask
them to address the legitimate issue of T&E and sensitive species but
lets not add further management directives beyond the regulations.
Comments on issue # 11 is real easy: NO NEW WSA'S! There is no
justification, no mandate in FLPMA and no process requirement for
engaging in ongoing Wilderness Study Area designations. Once the
original wilderness review process was completed the legal authority to
inventory or review lands for wilderness values is gone. The question of
which lands should be included in the National Wilderness Preservation
System is now between Congress and the American People. Other than the
management of existing WSA's, the BLM should have no part in this issue.
To do so is a tragic loss of management resources.
These preliminary issues are not final and may be added to and refined
through the public participation process. I've got an issue. What about
the economic and social stability of the rural communities that depend
upon access to and use of the resources available on public lands? What
about the "cumulative effect" of overly restrictive public land
management on us? Can you think of others?
*Issues are: A matter of controversy or dispute over resource management
activities or land use that is well defined and entails alternatives
among which to choose or decide. Planning issues may have two or more of
the following characteristics: 1) Concern expressed by the public,
state, tribe or local government, 2) Existing or potential serious
deterioration of public land, 3) possible significant impacts, and 4)
proposed uses which may or may not be in the best public interest and
which may be in substantial conflict with other uses.
** Regarding Management ALTERNATIVES
Various management alternatives may be identified and proposed by
individuals, organizations, tribal, state and local governments. If you
would like to submit a management alternative, the scoping phase is the
time to do it.
Know an area or trail system that should be managed with a focus on
OHV's? Now is the time to suggest that the area or trail system be
designated as such. The BLM often uses Special Recreation Management
Areas (SRMA) for directing such management focus.
Worried about management alternatives that restrict the land manager too
much? Alternatives that make pro-active management of OHV use impossible
are not acceptable. Managers should have the ability to properly manage
this legitimate use of public lands. Tell the BLM!
ACTION ITEMS:
Individuals and families should:
Write to the BLM and ask to be put on the contact list regarding the
"RMP amendment process". Write down some comments about the issues. Want
to see something changed? Want more trails to ride? Don't want to see
existing roads and trails closed? New WSA's over your dead body? TELL
THEM! Be polite and try and suggest management alternatives you would
like to see. Include photos and other evidence of your use and enjoyment
of public lands.
OHV Clubs and Organizations should:
1) Make sure the BLM has your correct contact info. (its good to give
them a couple of names). 2)Request a briefing on planning activities
(optional). 3) Identify (map if possible) all roads and trails that are
used by members and families. 4) Submit evidence of use (photos etc.) 5)
Inform planning team of organized events (club rides, races, family
reunions etc.) that have taken place, or are planned to take place in
planning area. 6) Request FLPMA "202 Process" Handbook from USA-ALL
(free to current members)
ADDRESSES:
PRICE:
Price Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Richard Manus, 125
South, 600 West, Price, Utah 84501.
RICHFIELD
RMP Comments, Bureau of Land Management, Richfield Field Office, 150
East 900 North, Richfield, Utah 84701
VERNAL
Vernal Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, Attn: David E. Howell,
170
South, 500 East, Vernal, Utah 84078.
NO EMAIL! (system is down).
The Price Office has announced the schedule for public meetings:
Salt Lake City, Utah -- January 15, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
This is the Place State Park, 2200 Sunnyside Ave. Salt Lake City
Moab Utah -- January 16, 2001 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ramada Inn Meeting Room, 182 South Main St., Moab
Grand Junction, Colorado -- January 17, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Grand Vista Hotel, 2790 Crossroads Blvd., Grand Junction
Green River, Utah -- January 30, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Green River City Hall, Green River
Castle Dale, Utah -- January 31, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
San Rafael Museum, 64 North 100 East, Castle Dale
Price, Utah -- January 31, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Conference Center, 838 Westwood Blvd., Price
REMEMBER.
Need help, clarification or more info? Just call or email.
Thanks again
Brian Hawthorne
Utah Shared Access Alliance
801-465-1145
:usa:
Dear friends,
I've received a fair amount of emails in response to our BLM ACTION
ALERT and Planning Update from OHV enthusiasts who are concerned and
want to participate.
Most of the emails are from folks who aren't certain about what to do or
what to say. Many are new to land use issues and don't understand the
process. A lot are busy with their jobs and their families and feel a
bit overwhelmed.
I spoke to a young man whose family had enjoyed the trails in the San
Rafael and riding at Factory Butte since the early 1970's. He was
extremely concerned about what plans the BLM had for his favorite rides.
But he said our ACTION ALERT was too technical and asked me to tell him
exactly what to say to the BLM.
Is this you? Is the public land planning process just a bunch of
technical mumbo jumbo? Or, have you become cynical after sending letter
after letter into some bureaucratic black hole?
The first thing you need to know is the organized OHV community is here
to help. USA-ALL, BRC, UFWDA, NOHVCC and others exist to give the
average Joe and Jolene the tools to actually make a difference in how
our public lands are managed.
The second thing OHV enthusiasts need to understand is we don't have the
multimillion-dollar budgets of the WAGS. In order to keep areas open, WE
NEED YOU.
Let me say this as straight as I can. OHV enthusiasts who look to me to
write their comment letters for them are too common. USA-ALL is here to
help, but it is way to early in the process to ask for "cut and paste"
info. Comment deadlines are at least a month away. That is plenty of
time to learn about the process, contact the BLM and get involved!
A priceless treasure is at risk. If OHV enthusiasts aren't willing to
become involved they WILL be locked out.
I've pasted two items into this message. Both are MANDATORY READING for
OHV enthusiasts. The first item is Dave Jarvis's Twelve Steps for Access
Advocates. The second is a brief overview of the current stage of BLM
planning focusing on the Price Field Office. A more in-depth overview is
available. Just ask.
Print this message. Go over the material with your family. Then follow
the ACTION ITEMS at the bottom.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please don't misunderstand my frustration here. We are here to help and
I am personally available to assist anyone who wants to keep his or her
favorite rides open. Call 801-465-1145 or email brianh@usa-all.com for
help.
Thank you for your involvement.
Brian Hawthorne
Utah Shared Access Alliance
ITEM ONE: DAVES TWELVE-STEP PROGRAM
Wake Up Our access to public lands is being threatened as never
before. Everyone needs to be active and involved in the issues that
affect your access.
Study Up The more you understand the issues and process the better.
If you want to make informed and useful comments, it helps to understand
the process.
Listen Up Get information from a variety of sources, soak it up.
Join Up Join the organizations that support your sport or user group.
Take part, recruit others and be there when you're needed.
Sign Up Get into the information flow. Many agencies have updates and
regular mailings on issues, proposals, processes, etc..
Show Up "The world is run by those who show up".
Hone Up Work to improve your writing and study skills.
Speak Up Most everyone hates to get up in front of a crowd and speak.
Still, it's never quite as scary as those closure signs. Practice and
you will learn to get your point across.
Stand Up Get Visible, Get Vocal, Get Heard!
Clean Up Polish your act. Presentation, image, and language all
matter.
Team Up Network with others. Don't try to do it alone. "Together
Everyone Accomplishes More".
Wrap Up Make your point. Do your best, but know when to quit.
ITEM TWO: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT PLANNING PROCESS
The Bureau of Land Management makes management decisions according to
Resource Management Plans (RMP). An RMP can be compared to a county
master plan where management direction and objectives are defined for
specific resources and areas.
They formulate these "master plans" using a carefully defined process.
The process requires meaningful public involvement as well as analysis
and disclosure of environmental effects. Currently we are in the
"Scoping Phase" where the BLM seeks public input on which ISSUES* will
be addressed in the planning process. Analysis of the ISSUES and
information received from the public comments are used to develop
MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES**. Alternatives will be released for public
review later in the process.
Public input regarding ISSUES and ALTERNATIVES is what is needed at
this time.
The BLM in the PRICE FIELD OFFICE has identified the following list of
ISSUES 1) Identification and management of summer and winter ranges for
mule deer and elk; 2) Forage competition between wildlife, wild horses
and burros, and livestock; 3) The cumulative effect of land uses and
human activities on threatened, endangered or sensitive species and
their habitats; 4) Management of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs); 5)
Revision of Reasonable Foreseeable Development (RFD) scenarios for oil
and gas development; 6) Concerns about water and air quality; 7)
Management of cultural and paleontological resources including the
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry; 8) Fire management opportunities and
potential effects on vegetative communities; 9) Potential establishment
of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs); 10)
Determinations of wild and scenic river eligibility, suitability, and
tentative classifications (wild, scenic, or recreational); and 11)
Potential establishment of Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs).
Some possible comments on issue #4 "management of Off Highway Vehicles
are pretty easy to identify: 1) Keep existing roads and trails open. 2)
Existing OHV road and trail systems should be identified, mapped and
"zoned" (for lack of a better word) to allow management and development
to meet the needs of the growing OHV use. 3) The BLM should identify
specific travelways and areas that should be managed for organized and
competitive events. 4) The BLM should develop a complete inventory of
roads and trails in the planning area.
Note issue # 3. It contains the words "cumulative effect". The BLM knows
that management for T&E and sensitive species is well defined in law and
regulation. This is a legitimate issue but the BLM goes beyond their
lawful mandates when proposing to manage for "cumulative effects". Ask
them to address the legitimate issue of T&E and sensitive species but
lets not add further management directives beyond the regulations.
Comments on issue # 11 is real easy: NO NEW WSA'S! There is no
justification, no mandate in FLPMA and no process requirement for
engaging in ongoing Wilderness Study Area designations. Once the
original wilderness review process was completed the legal authority to
inventory or review lands for wilderness values is gone. The question of
which lands should be included in the National Wilderness Preservation
System is now between Congress and the American People. Other than the
management of existing WSA's, the BLM should have no part in this issue.
To do so is a tragic loss of management resources.
These preliminary issues are not final and may be added to and refined
through the public participation process. I've got an issue. What about
the economic and social stability of the rural communities that depend
upon access to and use of the resources available on public lands? What
about the "cumulative effect" of overly restrictive public land
management on us? Can you think of others?
*Issues are: A matter of controversy or dispute over resource management
activities or land use that is well defined and entails alternatives
among which to choose or decide. Planning issues may have two or more of
the following characteristics: 1) Concern expressed by the public,
state, tribe or local government, 2) Existing or potential serious
deterioration of public land, 3) possible significant impacts, and 4)
proposed uses which may or may not be in the best public interest and
which may be in substantial conflict with other uses.
** Regarding Management ALTERNATIVES
Various management alternatives may be identified and proposed by
individuals, organizations, tribal, state and local governments. If you
would like to submit a management alternative, the scoping phase is the
time to do it.
Know an area or trail system that should be managed with a focus on
OHV's? Now is the time to suggest that the area or trail system be
designated as such. The BLM often uses Special Recreation Management
Areas (SRMA) for directing such management focus.
Worried about management alternatives that restrict the land manager too
much? Alternatives that make pro-active management of OHV use impossible
are not acceptable. Managers should have the ability to properly manage
this legitimate use of public lands. Tell the BLM!
ACTION ITEMS:
Individuals and families should:
Write to the BLM and ask to be put on the contact list regarding the
"RMP amendment process". Write down some comments about the issues. Want
to see something changed? Want more trails to ride? Don't want to see
existing roads and trails closed? New WSA's over your dead body? TELL
THEM! Be polite and try and suggest management alternatives you would
like to see. Include photos and other evidence of your use and enjoyment
of public lands.
OHV Clubs and Organizations should:
1) Make sure the BLM has your correct contact info. (its good to give
them a couple of names). 2)Request a briefing on planning activities
(optional). 3) Identify (map if possible) all roads and trails that are
used by members and families. 4) Submit evidence of use (photos etc.) 5)
Inform planning team of organized events (club rides, races, family
reunions etc.) that have taken place, or are planned to take place in
planning area. 6) Request FLPMA "202 Process" Handbook from USA-ALL
(free to current members)
ADDRESSES:
PRICE:
Price Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Richard Manus, 125
South, 600 West, Price, Utah 84501.
RICHFIELD
RMP Comments, Bureau of Land Management, Richfield Field Office, 150
East 900 North, Richfield, Utah 84701
VERNAL
Vernal Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, Attn: David E. Howell,
170
South, 500 East, Vernal, Utah 84078.
NO EMAIL! (system is down).
The Price Office has announced the schedule for public meetings:
Salt Lake City, Utah -- January 15, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
This is the Place State Park, 2200 Sunnyside Ave. Salt Lake City
Moab Utah -- January 16, 2001 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ramada Inn Meeting Room, 182 South Main St., Moab
Grand Junction, Colorado -- January 17, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Grand Vista Hotel, 2790 Crossroads Blvd., Grand Junction
Green River, Utah -- January 30, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Green River City Hall, Green River
Castle Dale, Utah -- January 31, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
San Rafael Museum, 64 North 100 East, Castle Dale
Price, Utah -- January 31, 2002 -- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Conference Center, 838 Westwood Blvd., Price
REMEMBER.
Need help, clarification or more info? Just call or email.
Thanks again
Brian Hawthorne
Utah Shared Access Alliance
801-465-1145
:usa: