IMUZ ME
03-04-2002, 07:55 PM
RECREATION COALITION FILES MOTION TO INTERVENE
AGAINST TRIO OF CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
SACRAMENTO (March 4, 2002) -- A coalition of motorized recreation groups and a local equestrian organization today filed a motion to intervene against a trio of conservation organizations which earlier had filed a lawsuit to close the 786,000-acre Eldorado National Forest to all motorized recreation.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit that was filed with the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, the Center for Sierra Nevada Conservation, Center for Biological Diversity and California Wilderness Coalition, charged the Eldorado National Forest with violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA).
“We are absolutely appalled that this environmental group has filed suit against the forest to close the entire area to all types of motorized recreation,” said David Douglas, president of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. “Our association is joining other recreation organizations to intervene on the part of many individuals and groups that choose motorized recreation to get into the backcountry. Many times, we afford these trips to people with mental and physical disabilities. There is simply no other way for these people to have access to these scenic areas.”
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Recreation Coalition Files Motion to Intervene
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The statewide four-wheel drive association is joined in the cross claim with the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), the Friends of the Rubicon, California Enduro Riders Association, American Motorcyclist Association (District 36), and the El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation.
“The time is long overdue for these environmental groups to acknowledge that motorized access to these scenic areas is a critical element of the Eldorado Forest’s duty to manage the forest for multiple use,” Douglas said. “This lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service attempts to further erode the rights of the people to enjoy the beauty of our backcountry.” “We are currently sitting with these folks as well as many others at the California’s Stakeholders Roundtable to address issues and challenges throughout California. They know full well that the forest is being held to strict accountability to the wildlife habitat protection plans and the soil and wildlife habitat monitoring requirements mandated by the Public Resources Code.” “ We strongly agree that the Forest Service must protect our lands by following the requirements of wildlife habitat monitoring and all other requirements under the Federal codes as well as California State codes.” Douglas said.
Multiple use opportunities in the Eldorado National Forest include the Hell Hole Reservoir Trail, Bassi Falls Trail, the Barrett Lake Trail, the famous Rubicon Trail and Iron Mountain Road that is used by snowmobilers, cross country skiers and other winter recreation enthusiasts.
AGAINST TRIO OF CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
SACRAMENTO (March 4, 2002) -- A coalition of motorized recreation groups and a local equestrian organization today filed a motion to intervene against a trio of conservation organizations which earlier had filed a lawsuit to close the 786,000-acre Eldorado National Forest to all motorized recreation.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit that was filed with the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, the Center for Sierra Nevada Conservation, Center for Biological Diversity and California Wilderness Coalition, charged the Eldorado National Forest with violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA).
“We are absolutely appalled that this environmental group has filed suit against the forest to close the entire area to all types of motorized recreation,” said David Douglas, president of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. “Our association is joining other recreation organizations to intervene on the part of many individuals and groups that choose motorized recreation to get into the backcountry. Many times, we afford these trips to people with mental and physical disabilities. There is simply no other way for these people to have access to these scenic areas.”
-more-
Recreation Coalition Files Motion to Intervene
Page 2
The statewide four-wheel drive association is joined in the cross claim with the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), the Friends of the Rubicon, California Enduro Riders Association, American Motorcyclist Association (District 36), and the El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation.
“The time is long overdue for these environmental groups to acknowledge that motorized access to these scenic areas is a critical element of the Eldorado Forest’s duty to manage the forest for multiple use,” Douglas said. “This lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service attempts to further erode the rights of the people to enjoy the beauty of our backcountry.” “We are currently sitting with these folks as well as many others at the California’s Stakeholders Roundtable to address issues and challenges throughout California. They know full well that the forest is being held to strict accountability to the wildlife habitat protection plans and the soil and wildlife habitat monitoring requirements mandated by the Public Resources Code.” “ We strongly agree that the Forest Service must protect our lands by following the requirements of wildlife habitat monitoring and all other requirements under the Federal codes as well as California State codes.” Douglas said.
Multiple use opportunities in the Eldorado National Forest include the Hell Hole Reservoir Trail, Bassi Falls Trail, the Barrett Lake Trail, the famous Rubicon Trail and Iron Mountain Road that is used by snowmobilers, cross country skiers and other winter recreation enthusiasts.