Qbert
06-08-2002, 09:43 AM
I just received this from Carla Boucher, United Four Wheel Drive Attorney.
I've heard "rumblings" about this but this is the first of anything in
depth........... Along with Carla's concerns I'm in my "angry" mode again
re "WHY ONLY MOTORIZED"?????
Please pass this information on to your club members and/or your email list.
Obviously this is "happening" and we ALL need to get involved and pay
attention. THEY WIN, IF WE IGNORE.
Personally I don't have a problem with a "motorized user 'sticker' program"
but I want the funds to support our sport and issues............. not some
"company president's pocket"! Please pay attention to the facts should any
of you be selected. I'll forward any additional information as I get it.
Sandee
Subject: Use caution with new group
A company or program called Superior Trails is developing a permit =
scheme for all federal lands. The company is hoping to get federal =
authorization to institute a mandatory permit costing $35.00 as a =
requirement for all OHV travel on federally-managed lands. The permit =
would be required before any person may travel on federal land using =
four wheel drives, ATVs, or motorcycles. In order to obtain a permit a =
user would be required to take a test and pass it pertaining to =
appropriate mechanical requirements and user ethics. Test taking =
stations would be available at merchants such as auto dealers, parts =
places, and 4x4 shops. =20
In addition to the permit, the company would institute its own law =
enforcement regulations. Fines for violations of the regulations are =
ranging from $900 to $1000 per violation.
I have been discussing the program with one of the partners of the =
company and trying to explain to them the problems associated with this =
system. He has recently informed me that he intends to poll four wheel =
drive clubs to see whether they support the development of such a =
system. =20
One of the initial problems I have with this concept (and I have many =
problems with it right now) is that their website is currently set up to =
allow a user to take the test and if they pass, collect their $35.00 for =
a permit. The website can be viewed at www.superiortrail.com . However, =
until the program is approved legislatively through Congress the money =
you spend on a permit gets you nothing. Also, the website has =
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) but it fails to plainly state that this =
program would REQUIRE every motorized user to have one of their permits =
to recreate on federal lands and it fails to indicate that a permit paid =
for now means nothing and the money the user spends to get the permit =
($35.00) gets them nothing, it simply lines the pocket of the company =
developing the program. In short, I have strongly indicated to these =
people my problems with their idea.=20
My concern is that your member clubs will only get a part of the story =
when they are polled for their reaction. Please advise them to proceed =
cautiously with this company and their program and to ask a lot of =
questions if they are polled before taking a position on whether to =
support this program.
Thanks for taking the time to pass this information on to all your =
members.
If you or your clubs have any questions about this program please don't =
hesitate to contact me.
Carla
I've heard "rumblings" about this but this is the first of anything in
depth........... Along with Carla's concerns I'm in my "angry" mode again
re "WHY ONLY MOTORIZED"?????
Please pass this information on to your club members and/or your email list.
Obviously this is "happening" and we ALL need to get involved and pay
attention. THEY WIN, IF WE IGNORE.
Personally I don't have a problem with a "motorized user 'sticker' program"
but I want the funds to support our sport and issues............. not some
"company president's pocket"! Please pay attention to the facts should any
of you be selected. I'll forward any additional information as I get it.
Sandee
Subject: Use caution with new group
A company or program called Superior Trails is developing a permit =
scheme for all federal lands. The company is hoping to get federal =
authorization to institute a mandatory permit costing $35.00 as a =
requirement for all OHV travel on federally-managed lands. The permit =
would be required before any person may travel on federal land using =
four wheel drives, ATVs, or motorcycles. In order to obtain a permit a =
user would be required to take a test and pass it pertaining to =
appropriate mechanical requirements and user ethics. Test taking =
stations would be available at merchants such as auto dealers, parts =
places, and 4x4 shops. =20
In addition to the permit, the company would institute its own law =
enforcement regulations. Fines for violations of the regulations are =
ranging from $900 to $1000 per violation.
I have been discussing the program with one of the partners of the =
company and trying to explain to them the problems associated with this =
system. He has recently informed me that he intends to poll four wheel =
drive clubs to see whether they support the development of such a =
system. =20
One of the initial problems I have with this concept (and I have many =
problems with it right now) is that their website is currently set up to =
allow a user to take the test and if they pass, collect their $35.00 for =
a permit. The website can be viewed at www.superiortrail.com . However, =
until the program is approved legislatively through Congress the money =
you spend on a permit gets you nothing. Also, the website has =
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) but it fails to plainly state that this =
program would REQUIRE every motorized user to have one of their permits =
to recreate on federal lands and it fails to indicate that a permit paid =
for now means nothing and the money the user spends to get the permit =
($35.00) gets them nothing, it simply lines the pocket of the company =
developing the program. In short, I have strongly indicated to these =
people my problems with their idea.=20
My concern is that your member clubs will only get a part of the story =
when they are polled for their reaction. Please advise them to proceed =
cautiously with this company and their program and to ask a lot of =
questions if they are polled before taking a position on whether to =
support this program.
Thanks for taking the time to pass this information on to all your =
members.
If you or your clubs have any questions about this program please don't =
hesitate to contact me.
Carla