This morning I attended the above town hall meeting. This meeting was scheduled so that discussions could be expressed to Congressman Duncan Hunter & California State Director of BLM, Mike Pool. The focus on the agenda was to openly talk with these officials concerning San Diego's off road issues/concerns. However, these officials were expecting that there would be mention of Johnson Valley OHV & the Marine Corps potential expansion of its Twentynine Palms facility. There were several people who addressed these officials with JV concerns that were outside the initial meetings agenda.

Not to take away from San Diego's important items of discussion, but some of us were in a unique position to have the ear of some favorable officials and we didn't want to let this opportunity pass us up. Being this was the case, and they were open to hear our concerns, the Congressman wants to formulate a hopeful resolution concerning the potential takeover of Johnson Valley/Hammers by the Marine Corps.

This is only my opinion, but it seemed that if he (Mr. Hunter) had it his way - JV OHV would remain as it is today & that the Marine Corps would look into other options.

California State Director of BLM, Mr. Mike Pool, mentioned that the Marine Corps was not initially aware of the great importance that Johnson Valley OHV has to the off road community. However, the Marine Corps has recently been informed of this great importance.

Mr. Hunter was very supportive of the off road community and mentioned that he will be meeting with the Marine Corp Commandant to discuss this issue. Furthermore, he mentioned that Congressman Jerry Lewis will be part of this ongoing issue since the land JV is on, is in Mr. Lewis' district.

During this meeting I addressed the officials and provided a copy of a Petition concerning JV. This petition was started by Tam, and she deserves high recognition for taking the initiative to start this and follow thru. Over the course of approximately two days, this petition generated ~1,000 signatures, of which, several of them contain valuable comments that these officials will take into consideration during their decision making process.

Another item that was discussed is that there will be an organized guided tour of Johnson Valley for some of the officials. Who all attends, has not been determined, but you can expect that we want this to happen soon and to provide the Congressmen a better perspective of The Hammers and it's great importance to the off road community.

Another item we will be providing to Congressman Hunters staff (specifically, Mr. Michael Harrison) is some photos of JV showing it's unique terrain and some specific map locations of the photos we provide. Basically, what areas these photos were taken and how they make JV such a valued place for us. The gears are already turning to provide this information to the Congressmans staff.

There are other issues that arose, and I don't want to discount other concerns that were discussed. If I've made some minor errors - feel free to correct me.

Joe Dillard
Concerned JV OHV Supporter

Just back from the meeting in El Cajon. In the hot seats were Congressman Duncan Hunter, Assemblyman Joel Anderson, BLM Director Mike Poole, BLM Desert District Manger Steve Borchard, BLM El Centro Field Manager Vicki Wood, BLM El Centro Associate Field Manager Tom Zale. There were also a couple of Senator Hunter's staff: Senior Legislative Assistant Michael Harrison and District Chief of Staff Rick Terrazas.

The audience consisted of about 150-180 people. Organizations represented were Cal 4 Wheel (Harry Baker, So District VP and John Stewart, Land Use Consultant), CORVA, AMA District 37 & 38, Blue Ribbon Coalition (Don Amador), San Diego Off Road Coalition (Ed Stovin), American Sand Association - ASA, ORBA - Off Road Business Association. There were other people from most of these organizations whose names I don't know. There were many people representing motorcycle groups that I don't know. Many of them race organizers. Steve & Eileen Sampson of the Early Bronco Registry and many others from 4 Wheel Drive Clubs and many individuals. Several of "all of the above" are people that have posted in this thread, Pirate4x4 was well represented. I apologize if I missed any groups.

If there were any environmentalists, they kept a low profile. Not a single Sierra Clubber or CBD person spoke.

There were probably 6 armed cops and security. You know how unruly us off roaders can be :shaking:

The agenda was open. It was not Johnson Valley only.

Duncan Hunter is a great supporter of OHV (his family owns 4 '68 Broncos and one even runs!!). He is also a great supporter of the military . It was made clear (by Hunter and us) that the Military has no greater supporters than the OHV community. Senator Hunter is a very personable man. If I was in his district, I would vote for him, no questions asked.

I may have some specifics wrong and forgive me if that is the case. I actually recorded the meeting, so as I review my recording, I may come back and make corrections and or fill in information to this post. Please remember that a Town Hall Meeting is a meet and greet. They share info with us, we share info with them. Policies are not made at a Town Hall Meeting.

I’ll do Johnson Valley (JV) first, then, hit on a couple of other topics.

Mike Poole, told that any base expansion over 5000 acres can only be pulled out of inventory by Congress. I like this because Congress designates wilderness and Congress would be the only way to take wilderness away. This base expansion will require Congress one way or another.

Both Mike Poole and Senator Hunter commented that the Military had no idea what JV is to the OHV community but they are very aware now. The expansion of the 29 Palms Base is in a very early stage of discussion and we are in at a perfect time to have our comments heard and play a role in final decisions. A comment by Harry Baker (Cal4) was to look very close at expanding the base to the East, not the West. West would be JV, East would be to take back some previously designated wilderness. Any and all areas, to be taken for an expansion, need to be looked at closely . . . this was an underlying message from several people including the Senator. Senator Hunter (and several of the BLM people) WILL be meeting with the Military within the next few weeks, to help them (Military) understand our position. Congressman Hunter also needs to understand exactly what the military needs to accomplish with their expansion.

End Part 1

I am falling asleep while writing. I will add more later. 107 miles (each way) on my motorcycle while running a fever seems to have tired me out.

PS Nice meeting you Joe.

Those guys hit it pretty good.

I got up and asked what the time frame was on this it was to really happen. Mr Poole kinda danced around and said it depends on how fast the Military and/or the courts move. Somewhere between 2-6years maybe more. I also asked that if the land for land swap was true and got a NO!!!! :eek: This part really scares me!!

In the future we need more people to show up to these meetings. It makes our presence known and to show them, we are concerned! It's not the most exciting thing to do with your day but it needs to be done. If you don't participate, don't bitch when you lose it!! Thanks to the guys who came out!!!

Jed, you are the guy wearing the "What happens in Rox Vegas" t-shirt? Nice meeting you too.

BTW - Instead of sleeping, I'm watching Bullitt :smokin::smokin: The car chase scene right now . . .

I found it interesting that OHV use in BLM areas is an ADMISTRATIVE decision and that if we want to to ensure the right to use land as OHV it would have to be codified into LAW by congress, similar to the desert wilderness bill in the 80's. The off-road community was also reminded to contact local representatives regularly about OHV concerns so they are aware of the level of usage and concern with change.
Also beware that the BLM has received LOTS of petitions to place renewable energy generators on managed lands. The designated wilderness lands can not be considered with out an act of congress. If I heard anything wrong please correct me

I just added the rest of the BLM names to my post and corrected the Wilderness thingy. Anything over 5000 acres needs Congressional approval to be taken out of any land inventory.

Nice meeting you as well. :beer: Perhaps next time it will be under better circumstances.

I found it interesting that OHV use in BLM areas is an ADMISTRATIVE decision and that if we want to to ensure the right to use land as OHV it would have to be codified into LAW by congress, similar to the desert wilderness bill in the 80's.

I was at the meeting and wanted to ask more about this topic that Mike Pool brought up. He said that in the entire BLM land inventory only ONE area has been designated a recreation area. Where is this area at? Why only one? What does it take to get an area through the legislative process and made an act of Congress?

Was it just me or did anyone else sense the D-38 folks were a bit offended that Johnson Valley was being discussed? :confused:

I didn't pick up a copy of Duncan Hunter's address to Congress that was passed out. The address made on 3-13 was very supportive of the OHV community. Can someone scan it and post it here? :)

Thanks again to everyone that was able to make it!

Jed, you are the guy wearing the "What happens in Rox Vegas" t-shirt? Nice meeting you too.

BTW - Instead of sleeping, I'm watching Bullitt :smokin::smokin: The car chase scene right now . . .

Well that sucks. I would have enjoyed meeting you. I was the guy that had to leave after I starting mouthing off to the moron that suggested we share JV with the military by giving it to them during the week and we get it on the weekends. I've heard some stupid crap in my time, but that one pushed me over the edge.

I was about fed up with the whole process by that time and I know once I start getting mouthy, it's time to go.

I wasn't real happy with the lady from CORVA pushing for a 1 for 1 land swap. That only works if they can pick up the range the trails are in and move them over by Cougar Buttes. The value of the trail system out there is far to high to be replaced with a few square miles of flat cactus ridden turtle habitat.

I was at the meeting and wanted to ask more about this topic that Mike Pool brought up. He said that in the entire BLM land inventory only ONE area has been designated a recreation area. Where is this area at? Why only one? What does it take to get an area through the legislative process and made an act of Congress?

I'm pretty sure the term he used was "codified", may want to check the spelling and meaning to be sure though.

Was it just me or did anyone else sense the D-38 folks were a bit offended that Johnson Valley was being discussed? :confused:

The only person[s] in that meeting that didn't pick up on that would have to be brain dead, asleep, or in the john.

I didn't pick up a copy of Duncan Hunter's address to Congress that was passed out. The address made on 3-13 was very supportive of the OHV community. Can someone scan it and post it here? :)

Thanks again to everyone that was able to make it!

Have it, scanner no worky. Sorry.

107 miles (each way) on my motorcycle while running a fever seems to have tired me out.



Were you sitting towards the back during the beginning of the meeting? The person sitting next to me chatted about ridding his bike from HB and when he stopped he couldn't feel his fingers.

This was my first town hall event or any other land use event I have attended. One thing that I thought of after I left though. Poole had said that most areas have already been designated something. Some are for OHV, some wilderness and others as well. He also stated that it is basically imposable to get them changed from one designation to another (ie once wilderness always wilderness ). If that is the case then why does it seem so easy for OHV areas to get changed?

It seemed maybe 60/40 bike guys to wheelers. One guy came all the way from Ventura with his daughter. :eek: Thanks for traveling so far.

Off to go renew my CORVA BRC memberships.

Well that sucks. I would have enjoyed meeting you. I was the guy that had to leave after I starting mouthing off to the moron that suggested we share JV with the military by giving it to them during the week and we get it on the weekends. I've heard some stupid crap in my time, but that one pushed me over the edge.

I was about fed up with the whole process by that time and I know once I start getting mouthy, it's time to go.

I wasn't real happy with the lady from CORVA pushing for a 1 for 1 land swap. That only works if they can pick up the range the trails are in and move them over by Cougar Buttes. The value of the trail system out there is far to high to be replaced with a few square miles of flat cactus ridden turtle habitat.

I was about 5 rows behind you ready to flogg that moron.:mad3:

I thought the lady was from ORBA? She was proposing for example when a 400 acre site is designated for a geothermal use that the OHV community should get 400 acres in a limited or off limts area for what she termed was "compensation." Mike Pool politely told her that wouldn't happen.:(

Well that sucks. I would have enjoyed meeting you. I was the guy that had to leave after I starting mouthing off to the moron that suggested we share JV with the military by giving it to them during the week and we get it on the weekends. I've heard some stupid crap in my time, but that one pushed me over the edge.

I was about fed up with the whole process by that time and I know once I start getting mouthy, it's time to go.

I wasn't real happy with the lady from CORVA pushing for a 1 for 1 land swap. That only works if they can pick up the range the trails are in and move them over by Cougar Buttes. The value of the trail system out there is far to high to be replaced with a few square miles of flat cactus ridden turtle habitat.

All right! I know who you are now!! On the way out, I told Ed that he needed some new material and jokes because his idea went over like a lead balloon!!

At that time, I was standing along the wall to your right, near the table with the signin sheets. Black West Coast 4 Wheel Drive Club jacket.

The swap idea definetely won't work for JV but in other cases (such as the alternative fuel areas), I would rather get something than nothing.

Think about it though . . . dodging military personel, trucks and artillery. Might bring a whole new level to the sport :flipoff2::flipoff2:

Ed is actually a nice guy, he just had a moment of stupidity. I think the other lady was actually from ORBA, not CORVA. I see these people way too much :shaking::shaking:

I didn't pick up a copy of Duncan Hunter's address to Congress that was passed out. The address made on 3-13 was very supportive of the OHV community. Can someone scan it and post it here? :)

I think the second address is the one you're asking for:

http://www.house.gov/hunter/contact.shtml

Congressman Duncan Hunter
1870 Cordell Ct, Ste 206
El Cajon, CA 92020
PHONE: (619) 448-5201
FAX: (619) 449-2251

2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-5672
FAX: (202) 225-0235

Were you sitting towards the back during the beginning of the meeting?

Second row, left side facing forward.


It seemed maybe 60/40 bike guys to wheelers. One guy came all the way from Ventura with his daughter. :eek: Thanks for traveling so far.

Off to go renew my CORVA BRC memberships.

The gentleman with me drove down to Dana Point from up by Ventura and then rode down the rest of the way in my truck.

I'm pretty sure the term he used was "codified", may want to check the spelling and meaning to be sure though.

"Codified" is an act of Congress. For example: The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area Act of 2008 becomes Federal Law that prevents the administrive body of BLM from redesignating the land without Congressional approval. As I understand it when we get a new administration next year and likely a new Secretary of the Interior, the BLM can administratively designate ALL BLM LAND as wilderness area, with the exception of the one area(wherever it is) voted in as a recreation area. :(



The only person[s] in that meeting that didn't pick up on that would have to be brain dead, asleep, or in the john.

And the one D-38 rep who spoke twice made sure the brain dead etc. didn't forget his distain.:laughing:

I think the other lady was actually from ORBA, not CORVA. I see these people way too much :shaking::shaking:

No, the lady I'm speaking of walked down the front row right after we got there, introduced herself and proceeded to drop her little spiel about the 1 for 1 swap. I disagreed strongly with her, but politely and she wandered off never to return.

Now that I think about it, maybe I should refrain from attending these things in the future lest I wind up arrested or something.

If Ed was joking, he really sucks at it. Typically you lead off with a one liner to soften your audience and then delve into the meat and potatoes. I wasn't amused with his delivery.

I was also less than amused with Hunter's comment to the lady from ORBA over her sounding like an environmentalist like it was a bad thing. We are enviromentalists in that we care for the land and use it responsibly more so than most any other group in existence. We need to take the term away from the eco-terrorists and make it ours again.

I think the second address is the one you're asking for:

http://www.house.gov/hunter/contact.shtml

Congressman Duncan Hunter
1870 Cordell Ct, Ste 206
El Cajon, CA 92020
PHONE: (619) 448-5201
FAX: (619) 449-2251

2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-5672
FAX: (202) 225-0235

I was looking for the handout that had Hunter's words that he spoke to Congress on 3-13 (his "address" to Congress). I guess I have watched too much C-Span over the years.:homer:

Few picture that I took.

Were you sitting towards the back during the beginning of the meeting? Off to go renew my CORVA BRC memberships.

Yeah, that was me. I was shivering uncontrollably for about 30 minutes too! I think the little fever had something to do with it (not contagious, I think it is my lupus acting up).

Every time Duncan Hunter said something about "not giving in to lawsuits" . . . "not being afraid of lawsuits", I felt like yelling at Poole and his buddies to TAKE NOTES!!

Surprise Canyon is actually an "additional" closure as part of a settlement for the desert lawsuit that many referred to. It was not in the lawsuit, just part of the mitigation in exchange for dropping the main lawsuit.

I think I need to stop writing. I took a pain pill and I am babbling.

Until tomorrow!!

Don't forget about joining Cal 4 Wheel. Do you guys know that part of our membership dues pays for Natural Resources Consultants named John Stewart and Don Klusman. They both do a lot for out sport!! And BTW, I am the new State Recording Secretary for Cal 4. I think it is a life appointment. I will start my stint with that at the next Board meeting.

And the one D-38 rep who spoke twice made sure the brain dead etc. didn't forget his distain.:laughing:

He conveniently forgot that while JV may not be in Hunter's district, enough of his constituency recreates in the OHV for it to be a very legitimate item on the agenda.

Given the poor communication skills exhibited by that group, I'm not surprised at the impact they have getting things done.

Anytime it takes 3 guys almost 45 minutes to ask a very simple question like- Why do we have to pay for an archeological survey at the rate of 1100 dollars per mile of proposed race course? -you really start to do some head scratching.

Someone needs to explain to them saying you need more land to pillage because you've over pillaged the land you've been allocated, is likely not the best tactic to endear the BLM to you. I could not believe how many references to illegal use they made to prop up their arguement that they were crowded into too small of an area.

I totally sympathize and support what they are trying to accomplish, but good grief, they need a better spokesperson.

Thankyou to all the folks who made time for this in their busy schedules!

Randii

He conveniently forgot that while JV may not be in Hunter's district, enough of his constituency recreates in the OHV for it to be a very legitimate item on the agenda.

Given the poor communication skills exhibited by that group, I'm not surprised at the impact they have getting things done.

Anytime it takes 3 guys almost 45 minutes to ask a very simple question like- Why do we have to pay for an archeological survey at the rate of 1100 dollars per mile of proposed race course? -you really start to do some head scratching.

Someone needs to explain to them saying you need more land to pillage because you've over pillaged the land you've been allocated, is likely not the best tactic to endear the BLM to you. I could not believe how many references to illegal use they made to prop up their arguement that they were crowded into too small of an area.

I totally sympathize and support what they are trying to accomplish, but good grief, they need a better spokesperson.



agree 100%.

or that for the first hour all that was discussed was the racing issue, then for 20 min the hammers were brought up and the racing guy whining about how this meeting wasn’t about that issue and he wanted more time on about his concerns. :shaking:
i agree that we need to all stand together, but jeeze...

The new recreation area that Mike ref.s is the BLM's Cow Mountain Recreation area that was established in the Boxer/Thompson Wilderness Bill in 2006 (HR 233)

Here is text with motorized recreation being a "prescribed use"

SEC. 9. COW MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA, LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA.

(a) Establishment- In order to enhance the recreational and scenic values of the Cow Mountain area in Lake and Mendocino Counties, California, while conserving the wildlife and other natural resource values of the area, there is hereby established the Cow Mountain Recreation Area (in this section referred to as the `recreation area') consisting of approximately 51,513 acres of land in such counties, as generally depicted on the map entitled `Cow Mountain Recreation Area' and dated July, 22, 2006, including the following:

(1) The `South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area', as generally depicted on the map.

(2) The `North Cow Mountain Recreation Area', as generally depicted on the map.

(b) Legal Descriptions; Correction of Errors-

(1) PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION- As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare a map and legal descriptions of the boundaries of the recreation area. The Secretary shall submit the map and legal descriptions to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

(2) LEGAL EFFECT- The map and legal descriptions of the recreation area shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal descriptions. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

(c) Administration-

(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of the Interior shall administer the recreation area in accordance with this section and the laws and regulations generally applicable to the public lands, including the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).

(2) EXISTING RIGHTS- The establishment of the recreation area shall be subject to all valid existing rights.

(d) Recreational Activities-

(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of the Interior shall continue to authorize, maintain, and enhance the recreational use of the land included in the recreation area, including motorized recreation, hiking, camping, mountain biking, sightseeing, and horseback riding, as long as such recreational use is consistent with this section and other applicable law.

(2) OFF-ROAD AND MOTORIZED RECREATION- Motorized recreation shall be a prescribed use within the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area, occurring only on roads and trails designated by the Secretary for such use, except as needed for administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as precluding the Secretary from closing any trail or route from use for purposes of resource protection or public safety.

Here is link to news article about compromise in HR233

http://www.klamathforestalliance.org/Newsarticles/newsarticle20060930.html

I broke the ice on the JV issue. I thought the guy from Full Throttle that followed me was going to have a coronary because of it...shortly followed by him saying he may have to start riding at JV if all of his local areas get closed.

Congressman Hunter was obviously prepared for the JV issue, as he pulled out his map to look at the affected area of the 29 Palms expansion when the topic was brought up. Didn't see him pull out a map of the District 38 areas.

codified - enacted by a legislative body; "statute law"; "codified written laws"

I saw a grand cherokee with a polygoats emblem, did they come from SLO?

Pictures show the parking lot at about 8:45 - 8:50, I thought I saw Blaine going acorss the street as I rolled into the parking lot.
Thanks to the news van,I followed him down from the 805 and did not get too lost.
Pictures of crowd in the first 15 mintues of the meeting.

I saw a grand cherokee with a polygoats emblem, did they come from SLO?


In your first picture the guy with the green t shirt. The group he was with one of them had a poly goats shirt. It was nice chating with you before the meeting started. I'm the one next to the guy in greet T shirt.

The new recreation area that Mike ref.s is the BLM's Cow Mountain Recreation area that was established in the Boxer/Thompson Wilderness Bill in 2006 (HR 233)



THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

This is where we should start. I am going to try to pull the legislative history on this bill that looks like Sen. Barbara Boxer signed off on. This might be the "model" to use for ALL of the BLM land that we use for OHV use. Lets push for one of the Congressmen who might support a bill on Johnson Valley to move forward with a recreaction area designation. Even if McCain wins, with a new Secretary of the Interior (if a Democrat wins it will be worse)comes the possibility of the BLM administratively designating JV as a wilderness area! WE CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN!

BRC, Cal 4 Wheel, ORBA etc. we need to strike while the iron is hot. Duncan Hunter is rumored to be retiring and handing over the reins to his son D2 (hopefully) soon. If we are able to mobilize and make this happen, BLM land will be available for our use for decades to come.:)

Other issues brought up:

1) BLM requirements for certifying new motorcycle race courses. Even in open areas, these race promoters are required to hire an archeologist/surveyor to go over the entire race course. This is at a cost of $1100 dollars per mile. At first glance this seems like it may be a necessary evil but when you look closer it gets you scratching your head. $1100/mile to survey roads in an open area? That’s right, under normal everyday situations, these same trails/roads can be driven/ridden on by individuals or groups but if it is a permitted race environment. A whole different set of rules apply. Congressman Hunter asked Poole if there was a way to streamline the process. He said they (the BLM) would look at that.

The San Diego 4 Wheelers put on an event every year at the Superstition Mountains Area. Between 2007 and 2008, they were required to do this same archeological survey before they could qualify for their event permit. Again, these are existing trails that have been trails for decades but they had to spend the money or have no event. Fortunately, The County Board of Supervisors stepped in a picked up the tab. This was real money in excess of $20,000. The District 37/38 guys also said that the County had been nothing but supportive monetarily and in any way they could. They realize the financial gain to the community from these OHV activities and don’t want to lose them.

2) Alternative Energy Leases – These would be geothermal, solar and wind. There are several lease applications with the BLM right now. One in the Superstition Mountain Area, one in the Truckhaven area, one in the Ocotillo Wells Area. The Ocotillo Wells Geothermal project is probably the farthest into planning. Currently it will have a 200 acres footprint. This is where discussion was brought up from the audience about possibly replacing the lost acreage. Again, Congressman Hunter asked Poole to look into this as an option. Pools agreed but said that there are not a lot of lands that don’t have multiple users looking to use them.

The other people that are looking into these alternative fuel plants seemed willing to develop with similar guidelines. Once again, none of these applicants had any idea that there is an alternative use for this land (OHV). Outwardly, they seem receptive to working with the BLM and OHV users. We shall see.

3) Inyo National Forest was brought up. I couldn’t hear the specifics of this.

4) Several mentions of Wilderness Bills that are floating around again. Specifically, one that Mary Bono (Riverside) is supporting.

5) A recommendation from Senator Hunter that fit several different topics was to have more of these Town Hall type meetings with specific legislators that are either backing bills or will have their constituents affected. He recommended that we talk with Congressman Jerry Lewis who represents San Bernardino (the actual location of Johnson Valley). Also, try to put pressure on Congressman Mary Bono (Riverside County).

6) Congressman Hunter asked that we provide him with some pictures that show traditional uses within the Johnson Valley OHV Area. There was a member from Geared for Fun (I forgot his name) who said he was going to follow up with this. I recommended that he start with the nice overlay map that someone on Pirate4x4 has posted. It shows the trails and how they will be impacted (or obliterated) depending on the plan they try to implement.

7) After Congressman Hunter meets with the 29 Palms Base Commandant, he and his staff will have a better understanding of what the military wants to do with this expansion and will hopefully have some positive news for us.

BTW: I went to the After Hours Kaiser Facility today. No heart attack. It looks to be Pleurisy – Inflammation of tissue that lines the inside of the chest and covers the lungs (pleura).

Recommendations: Avoid activities that make the pain worse. (Like breathing?)

I have decided that Vicodin is the better way to go. I am also back on Prednisone. This is all Lupus related as I expected. I have an appointment with the rheumatologist in about 10 days.

FYI:

BTW: I went to the After Hours Kaiser Facility today. No heart attack. It looks to be Pleurisy – Inflammation of tissue that lines the inside of the chest and covers the lungs (pleura).

Recommendations: Avoid activities that make the pain worse. (Like breathing?)



Yeah, isn't that crap fun? Feels like someone poured a mixture of lighter fluid and gravel inside your chest, lit it on fire, and then tried to put it out by jumping up and down on it.

lttlbddy, Sorry to hear about your health. Don't get too wrapped up in this that you forget to take care of yourself.

I think those already posted have summarized the meeting pretty well.

I think that getting an official Congressional designation for recreational use as kinda discussed here and suggested by Mr. Pool is an excellent idea. We should definitely pursue it.

I think that getting the various different groups, us, motorcycles, side by sides, hell even the mountain bikers, hunters, fishermen and equestrians to come together in support of a common cause will be key. I don't have any idea how to do that, but I hope that it can be done.

I would also hope to have an even better turn out for meetings like this, cleanups, and other "non wheeling" events. The majority of the people at the meeting didn't take the mic for a question, but that doesn't mean that the number of bodies in the audience wasn't noticed by the politicians.

Thanks EarlKann. I've been "playing" with this Lupus since 1998, nothing new. This pleurisy is just a short term annoyance. I always tell people, I can feel like shit at home or I can go do something and feel like shit. I feel better about life if I am out doing stuff.

Sorry guys...

I have been otta the game for a few days.

I just wanted to say great job packing that meeting! The fact that many of you took the time out of your lives on a holiday weekend for this says a lot!

It is also good the know that the USMC now knows how important the JV area is to us. I do not know if that will do us any good in the future, but it can't hurt!

Blue Ribbon Coalition's Don Amador (who was present) has published a press release:

http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=575

SAN DIEGO, CA (March 24) — Loss of off-highway vehicle access to popular federal recreation sites in Southern California was the main theme at a town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Duncan Hunter at Cuyamaca College on the outskirts of San Diego. Mike Pool, the director for the California Office of the Bureau of Land Management, also shared the podium at the March 22 meeting.

Over 200 off-roaders attended the event and many expressed concerns about the various competing interests that are impacting recreational opportunities in the California Desert region. The proposed expansion of the Marine Corps base into the Johnson Valley OHV Area, renewable energy construction projects, the endless parade of eco-lawsuits filed by anti-access groups against federal land agencies, and new Wilderness plans were the main points of contention.

Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, states, "I think this meeting was a true 'grassroots' success. It was not just representatives from organized groups that spoke, but many individuals took time out of the holiday weekend to make their voices heard."

"Both Congressman Hunter and Director Pool assured the crowd that the military was now acutely aware that Johnson Valley is an internationally recognized and world-class OHV recreation area. Hunter also made a promise to the group that he would meet with the Marine Corps in the next two weeks to discuss this issue and see if a solution can be found," Amador said.

"The event hosts urged OHVers to stay engaged in the political and land-use planning processes. The group was also reminded about shrinking federal recreation budgets and that supporting trail volunteer efforts and user-fee programs at selected sites will be key factors in the public land-use equation," Amador concludes.

Sorry guys...

I have been otta the game for a few days.

You did more than enough leg work up front!! No apologies required.

Let me start by saying thanks to all who showed up and spoke up at the Saturday town-hall meeting.

I have spent the past hour reading the various threads about the Saturday meeting. And that is after spending the past couple of hours going through email that has accumulated since Friday.

(Note to self...next time, ensure cell phone and internet coverage before promising the wife a weekend 'get-away'.)

Steve has captured many of the highlights.

I would like to add a couple of comments. Don Amador, BRC, was the first to speak with a couple fo minutes of general comments.

I was next and had about a 20 plus minute interval where Congressman Hunter and BLM Director Mike Poole were engaged in answering questions that broadened the discussion outside of Congressman Hunter's 52 Congressional District.

Steve, it was me that raised the issues of wilderness in Riverside County (Bono's district) and in the Inyo NF (McKeon's district).

My intent was to show Congressman Hunter that OHV issues are not confined to his district. And, as a constituent of the Congressman, my issues were in a broader area than the local district.

Of note, the Congressman did ask if 'we' (recreation interests) were in contact with the other congressional representatives (Bono, Lewis, and McKean). I stated yes, we were.

Also, the Congressman asked if we were organized. To which I stated yes, were were becoming more organized and involved with each proposal floated that affected recreation.

Overall, I concur with one observation, there was a lot of "political" talk with little direct action.

Let me explain....

Hunter is not seeking re-election. As such, he was free to say and promise anything. Overall, I did not hear where the Congressman was able to influence the BLM into any direct action that would benefit recreation.

While Hunter is not seeking re-election, his son (Duncan Hunter) is seeking the seat and is in competition with a couple of others that are on the ballot for the June primary.

Of note, Duncan Hunter 'Junior' has not been visible at meetings and events where his views can be heard.

And, one of his opponents for the June primary and the nomination for the Republican candidate for the the 52nd Congressional District is Brian Jones. Brian has been out visiting with OHV clubs. And, Brian is a former member of the San Diego 4 Wheelers.

So, from my perspective, the political "talk" was prevalent.

It should be noted that much of the Saturday discussion focused on OHV issues in Imperial County. Imperial County IS NOT within Congressman Hunter's district. That area is within the 51st Congressional District that is represented by Bob Filner (D-51). (FWIW, Filner is one of the top-5 liberals in the House.)

I want to thank Bob Green for stepping up to focus the discussion to Johnson Valley. He did a good job.

There was another gentleman I want to thank from Gear for Fun (somehow I missed his name) that did a good job focusing on Johnson Valley.

There have been some comments about Indian cremation sites.....

Please note, Indian cultural sites are a MAJOR issue that will impact recreation; whether it be events of individuals.

I am glad the representatives from AMA District 38 did their spiel about the impact of archeology issues on their race courses. I can add to the saga of archeology issues working with the San Diego 4 Wheelers to get their Superstition 10 event through the permit process.

I will say thank-you to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors that recognize the positive economic impact of motorized recreation in their county.

And, I will extend a thank-you to one BLM employee (Kerri Simmons) that is an archaeologist and has been a pleasure to work with.

For a closing though, I would encourage everyone to keep in mind the following:

Wilderness, wildlife, water, air, and energy are five areas where federal law dictates actions that are not directly compatible with motorized recreation.

The challenge is to find a niche where motorized recreation can co-exist with existing federal laws. (BTW, I could add archaeological issues as that is hidden 'gotcha' in access issues. Everything can be in good; however, cultural issues will trump the cards in play.)

One theme I've seen mentioned a couple times is fairly promising and that is the Marines seem to have had no idea how popular JV is. They definately know now, hoping that can help us.

Post #21 hits so many nails on the head that it's really not funny.

I can not agree more.

One thing we need to do is to keep up our momentum to SAVE THE HAMMERS. This has proven itself as a technique on the Rubicon Trail, Greenhorn, the Eldorado National Forest (FOE), Moab, and other areas. We can't stop or sit back and idle.

Staying organized and getting more organized in our efforts are critical right now.

I'm still wading thru posts, emails and forums trying to catch up on the latest stuff, but I still don't see a lead hook out there stepping up to orchestrate this whole mess to SAVE the Hammers. ??? :D:grinpimp:

Del

Both Congressman Hunter and Director Pool assured the crowd that the military was now acutely aware that Johnson Valley is an internationally recognized and world-class OHV recreation area.

Its great to know that they have also recognised this Internationally. I would like to think i may have been part of this international recognition. I really wish i was over there and could help in some way. Good Luck Guys.