BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Don Amador
Phone: 925.625.6287
Email: brdon@sharetrails.org
Date: July 21, 2008
NATIONAL TRAIL RECREATION GROUP PETITIONS AD COUNCIL TO PULL INFLAMMATORY ATV FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

POCATELLO, ID (July 21) - A national trail recreation group is strongly urging the Smokey Bear program to revise its current ATV fire prevention campaign. On behalf of outraged OHV enthusiasts, the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) contacted the Ad Council last week strongly urging them to withdraw the inaccurate and inflammatory ATV-oriented public service advertisements.

BRC reviewed the ad material posted at www.smokeybear.comand found the PSA was sending the wrong message to riders operating their ATVs in a legal manner with functioning USDA Forest Service approved spark arrestors. The ad implied that the proper way for motorized recreationists to prevent wildfires is for them to load up their vehicles and go home.

Smokey Bear has historically cautioned the public against careless acts, such as tossing a lighted cigarette out of a moving automobile or not properly extinguishing a campfire. BRC feels this ad should be focused on educating the public about using approved spark arrestors on their OHVs and confining their use to legal roads, trails, and areas.

Don Amador, BRC spokesperson on the use of sound compliant mufflers and spark arrestors, states, "As an advocate for the use of legal exhaust systems on public and private lands, I found the current Smokey Bear ATV wildfire PSA to be offensive, unethical, and unprofessional. The ad should have been focused on encouraging enthusiasts to use legal spark arrestors on their OHVs and stay on designated routes."

"Smokey Bear is inappropriately using a mountain biker as a surrogate to tell members of the motorized trail community that the best way for them to prevent wildfires is to just stay home. This ad sends the wrong message at a time when many government and civic leaders are encouraging young people to step away from their video games and get out and enjoy the great outdoors," Amador continues.

"BRC has heard from a number of our recreation partners and agency staff who are equally outraged by this PSA. It is our hope the Ad Council, Forest Service, and National Association of State Foresters withdraw this ad and work with BRC and other stakeholders to develop a legitimate outreach program to the OHV community," Amador concludes.

You can read BRC's response to the advertisement here: http://www.sharetrails.org/files/BRC-Response-to-ATV-Ad-2008Jul16.pdf
# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. http://www.sharetrails.org

I like Grizzly guys responce to the PSA from the ATV Obsession site



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66wEA5yx2B8

http://www.atvobsession.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2272&start=15

I can't find the contact info on that Smokey the Bear website.

Does anyone have an e-mail for them?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=697523

It's right here.

I wrote in and got the lamest response. I'll post it tomrrow.:mad3:

I have a problem with this video I hope you can help me with.

Evidently, the name of the Ad Council person involved with the video is Amy Gibson-Grant.

My name is Amy Granat.

It seems that people are accusing me of being involved with the video, because my name is similar to hers. In no way, shape, or form do I support this video - and I need to make sure that you all understand that !

I may even have to go back to my REAL name, which is Amy Jo, (which I stopped using after I left school because I hated it so much)!

Please help! If you hear anyone accuse myself or CORVA being involved with this...please let them not this is definitely not true.

Thanks very much,

Amy Jo

Just sent a email. I didnt see the specific ones from the other thread, just sent it to the contact email on the website. Asked for a response. Will see what happens.
These people need a touch of reality.

Golly, I wish Smokey Bear would have run this story....


Angora Fire -- caused by hikers, without a doubt.

Sadly, nobody reports that the recent fire in the Tahoe Basin started well away from any roads, at a common hike-in party site.
Angor Peak map: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-120.0726847&lat=38.8671298&datum=nad83
Yep... those pesky hikers burned down Angora. :rolleyes:

Here's the proof:
http://www.sosforests.com/?p=552
The point-of-origin of the Angora Fire has been identified as close to Seneca Pond. A topo map of the Angora watershed is (here). Seneca Pond is not named on the map but it is shown, about halfway between the Angora Lakes and the Wintoon Trailhead.
here's the map referenced:
http://www.tahoebackcountry.net/skiing/desolation/echo_angora/angora_map.JPG

Do you see any roads near Seneca Pond?

Nope...

Damn hikers. :( They can't carry as much gear to stay warm, or fire extinguishers... maybe we ought to require hikers to be accompanied by motorized vehicles that can keep them safe. :flipoff2:

Randii

It seems that people are accusing me of being involved with the video, because my name is similar to hers. In no way, shape, or form do I support this video - and I need to make sure that you all understand that !

:confused::lmao:

You have to be freaking kidding me. How in the Hell could someone think YOU had anything to do with this? That tells me they have NO IDEA you you are Amy...

Or should I say Amy Jo? :D

BTW, I like "Amy with the Dog" better than "Amy Jo"

This looks like a Letter Generator Opportunity! :D :smokin:

Or should I say Amy Jo? :D
I know "Amy's Joe" but I didn't realize Amy was ALSO an Amy Jo. :D

Randii

[whois.enom.com]
=-=-=-=

Registration Service Provided By: Enom, Inc
Contact: CustomerSupport@enom.com
Visit: www.enom.com

Domain name: smokeybear.com

Registrant Contact:
Ruder Finn Interactive
Domain Team

301 E 57th St
New York, NY 10022
US

Administrative Contact:
Ruder Finn Interactive
Domain Team (domains@rfinteractive.com)
+1.2125936400
301 E 57th St
New York, NY 10022
US

Technical Contact:
Ruder Finn Interactive
Domain Team (domains@rfinteractive.com)
+1.2125936400
301 E 57th St
New York, NY 10022
US

Status: Locked

Name Servers:
ns.rackspace.com
ns2.rackspace.com

Creation date: 03 Jun 1996 04:00:00
Expiration date: 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00

Has there been any response from the Forest Service about this, have they lost all control of Smokey bear image and if so it could be a matter of Enforcement. The use of Smokey is Governed under Federal law, if it's a matter of misuse they need to deal with it, or at least state they have no control over this non Government .com web site. The AD counsel has always been an agenda based group (yes my opinion), that has high-jacked the Smokey Bear image for it's political agenda. We may need to challenge the Forest Service to just state it has no control, or affiliation with this non Government web site, and if they can't deal with it legally just disown it...TJ

I found what appears to be guidelines for Smokey's use and the AD counsel, but is there any real MOU to legally allow this use of Smokey, in my opinion the AD counsel has stepped out of bounds. They are not using this just for fire prevention via simple omission of information, they are pursuing their own personal agenda by just telling all ATV users to stay home. Forgetting that most major responsible manufactures fit ATVs with spark arrestors, and provides nothing in the why of Education to determine if you ATV has a proper USFS approved spark arrestor

http://www.symbols.gov/smokey/policy/use-misuse/2004_Smokey_Bear_Guidelines.pdf

Acquisition and Use
Only USDA Forest Service and State Forestry agencies may purchase costumes without
prior approval. On a case-by-case basis the Director, F & AM, through the
Regional/Area Coordinators, approves costume ownership by other Federal and
international agencies. Local fire departments and other fire protection organizations
may be granted permission to purchase a costume after State Forester approval. Both
approvals require certification that the costume will be used only for wildfire prevention
purposes. Authorization shall be in the form of a Cooperative Interagency Agreement
and shall cover a period of not more than five years.
Individuals who wear and use the costume must agree to:
1. Use the costume only to further public information, education, and aware- ness of the
prevention of wildfires.
2. NOT TO SPEAK during appearances. Conversations or explanations should be
carried out by the accompanying official (escort).
3. Never appear in less than full costume.
4. Remain anonymous at every appearance and in any publicity connected with an
appearance. This includes being photographed without the head.
5. Use only costumes that are clean, complete, and in good condition. 6. Keep costume
out-of-sight before and after use.
7. Appear dignified and friendly. Avoid clowning and horseplay.

Also Smokey don't speak during appearances, does the video violate this policy???TJ

Here is the E-mail:

Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention PSA
Date : Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:32:00 -0700
From : "Amy Gibson-Grant" <AGrant@AdCouncil.org>
To : Jacquelyne Theisen
Cc : <lsouthard@fs.fed.us>; <smccreary@stateforesters.org>




Dear Jacquelyn,
Please see our attached letter in response to your recent email.
Sincerely,
Amy Gibson-Grant

Now the fawkin FS main page has a Smokey Vid. It's not the same one as the ATV one, but there is a link to the smokey the bear page.

Ad counsel response is unresponsive and unacceptable, also none of the people signing this response are responsible for the use of Smokey bear, under 36 CFR, http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=0c1bdee97f8fc8dbedfd15fdd8b6ca2c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=36:2.0.1.1.18&idno=36

Don't play the circle jerk game, the F'S is responsible for what's going on out there with Smokey bear, put an add in a local paper stating your renting a Smokey bear costume see how fast they knock on your door...TJ

Don't worry.

The new Pirate4x4.com letter generator is about to come to the rescue. :evil:

It's gonna e-mail every bigwig in the USFS on this one. Once it is up, I will let you all know, please help me spread the word to flood them with letters.

Roger that...TJ:mad3:

To;
Amy Gibson-Grant, Ad Council
Lewis Southard, US Forest Service
Sarah McCreary, National Association of State Forestors



Regarding your recent PSA featuring ATV's:

Unfortunately your ad illustrates an ignorance of the facts regarding the operation of All Terrain Vehicles, and is illustrative of the growing and inappropriate intolerance for off-highway vehicles. The ad portrays a bias against a sport that is enjoyed by many responsible individuals and families throughout the Untied States. As I'm sure you have been made aware, ATV's are equipped with US Forest Service approved spark arrestors, and just a slight amount of fact-checking would have provided the accurate information.


Public Service Announcements are supposed to spread a positive message, instead, you have created an ad that fuels the debate against off-road vehicles in the US by spreading negative and untrue information. Those of us that enjoy off-road recreation as a hobby are outraged by your portrayal. Our National Forests would be much better served by emphasizing personal responsibility for one's behavior while enjoying our public lands.

Amy Granat

--
amy granat
po box 298
clarksburg, ca 95612
916-710-1950 granat.amy@gmail.com

www.CORVA.org

It's AWN LIKE DONKEY KONG!

Pass out the link to as many people as possible please!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/letters/

GET IT!

Done.
Thanks if only they (letter writing) were all that easy!

From:

Amy Granat

To:

Amy Gibson-Grant

:shaking:

What next:lmao:

Done.
Thanks if only they (letter writing) were all that easy!

Well it is now!!


THANKS LANCE AND BRC!!!

THANKS LANCE AND BRC!!!

:confused:

:flipoff2:

32 letters sent so far this afternoon.

I SLAMMED all the ATV and dirt bike guys on Myspace so maybe it will even jump more

Thanks Kurt and BRC!







:flipoff2:

Done

Done:

After living for 30 years in Eldorado National Forest and constantly fighting the misinformation and anti-access policies pushed by the Rangers, Foresters, and bureaucrats within the United States Forest Service (including, most recently, the Route Designation debacle), it is with great dismay that I learn of the Forest Service's endorsement of the Ad Council's "Public Service" Announcement featuring Smokey the Bear and a pair of "rogue recreationists", otherwise known as safe, legal, and responsible ATV riders.

This "Public Service" Announcement does nothing but to bash the OHV image using misinformation. The general public who are not familiar with ATVs and other motorized vehicles know nothing about spark arrestors, and many have already been misled to believe that motorized recreation is unsafe, irresponsible, and illegal. This "Public Service" Announcement only adds to their ignorance and creates unwanted friction between the various user groups.

It is obvious that this advertisement has a not-so-hidden agenda to put a negative spin on all OHV use. Motorized recreationists have worked very hard over the years - especially recently - to correct the false bad image that the "environmentalists" have painted. When the public agencies that we fund with our taxes and green sticker dollars actively work to discredit us, we have no choice but to express our anger and dissatisfaction with the management direction.

I am writing to insist that you please ensure that the USFS dissociate itself from the Ad Council, issue a public retraction and apology, and as restitution for the damages to OHV recreationists that have been caused by this ad, immediately change the Eldorado National Forest's FEIS to "Alternative A".

:flipoff2:

submitted a letter!!

A little off topic from the ATV conversation but I was wondering if anyone else has seen the new Subaru commercial? A lady in her new Subaru is so excited to finally make it out the the "Fly Out" and take pictures of the birds flying out of the meadow, when she opens her tripod it clicks and the birds scatter. Now the catch is at the end where they show here and her car, in the back ground are the two muddy tire tracks thru the meadow. Nice job Subaru, have they not heard of Tread Lightly?

Basically Ad's response is we know it's a bunch of hot air but we're running it anyway, Smokey targets kids, ATVs are bad bad bad, no daddy I don't want one Smokey Say's they start fires...TJ:shaking:

Hey Tom,

aren't you on the Glamis Board? Can you post this info over there for me??

Can somebody also hit thumpertalk up with this one?

There was a long there over there about the PSA, but now I can't find it..

Read this BS on backpacker.com:

http://www.backpacker.com/blogs/223

Qoute from that blog:

"I had no plans to spark an ATV in a tinder-laden forest, but consider me scared straight nonetheless. As a slogan, "Get Your Smokey On" sounds perhaps a bit too much like parents trying to rap circa 2002, but the prospect of anyone in the world spontaneously changing into a towering, guilt-tripping bear ought to get the message across nicely."



Fawkin Sam Elliot is Smokey the Bear? I thought he was a cool guy? :mad3:

Done, time to o back to http://quietbike.org/icon/sleeping.gif...TJ

Letter sent through the generator. Awesome tool!

guess where else it can be found. :shaking:


http://www.fireeducator.com/index.php/2008/06/18/video-wildfire-prevention-psa-atv/#comment-167

I left 'em a note -- this reflects poorly on a good site for an incredibly valuable profession. :(

Randii

This piece of propaganda has no place on a professional site for Life Safety Experts… it taints your professionalism by association when you hitch your horse to such a misled wagon.

OHV volunteers actively maintain forest trails which are so vital to emergency response, law enforcement, and fire control, and posting this agenda-driven PSA is a step back to the life safety profession, in general. Please fact-check this propaganda to see for yourself how incredibly rare it is that OHVs start fires… and consider brush-trucks, and how equally rare it is for fire apparatus to cause a fire. When you think about the extreme rarity and the similarities between OHV and emergency apparatus (sometimes one and the same!), you’ll pull this video down ASAP.

SWEET!!!

The Ad council removed the vid from YouTube!!!!

:D


:bounce2::bounce::bounce2::bounce:

SWEET!!!

The Ad council removed the vid from YouTube!!!!

:D


:bounce2::bounce::bounce2::bounce:


Even though I was hopeful, I did not think it would happen:D

I was sending my second letter, and came back to check the thread. Can you picture the mass of responses they have gotten.

Keep them coming!

Now is not the time to slow down! It STILL up on the Smokey the Bear website. It IS gone from the Ad Council site:

http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=60

Smokey the Bear is Pirate4x4.com's BITCH!

Looks like Amy Gibson-Grant can't hold a job very long. Only been at the Ad Council 4 months.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/agibsongrant

Time to look for a new job, HUH!

So they are basically saying that ATVs can cause fires and when you watch the video it makes you think that starting an ATV in an off road area will result in a fire yet they have this information on their site telling how spark arrestors “GREATLY” reduce the risk of a fire while an ATV is pictured at the top:

http://www.smokeybear.com/equipment-maintenance.asp


"Today most equipment requires the use of a spark arrestor. A spark arrestor is a mechanical device that traps or destroys hot exhaust particles that have been released from an internal combustion engine.

A spark arrestor works by destroying carbon particles that are greater than .023 inches in diameter. The most commonly used spark arrestor traps carbon particles in the exhaust system. Then by screening the larger carbon particles out of the exhaust, the heavier particles are thrown against the walls of the arrestor and into a trap.

Spark arrestors can be divided into two categories: multiposition small engine (MSE) and general purpose (GP). MSE's are designed for handheld equipment such as chain saws, blowers etc. GP's are designed for an engine that remains in a single position for tractors, motorcycles, etc.

While spark arrestors are not 100% effective, they GREATLY reduce the risk of starting a wildfire."

142 personal letters for Smokey the Bear in 24 hours of that letter being up. :smokin:

AND the Ad Council has removed the PSA from Youtube and their website. Still gotta work on the Forest Service.

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!

Kurt,

Have you completed your domestic goddess duties today?

Make sure you get Shannons list done....:laughing:

Kurt,

Have you completed your domestic goddess duties today?

Make sure you get Shannons list done....:laughing:

I got everything done, then She came home and still complained I did not do it right. :(

BTW, I DID get the voice mail today from Brian about your breasts while you guys were at Donner. :D :D :D

We are up to 160 letters! :D

:confused:

http://www.trailsmen.org/KFD%2007%20pics/DCP_1701.JPG

Two faced bastard.

Well, note the lack of proper riding attire.....

At the very least, he should have helmet.....

What kind of message are they trying to send????

http://www.corva.org/
7/23/2008

Anti-ATV and misinformation by Smokey the Bear Public Service Announcement. Please write letters in your own words.

Pirate4X4 has set up a great page for this.http://www.sharetrails.org/letters-p4x4/letter.php?id=22

CORVA's on board:D

A little off topic from the ATV conversation but I was wondering if anyone else has seen the new Subaru commercial? A lady in her new Subaru is so excited to finally make it out the the "Fly Out" and take pictures of the birds flying out of the meadow, when she opens her tripod it clicks and the birds scatter. Now the catch is at the end where they show here and her car, in the back ground are the two muddy tire tracks thru the meadow. Nice job Subaru, have they not heard of Tread Lightly?


I just had a conversation last week with 2 people, 2 out of 3 of us noticed the same thing:mad3:

letter sent:smokin:

letter sent

Nice rebuttal video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66wEA5yx2B8

Wayne

I'd like to see some out takes of the AD counsels video...TJ:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZza688eHpk&feature=related

(The girl in this spoof is quite a sport, tech note the brakes on most mountain bikes are reverse of an ATVs)

Nice rebuttal video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66wEA5yx2B8

Wayne



Eric has totally outdone himself!!!

Great goin' Grizzly Guy!!!

Eric has totally outdone himself!!!

Great goin' Grizzly Guy!!!

Thank you! The idea actually came from RedGrizz, a fellow ATV rider up in Bend, OR who was down riding with me for a few days. All the credit goes to him and my wife who was a good sport and played the leading lady role. :)

We also made a blooper video. Here is our original video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66wEA5yx2B8

And here are the bloopers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZza688eHpk

:D

Just FYI,

We are up to 188 indiviual letters thru the Pirate4x4.com letter generator.

Still no response from the forest service.:mad3:

They may feel they already did, perhaps we should indicate in our letters we saw the AD console response, found it to be totally unacceptable. Also it could be they lost control of however is running the .com web site, if it's a matter of legal action they may not respond as it may complicate their case. To say a USFS approved spark arrestor is not 100% effective is bunk, if an area is that volatile it would be closed to any use at all. Also would indicate a total failure in fuels management, is Smokey calling the F'S a total failure :flipoff2: because if the don't publicly rebuke this PSA that's what their admitting...TJ

Thank you! The idea actually came from RedGrizz, a fellow ATV rider up in Bend, OR who was down riding with me for a few days. All the credit goes to him and my wife who was a good sport and played the leading lady role. :)



Hey Eric, did you recognize the dude in my avatar? :D

Perhaps they should do another version, where the girl is actually on the ball and says something like, "hey guys I know your quads are perfectly legal, and your great Volunteers but this Forest is managed so badly, any engine even with a perfect spark arrestor can still start a fire"....TJ:shaking:

The Pirate BBS is now claiming victory because without explanation is gone off the Smokey web site (which suites us just fine as long as it stays that way). However we should still keep after the F'S to pull Smokey ads from the AD's counsel, as they will always be trying to find ways to nibble at the corners, in the furtherance of their own agenda...TJ

Smokey Has Been Smoked!!!
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=701874

Here is the official response:

Hi all,

The Ad Council will be sending out a notice to media outlets that received
our wildfire prevention PSAs (public service advertisements) to discontinue
use of the one titled "ATV". below is the notice. The PSA will be removed
from any internet site where the Ad Council posted it.

If any of you have received emails or calls from folks about that PSA,
please let them know of this action. You can use the responses below or
use your own words.

thanks,
Helene



RESPONSE TO MEDIA COMPANIES

It has come to our attention that the recently released PSAs entitled “ATV”
for television and radio developed as part of our Wildfire Prevention
campaign featuring Smokey Bear have been perceived in a way that is not in
line with their original intent.

While the use of motorized recreational equipment does have the potential
to cause wildfires, it is not possible to fully explain the various
intricacies of ignition in a PSA. Therefore, we request that you
immediately discontinue running the TV and radio spots that feature the use
of motorized recreational equipment.

On behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State
Foresters and the Ad Council we ask that you continue to support the
important issue of wildfire prevention by airing the PSAs listed below.
Together, we can continue Smokey Bear's 64-year old legacy and provide
critical information to Americans about their role in preventing
human-caused wildfires.


RESPONSE TO PRESS / OTHERS INQUIRING ABOUT OUR DISCONTINUING THE AD

Thank you for your concern and interest in our recently released wildfire
prevention television and radio PSAs. The use of motorized recreational
equipment does have the potential to start wildfires. However, many factors
come into play and it is not possible to fully explain the intricacies of
ignition in a way that would tell the whole story in a PSA. One of our ads
has been interpreted in a way that is not in line with the original intent
and we have requested that media companies discontinue airing the spots
immediately. Our chief goal is to continue to spread Smokey’s enduring
message of personal responsibility in the prevention of wildfires, and we
hope you will continue your commitment to this issue and help us protect
our natural resources from unwanted human caused fire.



RESPONSE TO EMAILS FROM ATV COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT EXPRESSED CONCERN

Thank you for your concern and interest in our recently released wildfire
prevention television and radio PSAs. While the use of motorized
recreational equipment does have the potential to start wildfires many
factors come into play. It is not possible to fully explain the intricacies
of ignition in a way that would tell the whole story in a PSA. We
understand that our PSA entitled “ATV” has been interpreted in a way that
is not in line with the original intent and we have requested that media
companies discontinue airing the spot. We have also removed it from our
electronic distribution channels. Our chief goal is to continue to spread
Smokey’s enduring message of personal responsibility in the prevention of
wildfires, and we hope you will continue your commitment to this issue and
help us protect our natural resources from unwanted human caused fire.

CYA....intricacies of ignition. OMFG.

Any mind that can twist that crap around should be on heavy doses of librium.

I bet they don't even know how to check their own oil:shaking:

Next thing you know they will be regulating Dennis' Oogly Beans at FOTR work parties for their combustability :nuke:

Well what did you expect the truth, "OK you caught us we we're using Smokey to program your kids to hate ATV's, so your kids would say No daddy I don't want one Smokey says they start fires". Also do the right thing "OK we violated the guidelines for the use of Smokey image, which is no big deal except it was intentional knowing the hypnotic effect Smokey has on your kids, the AD counsel will as a result no longer be involved with Smokey's image" No dream on I don't think so...TJ:flipoff2:

Good job everyone! :D

Next thing you know they will be regulating Dennis' Oogly Beans at FOTR work parties for their combustability :nuke:

Yup.......... for excess emissions of course.

Looks like FoxNews picked up the story!


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,394122,00.html

WASHINGTON — Smokey Bear was unfair.

The Forest Service said Tuesday it has canceled a public service ad in which the iconic bear warned that sparks from off-road vehicles could start a wildfire.

Off-road groups had complained that the ad sent the wrong message that riders operating ATVs in a legal manner can start forest fires.

"The mutual goal of the Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council is to spread Smokey's enduring message of preventing wildfires to all forest users," the Forest Service said in a statement Tuesday.

Because the ATV ad was interpreted as unfairly targeting off-road riders, the Forest Service has requested that TV stations and other media outlets that had broadcast the ad discontinue it, the Forest Service said.

The BlueRibbon Coalition, an Idaho-based group that advocates for off-road vehicles, hailed the ad's withdrawal.

"I honestly believe the agencies had intended to create a positive message regarding safe use of ATVs on public lands," said Don Amador, the group's Western representative.

Whatever its intent, the ad "incorrectly conveyed to the ATV rider that the best way for them to prevent wildfires was to stay at home. Instead, the ad should have encouraged the use of Forest Service-approved spark arresters and limiting travel to approved routes and areas," Amador said.

Forest Service officials said the ad was not intended to imply that all ATV use causes fires — rather that fire prevention is always important, especially at a time of high fire danger.

The Forest Service supports responsible use of ATVs on public land, said Jim Bedwell, the agency's director of recreation. ATV riders must use spark arresters — which restrict sparks from escaping an exhaust system — when operating off-road on public lands.

as did AP......

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ix1f6vXfGv0EI8W1YymJaNDEQvWwD927NV4G1

SWEET! :smokin:

megabackpedalmuch? :)

"I honestly believe the agencies had intended to create a positive message regarding safe use of ATVs on public lands," said Don Amador, the group's Western representative.

Whatever its intent, the ad "incorrectly conveyed to the ATV rider that the best way for them to prevent wildfires was to stay at home. Instead, the ad should have encouraged the use of Forest Service-approved spark arresters and limiting travel to approved routes and areas," Amador said.

Exactly. Pretty simple if you ask me.

The Forest Service supports responsible use of ATVs on public land, said Jim Bedwell, the agency's director of recreation. ATV riders must use spark arresters — which restrict sparks from escaping an exhaust system — when operating off-road on public lands.

Well then why didn't you just say so?



We need to figure out who approved that Ad....and then let them know how we really feel.

The only way to truly rid yourself of a problem, is to yank it out by its root.

The Forest Service supports responsible use of ATVs on public land, said Jim Bedwell, the agency's director of recreation.

Huh. Izzat so?

Jim Bedwell. The FS Director of Recreation. We gotta meet that guy and introduce ourselves. :D

How can they support OHV recreation when all they seem to do is CLOSE routes and areas to OHV use, which in turn creates MORE damage to the enviroment my compacting users in a smaller area?

I would not say they SUPPORT OHV use. I think they DEAL with OHV use. :shaking:

I must say it is a nice surprise to see all factions of OHV user from all over the US come together to right a wrong and to show the bureaucrats that we will not stand for blatant misinformation be spread like wildfire..........had to

Bump for an Old thread. I have been hearing this same message on the radio lately.

:shaking:

Bump for an Old thread. I have been hearing this same message on the radio lately.

:shaking:

If you notice the station and time slot post up ....thanx