Well, it was a short one with 7 people commenting, 6 for "Open Access" and 1 against.

There were between 50 and 60 people at this meeting with San Diego 4 Wheelers the largest group, approx 20 Members.

People that spoke(sorry, I didn't get any last names):
Blair(for)
Tammy(for)
David(for)
Steve(for)
Todd(for)
Steve Gardner from Anehiem(for)

Terrry Weiner(against)

All of the points that were put out before were hit.
The guy with the beard(sorry I forgot your name) stating he isn't a Biologist but has taught Environmental Classes. He really went after the Riparian Areas stating that they didn't fall into the true definition as such. A person from the BLM was there with him trying to understand what the definition of a Riparian area is after the meeting. He was really interested and paying very close attention!!.
Todd brought up some good points about how much money he has spent and in the future will spend in the local economy.
The issue of who has Juristiction over the Area since it is a RS2477 designated road was brought numerous times.

On the flip side, the only Green to speak, started off talking about how "there aren't enough quiet areas around to get away from vehicles", that she has been up Suprise Canyon in a Jeep and looks at that kind of recreation as if "Someone had driven thier vehicle through her bedroom where she lives". Again with the "Endangered Lizard line". The best line she said was she was tired of the Ford commercials "No Boundries" and that we need some! That drew some snickers from the Offroad Community!

We had a great showing!!

I didn't post this earlier because I know the Greens lurk here, hell, I lurk on thier sites!!:) The Sieera Club had a meeting tonight in Chula Vista of the San Diego Chapter from 6-8pm. Kinda ironic!

Oh by the way, pokey, you need to get ahold of me via PM or email. It concerns a "Certain Donation" and it's not coming from me!!!

Tammy, you can kick my a$$ later!!

I completely forgot about Tammy getting up and stating that her In Laws live up that area and want Suprise opened for all.

Also. who was the guy that had run Suprise with his Father when he was kid and now wants it open so he can take his kids? That was a very good point!!

I believe that was David.

Sounds like a win?? btw did that one green that stood up say she has been to surprise canyon in a jeep?? any way good job you guys and thank you.

Originally posted by TR
Sounds like a win?? btw did that one green that stood up say she has been to surprise canyon in a jeep?? any way good job you guys and thank you.

Yep, she said she had been up Suprise in a Jeep and likened it to someone driving though her bedroom which is where she lives. Comparing it to driving though the habitat of the animals that live in the Canyon.

I thought she said she had ridden in a jeep and the destination was not the goal, it was about conquering the rock; it's all about getting the "machine" up there. Yea lady, that's all we care about, kinda like the weeds are all you think about:rolleyes:

We do have boundaries on either side of Surprise. The greens need to wake up and live in the real world and not in a FORD commercial. If a person “feels” so suffocated in our vehicular dominated world, then that person needs to think about moving to a less populated area. My thought on this subject is access; this has been a road for decades. If 4wheelers do that much damage, we would have seen a noticeable change in the canyon years ago. Did something happen in recent years to change the canyon basically overnight? No it didn’t. To add to that Green’s comment about somebody driving a JEEP through my house? I would rather have the noise and a Jeep in my house rather than it getting hit by a flash flood!

I would like to see the road open as it has been in the past. It would cost the BLM/state of California nothing to keep it open, but it will cost then something to maintain a gate and enforce the area. Free and open access is the key; I feel that we should have equal opportunity access to this historic road and site. By keeping this route closed, you are shutting people out. My mother was an avid backpacker for years till she grew a bit older and became partially disabled. This woman has belong and fought along side with the Sierra club. But in recent years have changed her views. I am 100% certain you will find her comment sheet within the piles. By closing this road you are telling people like my mother that they can no longer enjoy our historic and natural environment. It is absurd to even think that a senior citizen or disabled person or Vet, that they cannot go see the grand canyon because the park is not handicapped accessible. I feel that is whole issue is a slap in the face to non-able bodies, voters, and taxpayers.

I had more but I’m still in draft mode:D