Inter
Association's Directors' Report
June, 2006
The North American Motorized Recreation Council (NAMRC) had
scheduled a Spring Meeting for May in northern California. Time and travel
became an issue for many so we are sending reports over the internet. We will
all get together in November at the SEMA Show. NAMRC will meet on October 30th
in Las Vegas and SEMA will provide the room.
From East Coast reports:
Some of the biggest news is that NETRA (New England Trail Riders Association (MX/ATVs),
Ohio Multi Use Association and a NY ATV group, all garnered funding from
Polaris' grant program.
In CT, users have started COALT (the Connecticut Open Access Land Trust) (also
has the same sound as COLT... the gun that won the west... nice ring for a new
"battle group"). They are moving this fwd with LOTS of enthusiasm, goals,
common mindset, etc. AND, its not just 4x4 its quads and bikes too.
East Coast four wheelers have picked up some new private
land in MA for use. They were able to get the "no use" clause out of the forest
reserve program in MA. In New England, they have designed and created a
pamphlet for landowners... something that can be handed to potential leasers or
permittees--a landowner who may potentially allow use of their properties. It
goes into benefits for the land owner, benefits for the community, the
liability, actually lack there of if the landowner does NOT charge for use of
the land and shows the statutes from each state that define that lack of
liability.
The EC4WDA 2006 Raffle Jeep is a 98 TJ, with a Clayton Long
Arm kit, BFG 35" MTs, full custom roll cage and side protection, AiRaid,
Wrangler power products alt and dual batts, RockCrusher Dana 60 w/Detroit
Locker, Tuffy, SmittyBuilt bumpers, custom paint (electric lime green), fully
Line-X'd, AGR power steering,and Ramsey winch. We'll be selling tickets for $5
each, only selling 8000.
From snowmobile association:
When the snowmobilers were in Washington, DC for the FLY-IN, one of the most
important issues discussed with our legislators was the budget for the Forest
Service. The Forest Service was looking at a $19 million reduction in their
trails budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition to the personal visits
-- which happened to be timed perfectly -- many phone calls were made and our
requests were granted. The House subcommittee on Interior Appropriations
approved a fiscal year 2007 Interior and related agencies appropriations bill on
May 4th. The subcommittee did the following:
* approved $262 Million for Forest Service recreation ($11 Million more than the
President's request);
* approved $73.4 Million for Forest trails ($13 Million more than the
President's request);
* approved a $41 Million increase in base National Park Service operations
spending;
* did not include an administration proposal to sell Forest Service and BLM
lands;
* approved no money for new federal land acquisitions;
* approved no money for the state side of LWCF (compared to $30 Million in
fiscal 2006)
Way to go snowmobilers!! You traveled to Washington, DC, you spoke -- and they
listened!! You really are the movers and shakers in the motorized recreation
community!! Twenty states participated in the April Fly-In. Over 200
legislative offices were visited. There were speakers from the Forest Service,
the Park Service, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior, the
Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee and many other
legislators, legislative staff and related organizations. It was no secret that
the snowmobilers were in town for their annual visit. The Fly-In has really
changed the minds and attitudes in DC because of the efforts the snowmobilers
make by traveling to Washington every spring. Mark your calendars now for the
2007 Fly-In, April 14-18.
From California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs:
Cal
4 is embarking on what should be another good year for the Association. During
the past year attendance and income has been stable or up slightly at most of
the events. Membership numbers appear to be increasing slightly. Some serious
land use battles continue.
During the past year, representation at various events and shows has increased
and that has helped spread the word and promote the Association. The events
include : OHV Lobby day at the State Capitol in March, Access for All Expo in
May, National OHV Lobby Day held in Washington D.C. in July, Off Road Expo held
in Pomona during October, NAMRC, and SEMA. Cal 4 was at the Arizona Sand Expo
in Phoenix during December. The association maintains an advisory role for the
Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, and is currently participating in discussion
on expanding the California League of Off Road Voters (CLORV). In addition, one
of the association articles was published in Sportsmen’s Gear Magazine promoting
the Association, and short articles in several other magazines featuring
primarily the Sweepstakes Vehicle.
The United Four Wheel Drive Associations will be meeting in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
on July 12-15. The United Annual Meeting will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
with the Land Use Conference starting Friday afternoon and running all day
Saturday.
Don
and Carol
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