The meeting was called to order by Director Karen Fisher
at 9:15 am at Warn Industries. Ken Scuito, Warn Industries, welcomed everyone
and showed Warn’s new electric come-a-long.
Randy Drake, Deschutes County 4 Wheelers, distributed a
written report detailing the clubs activities for 2006. The Edison OHV System will
have 28 miles of trail opened to ATV Class II because of the cooperative
efforts of the Forest Service, Deschutes County 4 Wheelers and the Central
Oregon Off Highway Vehicle Operation Group (COHVOPS).
ODOT (Oregon Department 0f Transportation) is proposing
to remove 8 million cubic yards of land from the Cline Falls Flats play area.
Discussion followed on whether ATV funds were spent on the play area and if so,
will they need to be returned when the play area is closed. When access is
eliminated can ATV funds be used to legally fight closures. “If it’s not in
writing—you have nothing.”
Letters have been written about Steens Mountain. Sand Mountain at Christmas Valley is closed—signs are up.
Tom Harris asked for a moment of silence for Gretchen
Burris who died as a result of an accident. She was a supporter of OHV
recreation.
The Klamath Falls Sportsmen Park has applied for ATV
funds for the motorized section of the park.
Currently in the process of getting the permit for Creek
n Trail.
The involvement in Mt Hood National Forest has been
lacking. The Clatsop State Forest is looking at opportunities for Class I and
Class III ATV”s—Region 3 is attending those meetings. Tom Fisher attended the
meeting in Sandy about Mt. Hood.
New sites being proposed are at Honeyman at the Dunes
and Grants Pass-Quartz Creek Area (BLM). Shotgun Creek has .33 miles of ATV trail.
Tom reminded everyone with regard to Steens Mountain to stay involved in scoping, document trails, and stay involved in planning.
Pat Harris reported on the Oregon ATV Committee meeting
in Florence. There was $4,420,904.79 allocated for projects. Pat will be
retiring in September but will continue to meet with project sponsors. Anyone
can apply to be on the ATV Committee, there is a maximum of 8 years that you
can serve. In 2006, the governor proposed using ATV funds for the State Fairground.
Calls to legislators were able to get it stopped. In 2007, the Governor is
proposing using ATV funds for the State Police. Also being proposed is there
be no match for acquisition. There will be three meeting throughout the
state-dates and locations are not known at this time.
Art Waugh reported that Heppner-west end has started
planning. He just received the John Day Basin Resource Plan. The RAC
(Resource Advisory Committee) has been asked to help. The only comments
received on the plan were sent by the Deschutes 4 Wheelers.
Randy Peterson, Recreation Coordinator, Tillamook State Forest thanked the four wheelers for their efforts on the forest. Nine
clubs have adopted trails in the forest with three other clubs expressing interest
in other trails. There are 18 four wheel drive trails on the map (mileage is
unknown). Work parties are on the second Saturday of each month alternating
between ATV and 4X4. There are no work parties in July and August.
Alan Paulson, Region 6 Director, said the potential is
there for Ground Hog Quarry. The Oregon Recreation Coalition is a coalition of
all users—all on the same page.
There was a discussion on tire size with regard to
vehicles on trails.
Alan reminded everyone that the Forest Service Road
designation depends on these three items: 1) Water quality, 2) Noxious Weeds
and 3) Erosion.
Rick Smith, Region 3 Director, stated that most Region 3
four wheeling is done in the Tillamook State Forest.
Ian Caldwell, Eastside Representative for Oregon State
Parks, reminded everyone to purchase a Class II sticker. Each Class II sticker
equals $200 into the ATV account. Rebate from the fuel tax is $.24 per
gallon.
Keith Brown, Prineville BLM gave a power point
presentation on Cline Butte Recreation. Brown distributed Concept Plans A, B
and C requesting that comments on the plans be sent to him at: Keith Brown,
Prineville BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner
District OHV
Coordinator
Cline Buttes
Recreation Planner
Phone: 541
416-6779
Email: kmbrown@or.blm.gov
Comments on the ODOT Gravel Pit (Cline Falls Flats play
area) should be sent to:
Molly Brown Her address was not
provided.
Paul Amar, Forest Service Cooperative Program,
distributed information about the China Hat Campground. Letters of support are
needed. For letters and further information contact? Vicki Ramming by phone
at 541 383-4791 or email vramming@fs.fed.us
or Paul Amar at pramar@fs.fed.us or by
phone 541 383-4724.
Please see the sign up sheet for attendance.
Carol Jensen
