Weekly Newsletter Issue 67 | Apr 20, 2024 |
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BRC Staff Are Building the Movement |
We know that in order to confront the torrent of proposed closures and changes in land management that are restricting our access, that we have to have your help. For this reason, our team has been traveling almost non-stop to make stronger connections, educate more supporters, and understand the truth on the ground on our public lands.
We had a great time last weekend at the Boise Offroad Expo. The highlight was another phenomenal public comment training meeting led by Tammy Pike. We had numerous supporters who want to make a bigger difference attend, and they spent several hours getting their questions answered. We believe the knowledge that was shared will play a big role in shaping the Grandview plan in the Owyhees. We would like to thank PNW4WDA for making a substantial donation to support this training. We're grateful that the Boise Offroad Expo hosted and promoted the training, and we plan to continue hosting trainings like this to benefit as many of our members as possible.
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At the show we also connected with numerous off-road businesses at the expo. We also announced that we received a grant to produce a third volume of the Lost Trails Guidebook from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative. We are planning to focus Volume 3 on trails in Idaho in the many areas we've been working on there.
Finally, Salt Lake Off-Road Expo and Boise Off-Road Expo have used their events to raise funds for BRC, and we appreciate the donations they've made as their events have continued to grow in success.
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In the midst of these travels, we continue to see more and more being done to restrict our public lands. Late this week we received notice that the BLM has released the final version of its conservation lease rule. This is another scheme to privatize our public lands and allow radical conservation groups to take control of our public lands. We will release more information on this rule in the coming days, but you can watch our initial reaction now.
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Ben Burr Guest on Trail Head Podcast |
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Join JD, Ryan, Pope, Alyssa, and special guest Ben Burr on a riveting episode of "The Trailhead" as they venture into the contentious terrain of the Dingell Act and its transformative effects on Utah’s San Rafael Swell. This discussion isn’t just about the land; it’s about the people, politics, and the pulse of off-road culture. Dive deep into the nitty-gritty of county-specific public land bills and the complex web of decision-making that surrounds our beloved trails.
This episode doesn't shy away from controversy, tackling head-on the clash between environmentalists and off-roaders. Our hosts challenge prevailing narratives about trail damage and route closures, bringing to light the essential balance needed between conservation and access. They underscore the importance of public involvement, emphasizing that every voice matters in shaping the future of public lands.
Whether you're an off-road rookie or a seasoned trailblazer, this conversation is a crucial pit stop on your journey. Ben from the Blue Ribbon Coalition shares invaluable insights into advocacy and the urgent need to engage with the BLM’s public comment processes. As routes face closures and the community feels the pinch, find out how you can play a part in steering the direction of public land management. Don’t just listen—engage, learn, and act!
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Sage Grouse Proposals Threaten Restrictions Across Millions of Acres |
There has been a long debate over the Sage Grouse with environmental advocates pushing to have the species listed under the Endangered Species Act. In order to prevent an endangered species listing, a Sage Grouse Land Use Plan was developed. The Bureau of Land Management created this plan in 2015 in order to protect the species and its habitat, which has kept it off of the endangered list. The species still has yet to be listed, therefore the BLM is not required to treat Sage Grouse and its habitat as endangered or threatened, and should not be managing land as such. The plan was amended in 2019 and the BLM is proposing additional amendments.
These changes will affect the states of California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. It includes 77 resource management plans across these states and 69 million acres. Comments will be accepted through June 13, 2024. You can read the environmental impact statement as well as the proposal to address habitat changes. One concern is it would designate millions of acres as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). ACEC’s are historically restrictive, have closed roads, and shut down access for all types of users.
Submit a comment to the BLM to oppose unnecessary access restrictions:
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2. Bears Ears Draft Resource Management Plan Released for Public Comment |
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Located in the rural corner of Southeastern Utah, the Bears Ears National Monument has been a point of controversy for nearly a decade. In 2016 President Obama initially used the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate 1.3 million acres as a national monument completely bypassing Congress and abusing the Antiquities Act which gives presidents the authority to protect the smallest area of land possible. When the monument was created it required the BLM to create a resource management plan (RMP) to dictate the management of the monument. A year later, President Trump reduced the monument’s boundaries, it required a new resource management plan. In 2021, President Biden re-expanded the monument, in fact making it even larger the the original boundaries triggering yet again the process for a new resource management plan.
The Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service have released the proposed alternatives for the public to submit comments and feedback on for the next 90 days until June 11, 2024. Alternative A is the current management objectives, goals and restrictions. Alternative B-E give the proposals the agencies are considering moving forward with the management of this massive area.
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3. Help Us Oppose the Dolores River Canyon National Monument |
Along the Dolores River in Southern Colorado families camp, raft and recreate. We have recently seen a surge in social media posts promoting the creation of a national monument out of the Dolores River Canyon. Surprisingly, these posts suggest that the motivation for the advocates supporting the monument is because they used to camp along the river when younger with their families. National monument designations usually lead to the kinds of restrictions on recreation use that we see in wilderness areas or national parks. As such, it is highly unlikely that there will be any primitive dispersed camping allowed in a Dolores River Canyon National Monument. To the extent that any camping will be allowed at all, it will be in restrictive developed campgrounds that require a reservation, and they won’t be anywhere near the riparian corridor of the river itself.
It is because of restrictions like this that we are opposing the creation of giant national monuments through the abuse of the Antiquities Act in federal court court. We continue to oppose the creation of national monuments throughout the west including the Dolores River Canyon National Monument.
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Lost Trails Guidebook Sponsor Highlight |
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NEWSLETTER CLUB AND ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT |
The BlueRibbon Coalition is excited to announce that the following organizations have recently either donated to our Moab Fight or joined as organization members:
Gear For Experiences
TA Motorsports, INC
We'd like to give a special shout out to California Dual Sport Riders - CDSR. They have been an especially strong and consistent supporter of BRC! They donate annually to BRC after one of their Quarterly Club Cruises and we are glad to put the resources to good use. Consider joining them if you ride anywhere in California!
We love to see all these businesses and organizations joining the fight! We know that we couldn't do what we do without the support of these organizations. If your business or club isn't on this list: Business/Organization Members, contact us today. As passionate recreation enthusiasts, these clubs and businesses understand the importance of fighting for and protecting our public lands and trails for future generations to enjoy. By renewing their support, they are helping to ensure that the BlueRibbon Coalition can advocate for responsible access to our public lands. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our mission and look forward to working together to keep the trails open and accessible for all.
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