Sometime in the mid to late winter this year, the Forest Service will likely enact the national OHV rule changes. With that thought in mind, I am concerned. I am concerned because I know that on a national issue that will perhaps have the single, most sweeping effect on our chosen recreation in decades, the Forest Service only received some 80,000-comment letters. Out of those 80,000 comment letters, it would likely be generous to consider half of them to be from OHV interests. That means that out of potentially millions that should have been “interested OHV public”, only 40,000 really were.
Those rule changes, if enacted as proposed, place the burden of identifying and lobbying with the Forest Service “Roads, Trails and Areas” that we want designated as open for OHV use on the back of the “interested OHV public”.
Folks, whether we want it or not, the onus rests squarely on us (the OHV community). We can't say things like, “They need to…” We are the “…they”. Locally, you know we have been working proactively toward getting the Black Hills National Forest to designate a Road and Trail System for OHV use. The purpose and urgency of that system comes much clearer in light of what is happening at a national level and it is important that you be involved. Come to the next meeting and find out more about what is going on and how you can become part of the “interested OHV public”. We have lots at stake and as a club, we have lots to consider and plan for.
There are other issues to discuss too. There is another decision out on the Jasper and Elk Mountain Complex Fire Areas, I just got back from the fall board meeting of the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the latest on some other issues that are going on with the areas down on the Grasslands the Sierra Club are trying to get designated as wilderness.
As for wheeling, one thing we all need to know and remember about the fall in the Black Hills . This is actually the most vulnerable time of year for fire as it pertains to fuel loading and dryness of the forest so it is important to be careful out there. The last thing we want is a fire.
Speaking of playing in the Hills, I am really looking forward to the next club run on the 9 th , which is probably a good thing since I am supposed to be leading it. If you haven't spent much time in the Northern Hills, be sure to set aside some time, you are gonna love it up where we are going.
One last thing, I just wanted to take the time to thank our esteemed president for speaking in my stead last month in Wyoming . It was an important opportunity for us to have some say with some important folks in Wyoming (not the least of which was the Governor and his entourage). Because of the Blue Ribbon Coalition meeting in Idaho , I couldn't make it. Even though it was short notice, Matt willingly stepped up to the plate and did it. Kudos dude and thanks! Caught you doing it right again!