April 2002

The last two months have been very busy. We have been plowed under with public meetings, comment periods, management plans and jnst regular day to day life. We can't let it get us down. We can't give up. We need to continue to pull together so that our voices will be heard!!! Hopefully, everyone had a great Easter Weekend. The weather was wonderful for a good ATV ride. Thanks to all of you for riding sensibly and staying on the trails.

Swell Cure for Cabin Fever Poker Ride Are you ready for the "Swell Cure for Cabin Fever Poker Ride" on April 13,2002? Let's meet on Wednesday, April 10th at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse in Castle Dale and talk about it. All of those that have accepted responsibilities to make this a success again this year deserve a huge thanks. Everyone is invited to the meeting, because there will be other business conducted also. San Rafael National Monument Proposal The Emery County Public Lands Council will hold a public meeting on April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of the San Rafeel, 96 North 100 East in Castle Dale. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and receive input regarding grazing, as it relates to the San Raftel National Monument concept. Even though you may not be involved in the grazing issue, remember that our club believes in multiple use and you should try to attend. This monument affects everyone! We need to speak up whenever we can.
Those of you that attended the meetings in Green River and Castle Dale sponsored by the Public Lands Council and the Emery County Commissioners and the meeting sponsored by the Castle Country Rural Alliance in Huntington were able to see how important this issue is. Apathy is not the way to win!!! Please continue to attend these meetings.

Castle Country Rural Alliance Castle Country Rural Alliance is a non-profit group that opposes the monument proposal. Other areas of interest include issues about water, grazing, mining, recreation, tourism and OHV use. This is a new alliance that is seeking members that will support the group and become involved. To find out more information about the alliance, contact Paul Conover at 435/384-2321.

Route Management Plan of the Bureau of Land Management As a reminder, the Bureau of Land Management extended the comment period for the Route Management Plan so be sure and get yours in. If any of you haven't seen a copy of this plan, call the Bureau of Land Management Office in Price at 435/636-3460 and request it so that you can give a knowledgeable opinion about it by April 22nd.

Arapeen Trail System on the Manti-LaSal The Arapeen Trail on the Manti-LaSal will be opening up next month. Maps will be out to cover the routes in May. There will also be maps available through the Forest Service and at the infonnation kiosks along the trail.

Utah ATV Association Benefit Poker Run Mark Kerlin, Vice President of the Utah ATV Association has a son, Nickolas, with an inoperable brain tumor. He is only six years old. The club is cancelling their regular April ride and having a benefit poker run at 5 Mile Pass on April 20th at 10 am. You get to Five Mile Pass by taking the Lehi exit to Highway 73 on through Cedar Fort until you arrive at the OHV staging area. April 20th is also Earth Day so the Bureau of Land Management will be in the area with work crews. To find out additional information and updates go to http://www.utahatv.com.
The Utah ATV Association has invited all members and non-monbers to come and enjoy the day with food and prizes. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to help the Kerlin family meet expenses, mail it to: Lisa Petersen, c/o Utah Atv Association, 7320 Shady Woods Circle, Midvale, Utah 84847.

Earth Day - Bureau of Land Management The Utah Bureau of Land Management Office has invited all 4 Wheelers in the state to participate on April 20th at 10 a.m. in Earth Day at 5 Mile Pass. There will be a massive clean up of the area. Bring your gloves and any other equipment to get the job done right. This event will be separate from the poker run mentioned previously in this column. If you have any questions, contact Marsha Terry at her e-mail address of mterry@linkbay.com

May Ride Behind the Reef Trail is the spot to be on May 4th for the next Club ride. For those that can, there will be camping near Temple Mountain. Different groups will start to leave the staging area between 7 and 9 a.m.
Travel on 1-70 until you can take Highway 24 to Goblin Valley. Rather than turn into Goblin Valley, continue on a little ways until you come to the OHV staging area and Temple Mountain. Call 435/381-2493 for more information.