The Club meeting this month will be held on
Wednesday, Feburary 20 at the Emery County
Courthouse in Castle Dale at 7:00 P.M.
There are some important issues to
discuss, two of which are the BLM Resource
Management Plan and the proposal to designate
the San Rafael Swell a national monument.
As both of these will have a very definite
effect on the future of our motorized recreation,
we need to do all we can to make sure that our
opinions are known.
ATTENTION ALL CLUB MEMBERS,
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS....
The BLM is in the process of changing their
management plan in the Price area.
The BLM makes management decisions
according to Resource Management Plans (RMP).
An RMP can be compared to a county master plan
where management direction and objectives are
defined for specific resources and areas.
Most of you know that the Price office area is
home to several premier OHV destinations,
including Eagle Canyon, Devil's Racetrack, Eva
Conover load. Coal Wash, Behind the Reef Road,
Dick Brass Motorcycle Trail System, Chimney Rock
Trail System and others.
Last year, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
(SUWA) used new regulations issued in the last days
of the Clinton/Gore administration to try and make
the BLM close roads and even designate new
Wilderness Study Areas in this area. Although
unsuccessful then, they are now hopeful that this
new planning process will provide them another
opportunity.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Currently, the BLM is in the beginning of
the process. They call it the "scoping" phase.
Scoping is part of the planning process where the
bureau decides which management issues will be
resolved and management objectives for the new
plan. Scoping is the most important part of the
entire planning process. Comment in the scoping
phase is the most effective way to get the agency to
consider the issues that are important to you, your
organization and your community. Your input is
most effective at this time.
Members of the SouthEastern Utah OHV
Club are encouraged to write the BLM and help us
keep those roads and trails open! Below are some
comment suggestions. Don't worry about proper
grammar or sounding like you're a land use expert.
Just let them know what your issues and concerns
are. We've given you a head start with some
comment suggestions below:
Keep existing roads and trails open for
vehicle use.
I support management plans that allow for
club rides and other OHV events.
NO NEW WSA'S
Keep group size limits the way they are.
Keep management plans flexible enough to
allow for construction and maintenance of
new and existing OHV routes.
Management plans should allow dispersed
camping.
Address your letters to:
RMP Scoping Comments
Bureau of Land Management
125 S 600 W
Price, Utah 84501
MARCH IS THE MONTH!!!
Winter is about over and it is time to
start up the ATV Education Program. There will
be three (3) different classes that can be signed up
for at the Recreation Center in Castle Dale.
Dates: March 9th, 16th (ladies only) & 23rd.
There is a $10.00 fee for the class. The
program teaches people from the age of eight and
up to ride their ATVs safely and legally. To
legally ride on public lands, kids 8 through 16
years of age are required to pass the course. The
ladies only class is being presented for those of
you gals that would like to be more confident in
your riding ability.
On each Friday evening there will be a
written test. Call 381-2493 for more information.
OUR OPINION ON THE PROPOSAL FOR A MONUMENT DESIGNATION
A monument designation will stop all new exploration and extraction of natural resources.
It may trade out State School Trust Lands.
It will not guarantee grazing rights
It CANNOT guarantee that the monument boundaries won't be enlarged or the plan amended by the next
administration.
It does not stop the designation of wild and scenic rivers.
It does not guarantee the input of local stakeholders.
It does not preclude Wilderness Study Areas. In fact it will provide them with more legitimacy as they are
within the boundaries of a "Monument".
It CANNOT prevail Congress from designating wilderness within or outside the monument boundaries.
It does not settle the RS2477 Road issues.
It does not guarantee motorized access on the roads and trails that YOU want left open.
It creates another layer of bureaucracy.
Emery County will not create the Monument Management Plan because that will be the responsibility of
the Bureau of Land Management.
Please call or write the following and voice your opinion:
President Bush 202/456-1414
Governor Mike Leavitt
801/538-1000
210 Capitol Bldg.
Salt Lake City, Ut. 84114
