Tahoe National Forest Plan
Seven (7) Alternatives were offered. OHV recreationists were faced with issues like winter closures, road and route closures, and change in land designations. Read/download the BlueRibbon Coalition alert with links to copies of the plan Click here (pdf), and the final comments of the BlueRibbon Coalition here http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/tahoe_plan_brc.html
CAUTION: Funny Signs Ahead
Book Review by Del Albright
RoadTrip America has hit my funny bone with this new release of their book, CAUTION Funny Signs Ahead. Authors Mark Sedenquist and Megan Edwards scored high on my laugh list with this howler of highway delights.
You have got to have one of these in your book collection (reading room, guest quarters, restaurant, library, etc.). This cute book has stuff that will just plain make you smile and even laugh out loud. (Read more of my review here)
Del
BlueRibbon Coalition Open Letter to OHV Community (about Clear Creek Management Area)
From Don Amador, BRC Western Rep
BlueRibbon Coalition is engaged in many access issues around the country. Being the only grassroots national multiple-use organization in our OHV community, BRC is fully involved in nearly every state with a full plate of jobs. Their accomplishments are many.
Read more about Clear Creek (in CA) here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/ccma_open_letter_brc.html
Del
The Celebration of Life for our friend, mentor and hero, Dennis Mayer was a huge success last Sunday Dec. 14, 2008 in Auburn, CA. About 200 or so folks attended this grand event to celebrate one fine man and his Rubicon Trail life (as well as his family life).
I miss him terribly and will wear my Dennis Mayer bracelet until I wear it out. WWDD is all it says: What Would Dennis Do?
See the pics of this fun and wonderful event right here: http://www.delalbright.net/images/denniscelebration/index.html
Del
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
Tahoe National Forest Travel Plan DEIS Comment Deadline: DEC. 26th
BRC's Action Alert subscribers already know that the Tahoe National Forest released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Motorized Travel Management for public review and comment. We send kudos to California's OHV community for vigorously participating in this important travel plan.
That vigorous involvement is a good thing because, unfortunately, the Tahoe's draft plan is significantly flawed and needs to be changed.
The Tahoe National Forest is a recreation "crown jewel" in the West and is highly valued by the OHV community. We need your help in protecting this national treasure.
That is why we are asking all of our members and supporters to send a comment letter to the Tahoe before the December 26, 2008 deadline. Route-specific comments based on your personal experience are critically important if the FS is going to come out of this plan with an acceptable travel system. It is also important for your continued membership in local OHV clubs and organizations working to protect your trails. In addition, those clubs will play a key role in implementation of the final plan.
LEARN MORE ON THE WEB:
Copies of all DEIS documents and maps are available on the Forest's website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/projects_plans/ohv_inv/DEIS_overview.shtml
Please review the documents and maps closely and try to make your comments as site-specific as possible, preferably by referring to those specific roads or trails you have concerns with. It is important to remember this proposal is just a draft. Any route-specific comment is critical in refining this draft proposal prior to the final decision in March 2009.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
If you want, you can use BRC's letter generator, but please know that personal emails are much more effective! It has an easy interface for adding additional comments and sending your letter.
Old-fashioned snail mail is also effective. If you prefer you, can mail written comments, but please make sure they are postmarked by December 26, 2008. Mail written comments to: Travel Management Team, Tahoe National Forest, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959.
I had a chance to review several
FunTreks books, the ATV Trails Guide series, and I'm here to tell you these are handy references worth having. Chuck Wells has done a great job with these ATV specific trail books.
These are full color, with dozens of trails thoroughly listed and described, and matched up with complete GPS waypoints. You can't go wrong, plus they're in the convenient "rig" size (5.5 x 8.5 inches). If you ride quads and would like to check out some ATV specific trail books, read my review here: http://www.delalbright.com/Misc/funtreks.html
Christmas specials are underway right now if you're shopping for a deal.
Del
CA: Southern Inyo Wilderness Proposal Meetings
Inyo County Board of Supervisors Meeting:
Lone Pine – Tuesday December 16, 2008 Statham Hall at 6 PM. OHVers need to be there.
This meeting is for public comment regarding the new 700,000 acre wilderness proposed for Southern Inyo County.
Help get the word out.
Help Save Johnson Valley!
Attend Public Scoping Meeting on
Proposed Marine Base Expansion
Working together everyone can help save Johnson Valley. However, your participation in the public decision making process is critical. You can help save Johnson Valley by attending one of the three Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base expansion scoping meetings. Just walking through the door of one of the meetings to ask questions and gather information sends a loud and powerful message that the future use of Johnson Valley by the public is important to you!
Meeting Dates
December 3, 2008, 5 p.m to 9 p.m., Twentynine Palms, CA (Twentynine Palms Junior High, Hay's Gym, 5798 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA)
December 4, 2008, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Victorville, CA (Hilton Garden Inn Victorville, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville, CA)
December 5, 2008, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Ontario, CA (Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA)
Read more about the Marines wanting to take over Johnson Valley (including "the Hammers") here:
http://www.delalbright.com/Access/hammers_meeting_08.html
Thanks, Del
BRC ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF "CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS OF ISDT/E" WEBSITE AND ONLINE AUCTION
December 1st, 2008
Contacts:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDT/E Hero and Industry Land Use Champion - Motion Pro's Chris Carter
Click image to enlarge.
POCATELLO, ID (Dec 1) — The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national trail recreation advocacy group, is proud to announce the launch of our "Celebrating the Champions of ISDT/E" website (http://www.sharetrails.org/breakfast-of-champions-2009) for its 11th Annual Breakfast of Champions (BOC) on February 15, 2009 at the Indy Expo. The Breakfast will be held at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom at 7:00 a.m. This is BRC's premiere fundraising event, and this newly created website will promote the event and host an online auction of memorabilia from ISDT/E and other off-road champions. Read the whole story and see the goodies on the Champions web site here: http://www.sharetrails.org/breakfast-of-champions-2009. We are gathering up new stuff from the 4x4 off-road world of champions as well. Wait until you see the things to bid on and enjoy. Del
Please join us for the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2009 at the Cal4 office in Sacramento. Send a friend or club member if you can't make it and would like to be part of the planning for the future of the Rubicon Trail. Even if you can't be there or be represented, we ALWAYS welcome input and ideas from anyone who loves the Rubicon Trail and wants to keep it open to motorized recreation – alive and well.
Get more details and sign up here: http://www.delalbright.com/Rubicon/fotr_2009_meeting.html
And yes, I'll be running again for Trail Boss as I see 2009 to be a critical year for us to have experienced leadership. J On the other hand, anyone who'd like some time in a leadership role, or who would like to be involved in the future of leading volunteers on the Rubicon, you are MORE than welcome to get on board. If we have a future Trail Boss out there, I'll be happy to start offering you more training and opportunities to learn this job.
Thanks ,Del
Trail Boss FOTR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kurt Schneider
E-mail: kurtuleas@pirate4x4.com
El Dorado County: October 28, 2008
Pirate4x4.com unveils online letter generator to fight for OHV access
Pirate4x4.com uses newest campaign for Johnson Valley and the Hammers to announce letter generator.
The largest Off-Road website in the world, Pirate4x4.com has added a new tool for OHV enthusiasts to voice their opinions on route closures across the nation.
Piate4x4.com's new letter generator will enable Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts of all types to send out letters via e-mail to many different decision makers at once. Unlike many "form letters' campaigns that have been used in the past, this new letter generator allows users to type their own personalized letters and then send them off to several pre-determined e-mail addresses at once.
The current Pirate4x4.com letter campaign with the generator focuses on the United States Marines Corps expansion in to the Johnson Valley OHV area in Southern California. The Johnson Valley area is currently maintained by the BLM, and it contains the Hammers trail system which is considered a "Mecca" for OHV enthusiasts. The area is also used by many different types of recreationists including a broad range of motor-sports and hobbies; motorcycle and MX enthusiasts, ATV riders, sand-buggies, rally cars, hikers, campers, rock-hounds and RV-ers. Johnson Valley is also the home to the famous "King of the Hammers" 4x4 race that is held every year in the valley as well as many other sanctioned desert races.
The Marine Corps base at 29 Palms is now proposing a land withdrawal of 180,000 acres from the BLM in order to increase its training facilities for live-fire drills. This expansion would effectively shut the public out of this area and erase one of the most important trail systems for OHV users off the map forever.
This particular effort is not the first time Pirate4x4.com members have been active in land-use issues. The Pirate4x4.com letter generator has also been used for several issues important to the OHV community including addressing the Boxer/McKeon Wilderness Bill, The Greenhorn OHV area, and helping to defeat a Smokey the Bear OHV public service announcement that portrayed OHV users in a bad light.
On March 12, 2008, the website also held a "virtual rally" to show opposition to the proposed expansion. During a 4-hour period, almost 1,500 participants voiced their opinion while over 27,000 views of the rally were registered. In the first hour of the rally, traffic on the website was so heavy that many rally participants could not log onto the website to voice their concerns, post family photos, and pleas for its traditional uses to be left alone. The rally thread currently has been viewed by over 57,000 people. To view the rally responses, please visit www.pirate4x4.com/jv
Pirate4x4.com is the largest off-road website in the world with over 110,000 members and a million visitors to the website a month.
The Pirate4x4.com letter generator can be found at: www.pirate4x4.com/letters
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If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, e-mail Kurt at kurtuleas@pirate4x4.com
Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA is an awesome consumer show for enthusiasts as well as businesses, vendors and dealers. But for us, the buyer and looker, this is one heck of a show.
Held every October in Pomona, CA, it's a must see for me. I go in my capacity as a BlueRibbon Ambassador to help ensure the future of our sport, while supporting those businesses that are members of BlueRibbon. Check out the rock crawling, celebrities, and new products in this photo essay (pics):
http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/expo_2008.html
Del
Dutch ovens are a great way to bring the taste of home cooking to the outdoors. To better understand Dutch ovens, I turned to fellow Outdoor Adventure USA member Bruce Crabtree. Bruce has been cooking with Dutch ovens for over 15 years. He recently joined us during a ham radio program to share his thoughts. To hear the entire program, click on this link:
http://www.oausa.net/on-air-nets/48-on-air-nets/91-cooking-with-a-dutch-oven
A Dutch oven is actually a cooking pot that's designed to be heated by charcoal or a campfire. They are made of cast iron because iron offers a uniform distribution of heat. Dutch ovens are most often used for baking goods, but are also used to cook with. People make soups, casseroles, and other dishes with a Dutch oven.
Dutch ovens can be purchased at most outdoor stores such as Cabela's, Sports Chalet and Bass Pro. Wall Mart has a limited selection. Stick with high quality Lodge or Camp Chef brands.
The ovens come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 10" and 12" wide. A 12" pot holds six quarts of food and will serve four to six people. For two to four people, a 10" pot should be sufficient. Be sure you purchase a "camp" oven with 3 little legs and a lip on the lid to hold hot coals.
New ovens have a waxy coating to prevent rusting. Wash in soap and water to remove the coating. The next step is to "season" your pot. Use a paper towel to apply a light coat of vegetable oil (many people use Crisco brand) to all surfaces of the pot and lid inside and out. Do not use lard or other animal fat. It will turn rancid over time.
Place the covered pot in your gas grille, close the lid, and heat to 425 degrees, baking for one and one-half to two hours. This process causes a lot of smoke, so don't be alarmed. Season several times to give your oven a nice, non-stick surface.
Now you're ready to cook. Since most folks use charcoal we'll focus on that. To determine how much charcoal to use, remember the "plus 3/minus 3" rule. Add three coals to the size of your pot for the lid. Subtract three to get the number of coals needed underneath. So, for a 12" pot, you'd use 15 briquettes on the lid and nine underneath.
Form a ring of charcoal under the pot; do not have any coals directly underneath or you'll develop a hot spot. That's not important for the lid. Coals can be placed evenly across the top. This arrangement will create an internal temperature of about 350 degrees. Add charcoal if you need a higher temperature. Each additional briquette increases the internal temperature by about 25 degrees.
Most dishes and baked goods cook in 45 minutes to an hour. Rotate the oven every 15 minutes to ensure even heating, and be careful when serving your meal. The oven is heavy and very hot.
Some Do's and Don'ts to consider:
Dutch ovens are a great way to bring authentic cooking to the outdoors. With a little practice you can become a hit with your friends during your next off-road adventure.
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I am attending the SEMA show in Vegas on November 4th. Let me know what stuff you are interested in having me look for. I can't promise anything but it might happen if I know in advance!
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There are 3 more clinics that will pretty much wrap up the year.
The last Sand Clinic is at Pismo on November 22nd. Sign up now. http://www.4x4training.com/TrainingClinics/sandclass.html
Sand is way different then dirt and rocks. Come and learn what we have taught those who rescue people on the sand with life threatening injures.
The Winch Clinic is Friday December 5th. We always hold them on a weekday to lessen the risk of someone running over our lines and hurting themselves. http://www.4x4training.com/TrainingClinics/Winch.html
This clinic will take you from basics to advanced. Most winch owners seldom use their winch and do not have the experience necessary to use it within safety limits. This clinic will give you all you need to be safe and to extract yourself from an extreme stuck!
The Rocks Clinic is December 22nd. It will be held at Calico Mountains near Barstow. This is the course and route highlighted in the September 2008 issue of Perterson's 4 Wheel magazine – "Practice Makes Perfect" by Kevin McNulty. Sign up at http://www.4x4training.com/TrainingClinics/Rock.html
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I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.
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Tahoe National Forest OHV Meeting scheduled October 29 in Bay Area
By Amy Granat
Meeting to be held Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 6:30 PM in Pleasant Hill, CA
Off Highway Vehicle users have only one chance to affect the outcome of Route Designation in their favorite forest. The time for the Tahoe is now! If you ride or drive a motorcycle, ATV or 4WD you must attend.
To help you understand the Forest Service proposed plan, Friends of Tahoe Forest Access (FOTFA) is sponsoring a meeting in the Bay Area with representatives from the Tahoe National Forest. Tahoe Forest officials will give a presentation of their proposed plan and answer questions from the audience. Maps may be reviewed for 30 minutes before the presentation.
Link to Tahoe National Forest proposed actions and Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/projects_plans/ohv_inv/DEIS_overview.shtml
This is an important event - the Forest Service didn't put on a meeting for Bay Area residents to ask questions and become informed, so FOTFA, along with the CORVA Comments Project Team and Bay Area OHV clubs put together this meeting for OHV users in the Bay Area.
Come, ask questions, and get involved. If you want to make a difference, you must be informed first!
Location:
Pleasant Hill Senior Center
233 Gregory Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(Parking available in rear)
Get more info on cal4wheel.com
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
San Bernardino National Forest Releases EA For Motorized Travel Plan
The San Bernardino National Forest, located in southern California, has just released their Draft Environmental Analysis (DEA) for the Motorized Travel Management project. The Forest Service (FS) will be accepting comments for the next 30 days.
This project will make limited changes to the Forest's motorized transportation system and implement the 2005 Travel Management Rule. If you would like to review the DEA in detail, an electronic copy on their website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/projects/ohv.shtml. A copy of the DEA is also available for view at the San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor's Office.
The three action alternatives that are presented in the DEA combine many of the comments and recommendations that have been provided at public meetings and from other contacts. This is your opportunity to examine the details about the project, including measures designed to protect resources or alleviate potential problems you may be concerned about. The release of the DEA begins the formal comment period, during which the FS will consider all public comments before issuing a decision.
Written, facsimile, hand-delivered, and electronic comments concerning this action will be accepted until November 13, 2008.
THE COMMENT DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 13, 2008
Mail written comments to:
San Bernardino National Forest
Attn: Richard Thornburgh, Environmental Coordinator
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave.
San Bernardino CA 92408.
The office business hours for those submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Email comments to:
comments-pacificsouthwest-san-bernardino@fs.fed.us
Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), or Word (.doc). Please put "Travel Management" in the subject line.
Fax comments to:
(909) 383-5586.
If you have any further questions about this project, please contact Richard Thornburgh, Environmental Coordinator, at 909-382-2642.
JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN, PLEASE GET INVOLVED!
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
Get BRC's Latest News & Alerts via RSS!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/BlueRibbonCoalition
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
Klamath National Forest Seeks Comments on Motorized Routes
The Klamath National Forest, located in northwestern California, is formulating a new travel plan that will limit ALL vehicle use to designated roads, trails and areas. On October 7, 2008, the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) was published in the Federal Register, beginning the formal NEPA (National Environmental Process Act) analysis for the Motorized Travel Management project.
The NOI initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the EIS. The purpose of the NOI is to invite the public to participate in the Travel Management Project EIS analysis by providing comments about the proposal during the public scoping process. The Forest Service (FS) is asking for your input during the 30-day public scoping comment period.
Although comments are welcome throughout the planning process, providing your comments by November 6, 2008, will allow time for the Klamath National Forest to consider the input during the analysis and in developing alternatives. Completion of the Draft EIS is expected in May 2009, followed by another 45-day comment period.
The Forest urges the public to review the NOI and associated maps and tables at the following website before commenting: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/projects/ohv/index.shtml. A copy of the NOI will be provided upon request.
Send written comments to:
Route Designation Team
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Rd.
Yreka, CA 96097
Electronic comments, acceptable in plain text (.txt), rich text (.rft), or Word (.doc), may be submitted to comments-pacificsouthwest-klamath@fs.fed.us. Please put "Route Designation" in the subject line.
For more information, contact Emelia Barnum, Project Leader, by phone: (530) 841-4470.
JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN, PLEASE GET INVOLVED!
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
Get BRC's Latest News & Alerts via RSS!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/BlueRibbonCoalition
While cruising for photos up on Highway 89, Monitor Pass, central Sierra Nevada of California, I found an aspen tree (quakies) grove full of historical and interesting carvings from the old days. Some of them dated back to the early 1900's. Awesome stuff. Fun to explore.
Check out my photos here: http://www.delalbright.net/Images/Aspen/index.html
Today was the monthly meeting of the Rubicon Oversight Committee (ROC) and here are some highlights from my notes:
Before turkey day I'll probably be checking for a good date for our Spring FOTR meeting (most likely February). More on this soon, but in case you're wondering, yes, for sure, I'll be happy to continue as your Trail Boss. We'll have the normal annual election at the spring meeting. 2009 promises to be an awesome year for Friends of the Rubicon. For more on the Rubicon Trail, visit http://www.delalbright.com/Rubicon/rubicon.htm
Del
I can't say enough about having water with you at all times, for your safety and health. Water is the best thing going for us. So OK, it's not the only thing in your ice chest – but it's the most important. And if you want more room in your ice chest, plus want more water along, you gotta get one of these Hydra goodies.
The Hydra from Rompalicious is a perfect alternative to all those pesky water bottles that flop all over the place and out onto the trail without notice. The Hydra holds two and a half gallons of fresh water and straps easily to the back of the seat or on a roll bar so it takes up a lot less room than all those plastic bottles which makes it easier to store more important things like tools and extra parts.
Read my whole write up on the Hydra from Rompalicious right here:
JPCooler for All Jeepers
JPCooler has designed and creating the first and only tailor made cooler for the Jeep Enthusiasts. We run JPCoolers on our Jeep and love the versatility and utility they provide, let alone the cooling factor. Sometimes we run one for just dry goods even. It all depends on the wheeling trip.
Olympic4x4 Products Unveils New Dave's Rack for Jeep JK
The Side-to-side Generation
At the Pomona Off-Road Expo in October 2008, David and Eric Lichtbach of Olympic4x4 Products unveiled the prototype of their new JK Jeep Wrangler Dave's Rack, with side departure and free-standing shade possibilities.
Instead of deploying to the rear of the Jeep like the old TJ Dave's Rack, this new JK roof rack goes to either side of the Jeep. Talk about sweet!
Surviving On the Trail
Getting through and making the best of it
By Stacie & Del Albright
Stacie tells the story of a tow strap time to this day. "When I heard the tell-tale sound of the axle snapping as we came down hard on the passenger side into a four foot crevice, I muttered a few words to myself. The summer sun had been sinking lower in the fading blue sky for some time and with our buddy dangling from a tow strap behind us I knew we were in trouble. We were going to be there for awhile."
Read more about the Ready Freddy and The Hydra from Rompalicious here.
Know How to Read a Map, and You May Stay Alive
By Tom Severin, Badlands Off Road Adventures
It's easy nowadays to rely entirely on a GPS receiver to direct you during a trip. Just program in your destination, and let the friendly voice and digital map guide you along the way. But like any electronic gadget, a GPS unit has its limitations, and you can end up in trouble if you're not careful. Plus, they can lose power or break, leaving you stranded if you don't have a back up.
GPS units are of limited use when you're driving off road. The maps and other data they provide tell you how to get from Point A to Point B, but they say nothing about the quality of the roads. This became painfully clear to a group that was traveling in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early August. Instead of a leisurely ride, these folks found themselves being led down the wrong roads, many of which were barely passable, and way off course. They ended up at the edge of a cliff, where they spent the night before being rescued.
The GPS system offered what appeared to be the most obvious route, which normally is the most direct, but it could not account for the quality of the roads. Their vehicles got stuck in sand, and in their attempt to backtrack they ran low on gas. But they were lucky: they got out alive.
Driving off road requires more than just a command of a 4WD vehicle. You need a good topographical map to help you navigate that difficult terrain. Available from numerous retailers, a topographical map shows various features such as hills, streams, and gullies, and provides a better idea of the paths and roads you'll encounter. If you don't know how to read a topographical map, I suggest you find someone who can teach you.
One of the best topographical maps is the 7-1/2 minute series published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This is a very detailed map at a scale of 1:24,000. Most GPS mapping software is based on the work of the USGS.
If you are used to using latitude/longitude formats with your GPS in degree, minutes, and seconds, you should become familiar with the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system. It makes pin pointing your location on a map (or vice versa) much easier.
The 7-1/2 minute maps also show UTM grid lines, which help you calculate the coordinates of your position. The UTM system divides up the entire planet into a series of grids six degrees wide by eight degrees tall. Each grid is referenced by a two-digit number representing the east-west direction and a letter that designates north-south direction. (For example, most of southern California is in UTM sector 11S.) Every location in the grid is measured north in meters from the equator and east in meters from a point west of the grid.
It might take awhile to grasp the entire concept, but fortunately you don't need to in order to use UTM. You'll notice tick marks along the edges of your map. These divide up the map into section 1,000 meters on a side. By overlaying a more detailed grid pattern, available through various stores, you can create subsections that are a mere 100 meters on a side.
A careful reading of the values of the east-west and north-south grid lines will give you the approximate coordinates for your location. Close enough, anyway, to lead rescuers to you and your family.
GPS receivers are extremely helpful for most trips. Heck I rely on the one in my vehicle to get me around the state and even out east to see my kids. But you shouldn't rely entirely on one when you're off road. Learning how to read a topographical map and calculate a location–which aren't hard to do–can literally be a life saver, and bring a lot of peace of mind to your next off-road adventure.
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If you hurry, you can still sign up for one of the Mojave Desert trips.
Mojave Road October 9-11 http://www.4x4training.com/tours/mojaveroad.html
Death Valley October 12-15 http://www.4x4training.com/tours/Deathvalley.html
Mojave Expedition Oct 9-15 http://www.4x4training.com/tours/MojaveDesert.html
I hope to see you on the trails!
Regards,
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.
_________________________________________________________________
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to use their vehicles safely and confidently over difficult terrain in adverse conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
BLM Announces Public Meetings for Marine Corps Withdrawal of Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Marine Corps have announced that they will be holding two public hearings in late October. The meetings will be about the proposed transfer of approximately 366,000 acres public land, including approximately 189,000 acres of Johnson Valley OHV Area, from the BLM to the Corps.
As most of you already know, the transfer of these public lands would be devastating to the OHV community and recreating public. It's time to step up and let them know where you stand. Please try to attend one if not both of these meetings. See the BLM press release with the dates and locations of each meeting below.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
______________________________________________________
News Release
For Release: September 23, 2008
Contacts: Stephen Razo (951) 697-5217; e-mail srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-08-68
Public Meetings Set in Twentynine Palms and Victorville for Marine Corps Withdrawal
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Marine Corps will host public meetings in Twentynine Palms and in Victorville next month to help the public understand the legislative withdrawal process for consideration of the proposal to expand the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in San Bernardino County.
The first public meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2008 at Hay's Gym, Twentynine Palms Junior High School, 5798 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms, Calif. from 4 to 9 p.m. The second meeting is the following day, October 24, at Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville, Calif. Two meeting times are scheduled at the Victorville location, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Both meetings are scheduled to provide the public the broadest opportunities to attend, according to Roxie Trost, BLM Barstow Field Manager.
A notice published September 15 segregated the public lands involved for two years, making them unavailable for settlement, sale, and location of claims under the mining laws. However, the lands remain open to public access and recreation use. A 90-day comment period closes December 15, 2008.
The notice, available online at www.blm.gov/ca also explains the withdrawal process. After the comment period, the Marine Corps will be preparing a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for further public review to identify a range of alternatives for meeting the Corps' training requirements and analyzing the environmental impacts.
"We realize members of the public have concerns and questions about the proposed withdrawal and what the segregation means," said Trost. "These meetings will provide a first-hand opportunity to have the proposal and subsequent opportunities for full public involvement explained," she said.
The Department of the Navy, as required by the 1958 Engle Act, filed an application requesting the Secretary of the Interior to process a proposed withdrawal of public lands for military training and exercises involving the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. The proposal seeks to withdraw approximately 366,000 acres of federal public land and, if eventually acquired, approximately 72,000 acres of non-federally owned property within the proposed withdrawal area.
-BLM-
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kurt Schneider
Tel. 925-596-0432
E-mail: kurt@friendsofeldorado.com
Eldorado National Forest, CA: Monday, September 29, 2008
The Friends of Eldorado National Forest Public Lands Day Work Party
Coalition of Organizations, OHV Users and Companies hold massive clean-up
The Friends of Eldorado (FOE) National Forest and the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) combined forces for a massive volunteer effort in Eldorado National Forest for the 15th annual National Public Lands Day on September 27, 2008.
The Saturday work party consisted of two separate volunteer crews. The garbage cleanup crew managed to remove over 30 cubic yards of illegally dumped trash near Grizzly Flat, which included household garbage, appliances, and scrap. Filling up a 20 yard dumpster generously donated by Amador Disposal/Waste Connections fairly quickly, workers also and even removed 2 abandoned vehicles from the forest using winches and trailers.
Tahoe National Forest Plan Released (Sep. 2008)
Public Comment Period Runs Until Nov. 26, 2008
Seven (7) Alternatives are offered. OHV recreationists need to carefully exam this plan and the alternatives for issues like winter closures, road and route closures, and change in land designations. Be sure to comment as these early Forest plans are setting the trend for motorized recreation and route designation – where we can ride/travel, and where we cannot. If your trail is not on the map (Travel Map), you no longer have that trail.
Read/download the BlueRibbon Coalition alert with links to copies of the plan right here:
http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/tahoe_plan_brc.html
Del
Del
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By Don Klusman
CA4WDC Natural Resources Consultant
Tahoe National Forest has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) today (Sept 26, 2008) on the Motorized Travel Management Plan for the Tahoe National Forest. The public will have until November 26, 2008 to send comments on the DEIS. It is best to take time to review this document and attend one or more of the public meetings that are coming up.
ALERT: Hawaii Off-roaders needs us to sign petition
Hawaii just got a new state association of off-roaders up and running; non-profit, c.3, the whole bit. I've been helping them a bit, but these boys are trying to save their trails. (I'd like to wheel these someday for sure).
They have a petition to get the state bureaucracy to give them some attention. I'd like to see us support them with a bunch of signatures to their petition.
Let's HELP Hawaii.
right here: http://www.4x4boyz.com/h4x4a/index.php
Del
Hawaii Petition Signature #183
Personally, I'm very proud of John McCain and how he won in tonight's Presidential Debate. He really showed his personal experience and in-depth knowledge of our role in foreign affairs. Hi military experience and POW time makes him a man different than others. He truly was meant to lead our country as the next President. To me, as a veteran and old soldier, I am convinced that he would take care of veterans and the common citizen. Again, on a personal note, I know in my heart that he's a man for all seasons; a man to lead the USA; a man for us now.
Read more and help out on right here: http://jeepndel.johnmccain.com/
Del
Check out my photography shoot of the mighty Mokelumne River (near my house). You can see great shots of rapids, fishing, kayaks, and river scenery.
I shoot with Nikon digital equipment, D200 and D70's, with a variety of lenses. Lately I've been playing with a couple Vibration Reduction (VR) lens, and my goodness, what a difference.
Go here to see the entire collection: http://www.delalbright.com/Images/Nature/MokeRiver/index.html
Enjoy,
Del
Here is a note about Public Lands Day this weekend. Be sure to get out there and do something for our OHV recreation on public land if you can.
National Public Lands Day photo contest from the NPLD website:
The "Eighth Annual National Public Lands Day Photo Contest" is open to all National Public Lands Day volunteers. The contest will allow you to celebrate the natural beauty of our country's public lands and show us why you have lent a hand for our public lands! Photographs must be taken at a work site on National Public Lands Day 2008.
For more info, visit this website: http://www.publiclandsday.org/involved/photo_contest.htm
Thanks, Del
Amy Kocot
Spin Communications
Office (415) 380-8390
Mobile (650) 245-7464
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DeeDee Taft/Amy Kocot
Spin Communications
415/380-8390
amy@spinpr.com
NATION'S LARGEST OFF-ROAD EXPO RETURNS TO POMONA
World Debut of UTV Drifting, Freestyle Motocross, Toyota Off-Road Ride and Drive, Live Music and More
UPDATE NOTE: 9/23/08: I talked to the Off-Road Expo staff and got them to offer my readers $2.00 off adult tickets. Just go to http://www.offroadexpo.com/ and use code JEEPNDEL when you buy your tickets. That's all you have to do - see you there!
POMONA, CALIF. (September 16, 2008) – The 2008 Off-Road Expo presented by Toyota, the nation's larger than life off-road consumer products show series, will invade the Pomona Fairplex Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5, with everything off-road including new vehicles, thousands of parts and accessories, on-site show deals, freestyle motocross action and more. Exciting new activities including photo shoot opportunities with the Off-Road.com Girls, live music and an enhanced Kids Zone will provide jam-packed entertainment for the whole family. New this year, the Expo will open one day early, on Friday, October 3, to allow more time for off-road fans to enjoy all the action in a fun, no-pressure environment!
"This year's Expo covers more than 20 acres with all the latest off-road vehicles, parts, accessories and more, making it the place to come talk to industry experts, check out new vehicles and demonstrations and take advantage of special on-site show discounts on thousands of parts and accessories," said Show Director Tom Gattuso. "The Expo is the best place for off-road lovers to share their passion with other enthusiasts, enjoy live entertainment and have fun."
This year's Off-Road Expo showcases all the latest off-road toys, technologies, parts, gear and accessories from more than 350 of the industry's leading manufacturers, dealers and distributors. In addition to the line-up of 4X4s, sand rails, ATVs, dirt bikes, rock crawlers, Side X Sides, Jeeps and accessories on display, the Expo will come to life with exciting entertainment features including:
With special expanded days, the Off-Road Expo presented by Toyota will take place Friday, October 3, from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 5, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Held at the Pomona Fairplex, located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona, Calif., admission to the event is $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and younger are free. Tickets are available online at http://www.offroadexpo.com/; $2 off discount coupons are available at AAMCO Transmission Centers, Firestone stores and participating off-road retailers. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit http://www.offroadexpo.com/.
About Advanstar
Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the fashion, life sciences and powersports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 91 events, 67 publications and directories, 150 electronic publications and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has approximately 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.
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Pomona (CA) Off Road Expo
If you live in Southern CA, or will be there on the weekend of October 4-5, then you should swing through Pomona to see the Off-Road Expo. It's a huge event for off roaders and motor enthusiasts. We'll be there. Check out their web site at: http://ca.offroadexpo.com/orepomona/v42/index.cvn
Del
