I know this seems to fall under a political jurisdiction to some point but I feel it deems a look over. Especially by all those KJers that like to travel to Moab for certain events that we like to hold every year and just for pure enjoyment of what Mother Nature has to offer to us all.

This will get kinda long, so I'll be breaking it up into a couple of posts..

The PROBLEM..

DURBIN TO REINTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT AMERICA'S RED ROCK WILDERNESS

Wednesday, April 18, 2007


[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator "Richard" Durbin (D-IL) said today that he will introduce legislation in the Senate this week to protect America's Red Rock Wilderness, approximately 9.4 million acres of spectacular and rare wilderness in southern Utah. Currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency is not prohibited from selling, leasing or building roads in parts of this publicly held land. An identical bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today.

"Sunday is Earth Day and it is a fitting opportunity for all Americans to rededicate themselves to protecting our nation's natural resources," Durbin said. "I encourage the Senate to do its part as well by supporting the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, critical legislation that will preserve a national treasure for future generations of Americans."

Durbin's bill would designate 9.4 millions acres in Utah as wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The bill provides wilderness protection for wildlands, which include steep red rock canyons, enormous arches and towering cliffs with spectacular vistas of unmatched sandstone landscapes. Hidden within this expansive setting are world-renowned archeological sites and habitat for rare plant and animal species. These areas are a haven for those seeking solace in nature, including hikers, backpackers and recreationists.

The lands designated as wilderness in Durbin and Hinchey's legislation were primarily identified through a detailed and extensive public inventory of BLM lands conducted by volunteers from the Utah Wilderness Coalition. By designating certain areas as wilderness, the bill protects them from new commercial enterprise/development, oil and gas exploration, motorized/mechanized vehicles, and road building. Non-consumptive uses such as hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding are permitted under the legislation.

"I believe it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that these fragile lands of magnificent beauty, which already belong to the public, do not fall victim to oil, gas and mining interests, increased commercial development, and proposals to construct roads, utility lines, and dams. We are the stewards of these creations and our legislation will help achieve this important goal," Durbin concluded.

_________________
Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

The SOLUTION:

Find out who your Rep is and write to them..!!!
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#tn

The Letter..:

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
YOUR CONTACT
INFORMATION

To:
ALL SENATORS/YOUR CONGRESSMAN
123 ADDRESS.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Fax: (XXX) XXX-XXXX


Dear YOUR CONGRESSMAN,

Regarding the introduction of America’s Red Rock Desert Act:

I am a camper, sightseer, lover of nature, its serenity, solace, and beauty, and am concerned with the environment. However, I see all the sights and travel to all these spectacular places in my 4-wheel drive vehicle.

I am asking that you do not close the off road vehicle trails in Moab, Utah. I have to inform you, that you and the groups that are sponsoring this bill are completely miss-informed. Off road enthusiasts DO care about the environment. We belong to organization such as The Blue Ribbon Coalition, Tread Lightly, United Four Wheel Drive Association, and WE ARE STEWARDS of the LAND.

We are legitimate responsible recreationists and should be recognized as such.

How do Hunters, fisherman, kayakers, hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers get to these incredible destinations? Most of them must drive, and a majority of them use an off-road-able four-wheel drive vehicle.

How are motorized/mechanized vehicles "consumptive" in the red rock desert or anywhere else for that matter?

Respectfully,


YOUR NAME HERE

_________________
Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

Join the MOAB BLUE RIBBON COALITION
http://www.sharetrails.org/

Lotta info here.. Will take a while to digest.. Print it out and take it to the bathroom with you..

Action Alert: Moab BLM Scheduled to Release Drafts of New Management Plan Summer 2007
Date: April 17, 2007
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT:


MOAB BLM SCHEDULED TO RELEASE DRAFTS OF NEW MANAGEMENT PLAN THIS SUMMER

ANALYSIS OF PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES POSTED ON SHARETRAILS.ORG


Greetings BRC members, supporters and Action Alert Subscribers,

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Moab and Monticello Field Offices are preparing new Resource Management Plans and new Travel Management Plans. There isn't an activity occurring in these two field offices that won't be affected by these new plans.

BLM began this process back in 2003. During 2003 and 2004 the Moab BLM held meetings and received public comment on various planning issues.

Since that time the BLM has been working to formulate a range of management alternatives, each with a different theme or emphasis. BLM is set to release a Draft Resource Management Plan, Draft Comprehensive Travel Management Plan and the related Draft Environmental Impact Statement(s) (Draft EIS) in the summer of 2007.

The Moab BLM has given the public a 'sneak peak' at their proposed management alternatives. The information is available on the web at: www.blm.gov/rmp/ut/moab/ BRC has reviewed the information and posted a brief analysis on our website. Just go to www.sharetrails.org and click the "Moab Update" button on the right.

Moab BLM is proposing drastic changes from traditional public land management!

BLM is proposing huge changes from what is currently allowed. Much of the proposed management is decidedly "Park-like." While some of the changes are needed, and BRC will be supporting the BLM on many of these, others are arbitrary and unnecessary.

Beginning sometime this summer, the BLM will move to a critically important stage in the process: the release of the Draft Plans and Draft EIS. There will be a limited public review and comment period in which all of the various stakeholder groups as well as the general public can submit comments and suggestions to the BLM.

Anti recreation groups such as the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) have staff to review the environmental analysis to find flaws that will nudge the final decision their way. Indeed, many stakeholders are paying for professional review of these documents in order to protect their interests. The OHV community must do this as well.

As always, funds for such an effort are limited. In order to raise funds for this important effort, BRC is initiating the "Moab Partnership" program.

Partners make a pledge of $10.00 per month or make a one-time Partnership donation of $120.00 to enroll for one year. Your donation is placed in a restricted account to be used for efforts related to the BLM's Moab and Monticello Field Office planning processes.

BRC's Moab Partners will receive the Moab Update, a special quarterly newsletter dedicated to the latest news on BLM's planning process. The Moab Update will keep you informed about how your donation is being used and is the best way to keep informed about potential changes in the Moab area. In addition, BRC's Moab Partners receive a limited edition "Moab Partner" T-Shirt and sticker combo. Check the details on BRC's Moab Partnership page: http://www.sharetrails.org/public_lands ... tion=Moab2

Why is this so important?

Let me explain it this way; future recreational uses in the Moab area will depend on how the Final Resource Management Plan and Travel Plan are written. That's because these agency plans are open to interpretation and revision via appeal and litigation.

The best example I can give on this is the way BLM's preliminary alternatives are currently written. In the Bookcliffs Special Recreation Management Area (see Appendix F ) the Moab BLM has the management proscription as "primitive" in the administrative setting (no motorized and no mountain bikes allowed). But the travel plan shows roads and trails in the area and BLM admits some mountain bike trails may exist there. Which will hold sway when SUWA or some other radical group marches in to federal court to close a road? The answer depends on the way the document is written!

We are going to need a full team of legal professionals, NEPA experts and even biologists if we are going to stop the unfair and arbitrary closures. That will require a commitment from the very people who enjoy this wonderful area. This is why joining our Moab Partnership is so important.

I want to thank you in advance for your help. Together, we can keep this spectacular recreation destination open.

Brian Hawthorne
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102


More info on the web:
BRC'S MOAB UPDATE PAGE http://www.sharetrails.org/public_lands ... MoabUpdate

BRC'S PARTNERSHIP PAGE
http://www.sharetrails.org/public_lands ... tion=Moab2

MOAB BLM PAGE
http://www.blm.gov/rmp/ut/moab/

_________________
Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

More info

The Moab Partnership

What is the Moab Partnership?

The Moab partnership is an effort by BRC and other recreational access groups to defend responsibly managed recreational uses at the BLM,s Moab Field Office. By joining the Partnership, you help fund legal and NEPA analysis of the BLM's planning documents.

How does the Moab Partnership work?

Partners make a pledge of $10.00 per month for one year using BRC's secure website (www.sharetrails.org) or make a one-time Partnership donation of $120.00. Your donation is placed in a restricted account to be used for efforts related to the BLM's Moab and Monticello Field Office planning processes.

What does the Moab Partnership do for me?

By becoming a Moab Partner you give groups like BRC the tools to aggressively participate in the BLM's planning process. Review of the environmental analysis guards against arbitrary and unfair closures, but also helps defend against anti-access lawsuits.

Moab BLM is proposing drastic changes from traditional public land management:

BLM is proposing huge changes from what is currently allowed. Much of the proposed management is decidedly "Park-like." While some of the changes are needed, and BRC will be supporting the BLM on many of these, others are arbitrary and unnecessary.


Beginning sometime this summer, the BLM will move to a critically important stage in the process: the release of the Draft Plans and Draft EIS. There will be a limited public review and comment period in which all of the various stakeholder groups as well as the general public can submit comments and suggestions to the BLM.

Anti recreation groups such as the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) have staff to review the environmental analysis to find flaws that will nudge the final decision their way. Indeed, many stakeholders are paying for professional review of these documents in order to protect their interests. The OHV community must do this as well.

As always, funds for such an effort are limited. In order to raise funds for this important effort, BRC is initiating the "Moab Partnership" program.

BRC's Moab Partners will receive the Moab Update, a special quarterly newsletter dedicated to the latest news on BLM's planning process.

The Moab Update will keep you informed about how your donation is being used and is the best way to keep informed about potential changes in the Moab area.

In addition, BRC's Moab Partners receive a limited edition "Moab Partner" T-Shirt and sticker combo.

How To Get Involved

A lot of folks seem to think the public involvement process is a total sham and participating in the NEPA process is just a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Your input to the BLM about their plans is critical to keeping recreational opportunities open.

Our job is to help you understand the BLM's planning process and let you know about meetings and comment periods. BRC's Action Alert webpage should be your first stop. Subscribe to our Alert list to receive updates and info. http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/

The Moab BLM's Planning webpage is way above average and it has loads of really useful information. BLM has also made preliminary travel maps available http://www.blm.gov/rmp/ut/moab/

Join OHV groups that represent your interests!

Message From BRC's Public Lands Guys:

There is a lot riding on this planning document. Your access to these lands depends directly on how the plan is written, and how that language will hold up under the inevitable attack from Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and other anti-recreation groups.

The Draft Resource Management Plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be released for only a short comment period. Several phone-book-sized volumes will have to be reviewed. Detailed comments will need to be formulated and submitted by the deadline. We need your help!

BRC and local recreational user groups will be able to sweat the details on a lot of the recreation oriented management direction. But this book has other chapters. Issues such as the establishment of "Areas with a Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC's) and "management for Wilderness Characteristics" will affect recreation uses. BRC needs the financial resources for professional NEPA and legal analysis. Please join our Moab Partnership today!

_________________
Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

Why is someone from Illino-annoying trying to tell people in Utah what to do? It is bad enough those people keep moving to my state and screwing it up, are they determined to screw up everything? They are like a virus. I am pretty sure no one in Moab wants their tourism business destroyed. In retaliation, I think the Rep. from Utah should propose a bill to ban Italian restaurants in Chicago and turn Wrigley Field into a nice codo project.

While we are at it, I think that UT, AZ, ID, WY, NV, SD and Sonora Mexico (so we can have a beach) should all break away from their mother countries and form the Republic of Margaritaville.

Alaska thought about doing it until they realized that one day their oil would run out. Back to the soup line or how many ways can you cook salmon?

_________________
2006 Sport CRD

Could the Aztecs have known, that in 2012 after a 4 year experiment, our country would cease to exist?

BTT. More info http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=20176

_________________
99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

Yeah this has been going on for quite awhile here in Utah. I don't have all the answers but I do know that the people that are trying to control the offroading in Southern Utah are extremists. If they ever close the trails in Moab then they will move on and try to close trails somewhere else.

_________________
2005 CRD , Moab Rims, 245/75/16 Goodyear M/T
RL rear bumper, TMJ Front bumper, Frankenlinft,
*TOTALED*

1985 Mitsubishi Pickup SP 2.3 Turbo Diesel Watercooled turbo,4D56 ported head,
12" Suspension Lift with JK Rubicon axles, Elockers, 5.13's, Fox coilovers, Atlas 5.0, Rock Lizard supersliders

1996 Lexus LX450 -locked and lifted-