Thanks Beth!
I have been following this closely myself as this is an important area for our club. This is a further example of why we all need to participate in and support the off road associations that fight for our access rights. If we want to maintain access to the areas we love to wheel in we must be active.
The AZLOSTKJ board has identified this as a critical issue for our club and is instituting an important new program next year to address the need. Effective in 2007 AZLOSTKJ annual dues will include an allowance for membership by AZLOSTKJ in the Arizona State Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. The State Association is the umbrella organization for all four wheel drive clubs in AZ. The State Association has the experience and resources to deal with the state and federal land agencies and advocate for our rights at the local level. The State Association is also a member of the United Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs which has the resources and experience to advocate for our rights at the national level. So with our membership we support advocacy at the local and national level.
Bottom line- Actually for each member the cost is less. For $20 each we get a membership in the State Association and a State Land Permit for all our members. The cost of an individual State Land Permit is $20. State Land Permits are required for many of the areas we wheel in including the Florence Junction area. In addition, the Board voted to reduce the AZLOSTKJ dues from $24 to $15. So, although AZLOSTKJ dues will increase from $24 to $35 the total cost to members will actually go down from $44 to $35. The Board did not want to raise dues but felt this is an important issue that we all need to stand behind if we want to continue to have the rights to enjoy our sport. If we don't do this who will, if not now when?
More information will be available at our December semi-annual membership meeting. (See related post)
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=14379
I hope you will all continue to support the club in the future as we fight for your rights.