The Comment Period for the Kanab Field Office Release Draft RMP Ends January 10, 2008. Your comments are needed asap. The key issues that need to be addressed are outlined in U4's position paper. We have included the official position of the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association for reference. Please take a moment to write a short letter that addresses these concerns.

Address letters to:
Bureau of Land Management
Kanab Field Office
RMP Comments
318 North 100 East
Kanab, UT 84741
(435) 644-4600

UT_Kanab_Comments@blm.gov


BLM Kanab Field Office
RMP Comments
318 North 100 East
Kanab, UT 84741


To Whom It May Concern:

The Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA) is a non-profit group made up of clubs and enthusiasts who enjoy 4x4 recreation on public lands in Utah. We represent over 1,000 members and 23 member clubs throughout the state. Our mission is to preserve access by promoting education and stewardship. Since our founding in 1978, U4WDA has worked with land managers across Utah on service and education projects aimed at maintaining recreational access while ensuring protection of natural resources.

We are pleased to have the opportunity to offer input on the Kanab Field Office DRMP/DEIS. Please consider this letter and attached documents as the official comment from Canyon Country 4x4 Club regarding the DRMP/DEIS currently under review.

U4WDA is in general support of the of the BLM’s Preferred Alternate, Alternate B. However we would like to see some modifications made and offer comments on some specific items concerning the final RMP and Travel Plan implemented in the area. These comments represent the opinions of the U4WDA Board of Directors and the expressed concerns of our general membership.


Kanab Community Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Management Zone (RMZ) aka. Hog Canyon Trail System

We support this RMZ, but the RMP should include more direction regarding when and how additional or expanded routes would be provided. We feel that an expanded and improved trail system in the area would give the public an appropriate place for motorized recreation and take pressure off of more sensitive areas. We support the proposal and map submitted by Canyon Country 4x4 for managing this RMZ.


Special Recreation Management Areas (SRMA)

SMRAs and their “focus areas” should avoid excluding other uses categorically. The DRMP should provide more direction on how these areas are to be managed.


Proposed SRMA for John R. Flat area

We support the inclusion of SMRA for the John R Flat area for an OHV RMZ as proposed by Kane County. We would like to see it added to Alternate B.

Proposed Dry Wash Routes

We support the inclusion of some dry wash routes as proposed by Kane County
This proposal was not included in any of the Alternates and we would like to see it
added to Alternate B


Special Recreation Permits

The Special Recreation Permit requirements as written in Alternate B are totally unworkable. As written, not only would organized 4x4 and ATV events be unlikely, but probably any organized events like family reunions, scout camps or even a large barbeque. Clear cut guidelines are needed for when a SRP is required. The Group size limit of 25 people is totally unrealistic.


Visual Resources Management Classes (VRM)

The DEIS page 2-58 states that “To the extent practicable, bring existing visual contrasts into VRM Class conformance as the opportunity arises.” This statement is too vague and subjective as to what the Management Action is. What is meant by “To the extent practicable”? We oppose designating the VRM Classes as shown in Alternate B unless the Management Actions are defined.


Non WSA Lands With Wilderness Characteristics (WC)

Although Alternate B “Requires no prescriptions specifically to maintain WC areas.” U4WDA opposes having the designation of Non WSA Lands with Wilderness Characteristics. The Map 3-15 and table 3-22 should not be included as part of this process.

Congress gave very specific instructions to the BLM regarding Wilderness. Those instructions are contained in Section 603 of FLPMA. There is no justification, no mandate in FLPMA and no process requirement for engaging in an ongoing Wilderness inventory and review


Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

Alternate B designates the potential Cottonwood Canyon ACEC (3,800 acres) as an ACEC. We can accept this ACEC to protect the watershed, however we question the size and if that much acreage is needed. We strongly oppose the designation of any additional ACECs


Recreation Visitation

Unreliable information should not be used as planning criteria in the RMP process.

Table 3-26 appears to be very unreliable and slanted towards a specific user group. Anyone who has spent any time in any of the areas managed by the KFO can see how greatly flawed this table is. Some special interest groups are making grossly inaccurate statements using this table as evidence. Unless there is some data that could give some credence to the highly unbelievable numbers on the table, we ask that this table be removed in it’s entirety from the RMP documents as it is being misused to distort issues rather than determine how areas should be managed. Also, this table is contradicted in 4.1.6; Incomplete or Unavailable Information, which states; “Direct recreation visitation based on actual use and economic expenditure
data associated with such use”


Transportation

In studying the maps and documents in the DRMP/DEIS for ALT B. U4WDA has found roads shown to be closed that should not be closed and has been informed by the local clubs that some existing roads are not shown on the maps.,

We also consider it a mistake to attempt to close roads that are part of the Counties Transportation Plans or RS2477 roads that are being claimed by the Counties. Less conflict would arise by having the validity of these route determined before any attempt was made to close any of these roads. We also feel that not having existing roads on the maps as part of the RMP process does not give us the opportunity to make meaningful comments on the roads shown on the maps as part of Alternate B.

Management Actions for the Transportation System Management 2-26 states; “Coordinate transportation planning with Kane and Garfield counties” We would like to see how this is to be implemented.


We appreciated the opportunity to comment on the proposed Resource Management Plan, and we hope that our comments and concerns will be given the proper consideration.


Sincerely,

Don Black
U4WDA Southwestern Vice President
don@u4wda.org
http://www.u4wda.org

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/kanab/planning.html


The U4 Letter as a pdf can be found here.

http://www.u4wda.org/documents/U4WDA.Kanab.Official.pdf

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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Kanab Field Office Draft Resource Management Plan Update

Just a reminder, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kanab Field Office is currently asking for public input on a new Resource Management Plan (RMP) for approximately 600,000 acres of BLM-administered land in south-central Utah.

Don't forget that your comments and suggestions are critical at this stage in the new RMP development. The BLM will accept public comments until January 10, 2008. The BLM will need to know what part of the preferred alternative you support and what part you oppose. In addition, the BLM needs to know what parts of the other alternatives should be included in the final plan and which parts of the other alternatives should NOT be in the final plan.

I want to draw your attention to some really excellent comments submitted by our partners over at Utah Four Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA) www.u4wda.org and Canyon Country 4x4 Club www.canyoncountry4x4club.com (See links below). The second link below has some great talking points to use when writing your comments; the last is a Kanab RMP Fact Sheet compiled by the clubs.

The U4WDA Official Comment:
http://www.u4wda.org/documents/U4WDA.Kanab.Official.pdf

Suggested Talking Points & Changes needed to Alternative B:
http://www.u4wda.org/documents/U4WDA.Ka ... Points.pdf

Kanab RMP Fact Sheet (courtesy of Don Black and CC4x4 Club):
http://www.u4wda.org/documents/U4WDA.Ka ... 071127.pdf

Here are some additional comments for you to use:

1) I believe the BLM is establishing new WSAs without the authority to do so. Calling a new WSA by a different name does not make it legal.

2) Please disclose the difference in management prescriptions between "non-WSA lands with wilderness characteristics" and WSAs in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

3) The 1999 inventory found lands that contain extensive OHV trails to have "wilderness characteristics." If the presence of OHV use did not impact the presence or absence of "wilderness characteristics," then by what rationale is the BLM proposing to significantly reduce OHV trails in these areas?

4) The Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is utilizing the Utah BLM 1999 statewide wilderness re-inventory. This inventory was based on criteria that were not available for public comment and review. As an OHV user who will be directly affected by your decision, regulations say I should have a chance to review and comment on such criteria.

THE BLM WILL ACCEPT PUBLIC COMMENTS UNTIL JANUARY 10, 2008

Comments may be submitted through an electronic public comment form online at the FS website http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/kanab/planning.html. They can also be mailed to the BLM Kanab Field Office, 318 North 100 East, Kanab, UT 84741, or emailed to UT_Kanab_Comments@blm.gov.

PLEASE, IF YOU RECREATE IN KANE AND GARFIELD COUNTIES, GET INVOLVED NOW! PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN.

Thanks in advance for your support,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

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Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Attention Utah recreationists!

I wanted to give our Utah members a quick update on some events and happenings in the Beehive State. First off, it looks like the gang over at USA-ALL is hosting a really fun event this coming Memorial Day weekend at Little Sahara Sand Dunes. They are calling it the "Dune Crazy Cleanup" and it sounds like a lot of fun. It will also benefit one of the best recreational access groups around (USA-ALL RULES!!)

Additionallly, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is hosting another one of their excellent Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management Workshops in Logan Utah, next month. Now, it is true that I have never been to one of these, but Brian says they are well worth the time.

For those of you of the "pedal persuasion" (you know who you are), this year Utah is hosting the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA) World Summit 2008 in Park City.

And finally, the Dixie National Forest is getting ready to roll out their Daft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for their Motorized Travel Plan.

I've pasted all the details and links where you can learn more below. As always, please call BRC if you have any questions.

Ric Foster
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

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Utah Shared Access Alliance USA-ALL Upcoming Events:

USA-ALL is announcing a new division they call "DC 3." It's headed up by Shiloh Herr and it's designed to clean up Parks and Trails throughout the state.

This next weekend (Memorial Day), the DC 3 group is planning a "Dune Crazy Clean-Up" on May 24 and 26 at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes.

SATURDAY:
Food & drinks will be available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
DJ from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM
4:30 PM - Raffle
Comments will be documented throughout the day by At Your Leisure (Voice your opinion on camera)

MONDAY:
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Dune Clean-up
1:30 PM Awards Presentation

For more information, contact USA-ALL: Toll Free: 800-944-UTAH (8824) or Local: 801-798-6996

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From our partners over at the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC):

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ann Vance
May 5, 2008 Phone: 888-458-0131
Email: avance@nohvcc.org

Utah
Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management Workshop

June 23-26, 2008

Weber State University, Davis Campus
2750 North University Park Blvd., Layton, UT 84041-9099

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
https://conference.nohvcc.org/?EVENT&EV ... ate=UTwork

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council in cooperation with Davis County, Utah State Parks, US Forest Service Region 4 and the Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office will conduct an Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management Workshop in Layton on June 23-26, 2008.

The purpose of the 2008 workshop is to conduct an educational forum on OHV recreation management for land management agencies and local government with the specific objectives of:

Defining Utah public land management, public, and industry stakeholder issues;
Sharing the current status of local, state and federal planning efforts;
Building a better understanding of laws and regulations governing the use of OHVs;
Improving education information and the distribution of educational materials to the OHV recreation public;
Improving the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management of OHV facilities, areas, trails and trail systems in order to:
o Minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources;
o Reduce conflict between recreation and other public land stakeholders; and
o Better meet the needs and desires of the OHV recreation public; and

Improving working relationships between local, state, and federal land management agencies and the OHV community.
The Workshop will consist of classroom instruction and field exercises. In addition, optional ATV Safety Institute(r) ATV RiderCourse(tm), Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School(tm) , and Tread Lightly!(r) Tread Trainers(tm) Course classes will be offered on Monday, June 23.

Please register on-line using the link provided above. Advance registration is required. Registration is required and limited to 80. Registration closes June 17th. Registration fee is $100.00.

For further information regarding the workshop please contact Ann Vance at 888-458-0131 or at avance@nohvcc.org

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council is a non-profit educational foundation. For information regarding NOHVCC and its workshop programs visit its website at www.nohvcc.org.

###

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From The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA):

IMBA World Summit 2008

The International Mountain Bicycling Association is hosting IMBA World Summit 2008, June 18-21, 2008. Mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe will gather in Park City, Utah, for this event.

IMBA Summits bring mountain biking advocates, land managers, ski resort professionals, trailbuilders, park and urban planners, tourism officials and the bike industry together for collaboration, planning, and celebration.

This 3-day gathering will feature over 200 delegates from around the globe, 30 educational seminars from the best in the mountain biking game, and riding galore. Headliners include Trek president John Burke and legendary Australian trailmeister Glen Jacobs. Freshly added speakers include Dafydd Davis, pioneer of the United Kingdom's first purpose-built mountain bike trails at Coed y Brenin, and Vancouver's Jay Hoots, arguably today's most prolific urban bike park architect.

The Summit will be based at the Park City Marriott. There will be lots of opportunities for outdoor workshops, guided networking rides, and other field sessions so you can embrace all that Park City has to offer.

Registration for IMBA World Summit 2008 is available online only and time is running short. So, to get information on cost, registration, workshops, events and more, CLICK HERE.

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Dixie National Forest Releases DEIS:

The Dixie National Forest is gearing up for a series of public meetings to discuss their Motorized Travel Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This project will establish a system of designated routes and close the forest to motorized cross country travel.

The Dixie NF is home to some of Utah's premier OHV trails, including the Paiute Trail, the Freemont ATV Trail and portions of the Great Western Trail. If you spend any time in the Pine Valley Mountains, Bull Valley Mountains (Enterprise), Cedar Mountain, Mt. Dutton, Paunsaugunt Plateau, Aquarius Plateau, or Boulder Mountain, you will want to be involved with this plan.

The project website is: http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie/projects/MTP/. The DEIS should be available on that site around Memorial Day.

Meetings to learn about and discuss the DEIS for the Dixie National Forest Motorized Travel Plan will be held at the following locations:

All Open Houses will run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and begin with a presentation going from 6:00 to 6:30.

May 27, Escalante, Interagency Visitor's Center
May 28, Panguitch, Triple C Arena
May 29, Bicknell, Wayne County Community Center
June 3, Cedar City, Library in the Park
June 25, St. George, Ramada Inn
June 26, Salt Lake City, Hilton Hotel, 255 S. West Temple

Comments or questions should be directed to Kenton Call, Dixie National Forest, 1789 N. Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, Utah 84720; Phone: (435) 865-3730 FAX: (435) 865-3791 Cell: (435) 691-0768 Email:
ckcall@fs.fed.us

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2016 JKU RUBICON

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