Post by Lyle on Mar 22, 2005 9:23:56 GMT -5
United Delegates:
The below is a for your information and illustrates some of the
issues Carla and I are working on for the membership......
********************************
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
Director of Environmental Affairs
PO Box 1057
Lakeside, CA 92040
www.ufwda.org
March 9, 2005
To: Distribution List
Subject: U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area
The below comments are submitted on behalf of the United Four Wheel
Drive Associations (UFWDA) and its member associations, clubs and
individuals. UFWDA is an international association representing over
30,000 motorized recreationists and their families. While the main
focus of UFWDA is to advocate access to public lands for motorized
recreation, many of our members participate in multiple forms of
recreation; including but not limited to hunting, fishing, camping,
hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding, and gem and mineral
collection.
We recognized the positive health and social benefits that can be
achieved through outdoor activities. We also recognize that
motorized recreation provides the small business owners in the local
communities a significant financial stimulus. Our members are
directly affected by management decisions concerning public land use.
The UFWDA members subscribe to the concepts of: 1) public access to
public lands for their children and grandchildren; 2) condition and
safety of the environment; and 3) sharing our natural heritage. The
general public desires access to public lands now and for future
generations. Limiting access today deprives our children the
opportunity to view the many natural wonders of public lands. The
general public is deeply concerned about the condition of the
environment and personal safety. They desire wildlife available for
viewing and scenic vistas to enjoy. They also want to feel safe
while enjoying the natural wonders. Lastly, the public desires to
share the natural heritage with friends and family today as well as
in the future. How can our children learn and appreciate our natural
heritage when native species are allowed to deteriorate and historic
routes are routinely blocked or eradicated from existence?
UFWDA has been advised of the pending issues within the U.S. Army
Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area called 600
Acres, located near Ely, Iowa. It is our understanding the area is
being proposed for conversion to All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) only by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
UFWDA is disappointed with the proposal as it would eliminate the
ONLY public off highway vehicle recreation area in the state of Iowa.
Numerous members of UFWDA frequently use the Coralville 600 Acre OHV
area and have a history of helping maintain that area.
Several major issues have arisen that need to be addressed.
For example:
Stated Problem: Illegal use of ATV's in the 600 Acres ORV and other ATV
areas.
The proposal seeks to ban full-size 4x4 vehicles, which does not have
an impact on the stated problem. If the issue is "illegal use of
ATV's", the relevant question is: "Why ban 4x4 vehicles?" The
proposed "solution" does not address the identified "problem".
UFWDA recommends that you engage in research to determine the root
cause of the perceived "illegal use of ATVs" and develop management
guidance to address the specific identified problem.
Stated Problem: Dangerous to mix ATV's and full sized vehicles in
same ORV park.
Historically, ATV's are their own worst enemy, with or without other
vehicles around. A properly designed trail system can accommodate a
variety of users, PROVIDED the "users" are willing to attend to
simple tenets such as respect for others and posted signs marking
direction and speed.
UFWDA works with other states dealing with multiple use of trail
systems and areas. Other states do not define "safety" as an
exclusion issue. For instance, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
Utah, Texas, and West Virginia have designed trail systems that
accommodate a variety of users; ATV, 4x4, equestrian, mountain bike
and hikers. In some instances, a specific trail segment is limited
to a specific vehicle type and in others, vehicle type is not
limited. While safety is always a concern, the underlying issue is
personal responsibility. For example, the Texas Motorized Trails
Coalition operates an OHV park at Barnwell Mountain. The park serves
a variety of motorized recreation interests. The trail system is
rated for type of vehicle limiting access to some trail segments.
For instance, a trail segment may be to steep for an ATV or
motorcycle; however, it is appropriate for a 4x4 vehicle.
If the underlying issue is determined to be "safety", UFWDA
recommends the state study the potential for creating an area where
"safety" can be taught. For example, "safety" issues start with the
skill of the individual rider or driver. Those skills are learned
through time and experience. The state has the potential for
creating an area where safety training can be taught. This training
would benefit not only the vehicle operator but also the general
public. For example, negotiating an obstacle with a motor vehicle
requires certain skills. Providing an obstacle course for driver
training is a reasonable option to promote the development of the
necessary skills to make the driver more safety aware. Many states
operate off-highway driver training programs that are geared for
recreationists that also serve other segments of the public and
private sector such as police and utility workers.
UFWDA recognizes that illegal OHV activities are dangerous to the
public and destructive to natural resources. UFWDA is concerned that
many states are seeking to reduce OHV access in a time when the
demand for recreation is increasing. We believe that it is in the
public's best interest to provide designated areas where motorized
recreation can be accommodated without endangering the public and
natural resources.
Nationwide, the sales of 4x4 vehicle and other off-highway vehicles
are growing with many states reporting over 30% annual growth. This
growth means more people are looking for areas for recreation; people
that are new to the sport. UFWDA endorses efforts to promote safety
and awareness training and environmental stewardship at every
opportunity.
UFWDA believes the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off
Highway Vehicle Area located near Ely, Iowa is a viable opportunity
to create a multipurpose safety and awareness training center for the
growing population seeking a motorized recreation experience.
Sincerely,
John Stewart
Director of Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(619) 390-8748
Cc:
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers District, Colonel Duane Gapinski
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area
Ranger, Jeff Peck
Iowa DNR Director, Jeff Vonk
Senator Mary Lundby
Senator Joe Bolkcom
Representative Mary Lou Freeman
Representative Kraig Paulsen
Representative Swati Dandekar
Representative Polly Granzow
Trailhogs Club President, Mark Bulechek
Trailhogs Club, David Meyers
--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network
The below is a for your information and illustrates some of the
issues Carla and I are working on for the membership......
********************************
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
Director of Environmental Affairs
PO Box 1057
Lakeside, CA 92040
www.ufwda.org
March 9, 2005
To: Distribution List
Subject: U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area
The below comments are submitted on behalf of the United Four Wheel
Drive Associations (UFWDA) and its member associations, clubs and
individuals. UFWDA is an international association representing over
30,000 motorized recreationists and their families. While the main
focus of UFWDA is to advocate access to public lands for motorized
recreation, many of our members participate in multiple forms of
recreation; including but not limited to hunting, fishing, camping,
hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding, and gem and mineral
collection.
We recognized the positive health and social benefits that can be
achieved through outdoor activities. We also recognize that
motorized recreation provides the small business owners in the local
communities a significant financial stimulus. Our members are
directly affected by management decisions concerning public land use.
The UFWDA members subscribe to the concepts of: 1) public access to
public lands for their children and grandchildren; 2) condition and
safety of the environment; and 3) sharing our natural heritage. The
general public desires access to public lands now and for future
generations. Limiting access today deprives our children the
opportunity to view the many natural wonders of public lands. The
general public is deeply concerned about the condition of the
environment and personal safety. They desire wildlife available for
viewing and scenic vistas to enjoy. They also want to feel safe
while enjoying the natural wonders. Lastly, the public desires to
share the natural heritage with friends and family today as well as
in the future. How can our children learn and appreciate our natural
heritage when native species are allowed to deteriorate and historic
routes are routinely blocked or eradicated from existence?
UFWDA has been advised of the pending issues within the U.S. Army
Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area called 600
Acres, located near Ely, Iowa. It is our understanding the area is
being proposed for conversion to All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) only by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
UFWDA is disappointed with the proposal as it would eliminate the
ONLY public off highway vehicle recreation area in the state of Iowa.
Numerous members of UFWDA frequently use the Coralville 600 Acre OHV
area and have a history of helping maintain that area.
Several major issues have arisen that need to be addressed.
For example:
Stated Problem: Illegal use of ATV's in the 600 Acres ORV and other ATV
areas.
The proposal seeks to ban full-size 4x4 vehicles, which does not have
an impact on the stated problem. If the issue is "illegal use of
ATV's", the relevant question is: "Why ban 4x4 vehicles?" The
proposed "solution" does not address the identified "problem".
UFWDA recommends that you engage in research to determine the root
cause of the perceived "illegal use of ATVs" and develop management
guidance to address the specific identified problem.
Stated Problem: Dangerous to mix ATV's and full sized vehicles in
same ORV park.
Historically, ATV's are their own worst enemy, with or without other
vehicles around. A properly designed trail system can accommodate a
variety of users, PROVIDED the "users" are willing to attend to
simple tenets such as respect for others and posted signs marking
direction and speed.
UFWDA works with other states dealing with multiple use of trail
systems and areas. Other states do not define "safety" as an
exclusion issue. For instance, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
Utah, Texas, and West Virginia have designed trail systems that
accommodate a variety of users; ATV, 4x4, equestrian, mountain bike
and hikers. In some instances, a specific trail segment is limited
to a specific vehicle type and in others, vehicle type is not
limited. While safety is always a concern, the underlying issue is
personal responsibility. For example, the Texas Motorized Trails
Coalition operates an OHV park at Barnwell Mountain. The park serves
a variety of motorized recreation interests. The trail system is
rated for type of vehicle limiting access to some trail segments.
For instance, a trail segment may be to steep for an ATV or
motorcycle; however, it is appropriate for a 4x4 vehicle.
If the underlying issue is determined to be "safety", UFWDA
recommends the state study the potential for creating an area where
"safety" can be taught. For example, "safety" issues start with the
skill of the individual rider or driver. Those skills are learned
through time and experience. The state has the potential for
creating an area where safety training can be taught. This training
would benefit not only the vehicle operator but also the general
public. For example, negotiating an obstacle with a motor vehicle
requires certain skills. Providing an obstacle course for driver
training is a reasonable option to promote the development of the
necessary skills to make the driver more safety aware. Many states
operate off-highway driver training programs that are geared for
recreationists that also serve other segments of the public and
private sector such as police and utility workers.
UFWDA recognizes that illegal OHV activities are dangerous to the
public and destructive to natural resources. UFWDA is concerned that
many states are seeking to reduce OHV access in a time when the
demand for recreation is increasing. We believe that it is in the
public's best interest to provide designated areas where motorized
recreation can be accommodated without endangering the public and
natural resources.
Nationwide, the sales of 4x4 vehicle and other off-highway vehicles
are growing with many states reporting over 30% annual growth. This
growth means more people are looking for areas for recreation; people
that are new to the sport. UFWDA endorses efforts to promote safety
and awareness training and environmental stewardship at every
opportunity.
UFWDA believes the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off
Highway Vehicle Area located near Ely, Iowa is a viable opportunity
to create a multipurpose safety and awareness training center for the
growing population seeking a motorized recreation experience.
Sincerely,
John Stewart
Director of Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(619) 390-8748
Cc:
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers District, Colonel Duane Gapinski
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Coralville Off Highway Vehicle Area
Ranger, Jeff Peck
Iowa DNR Director, Jeff Vonk
Senator Mary Lundby
Senator Joe Bolkcom
Representative Mary Lou Freeman
Representative Kraig Paulsen
Representative Swati Dandekar
Representative Polly Granzow
Trailhogs Club President, Mark Bulechek
Trailhogs Club, David Meyers
--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network