Petition to save Johnson Valley

[timbillyosu]

Johnson Valley OHV area in California is the location of the "King of Hammers" event every year. It is also a great place where a lot of people enjoy a lot of wheeling. I've never been there, but I would like to at least have the opportunity sometime.

"With utmost respect for our nation’s military and national defense, we request our government deny any request by the US Marines to acquire 140K acres of public land designated for OHV use in Johnson Valley, CA for the purpose of expanding the 29 Palms Marine base. Expanding the world’s largest Marine base will cost tax payers millions and the Marines have publicly stated the land is only needed 2 months a year. Economic reports show neighboring communities and small businesses could lose $100 Million annually due to base expansion. The Marines current expansion plan is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible. We request our government encourage the Marines to work with the public and obtain permits from the BLM to meet training objectives instead of closing this land to the public forever."

petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/save-johnson-valley-ohv-area-be-fiscally-responsible-stop-29-palms-marine-base-expansion-keep-public/5r0C7Xw4

[Deleted]

I keep seeing this talk of Johnson Valley and the Marines. I'll be first to say how ridiculous it is we keep losing public access, but this has nothing to do with environmental BS. No way I could ever support restricting our military from training to be the very best fighting force possible, which in turn will help save our Marine's and soldiers' lives just so we have a place to go wheeling.
Sometimes I really do believe our money and efforts really aren't being used the best way as it applies to public access. Do what you want but I would suggest taking a look at the big picture here.

[timbillyosu]

I'll agree that this could be a knee-jerk, as these things usually are.

I did do a little more looking into it and apparently the Marines have recognized that they can fulfill their needs with the land they already have.

[KarlVP]

Jan 24, 2013 12:11:45 GMT -5 @fromme said:

I keep seeing this talk of Johnson Valley and the Marines. I'll be first to say how ridiculous it is we keep losing public access, but this has nothing to do with environmental BS. No way I could ever support restricting our military from training to be the very best fighting force possible, which in turn will help save our Marine's and soldiers' lives just so we have a place to go wheeling.
Sometimes I really do believe our money and efforts really aren't being used the best way as it applies to public access. Do what you want but I would suggest taking a look at the big picture here.

If you have ever been out to Johnson Valley and the Hammers you would understand.

The Marines have PLENTY of land to train on. Taking JV away from the PUBLIC would be huge. It's 188,000 acres that are used by much more than ORV folks. It's the last great wilderness in America that you can recreate in the way we do.

Standing on Means Dry Lake bed you can drive for 40 miles in any direction. It's fantastic. As far as you can see, you can drive to. Pick a mountain top and drive up there. If your vehicle can't make it get out and walk up there.

I'm in the Military, I understand the need for training. There is plenty of other land out there for the Marines to play on.

GO EAST MARINES!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deleted]

Karl I am a former Marine and I spent time in California and I have received training at 29 Palms. I know the area that this about. I still don't agree. That place offers an unique traning opportunity and terrain.