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BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paul Turcke, Esq., (208) 331-1807 Don Amador, BRC Western Representative, (925) 625-6287 Date: July 8, 2009 Trail Recreation Group Challenges Decision Process Regarding CCMA Closure Pocatello, ID (July 8) - A law-firm representing a national, trail-based recreation group submitted a letter with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) challenging their decision-making process regarding the ongoing closure of a popular off-highway vehicle riding area in Central California. The document cites data gleaned from a recent Freedom of Information Act request filed in May 2009, by the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). The letter specifically points to the fact that the agency summarily dismissing important information or questions submitted by BLM staff or by BRC consultants during the public scoping period which followed the functional closure of the of the entire 75,000 acre Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) on May 1, 2008, to all public uses. The letter, signed by Paul Turcke, an attorney for the BlueRibbon Coalition, highlights a number of the documents obtained, such as a memo authored by BLM experts seeking underlying data and questioning methodology relied upon by the EPA in its May, 2008 report that forms the basis for BLM's closure of the CCMA. The BLM closed the area through an emergency order in conjunction with the release of the EPA Report in 2008, but has promised to reevaluate the report and all reasonable management options in an ongoing and more robust public planning process. This is expected to result in the release of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) in 2009. "The EIS range of alternatives is not the place to fully concur in or reject EPA's analysis, but is instead designed to allow BLM and the public to meaningfully consider and provide input upon possible management options," the letter concludes. The draft EIS was previously scheduled for release in January 2009, but has been delayed several times. After it is released, it will be subject to public comment and will undergo further review before BLM announces a final decision. View document here: http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/FOIA_CCMA_Turcke_Letter_July_8_2009_Final.pdf # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Hawthorne, BRC Public Lands Policy Director Phone: 208-237-1008 ext. 102 Email: [email protected] OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE GROUP EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER OBAMA BLM PICK POCATELLO, ID (June 17, 2009) — The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national grass-roots group dedicated to preserving responsible recreational access to public lands and waters, today expressed concern over the Obama Administration's nomination of Robert V. Abbey as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The group says although Abbey has a good record during his 32 years with federal land managing agencies, his affiliation with some litigious preservationist groups raise significant questions. Abbey worked for more than 32 years with state and federal land management agencies before retiring from the federal government in July 2005. Most recently, he served as BLM's Nevada State Director. Upon learning of Abbey's nomination, BRC polled many of its members and supporters who had worked with him over the years. "With few exceptions, the reports we are getting have been positive," said Brian Hawthorne, BRC's Public Lands Policy Director. "Abbey is generally known of as a good manager, and one who understands the importance of public lands in providing diverse recreation for the American public." But the Coalition is concerned about Abbey's association with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and their sub-groups, Public Employees for Environmental responsibility (PEER) and Rangers for Responsible Recreation, after his retirement from the BLM. CBD and PEER are aggressive litigants who often challenge even the most restrictive recreation management plans. BRC's Executive Director, Greg Mumm, noted that among the vast number of so-called environmental groups, CBD and PEER are well known for being the least willing to compromise and most likely to sue. "The goals of these groups are directly opposed to BLM's multiple-use mandates," Mumm said, adding, "Congress needs to ensure Abbey's affiliation with these radical groups will not impede his ability to fulfil BLM's multiple-use mission." Don Amador, BRC's Western Representative, remembers being shocked when Abby joined CBD. "These groups specialize in manufacturing conflict where none exists. Given Abbey's solution-oriented approach at BLM, we were mystified as to why he would want to affiliate with them." The BLM manages 256 million acres primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres with strategic oil, gas and mineral reserves. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director Phone: 208-237-1008 Date: June 9, 2009 THE BLUERIBBON COALITION WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! TAKE OUR SURVEY AND YOU COULD WIN A NEW GPS POCATELLO, ID (June 9) - The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is asking recreationists of all types to take part in our online survey. This is your chance to give input to help shape the future of our active organization. As an added incentive, by taking the survey, your name will automatically be put in a special drawing for a brand new GPS. The survey only takes about ten minutes and has two versions designed for both members and for recreationists who are not members. We want to hear from everyone! The BRC Board of Directors, staff and contractors know very well that our access battles will be won by a large united team of folks working toward common goals, with focused objectives. "BlueRibbon is the national grassroots organization that can continue to build the team that will win the fights," said Greg Mumm, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition. "This simple online survey and the information we get from it will help us build an even stronger team." So please take just a few minutes and fill out our survey online by visiting Survey Introduction - BlueRibbon Coalition. Did we mention it's important and that you could win a brand new GPS? Take the survey-we've made it worth your while. # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT! SOME OF COLORADO'S LAST REMAINING HIGH MOUNTAIN TRAILS AT RISK IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED. Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, The comment deadline is approaching on a draft Travel Plan for a very popular OHV area in Colorado. The Taylor Park / Gunnison Basin Travel Plan is out for public review and comment, and the deadline is next week, JUNE 3, 2009. We are sending this Colorado-based action alert to our national alert list because the area involved, commonly known as Taylor Park, is popular with BRC members from California to Florida. This is some of Colorado's last remaining high-mountain OHV trail opportunity left. The area contains miles of some of the best world-class single-track motorcycle, ATV and 4x4 trails in the nation. Each mile is precious and several popular trails are proposed for closure. Will you help keep the trails open by sending a quick comment letter via email? In order to save you time away from work and family, we've included one of BRC's INSANELY easy 3-Step Action Items to help you send your email. Remember, the deadline is next week (June 3), so please do it today! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC. Thanks in advance for your support, Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster Public Lands Policy Director Public Lands Department Manager 208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107 PS: State, local and national OHV and mountain bike groups are really working hard to keep these world-class trails open. But resources are always meager in comparison to the Wilderness lobby, and unlike what you are about to read in the Denver Post, we are not funded by the OHV manufacturers. Groups like BRC and COHVCO depend on memberships and donations from individual OHV enthusiasts to fund the work we do. To us, membership is our lifeblood. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP! BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT! LAST CHANCE FOR COMMENTS ON THE TAYLOR PARK / GUNNISON BASIN TRAVEL PLAN SITUATION: For over 30 years now, Taylor Park, and trails across Colorado's upper Gunnison Basin and North Fork Valley region, has been a world-class recreation destination for OHV users. In relatively recent years, ever since the modern mountain bike was developed, the area has been a treasured destination by mountain bike enthusiasts. This plan will decide which roads and trails will be open for use by motorized vehicles and mountain bikes, which uses will be allowed on each route and whether there are any restrictions on the seasons of use for each route. To the Forest Service's credit, the draft travel plan proposes leaving many of the epic mountain bike and motorized trails open. However, they are missing a few of the more special routes. Several OHV groups in Colorado have dug into the details in this plan, and we are all working hard to defend our trails. Among the groups BRC is working with are the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO) Colorado OHV Coalition, Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) Colorado Trails Preservation Alliance - Home, Thunder Mountain Wheelers index.html and Western Slope 4-Wheelers Western Slope 4-Wheeler Home. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: We are asking our members to send an emails to the Forest Service. Simple instructions are below. We've tried to make it as easy as possible. IMPORTANT: If you have had the pleasure to visit this spectacular area, and have the time to write a bit about how valuable these trails are, please do so! Comments must be in writing (paper or electronic) and must be received by June 3, 2009. Mail written comments to: Gunnison Basin Travel Management DEIS, 2250 Hwy 50, Delta, Co 81416. E-mail Comments To: [email protected]. MORE INFO ON THE WEB: BRC encourages OHV and mountain bike enthusiasts to carefully view the maps on the web and check to see if the trails you use and enjoy are on any of the Alternatives. Gunnison National Forest Travel Management The Forest Service (FS) has formulated a "Proposed Action" Alternative (Alternative 2). Simply stated, this Alternative is what the agency wants to do. If your favorite roads and trails are not on this map, then it is extremely important that they hear from you!! Contact and other info, including copies of the DEIS and associated maps, are posted on the web at GMUG National Forest - Travel Management. They has also posted a helpful "how to comment" link on their website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/travel_mgmt/gun/deis/How_to_comment.pdf For more information, please contact: Anne Janik at (970) 874-6637 or email to [email protected] or Gary Shellhorn at (970) 874-6666 or email to [email protected] BRC'S THREE-STEP ACTION ITEM STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS: NOTE: Please be polite and, if possible, make your comment letter as personal as you can. STEP 1: Open your email program and start a draft email. Address the email to [email protected]. Put "Comments on Gunnison Travel Plan" in the Subject Line. STEP 2: Use the comments below as a guideline for comments in your email. Cut and paste is okay, but try to make your comment letter as personal as possible. STEP 3: Take just a minute to add a bit about where you live, where you like to ride and how much trail-based recreation means to you. Be certain to include your name and address. A return email address is NOT sufficient! ("anonymous" emails are often discarded). EXTRA CREDIT: If you can add any trail-specific information or personal testimony about your experiences enjoying this spectacular area, please take a minute to add that to your email (see links above for maps and other info). Then click "send" and you're done! Sample comment letter: Gunnison Basin Travel Management DEIS 2250 Hwy 50 Delta, Co 81416 The Gunnison Basin has had a motorized and mountain bike recreational niche for many decades. Because of the growth in popularity of OHV and mountain bike use, and because of closures in other areas of Colorado, there is a need to enhance motorized and mountain bike trail based recreation on the Gunnison NF. Therefore, it incumbent on the decision maker to choose a travel plan that enhances the motorized and mountain bike trail experience. I would like emphasize this comment with a rhetorical question. Given the fact that other national forests in Colorado have designated vast areas for the exclusive use of non-motorized recreation, and subsequently closed many thousands of miles of motorized routes, does the Gunnison NF have a motorized niche because of the opportunities existing on the forest, or has the U.S. Forest Service created the motorized niche because the agency has displaced so much OHV use from other Forests? The answer is obvious: Both. The Gunnison has a motorized niche both because of the decades of use, but also because closures in other areas of Colorado are displacing more OHV people. Therefore, your preferred alternative, "Alternative 2 - The Proposed Action", which proposes yet more closures, is simply not logical. It also runs the risk of creating an unmanageable situation on the ground. It is essential that all efforts to "mitigate first - close last" be made in formulating your Final Plan. I strongly support the specific trail recommendations made by the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA), the Thunder Mountain Wheelers and the Western Slope 4-Wheelers. The Thunder Mountain Wheelers make some excellent recommendations, especially regarding FS Road # 701 (Stevens Gulch) and FS Road # 265 (Buzzard Divide Road) on the Paonia Ranger District. I support the Thunder Mountain Wheeler's suggestions on the Oil Well Mt. Trail, Buck Mesa / Thousand Acre Flats Trail, FS Road # 783 (Coal Gulch), trail # 804 (Buck Mesa), FS Road # 704.4D (Spring House Park) FS Road # 704.4D1 (Spring House Park) and trail # 806 (Thousand Acre Flats). I also support their recommendations regarding the Overland Park Loop, Raggeds Trail, Minnesota Creek, Deer Creek and the proposed Sheep Mountain and Dyer Creek loops. I strongly support the Trail Preservation Alliance's recommendations regarding the Crest Trail, Agate Creek, North Bank (lower Dr Park area), Roaring Judy, and Eyre Basin. Also, please adopt their recommendations for the Teocalli Ridge, Ferris Creek and Double Top Trail Systems. Sincerely. YOUR NAME YOUR ADDRESS

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT! TELL THE EPA TO DENY WAIVER PETITION TO ALLOW E15 The increase in Ethanol in Fuel Blends has not had scientific testing! Attention Action Alert Subscriber, The alert concerns BRC members and supports who have marine engines (this means boats and Personal Water Craft (PWC) owners). Please take action today! As you may know, a pro-ethanol lobbying organization called Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers recently submitted a formal petition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting a waiver under the Clean Air Act to increase ethanol blend levels in gasoline up to 15 percent (E15) by volume. As is required by law, the EPA on April 21 published a Notice for Comment in the Federal Register, beginning a 30-day public comment period that closes on May 21, 2009. There is enormous political pressure on federal agencies to allow a high blend level despite well-known problems with mid-level ethanol gasoline. We are asking all interested parties to submit comments to the EPA arguing that the waiver petition be denied. Although the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has been working with the EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate testing on marine engines and equipment and has formally submitted a test plan for our sector, there has been no testing to date by any federal agency on the impacts of mid-level ethanol blends on marine products. As you all know, marine engines are designed and certified to run on not more than E10, the current legal allowable blend limit. Increasing the limit will likely bring marine engines out of compliance with federal clear air laws, damage marine engines due to higher temperatures, pose safety risks to boaters and sportsmen and likely mean warranties will be voided. We ask you to support a science-first approach and urge the EPA to deny the ethanol industry's E15 waiver request unless and until independent and comprehensive scientific testing is completed on a full range of marine engines and other products. CLICK HERE to send comments (due before May 21) directly to the EPA. It doesn't have to take more than one minute. If you have a little more time and can customize your letter, it will make your message even stronger. NMMA - Government Center Thanks you for taking action before the May 21, 2009 deadline, Jack Welch Special Projects Consultant BlueRibbon Coalition Phone: (303) 324-7185

Read it and weep. What's Next ? Congress Close on ‘Cash for Clunkers’ - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ACTION ALERT! Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, I have to tell you, everyone at BRC is enormously thrilled with the formation of an organization of professional land managers who are actually professional land managers -- instead of shills for the Wilderness lobby! We are very pleased to be able to forward you the latest from Larry Smith and the folks at Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA). Read and enjoy! Brian Hawthorne Public Lands Policy Director BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 107 Land Managers Supports Sustainable Recreation Washington, D.C., May 5, 2009 - A new group, Professionals for Managed Recreation (PMR), has been formed to promote environmentally sustainable, managed recreation. PMR is comprised of retired land management officials who favor access for managed, responsible motorized recreation on public lands. Each of the officials has extensive experience in successfully managing off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation on a National Forest and/or Bureau of Land Management unit. The new group's mission statement is, "Professionals for Managed Recreation is committed to encouraging, promoting and expanding sustainable OHV recreation through training, advocacy and on-the-ground management activities. PMR's website is hosted by Americans for Responsible Recreational Access and can be found here: PMR - Professionals for Managed Recreation. Tom Crimmins, lead PMR spokesman and retired Forest Service official of 32 years, stated, "Professionals for Managed Recreation presents an opportunity to convey that with proper management, OHV trail systems can be fun, challenging, and most importantly, sustainable." Crimmins authored Management Guidelines for Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation, which can be downloaded from the PMR website for free. The book discusses approaches to OHV recreation management to meet both land manager and rider objectives. Topics addressed include route planning, trail design and active management, with many specific examples. Currently, four other retired land managers join Crimmins as members of PMR. Crimmins stated, "We have a great core of experienced land managers who have all successfully managed OHV programs on public lands. We know there are more folks like us out there who, by definition, are retired but remain actively engaged in promoting sustainable management techniques, and we encourage them to be a part of PMR." Crimmins concluded, "Closure is not the only option for land managers dealing with OHV recreation. In fact in nearly every case responsible, active management is the real solution. Each member of PMR has experience in managing sustainable OHV trail systems and it is that experience that we would like to share." * 1152 15th Street NW * Suite 800 * Washington, DC 20005 * PH: (202) 336-5116 *

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT! Wilderness Rope-A-Dope Fails - Grassroots Motivated By Massive Wilderness Bill "In terms of acreage, NREPA is the largest threat to public access to public lands pending in Congress today. However, there are many smaller bills, each equally unfair in denying public access, that need immediate attention by our members and supporters." Dear BRC Action Alert Subscribers, Today the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands is hearing testimony on H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA). NREPA, first introduced in 1993 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), would designate 24 million acres of Wilderness across five Western states (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming). The bill has also been described as the modern incarnation of the Wildlands Project, an ambitious proposal first conceived by Dave Foreman, the founder of Earth First!. The Wildlands Project would "re-wild" approximately half of North America by outlawing most human use and occupancy. But these large multi-state Wilderness bills are difficult to pass. That is why the Wilderness lobby has been pushing an "incremental approach." Wilderness groups say the smaller bills are a "reasonable compromise" to the NREPA behemoth. BRC's Greg Mumm says it isn't working! "Our phone has been ringing off the hook and our email in-boxes are flooded," Mumm said in a recent BRC Media Release. BRC and other OHV groups' membership trends ticked upward during the first two months of the year and some believe that may be because of the attention to the omnibus and NREPA bills. Greg notes that opposition to additional Wilderness is now coming from a much wider range of interests. Outfitters, mountain bikers and equestrians are expressing concerns ranging from loss of access to problems maintaining trails in Wilderness. Increased opposition is also coming from local governments and state officials. How you can help: Send a letter to Congress saying NO TO NREPA. CLICK HERE BRC and other national OHV groups work together to track the hundreds of pieces of legislation affecting your right to ride. Your response to our action alerts is our best tool in fighting these land lock-up bills. A short list of just a few of the bills on our radar is included below. Thanks in advance for your action, Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster Public Lands Policy Director Public Lands Department Manager 208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107 PS: We want our members to know that we appreciate it when you all take time from work and family to respond to our alerts. We try our best to make certain your time isn't wasted. PSS: BRC's Public Lands guys want to give kudos to Dave Hurwitz and the gang over at Snowmobile Alliance of Western States (SAWS). Insofar as grass roots activists go, Hurwitz and his SAWS volunteers in Idaho, Oregon and Montana have been aggressively opposing NREPA since 1993. SAWS has a lot of good information on NREPA and other Wilderness bills on their website: Snowmobile Alliance of Western States - Home page Here are a few of the bills BRC is watching: H.R.1769 & S. 721 -Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion in the State of Washington Mojave Desert Wilderness bill - Senator Feinstein's effort to designate more Wilderness in San Bernardino, Imperial, and Riverside counties H.R.192 Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA) will designate over 3 million acres of additional Wilderness in Idaho Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge Conservation, Restoration and Stewardship Act, a bill to add an additional half million acres of new Wilderness in Montana Legislation to designate Johnson Valley a National Recreation Area (BRC is supporting this one!) SUWA's massive Utah Wilderness bill (H.R.1925 and S.799) The ongoing county-by-county Wilderness approach currently underway in Nevada, Colorado and Utah

©2009 by Del Albright, Use freely given by Permission Only, All Rights Reserved. Page 1 View from the Locked Gate A bit of sarcasm about an access lesson By Del & Stacie Albright, BlueRibbon Coalition The gal in uniform with the big gun on her hip smiled and waved as she installed the recessed pad lock on the gate. I guess she thought we were happy about the road being closed. Her rugged 4x4 government‐bought pickup truck that was kinda parked in our view had all sorts of signs and decals declaring she was a public servant. We figured it must be true. She had sent us an official‐looking letter a while back asking for comments, but the fish were a’bitin’ so we missed out on the letter‐writin’. We figured someone else would write those darn letters. We figured wrong on all accounts. It was a heck of a view we had – trees, rocks, trails, roads, wildlife, mountains, creeks, and vast open areas beckoning to the adventurer in all of us. It’s easy to recall my Dad, Elmer, telling stories of roaming this kind of back country area 40 years ago with the freedom of a jack rabbit in the Mojave Desert. He always told us to get outdoors and have fun while taking care of the land. He figured we would all have the same freedom. He figured wrong. The ability, and most importantly the opportunity that my dad had to take his kids out and teach us how to fish, hunt, hike, play and breathe in the fresh air is all but gone now. My mind wanders off and I think of what can happen if we continue down this dangerous path of management by closure. Soon it will be just a happy memory of our nine year old when she was able to see nature, hike, take pictures and jump in and out of our 4 wheel drive while we were on the hunt for a new camp spot. Soon she will not have the opportunity to teach them the same lessons and family traditions that came naturally and innocently in her youth to her tots. Our view now is tainted, to say the least. Padlocks, iron pipe, closed signs, reinforced hinges, and small‐print letting us know under no uncertain circumstances that the land beyond the gate is CLOSED to access – unless of course you want to haul your buns in there via boot rubber. Now, as I stand here watching that same gal in uniform jump back into her four wheel drive (that I paid for) and drive on down my old favorite trail I get a lump in my throat and I get a little teary eyed just thinking about the view our kids are going to have from this same locked gate that’s in my backyard. I don’t think I’m figuring wrong anymore. Article: View from Locked Gate Back to the future: in reality, there are things we can all do to prevent this (sarcastic) scenario from happening. You’ve read tons of articles on getting involved, joining groups like BlueRibbon Coalition, and ensuring your family and friends have a place to ride. Just do it. Visit Land Use, Access and Rubicon Trail Home Page by Del Albright including Volunteer Training and Outdoor Photography and BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands. for more things you can do right now. Make a difference and help prevent closures from blocking our “view” any more. Join up, donate and get in the game. Please, before we have nothing left to figure on... The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public lands and waters, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1‐800‐258‐3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Hawthorne, Public Lands Policy Director Phone: 208-237-1008 ext 102 Date: May 4, 2009 Massive Wilderness Sounds Alarm in Land Use Debate POCATELLO, ID (May 4) - The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national trail-based recreation group, states potential passage of a massive Wilderness Bill is sounding an alarm in the access community. BRC credits a House Subcommittee hearing on H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA), for resurgence in grassroots opposition to legislation limiting recreational access to public lands. "Our phone has been ringing off the hook and our email in-boxes are flooded," said Greg Mumm, BRC's Executive Director. "The recent flurry of Wilderness bills being proposed and/or signed into law has raised a red flag in the access community. Widespread opposition to the massive Wilderness bill is rising among individuals, groups and local governments across the West." H.R. 980 was first introduced in 1993 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and proposes to designate 24 million acres of Wilderness across five Western states, (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming). The bill has also been described as the modern incarnation of the Wildlands Project, an ambitious proposal first conceived by Dave Foreman, the co-founder of Earth First!. The Wildlands Project would "re-wild" approximately half of North America by outlawing most human use and occupancy. NREPA was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and is scheduled for a hearing on May 5, by the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Committee on Natural Resources Brian Hawthorne, BRC's Public Lands Policy Director, speculated that NREPA was moving up as a priority for recreation advocacy groups, including mountain bike and sporting conservation groups, perhaps because the growing influence of the green lobby on decision-makers in Washington DC. "We don't know if the Wilderness lobby really thinks Congress will let eastern politicians draw lines on maps around lands they've never seen, or if this is a strategic ploy to make smaller scale proposals seem reasonable by comparison. Either way, the recreating public should be on high alert," observed Hawthorne. BRC is urging its members to contact their legislators and express opposition to the passage of NREPA and has provided a portal on their website to easily contact legislators. Rapid Response Center - BlueRibbon Coalition BRC is also cautioning its members not to let the hearing on NREPA distract their attention from equally serious threats to access to other public lands. In an email to members today the Coalition stated, "NREPA is perhaps the largest threat to public access to public lands pending in Congress today. However, our members must remember that large, multi-state Wilderness bills are very difficult to pass and there are many smaller bills, each equally unfair in denying public access that need immediate attention by our members and supporters." A few of the smaller initiatives mentioned by the Coalition were: H.R.1769 & S. 721 -Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion in the State of Washington Mojave Desert Wilderness bill - Senator Feinstein's effort to designate more Wilderness in San Bernardino, Imperial, and Riverside counties H.R.192 Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA), will designate an additional half million acres of Wilderness in Idaho Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge Conservation, Restoration and Stewardship Act Legislation to designate Johnson Valley a National Recreation Area (BRC is supporting this one!) SUWA'S massive Utah Wilderness bill (H.R.1925 and S.799) The ongoing county-by-county Wilderness approach currently underway in Nevada, Colorado and Utah For further updates on these and other issues, visit BRC's webpage at BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.. # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Don Amador Phone: 925.625.6287 Email: [email protected] Date: April 30, 2009 May Declared Protect Your Right to Ride Month POCATELLO, ID (April 30) - The BlueRibbon Coalition, a national trail-based recreation group, announces a new nationwide effort to keep riding areas open for responsible OHV use. KTM North America and FMF Racing have banded together with a giveaway of a brand new motorcycle and quiet exhaust system to strongly support the access efforts of BRC and other land-use organizations by declaring the month of May as Protect Your Right to Ride month. "In these tough economic times we feel it is essential to take time to inform motorcycle enthusiasts on how they can become involved in the motorcycle organizations that are protecting their right to ride. The last thing we can afford to lose is our riding areas," commented KTM President Jon-Erik Burleson. There is power in numbers and now is the time for OHV recreationists to join forces to ensure that everyone has a place to enjoy the sport. There are many legal riding areas across the country that are facing land use and noise emission regulations which could threaten or potentially close the areas from off-road-related recreation activities. Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director, states, "This is a precedent-setting effort by two international companies to help protect our recreational access to public lands. This nationwide program will make a difference to bolster our membership numbers and to send a strong message to closure advocates that riders are going to fight back." During the month of May, visit a KTM dealer to find out information about what you can do to protect your right to ride. Each KTM dealer will supply materials provided by the motorcyclist activist clubs and organizations that have been fighting for your rights all along. When you visit your KTM dealer and show your BRC, AMA and/or ORBA membership card, or choose to sign up for a membership at the dealership, you will receive an entry toward a chance to win a brand new KTM 250 XC-FW with an FMF Q4 Titanium exhaust system. Participants will receive one entry for each of the organizations to which they belong. KTM North America is an avid supporter of BRC and other land-use groups and has taken an active role along with FMF to help these organizations reach a larger part of the motorcycle community through the implementation of Protect Your Right to Ride Month. Please take time to stop by your KTM dealer in May and learn what you can do to become an active member of the motorcycle community and protect your right to ride. To Find a Local KTM Dealer go to: Dealer Locator - Models & Accessories - KTM.com - Ready to Race New FMF Land Use Website: www.soundoffmc.com

BLUERIBBON COALITION ANNOUNCES ONLINE AUCTION FOR ACCESS The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a nationwide, non-profit recreation access group, announced today the launch of its 2009 Board of Directors Online Auction, put together by board members to help raise funds for preserving responsible recreational access. Announced earlier this year, the auction is a result of BRC board members taking initiative to make use of one of the many new and exciting avenues for non-profit fund raising. The auction will last into May of 2009, with many items available for bidding. Included among them are gift certificates, trail guide books, snowmobile boots, a tire pressure gauge, CB radio antenna, lodging in West Yellowstone, and more. All of the proceeds from the auction will be used to defend your access. A list of items can be viewed on BRC's website (BRC Board Auction 2009 - BlueRibbon Coalition) and will be updated as new items are added. Thanks for your time, Ric Foster Public Lands Department Manager BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 107

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC. MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador Phone: (209) 304-7693 Email: [email protected] Date: April 27, 2009 Rubicon Trail Update: Water Quality Board Meets - Rubicon Stays Open SACRAMENTO, CA (April 27) - The Rubicon Trail is open and OHV recreation is sustained on this icon of four-wheeling, according to the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) and Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR). The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) voted unanimously to issue a Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) to El Dorado County and the Eldorado National Forest for the world-famous Rubicon Trail that sustains motorized recreation while enhancing stewardship of the trail. Not only did the Board enact an order that recreationists can live with, but they also went so far as to praise the efforts of the volunteers for addressing trail issues in such a prompt manner all these years. The Rubicon Trail traverses the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains of California from roughly Georgetown, CA to Lake Tahoe, CA. Water runoff and erosion are always concerns on trails in the west, but thanks to the efforts of all the clubs and members of Friends of the Rubicon in partnership with Eldorado County, landowners and the USFS, the Rubicon Trail is well maintained. "FOTR has invested thousands of hours of organized trail work and maintenance since our beginning in 2001," said Del Albright, co-Founder and Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon. "We are well-prepared to address any concerns or issues on this famous trail, and we are working towards a future of stewardship we can all be proud of," Albright added. Greg Mumm, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, pointed out that "BlueRibbon has sponsored Del's leadership of efforts on the Rubicon Trail since the beginning, and we are confident that FOTR can handle this like they have everything else thrown at this famous trail." The Rubicon Trail Foundation is the 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting efforts on the Rubicon Trail. They led the effort to ensure the Water Board understood all trail issues. RTF has position statements covering many aspects of trail use on the Rubicon, including topics like water quality, sanitation, camping, and year-round use. The Rubicon Trail Foundation does not support the blanket restriction of Rubicon Trail use by season, or by vehicle numbers, type or size. Further, the Rubicon Trail Foundation encourages the establishment of reasonable and practical operating procedures for training of volunteer groups and others to install and maintain trail drainage structures, stream crossings and new trail segments. Other issues being addressed by the dedicated volunteers of FOTR and RTF include mitigating oil spills and managing human waste. The Rubicon Trail Foundation supports requiring every Rubicon Trail user to carry portable human waste disposal devices and requiring every motorized user to carry oil spill kits. The Rubicon Trail Foundation works hand in hand with the Friends of the Rubicon and together, with the agency partners, these groups are ensuring an access-friendly future for the Rubicon Trail. "We look forward to implementing this order from the Water Quality Board in conjunction with our great partners in the county and USFS, because we all will benefit, and our trail will stay open, alive and well," Albright concludes. More information on RTF position statements, mission, and the CAO is available at Welcome to Rubicon Trail Foundation - or by emailing Board Director Scott Johnston at [email protected] # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Del Albright Phone: 209.304.7693 Email: [email protected] NATIONAL RECREATION ORGANIZATION QUALIFIES FOR COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN BlueRibbon Coalition now on national charity list for easy donations POCATELLO, ID (April 14) - The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) announced today that the United States Office of Personnel Management has granted the Coalition official status in the Combined Federal Campaign Charity List for 2009. BlueRibbon will be listed under National/International Independent Organizations for charitable donations. This will make it much easier for employees of participating federal agencies to donate anytime to BRC. For over 20 years, the BlueRibbon Coalition has promoted responsible use and stewardship of our public lands. Nationally recognized as the grassroots non-profit organization working for all trails and all types of recreation, BRC is a powerful advocate in educating the American public. Based in the concept of multiple-use, BRC walks the talk of its website, which is BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.. Brian Hawthorne, BRC Public Lands Policy Director, noted that, "We empower our members to be meaningfully involved to help keep all forms of recreation alive and well, while taking care of our environment. Our mission, to preserve access for all, is more than a passion; it's a promise." "We are proud to have our eligibility for donations through the Combined Federal Campaign officially recognized," said Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director. "We look forward to this new way for folks to support our great Coalition." All Federal employees, including military personnel, receive the Charity List for CFC, and BRC will be listed as: 11402 BlueRibbon Coalition. # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

MEDIA RELEASE RECREATIONAL GROUPS FILE TO ENTER UTAH DESERT LAWSUIT Contact: Paul Turcke 208-331-1800 Date: April 8, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC - A coalition of recreational access groups moved today to join a lawsuit challenging Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans covering nearly seven million acres in Utah. The motion was filed by the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA), Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), and BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), all trails-based, grassroots recreation advocacy groups. The lawsuit was filed by eleven preservationist groups, led by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. Through the suit, the plaintiffs hope to have the BLM plans declared illegal and set aside, and ask the Court to issue an injunction preventing activities authorized by the plans until BLM issues new decisions complying with a host of federal statutes. The lands at issue are located in the BLM Moab, Price, and Vernal Field Offices, which include iconic destinations for all types of backcountry recreationists. "Our groups have carefully participated in these planning processes," said Don Riggle, TPA founder. "We are far from satisfied with the final BLM decisions, but can obviously see that SUWA is attempting, through this suit, to close off access to even those trails that survived the designation process," Riggle concluded. "Our courtroom relationship with SUWA stretches back nearly a decade, and this suit seemingly breathes continuing life into that relationship," added Brian Hawthorne, BRC Public Lands Policy Director. The lawsuit was originally filed on December 17, 2008, and targeted 77 lease sales for oil and gas drilling on BLM-managed lands. Those sales were halted by a temporary restraining order issued by the Court on January 17, 2009. The latest complaint, filed March 19, 2009, drops the claims against the oil and gas leasing projects, which BLM has apparently withdrawn. However, the current complaint adds claims addressing other uses, including off-highway vehicle use. The Recreational Groups and SUWA have waged prior battles over BLM's management of Utah lands, most notably including a 2000 lawsuit by which SUWA sought to compel agency action meeting SUWA's vision of that required by BLM. In that suit, the Recreational Groups filed a motion to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds, which was granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, reversed by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, but ultimately affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004. During and subsequent to that case, BLM has been preparing the land use plans and travel management designations now under challenge in the present suit. # # # The Trails Preservation Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the sport of motorized trail riding, educating all user groups and the public on the value of sharing public lands for multiuse recreation, while protecting public lands for future generations. Colorado Trails Preservation Alliance - Home COHVCO is a nonprofit organization whose member enthusiasts, organizations and businesses collectively comprise over 200,000 Coloradoans and regular visitors to Colorado and other western states who contribute millions of dollars and thousands of hours annually to off-highway vehicle recreation through registration fees, retail expenditure, project participation and related support. Colorado OHV Coalition The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands.

BLUERIBBON COALITION "SOS" ACTION ALERT! Mississippi ATV riders and Off Road Motorcyclists need our help! Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, We seldom blast National Alerts for local planning processes, and we hate to blast anything with such short notice. But we need your help. This Monday, April 6, is the deadline for a new travel management plan on National Forests in Mississippi. In a previous attempt, the agency refused to consider adding even one mile of trails, which have been enjoyed by folks in the area for over 30 years. BRC and the Memphis Motorcycle Club successfully appealed the "total closure" plan. The response of the U.S. Forest Service should boil blood. Instead of re-considering the total closure plan, the agency is simply adding volumes of analysis in an attempt to better defend against our appeals. In other words, they don't care if refusing to consider any user-created routes is contrary to regulations; they are going to try to do whatever it takes to make it happen, regulations be dammed. The links below tell more of the story. But today, we are asking our members across the country to help the local ATV and motorcycle people out. We've prepared a letter generator with several key substantive comments. Please take a minute to click on the link below and send a letter. Your comments will help, please send your letter today! Comments on National Forest in Mississippi Revised Route Designation EA - BlueRibbon Coalition The Revised Route Designation Environmental Assessment and maps of the proposed changes are available on the Forest's website at National Forests in Mississippi Travel Management Page. Brian Hawthorne Public Lands Policy Director BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 102 BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comments Needed on Holly Springs National Forest - June 18th, 2008 Comments Needed On Holly Springs National Forest - BRC Action Alert TRAIL RIDERS FIND NEW LIFE IN MISSISSIPPI FORESTS' DECISION - January 30th, 2009 Trail Riders Find New Life In Mississippi Forests' Decision - BRC Media Releases Recreation Funding Conundrum - BlueRibbon Magazine, February 2007 Recreation Funding Conundrum - BlueRibbon Magazine Trails for Future Generations - BlueRibbon Magazine, October 2006 Trails for Future Generations - BlueRibbon Magazine

We must improve the safety of ATV riding, those who oppose us will use it to limit or close trails.

The Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) expressed disappointment today in the Forest Service decision to implement the emergency closure of the Upper Tellico OHV trails on April 1, pending review of the many substantive comments made by OHV enthusiasts. Gary Parsons, President of SFWDA, said, "We are very disappointed in the Forest Service decision to close the Upper Tellico OHV trails. In formal comments made to the Forest Service, the OHV community and other interested parties clearly demonstrated that such a closure has no scientific basis. Substantive comments provided to the Forest Service included findings of an independent study completed by Caliber Engineering and the recommendations from a report completed by the Forest Service's own Trails Unlimited Team. This is a bad decision and we are left with no other alternative but to pursue legal options." Carla Boucher, legal counsel for the United Four Wheel Drive Associations, stated, "The Forest Service has failed to make the case with regard to adverse effects and resource damage. There is no immediate threat to public health, safety, or other requisite finding required by such an order. Water quality standards cited by the Forest Supervisor as the basis for such an order are not being exceeded." Boucher added, "In making this decision, the Forest Service must be prepared to explain why similar findings have not been made in the decades of greater environmental impact and they simply have not done that." Greg Mumm, BRC's Executive Director, stated, "Implementing this closure order threatens the integrity of the ongoing planning process in which the interested public and our federal government have collectively invested significant time and resources." Mumm concluded, "The economic impact of this closure will be devastating to the area and comes at a time when the current administration is calling for more jobs, economic development, and healthy outdoor recreation. It makes no sense." # # # The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. BlueRibbon Coalition: Preserving your recreational access to public lands. United Four Wheel Drive Associations is an international organization comprised of four wheel drive enthusiasts, clubs, associations, and businesses dedicated to providing community services around the world, education in responsible land use and safe vehicle operation, and protection of our natural resources through conservation practices. 1-800-448-3932. United Four Wheel Drive Associations Official Site - United Online - An International Organization Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) was founded in 1987 to promote responsible land use and to keep public lands accessible for motorized recreation. For more information on the activities and accomplishments of Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, please visit Southern 4WD Association or contact us at 1483 N. Mt. Juliet Road, PMB # 222, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Today the President fired the CEO of General Motors ? How can this be ? The Government can now fire a private sector employee ? Oh My God !!! Are we in trouble or what. Better watch out, that means he can fire YOU ! I am still reeling from this. This man is a dictator. What would happen if Polaris got in trouble ? Could the CEO be fired by the President, and then the company operated by the government ? That would spell the END of ATVs and OHVs all together. This mad man has gone to far to fast and must be stopped, or this country and this sport are DOOMED. God help us.

Friends, Time is running out--please help rescue Tellico today! As we rapidly approach Tellico's effective closure date, April 1st, we need your help now more than ever to rescue Tellico. We do not yet believe we have generated enough letters from the OHV community to be most effective. If you have not done so already, it is vital that you take 10 minutes of your time to write a letter to the Forest Service. You CAN make a difference. We have made this very easy with our online letter generator (Comments on Upper Tellico System Draft EA - BlueRibbon Coalition). All you have to do is click here to begin the process. If you know a friend or family member who has not yet sent a letter, please encourage them to do so. For more information and background, see our previous alerts here: Please: Take Ten Minutes For Tellico Now! - BRC Action Alert They Want to Close Tellico! - BRC Action Alert As always, this has been a long and expensive fight and we ask that you help us to sustain the ongoing effort with your donations. You can donate simply and easily online at Contribute to Rescue Tellico - BlueRibbon Coalition Thank you for your help! Sincerely, Greg Mumm Executive Director

PLEASE: TAKE TEN MINUTES FOR TELLICO NOW! We need you to send in comment letters to the Forest Service. Pass this on to your friends and fellow OHVers. UPDATE ON THE TELLICO EFFORT: BRC, UFWDA, and SFWDA have all teamed up to fight the battle for Tellico. Thanks to all who responded to our Phase 1 alert and have written, called and visited their elected officials about the USFS proposed closure of Tellico. We still need those calls and letters to continue. Don't let up. The letters to your congressmen are working! Jay Bird from SFWDA and Greg Mumm from BRC will be going back to Washington, D.C. to follow up with some offices early next week. At this late date phone calls will work the best. Please follow up on your letters to those who represent you. For more information and background, see our previous alert here: They Want to Close Tellico! - BRC Action Alert Now we are shifting to Phase 2. It is important and it is time to respond to the Forest Service's draft Environmental Assessment with comments. We've made this very easy for you with an online letter generator (Comments on Upper Tellico System Draft EA - BlueRibbon Coalition). All it takes is for you to click here and there is a very easy process set up for you to send in your comments. It is vital that you take action to Rescue Tellico. The Forest Service has told us what they want to do and it is incumbent on the OHV community to change their mind. We NEED to generate as many letters as possible, so: PLEASE TAKE TEN MINUTES FOR TELLICO NOW! The deadline is fast approaching so don't put it off. Click here and help by sending in your comment letter. You CAN make a difference. As always, this has been a long and expensive fight and we ask that you help us to sustain the ongoing effort with your donations. You can donate simply and easily online at Contribute to Rescue Tellico - BlueRibbon Coalition . Thank you for your help! SFWDA, UFWDA, and BRC If you would prefer to send in your own letter, we encourage you to do so. Below are some talking points to help you with that effort. Letters need to be sent to: National Forests in North Carolina Attn: Candace Wyman 160 A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Letters may be emailed to: Email: [email protected] Be sure to put in the reference line to the project: RE: Transportation System and Related Recreation Management Actions for the Upper Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle System and Temporary Closure of the Upper Tellico OHV System Nantahala National Forest: Cherokee County, North Carolina It is important to tell the Forest Service why Tellico is important to you and your family. Oppose the temporary closure of the Upper Tellico OHV System effective April 1, 2009 and ask the Forest Supervisor to reconsider that decision. The emergency closure is unwarranted and unjustified based on the information provided. Planning for many historic and permitted events in the area are and have been underway for sometime now based on the good faith of the Forest Service and the originally proposed action for planning in the area. The immediate economic impact to the surrounding communities of this temporary closure order is devastating and cannot be replaced. Communities affected by this sudden change in management are historically dependent on money brought into the area by OHV recreation and these events. The decision for the emergency closure prior to the decision on the draft environmental assessment appears to point to a pre-determined outcome for the environmental assessment. The Forest Service should/needs to conduct more complete planning. The draft environmental assessment needs to address findings and conclusions of the independent report from Caliber Engineering recently provided to the Forest Service which conflicts with much of the findings and the internal studies of the Forest Service in the draft environmental assessment. The draft EA does not consider the report commissioned by and provided to the Forest Service by the Enterprise Team, USFS Trails Unlimited, assessing the Upper Tellico OHV System. This report is also in conflict with the findings reflected in the Draft EA. Neither the Caliber study nor the Trails Unlimited report recommended closure of trails in Tellico. Both concluded the trails could be sustainably managed. Failure by the Forest Service to consider other sources of sedimentation invalidates agency implication that the OHV system is the cause of high turbidity measurements. This failure leads to an inaccurate and unsupported conclusion that closure of the OHV system will resolve turbidity issues, if such exist. Ask that the Forest Service to conduct additional study and planning in an Environmental Impact Statement. Given the potentially devastating economic impact to the local communities alone (as cited in the University of Tennessee survey), a finding of no significant impact cannot be a determined outcome. The range of alternatives should be developed utilizing the additional science and information provided in both the Caliber report and the Trails Unlimited report discussed previously. The Forest Service needs to exhaust all possible options to mitigate the issues prior to closure. The Forest Service must also recognize that closing the opportunity was never the intent or desire of the interested stakeholders. Proper management for the use is the better solution. Closure alone will not solve the stated issues. Mitigation of those issues still must take place. Resolving those challenges in partnership with the OHV community provides both the manpower and additional funding from the private sector necessary for proper mitigation. Be honest, professional and polite. Most importantly, be timely. Don't put it off. For more information and background, see our previous alert on Tellico here: They Want to Close Tellico! - BRC Action Alert

Immediate Action Requested Omnibus Package Revived In Senate - Vote Scheduled Today Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, In our last update on the massive omnibus public lands bill, we cautioned our members that the package is far from dead. We wrote: "Worse, possible scenarios are being considered that will prohibit full review as well as opportunity to offer amendments." True to form, Congress is pushing ahead with yet another vehicle for the omnibus package. This time it's H.R. 146 - "The Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program." This otherwise worthy bill will be amended to include the contents of the omnibus package. The Senate is expected to take the bill up at 2 p.m. eastern with the first cloture vote due as early as 5:30 p.m. At this point it looks as if the Senate leadership will either strike a deal to limit amendments in order for the bill to move quickly, or they will just push it through without allowing any opportunity for amendments. Either way, the bill is likely to see its first cloture vote TODAY! If the Senate passes the measure it is expected that House leadership will attempt to jam it through via one or more "closed rule" options. D.C. insiders expect House leadership to call the legislation up as a "preferential bill," which would prohibit committee review and limit amendments. BRC is asking all of our members and supporters to call their Senators NOW. Finding their phone number is easy. Click here and enter your Zip code. Simply tell your Senator that you oppose the Omnibus Public Lands Act and you want them to vote NO on H.R. 146. Be brief. Be polite. Do it NOW. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance call or email. Brian Hawthorne Public Lands Policy Director BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 102

THEY WANT TO CLOSE TELLICO! You MUST take action to Rescue Tellico NOW! The Forest Service has told us what they want to do and it is incumbent on the OHV community to change their mind. Background: On Friday, February 27, the USDA Forest Service rolled out the draft Environmental Assessment for the Upper Tellico OHV trail system. The OHV community has been extremely dismayed to learn that while there are six alternatives the Forest Service is considering, the Forest Supervisor, Marisue Hilliard, made it very clear that her preferred alternative is to CLOSE TELLICO. While we know that this is completely unacceptable and will cause immediate and intense emotional reaction, we are asking that everyone maintain a level head and concentrate on what our task is now. In addition, the USFS Forest Supervisor issued a TEMPORARY CLOSURE ORDER that will keep Tellico closed until they decide what the fate of the area will be. This means that if the temporary closure order stands, TELLICO WILL NOT REOPEN ON APRIL 1ST! What we are doing about it: The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), and the United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) have teamed up to fight this and we are working as aggressively as we can to get you the right information. We have spent the last week "scrubbing" through the draft EA and developing a plan and now WE NEED YOUR HELP AND HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE MOST HELPFUL: STEP 1: The week of March 9th, THIS WEEK, we need you to call, write or, even better, visit your congressman, senator, state and local representatives. They need to know you feel angry, hurt and betrayed by the Forest Service. They need to know that the Forest Service is going to affect jobs and the economy in this difficult time. They need to know the real science and that the water is not bad. See the sample letter below for talking points. Feel free to copy and paste the letter, but be sure to personalize it with a short paragraph on why Tellico is important-what it represents to the OHV community and to you. Help your representatives understand how important Tellico is. Please forward any positive or negative reactions you get to Jay Bird at [email protected]. We want to know who our friends are and follow through with them. STEP 2: Beginning the week of March 16th, BRC, SFWDA, and UFWDA will have a letter generator up with comments you can make to the Forest Service about the EA. If you have already made comments, make some more. Each time you find out some new information, send it to the Forest Service. We need letters. We are currently refining our comment bullet points and will send out and post more information to help with your letters as we complete that process. But don't let that stop you from doing background preparation and comments yourself. WE NEED to have as much enthusiast involvement as we possibly can muster from the OHV community. BRC and UFWDA will be following through for us in Washington DC, working from the top down. They will meet with the Forest Service as well as other national organizations and some of those friendly representatives. Please read the Forest Service documents on their website at: Upper Tellico OHV Area Then take the time to review the independent scientific study SFWDA had commissioned at: Recommended Trail System Repair and Maintenance Plan Upper Tellico OHV System. If you see anything in the EA or Caliper report, or you have information that you want to make sure we don't overlook, please notify Heather Royston at [email protected] We each need to do our part to RESCUE TELLICO and YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS CRITICAL! Thank you for your help! SFWDA, UFWDA, and BRC A SAMPLE LETTER TO SEND TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE CAN BE FOUND HERE FOR COPY AND PASTE. OR THERE ARE GENERAL TALKING POINTS TO USE BELOW... You can find out your representatives' contact information and where to send your letter or email to by visiting the BRC Rapid Response Center at http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/and simply typing in your zip code. Upper Tellico OHV Area Proposed Closure Order TALKING POINTS Congressional attention to this problem cannot wait. The USFS has issued a proposed temporary closure notice prohibiting all use of the Upper Tellico OHV system effective April 1, 2009. REPAIRING THE AREA IS THE BEST SOLUTION: o OHV enthusiasts spend 4 times more money on lodging, food, and gas than other outdoor sportsmen o $4.8 million annually in tourism revenues by OHV users o Repairing contributes $1.5 - $2.6 million in OHV revenue annually o Repairing would create more than $1.4 million in local jobs o Nearby streams are currently healthy o Nearby streams have excellent water quality per North Carolina standards o Nearby streams are capable of sustaining viable, reproducing native trout populations o Nearby stream channels are very stable o Nearby stream channels convey stream flows without streambed erosion o The trails are repairable and very much maintainable/sustainable after repair CLOSURE IS A BAD SOLUTION: o Closure creates ZERO OHV tourism revenue o Degradation of water quality and degradation of aquatic habitat in Upper Tellico is non-existent o Historic clear-cutting of land in Upper Tellico has contributed more to the off-site sediment transport than the trail system o Closure of trails is neither warranted nor recommended by USFS trails experts!

Recently I joined a news group that opposes motorized use of public lands. At first I didn’t write any post, I just sat back and read the e-mails each day. Finally one subject in a digest e-mail caught my attention. I responded with a short note that disagreed with the author of the original post. Each day there was a new post and I had to defend motorized recreation. This weekend a member wrote a long degrading and insulting post, and I responded in much the same tone. Today I received an e-mail that read. We have tried to accommodate your strong views, but it appears that you have such a low opinion of anyone who opposes the use of mechanized rec vehicles there is no use to continue your participation. Therefore your subscription to this news group has been cancelled. That’s fine with me. I learned something from this. There is no point in trying to talk to those who oppose us. Their level of contempt and intolerance for us is beyond reasonable levels. Fairness is not in their lexicon. The time and effort was a total waste. I could have used that energy to write my representatives in Washington D.C. , so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I encourage you to do the same. They have to listen to us, those who oppose us, and the BLM, Forest Service, Park Service etc DON’T and they won’t. Call your Senators at 202-224-3121, the House of Representatives at 202-225-3121, and The President at 202-456-1111. Call, send e-mail, letters, faxes, whatever works best for you. Now more than ever we must roar like a lion, or be slaughtered like a lamb. Please get involved ,when we get together as a group, we get results. Join an organization, there are many listed on my website ATVs Today All Terrain Vehicles Quads Trails. Click on the button”Keeping Our Trails Open” Join as many as you can. It looks like Tellico is lost, and the recent ban on child size dirt bikes and ATVs is still in effect. Believe me , with the political climate in Washington, we stand to lose it all, I mean it, ALL, EVERYTHING. Don’t let us get Kicked Out, please help. Thank You Bob Crandall

ISDT/E CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED AT INDY POWERSPORTS SHOW POCATELLO, ID - On February 15, 2009, over 350 people attended the BlueRibbon Coalition's (BRC) 11th Annual Breakfast of Champions (BOC) to honor the off-road racing heroes of the International Six Days Trials/Enduro (ISDT/E). The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom as part of the Indianapolis Powersports Expo. Ignition3 TV produced a captivating visual history of ISDT/E and provided the backdrop to Jack Penton's informative, and sometimes poignant, interviews with champions and Industry icons associated with ISDT/E. The interviews kicked off with everyone's hero, Malcolm Smith, Bruce Brown legendary film maker of On Any Sunday, and ISDT/E's leading medalist, Jeff Fredette. What many in the crowd did not know was that Brown's film was the inspiration for Fredette to compete in the ISDT/E. It should be noted that after watching Bruce's movie, Jeff went on to ride 28 events and won 17 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal. A touching moment came during the 2nd interview segment when Jack was interviewing his famous dad, John Penton. The father-son relationship and interplay on the stage struck a warm cord with the crowd and reminded all of us of similar moments in our riding careers. Mark Woodward was the show's auctioneer and helped raise funds for the BRC to continue its efforts to champion responsible OHV access to public lands. Some of the featured items offered for bid were two brand new ISDE Arai helmets, a ProMoto Billet ISDE commemorative plaque/kickstand, and a private trail ride hosted by Stan Simpson, Chairman of AMA's Board of Directors. The show journeyed through the 1980s-1900s and ended up interviewing current ISDT/E stars from the USA Trophy Team, Junior Trophy Team, and Women's Trophy Team. Don Amador, the BRC's Breakfast of Champion's event coordinator, said, "I can't thank the Lague Family, Jack Penton, Don Emde, Eric Anderson, Gunny Claypoole, Chris Carter, and Mark Woodward enough for making this year's BOC such a success. Thanks also to NOHVCC for helping with the auction. All the stars I talked to said they did not want the 2 hour show to end. It was truly captivating." "There are not too many venues where an average rider or motorcycle enthusiast can walk up to and talk with motorcycle racing champions such as Jack Penton, Malcolm Smith, Kevin Schwantz, Broc Glover, Chuck Sun, Randy Hawkins, Jeff Fredette, Drew Smith, Rodney Smith, Fred Hoess, Shane Watts, Jimmy Jarrett, Amanda Mastin, and many others," Amador continued. Amador concludes, "It was an honor for this event to pay tribute to the heroes of ISDT/E and to have them come and support our efforts to keep public lands open for off-road riding. I think the attendees had fun bidding on auction items. In fact, EBC's Andy Freeman made a large donation to celebrate his 30th year anniversary selling brakes in the USA. BRC is grateful to all those Industry leaders who opened up their checkbooks to help support the sport." BRC is especially thankful to our 2009 sponsors who made this historic event possible. Those companies are Kawasaki Motors Corporation, ProMoto Billet, American Motorcyclist Association, American Motorcyclist Association Museum, Leo Vince USA, Western Power Sports, EBC Brakes, KTM North America, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Arai Helmets, Tucker Rocky, FMF, Motion Pro, Kenda Tires, Parts Unlimited, DealerNews, Scott USA, Mikuni American, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, ADP Lightspeed, Honda Rider's Club of America, Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Micheal's Action Art, NOHVCC, Polaris Industries Incorporated, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Van Leeuwen Distributing, Silent Sport, Don Emde Publications, Inc., Scorpion Sports Inc., and Tugger Lift Strap. Be sure to check out BRC's Breakfast of Champions website to catch the post-event auction items. There are still some awesome items of memorabilia available! Galaxy of Motorcycle Heroes at 2009 BOC photo available here.