SailAway

I'll try to post the flyer later today but yep, it's always on St. Patrick's weekend. Thanks Pete. Last year we weren't able to provide t-shirts for the cleanup... they aren't cheap and we didn't have enough sponsor money to cover them without having to dip into our own limited funds. It wasn't just that though... we probably could have pushed harder but it's really hard to hit up sponsors for t-shirt money and then turn around and hit them up again for 'real' needs like paying for a lawyer to help fight the potential lizard closures. But we sure missed them and we'd love to have them back. If anyone is able to help take on the task of gathering sponsorship dollars for this season's cleanup, let me know and we'll work together when the time comes. Oh, and speaking of cleanup... I posted something in the Glamis section about them removing dumpsters from Glamis. Sure makes me glad we never let them in at Dumont! Vicki

NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2008 Release #08-306 Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 217-7750 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Tucker Rocky Recalls Off-Road Motorcycle Clamp Kits; Bolts Can Break Causing Handlebars to Separate During a Crash and Cause Serious Injury WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Pro Taper Clamp Kits Used With Off-Road Motorcycles Units: About 12,000 Distributor: Tucker Rocky Distributing, of Fort Worth, Texas Hazard: Some of the bolts included in the clamp kits (or sold separately) if installed incorrectly can break under extreme force such as a crash. This can cause the handlebars to separate posing a risk of serious injury to the rider. Incidents/Injuries: There have been seven reports of bolts breaking. No injuries have been reported. Description: The Pro Taper Clamp Kits are aftermarket accessories for off-road motorcycles. The recall involves the following kits and part numbers: Upper Triple Clamp Kit: 02-2824, 02-2825, 02-2826, 02-2827, 02-2828, 02-2829, 02-2843, 02-2844, 02-2845, 02-2846, 02-2849, 02-2851 Complete Triple Clamp Kit 02-2830: 02-2831, 02-2832, 02-2833, 02-2834, 02-2839, 02-2840, 02-2847, 02-2848, 02-2850, 02-2852, 02-2853, 02-2854, 02-2855 Handlebar Clamp Kit (Universal Solid Mount Kit and Universal Rubber Mount Kit): 02-2821, 02-2822 Replacement Bolt Kit: 02-2855, 02-2886 Sold at: Motorcycle dealerships nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 and ranged in price from $5 for the Replacement Bolt Kit to $440 for the Complete Triple Clamp Kit. Manufactured in: Taiwan Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding off-road motorcycles equipped with the recalled kits and contact the firm for free replacement bolts. Consumer Contact: For further information, call Tucker Rocky Distributing toll-free at (866) 217-7750 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.protaper.com To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08306.html

BINGO. And yes, I absolutely believe that is indeed the primary reason these restrictions are being suggested, or at least it is the primary reason behind the folks who are supporting this kind of extreme legislation. If it really was all about the safety of the children and not a way to target the sport, education would be the focus, not restrictions. Vicki

Yes and no. This is the first stage in making it a law. The legislation has to pass through California Senate and Assembly and then it has to be signed by the Guv and then it becomes law. The timing for this to pass into law would be January 1, 2009. Vicki

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/s..._introduced.pdf New legislation currently in the process. Take a close look. Some of this isn't so bad, but some is. It raises the age for a child to be certified or supervised by a certified adult from 14 to 16. Not a big deal? It also regulates the size of the machine the child can ride and no, that hasn't been a law. There has been an agreement with the manufacturers that they would not sell OHVs directly to minors, but it has not been illegal for a child to ride a size-appropriate bike. IMHO training and supervision are the keys to off-road safety. I haven't seen any studies indicating that injuries to minors have anything to do with the size of the bikes. Mandating the size of the ride by age makes little sense to me... when it comes to kids, once size does not fit all. Walk into a classroom full of 8 year olds and measure the height and weight differences and then tell me they should all be on the same size bicycle. :bangin: And, existing law already dictates that a child must be able to safely operate the equipment, can reach the brakes, the shifter, etc. But heck, what do I know. As quietly as this thing is being passed through the system, apparently it's seen as a viable solution, can I hear an amen. Vicki

HELLLLOOOOOO yes, I'm still around. Busy as, well, busy as all of those sayings people use to describe someone who's busy... that's how busy I am! A new job and lots of other changes and I'm spending all my time catching my breath. But the cleanup... well, that is the priority and it's on and ready to roll and will be bigger and better than ever before. Registration begins at 8:00 so all of the fabulous helpers... if you could be there no later than 7:30, that would be fantastic. I will be there before 7:00 *yawn*. See you all there!!! Oh and yes, the BAGS will be there on time this year. Vicki

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?Fus...ty.SenateReport This is a lengthy article, full of useful links and excellent information. I'll post some of it here but strongly suggest following the link to get the full story. Happy reading! Vicki

Andy, a strong suggestion is a far cry from a proven fact and no such decision has been made on this. It may well be that the final word will be that it is considered distinct but that has not been determined yet and we are a long way from reaching that conclusion. I do not want the casual reader to believe that this fight is over before it begins. It is also important for everyone to keep in mind that even if it is determined that the lizard is a distinct population segment, such a determination does not equal closure. And neither does "protection" of the species. Vicki

Welcome to the board UmaGuy. I would ask that you please be careful in how you phrase things. To state "The Amargosa River distinct population segment of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard only occurs at Dumont Dunes..." is not accurate. It has not yet been determined whether it deserves a finding as a distinct population segment and I sure don't like to see anyone jumping the gun and misleading the readers of this message board. By the way, I too believe that it is possible for the lizard to coexist with ORVs at Dumont and Friends of Dumont Dunes is working hard to make sure there will never be a need for Fish & Wildlife to intervene on behalf of the lizard. Also, your point about illegal off road use is a valid one. If we do not regulate ourselves, the authorities have no choice but to step in and do it for us and that's not good for us or them. Vicki

This year it's going really slow getting sponsorship money from people. Product donations, no problem. But major sponsors are slow to spend their dollars this year. Seems the consumer crunch has trickled down to a vendor crunch. BUT... don't be alarmed... I'm encouraged by the movement in the last week and actually I haven't been concerned even before that. Just surprised at the pace, although when I look at past year movement, we're right on track. I think people are being frugal (sounds so much better than stingy) but when it comes right down to it (and I start emphasizing the deadline), they're willing to pony up. None of the donations and/or sponsors really start heating up until much closer to the cleanup so give it a little time and you'll see lots of action. Vicki

I hope it's not too soon to start talking this up. We've been working on sponsors and details for the cleanup and it's getting pretty exciting and I realized that we haven't even posted this year's flyer yet and then I looked at the calendar and realized that we only just now on the verge of February. Phew! Okay, everyone mark their calendars for this year's cleanup and remind your camping group how much fun you've had at the previous cleanups and let's get our participation numbers WAY UP. I'll attach a copy of the flyer here so people can start printing it out for their own camp groups but also it would be dandy if a few people could volunteer to take them to their local off-road shops for their sales counters and windows. Wooooo hooooo it's only 45 days to go! Vicki 08_Dumont_Cleanup_flyer.pdf

We probably won't see an official agenda until 7-10 days (or less) prior to the meeting. This group listens and responds to the Dumont dune users, so... What would you like to have discussed at the meeting? Vicki

Yes, that would be the ideal situation. And there's a good (but not great) chance that would happen. To really save our a$$es we cannot sit back and simply hope for the best though. The smarter move would be to react as if the lizard is found to be a distinct population segment and work toward keeping it from listed. Fish & Wildlife doesn't want to have to step in on behalf of this lizard... if we can help them take a hand's off approach, we'd be golden. Our very best defense against a listing is keeping people out of the closed areas because, well, that's where the foliage is that the lizard eats. The only time this lizard really goes anywhere near the actual dunes is when it's time for romance and by that time of year it's too hot for us to be riding the dunes. Friends of Dumont Dunes has been in contact with Fish & Wildlife over this and we will continue to work closely with FWS and the BLM to work this to our best advantage. Vicki

Here is the 'official' news release from the Fish & Wildlife Service...

I'm not in his area but I am on his email list and I just received this from Senator Ashburn's office...

I completely understand the confusion and the knee-jerk reaction of "they need HOW much????" Our (legal) riding areas have all gone from free to some kind of fee in one form or another, whether at the state level (green sticker fees) or admittance into the park. There are people fighting these fees. They aren't winning the battle, but they are trying. And in the meantime we're having to face these fees and some are facing it with complete shock. At first glance it looks like an awfully lot of money. People start figuring it in their heads and cannot believe that an area which was free to ride in five years ago now costs so much just for a weekend of fun. It's not easy coming to terms with. And in their state of confusion most people don't take the time to research the issue... instead the "what the hell?" comes out through their fingertips and their frustration at not understanding meets our frustration at having to once again spell it out. But... there is no other option. Every time there's a chance to educate, that's what we have to do. And for every frustrated "I don't understand" that starts here, ends with that same person explaining what they've learned to their close circle of friends. Education is the key to absolutely everything at Dumont. And Dumont Dune Riders has been positively fabulous on that front. :shoot: Vicki

It's not a duning community problem. That is to say, no one from the duning community has complained about dust. The environmental protection agency is being asked to do something about the amount of dust that is being kicked up by off-road vehicles (and building construction). It has become yet another tool used by the anti-access zealots in their obsession to shut down open riding areas. And it's an effective tool. Many counties have been sued along with the EPA over the issue of dust. I haven't checked on the outcome yet, but about 4 years ago Ocotillo Wells was involved in one... with one proposed solution being (you'll love this) to pave the trails to reduce the dust. Make no mistake. This is a tool that has been used and will continue to be used and I am pleased as heck that it didn't get to the point of closure to make the BLM take action at Dumont. Vicki [edited for clarification]

Exactly. This was not done to improve the road. This was done in a proactive move against a growing problem, one that has and will continue to shut down other open riding areas. One other thing that seems to be missed... the hike in fees was not for any improvements. The fees we pay are only enough to cover the basics that are already in place, primarily emergency services, bathrooms, law enforcement. Vicki

I responded to a post on the GlamisDunes message board about this and I hope no one minds me copying that response to here. I know the questions may not have been posted but the information is still valid.

Hey now, we're a long ways away from critical habitat for this lizard. Right now all that has been decided is that Fish & Wildlife will take a closer look. Aside from that... please read the federal register notice and I'll see if I can't scare up the original petition for the truly strong at heart. Being fully informed is the only chance we have in this. Whether or not this lizard lives on the moon really doesn't make a difference here. Actually, if it lived on the moon and at Dumont it would strengthen the CBD's stance because they are claiming that even though there are millions of these things: So you see... although it is possible Fish & Wildlife will decide it is not a distinct population segment, we can't sit back and hope for that conclusion. We have to act as if they have already decided that it is a DPS and help find a way to management the health of the species in a way that our recreation also remains healthy. Vicki

Several things came across during my talk with Fish & Wildlife and one was, the lizard does not live where we do our primary riding. Trouble spots that I see ahead are the outlying areas. Any area with small brush amid the sand is going to be lizard habitat. Now... the three ways this thing can go are: 1) After reviewing the species Fish & Wildlife determines it is fine and the current management plan in place for the species (HINT: there is none right now) is good enough to maintain the species as is; or 2) The species is indeed a distinct population segment and should be protected but Fish & Wildlife is unable to purse that (for various reasons, funding being one of them). It then becomes a "candidate" and waits for further action at a later date; or 3) The species is a distinct population segment and current management plans are not good enough to protect it so it must be listed and critical habitat must be determined. Obviously #1 would be the greatest response for us. However, because the lizard has not been specifically managed by the BLM, it will take work to get there and this is where we will have to get the BLM to focus on the lizard and we (as in all of us, not just five leaders of FoDD) will have to work closely with the BLM to find a solution that works for us. If we leave it in their hands, we will not be happy with the result. Vicki

I just finished up a lengthy phone call with Fish & Wildlife and confirmed some information and received new information. What I want to stress here, and what was stressed to me is, that this initial finding is precisely that... an initial finding. It is a first step in a very long and very involved process, a very necessary step and, well, an inevitable step. What I'm trying to say is, while we need to respect this decision and start making a (more) concerted effort to protect ourselves, this decision does not spell doom and gloom for us. Unless a petition is presented that is a complete farce, something totally filled with fantasy and completely beyond reason, the decision could not have been any different. Fish & Wildlife is not saying the lizard should or will be listed... they are only saying that the petition's paperwork was in proper order and commands them to take a closer look. That said... What we as a community need to do now is, we need to focus on this petition and take a proactive approach to the situation. Fish & Wildlife is charged with protecting species, all species. If they only have on faction telling them how to do that, they will have no choice but to believe them. We need to step up and step in. We need to work with the BLM and Fish & Wildlife and prove that there is no reason for federal protection and that this species is and will remain healthy without any intervention from Fish & Wildlife. Okay, so how do we do that? Well, the first step is to submit comments within the next 60 days. Scientifically based comments would be dandy but all comments are welcome and helpful. For instance, someone who has been riding in Dumont for 30 years could write in and tell them where and when they've seen these lizards. Now... there is a statement in this Federal Register Notice that reads:

The Fish & Wildlife's response to the Center for Biological Diversity's fringe toed lizard petition was posted in today's Federal Register. I've only had time to read it once quickly and I see good news and bad news in it, but overall nothing that should send us all running for cover. On the other hand, we cannot and must not take it lightly either. Here's the link to the finding. Please read it and post questions here. http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01...8/pdf/E8-28.pdf For some reason I'm having trouble cutting and pasting the portions that really need attention and I'm out of time right this minute. I will address this as soon as possible this morning though and will start posting items I think we need to note immediately. The more eyes on this the better, of course, so please read this on your own and post as many comments and questions as possible. Vicki

I don't know about being a celebrity, but I sure was pleased to see it turn out to be a decent piece for the good guys. V.

I loved that army jeep thing! I'm glad you're able to make it to the cleanups. I think what people are trying to say to you about going to the TRT meetings is yes, there is information out on the Internet but it is incomplete more often than not and downright wrong much of the time. If you truly want the answers you say you want, the very best way to get them is straight from the horse's mouth and not through some third-party source. It's not enough to be informed... the information must be correct and as many are learning here, attending a TRT meeting opens a whole new world of information. For both sides, actually... the BLM learns about us more every time we make a showing, while we're learning more about what it actually takes to sustain our riding area. Win-win. VickiW