4x4Voice

OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE GROUP WINS HISTORIC CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT  LAWSUIT AGAINST STATE PARKS: TRUCKHAVEN TRAILS STAY OPEN

After nearly 18 months of hard-fought litigation, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. ("EcoLogic") has prevailed in its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lawsuit against the California Department of Parks and Recreation ("State Parks") over the closure of recreational vehicle routes in Truckhaven (also known as the "Freeman Property").  On October 16, 2012, Judge Jeffrey Jones of the Imperial County Superior Court issued his final Judgment in the action, finding that State Parks violated CEQA when it approved a "boundary signage and fencing" project without first analyzing whether and to what extent the project would have adverse impacts on natural and recreational resources.  As a result of the Court's ruling, State Parks' decision to approve the boundary signage and fencing project has been set aside.

Welcome to the launch of the 4x4Voice BLOG.

Watch for weekly commentary about recreation and environmental issues affecting your recreation opportunity.

Expected commentary will address the increasing regulation burden on OHV recreation from local public land administrators and the federal EPA along with increased congressional action to create additional wilderness.

Legal cases lead the headlines for October.  Action continues in the long running WEMO case.  While the below information notes a September 2009 date, legal action has been occurring with WEMO and other southern California desert plans for over a decade.  Throughout this time, Cal4Wheel has been active in the issues while partnering with the BlueRibbon Coalition for legal support.

WEMO (the continuing Saga) -  On September 28, 2009, Judge Illston entered an “Order re: Summary Judgment Motions” finding that Defendants United States Bureau of Land Management, et al., (“Federal Defendants”) had violated the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and the Federal Land and Policy Management Act (“FLPMA”) when they adopted the Western Mojave (“WEMO”) management plan amendment.

Beginning with the purchase of a 2010 JK Unlimited Sport just over two years ago, stage one of the 4x4Wire JK build is now complete.  Off the showroom floor, it did have a Dana 44 rear end; but, otherwise stock with air conditioning and a 3-piece hardtop.

The focus of this build will be to showcase products that increase off-road capability of the JK and stay within a budget.  While price is a consideration, quality is the primary focus.  Many of the upgrades considered do change the characteristics of the vehicle from the stock configuration.  All upgrades will focus on quality as that is a direct link to safety.

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CA4WDC joined Friends of Clear Creek Management Area, AMA District 36 and BlueRibbon Coalition to urge BLM Hollister to begin targeted law enforcement efforts to address reported instances of illegal trespass in the Clear Creek Management Area.

A copy of the October 19, 2012 letter submitted to BLM and Sheriff of San Benito County is printed below:

Re: Targeted Law Enforcement Effort at CCMA

Dear Mr. Cooper:

The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (Cal4Wheel) is concerned about reported instances of illegal trespass in the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA).  These trespass claims have implicated OHV users and are the exception, not the rule.  As you know, Cal4Wheel supports responsible use of public lands and discourages trespass on private lands and public lands closed to motorized recreation. Further, Cal4Wheel supports the enforcement of laws and regulations that pertain to responsible OHV use on public and private lands.

The Michigan-based performance off road powerhouse now offers five staged packages with increasing levels of hardware and capabilities for Jeep lovers.

Adrian, MI (Oct., 2012) – VWerks, a specialty vehicle builder and off road parts manufacturer, announced today its new dealer direct program for Jeep Wranglers that customizes JKs to make them look more extreme and be more off-road capable. Through select dealerships, customers can now order Jeeps upfitted with additional hardware to match the level of off-road ability they need and desire.

“We want to customize the Jeep experience,” says Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. “Whether you want a vehicle that looks more menacing than your average Jeep, or you want something capable of crawling over the rocks on a mountain trail, we have a package that fits you.”

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