July 1, 2004    The Official Newsletter of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers    www.nm4w.org

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The meeting was held at Rich & Camille Capener’s. After yet another superb Pot Luck Dinner, Jeff Rector opened the meeting in the absence of President Leon Duggar.  A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting was made.  Motion passed.

Members Present: The following family units were represented by at least one member. Baca, Bontly, Brady (Pat/Sue), both Capener families, Chapin, Gjerning, Greven, Harrison, Kelso, Marx, both Miller families, Ohnesorg, Rector, Sierra, Thompson, Werkmeister (Mark, D & J.) both Whiston families and the Wolf’s.

Guests: Tim Hix & family, Patrick Dixon, Michael & Kathyryn Kiester, and Ken O’Niell.

The Sheriff and VP, Jeff Rector fined himself for running over his own cooler.  Keith Chapin was fined for a rollover in or around Moab, and Paul Thompson for rear driveline failure.  Leon received a fine for his fallen loose and bent Rancho shock.

The Treasurer, Susan Miller reported the bank balance as $2,609.19.

The Historian, Bobby Miller had nothing to report other than developments at work preclude his running for or accepting any officer positions in the next year.

Trip Chairman, Chuck Peeples, had lots to say as usual.  The club received thanks and a letter of appreciation from William L. Emmer, Ground Safety Manager at Kirtland AFB for the club involvement in the 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Fair.

Chuck reminded us of the upcoming work weekend trip to Cimarron Mesa.  Pat Brady to be leading in view of the incapacitation of a certain Suzuki.

June 26 will see a trip to Cedro Peak, fire gods of the forest willing.  (Trip cancelled because of forest closure due to fire danger.  –ed)

Chuck thanked Wolfie for his assistance in finding a source for the Summer Quarterly banquet meeting.  When Wolfie learned of the difficulty Chuck was having in locating a caterer, his genius for self preservation was activated and the next thing we all knew there was food!

Paul Thompson announced a trip for October 9^th or so to Canyon de Chelly, AZ.  There will be a fee (approx $80) per vehicle as we have to use official guides.

Chuck informed us that Auge Bros donated 40 $50 gift certificates to club members as a thanks for the NM4Wheelers participation in their 4X4 101 earlier this year.

There was no SWFWDA delegate.

Program Chairman Rich Capener explained the raffle system to the guests and ran the ticket sales and drawing.

Director of Environmental Affairs, Bob Norton  was absent..

Secretary Don Miller recorded the meeting.

Old Business:  Not much to report in Old Business.  A reminder about Summer Quarterly pre-runs for leaders and followers was the main point.

New Business:  Frank Whiston suggested the club have name tags so we know who everyone is.  It was mentioned this would be particularly good for guests and those of us with short term memory problems.  (A personal note: I can remember all names I learned years ago, but have problems with those newer members.  That is until they do something memorable, like roll a vehicle or something.)  VP Jeff assigned Susan Miller to check into the costs regarding different types of name tags and report to the officers.

Lauri announced that she and Jeff would be returning their winnings from the Memorial Day campout (largest volume of trash made collected.)  It was decided to add that to the raffle pot.

Don Miller presented his nominees for new Officers.  He expressed his thanks to Glenn for his volunteering for the non-elected positions of Webmaster and Newsletter Editor.  A reminder, the vote takes place at the next meeting at the Duggar’s in July.  For President, Leon Duggar; for VP, Jeff and Second Lady Lauri Rector (We all recognize the fact that Jeff is the muscle (Sheriff) and Lauri the brains as well as the beauty.); for Historian, Rich Capener; for Treasurer Susan Miller; for Trip Cahirperson, Kristy Ohnesorg; and Bob Norton for Director of Environmental Affairs.  Don volunteered to serve as Secreatry for another term.  Pat Brady declined the nomination for SWFWDA delegate.  Don also nominated Wolfie for the position of Crusty Old Fart, but then realized Wolfie already had achieved a lifetime position for that prestigious spot.

Jeff Rector received a nomination from Pat Brady for President, but he declined to accept.  Chuck nominated Jason Lavy for Trip Chairperson; he told us Jason has expressed interest to him.  Jerry Marx voluntarily nominated himself for Program Chairperson.

Mark Werkmeister reminded the gathered members and guests to be ever vigilant when on group trips.  On a recent trip of his, two people were seriously injured when a vehicle, ahead and above on a trail, rolled off of a ledge.  The two spectators below were injured as a result of not seeing the trouble develop.  Always watch what’s going on around and especially uphill from you, was the message.

Jeff adjourned the meeting.

Hello four wheelers,

I am sorry that I missed the last meeting, I was in Michigan and Ohio for vacation.  It was kinda cool to see the place where the toys of our hobbies are made.  The Ford plants and Jeep Parkway, AAM, the city of Saginaw, Wiles Parkway.  

The really strange thing was seeing Ralph Schultz in a tux. Yes, Ralph is married, and Marcia and I got to see it.  It was a fantastic wedding.  Mackinac Island is very charming, just watch your step; the horses are everywhere, and you know what that means.

CONGRATULATIONS RALPH AND SUSIE!!!!!

Well, in preparation for the summer quarterly, I am doing a custom radiator swap on the bronco.  I hope that this will end my overheating for good.  A new high-volume water pump, electric fans, and a proper fan shroud should pull in low flying birds.  This problem is getting very old!

We will be having officer elections at the next meeting.  Also, if any one wants to use the grill to cook food, you are welcome.  And it is ok to run a little hot on the grill, just not the trail.

Summer quarterly!  Is your ride ready?  Are you ready?  It is just around the corner.  See you soon.

P.S. - Jason Lavy, you need to be at the meeting.  I think that the Sheriff has something for you!

Oh, what a beautiful day for a run!!!!  Sunshine and temps in the lower 80’s – couldn’t ask for better weather.  Plus, all of the wet weather we had in March and April that kept us from being able to complete the pre-run and postpone the run, really showed in all of the green and blooming wild flowers.  This run is more for the scenic views and vistas rather than the challenging trails.  Although those of us that are just barely more than stock feel like we are really 4-wheelin on this trail.  And now, the gate is unlocked and the full loop trail can be done!!!

We had lots of guests joining us, with several of them well on their way to earning the required 5 points to be voted in as members.  They were Dave and Jessie Karpien (’84 Bronco), JD Patrick (’97 TJ), Dan Pritchard (’92 YJ), Josh Dockery and his daughter (’88 Grand Wagoneer), Steve Hemphill (‘97 Landcruiser), Stephen Gregg and Jay Robinson (in Stephen’s ’91 S10 Blazer), Joe, Farrah and little JC Nickerson (’02 TJ), Darrin Miller and Tami Miller (I think it’s a Ranger), Nancy Crawley and Rod Marhn (in Nancy’s red CJ), John Fisher and Diane Chavez and Devon Fisher Chavez (I think they had a couple of vehicles between them – sorry that I didn’t make note of their vehicle). 

We also in turn had a lot of members with us.  Bill Cline with his daughter Mandy, Jeffery Woodard (who brought his dad, Ed with him), Erwin & Jeannie Grevan, Cliff & Chris Meier, Glenn Bontly, Susan & Bobby Miller (Susan’s name is 1^st because she drove), Paul & Mary Thompson, Kristy Ohnesorg (who did an excellent job of tail gunning for me), Eric Finch and a very new member – Shawn Kelso and his friend Emil Ardela.  Jeff Rector came along as well, rode right behind me and just nagged me all day, plus I had to keep on reminding him that the little red thing in front of him was not a moving obstacle to try to climb. 

We made it to the overlook by noon and had lunch there.  Me and Jeff had to wait until we found where the heck I had set our cooler down – which I had to set down on the way there because it was getting too heavy for me.  This overlook looks out over the valley and Cabezon Peak.  The valley has a very green look to it; it is really a beautiful view.  Since the overlook is an out and back from the loop trail, we played that game of Musical 4X4’s after lunch as everyone tried to get turned around to get back on the trail. 

After coming back down the mountain – on the other side, we took the short drive off of the loop trail to go to the waterfalls.  The melting snow pack and rains made for a real waterfall this time.  The sounds and smells there are wonderful and it’s nice and shady and cool – great for a little afternoon break.  Young and old alike had fun climbing up the waterfall, and the dog seemed to be panting a lot less after jumping in the cool water. 

As we got close to the end of the trail, Steve Hemphill came over the CB and said that he knew a place about a mile on up 550 where there is an obstacle that crosses the Rio Puerco.  So several of us went ahead and followed him.  To those that couldn’t go or didn’t have a CB and didn’t hear that – I owe you an apology for either not saying good-bye or not informing you of what was going on.  Well, when we got there, Steve said that this will be different, he’s never done it with water in the Puerco and there was almost 2 1/2 feet of water.  Steve didn’t make it, Glenn didn’t make it, poor Paul broke the rear drive shaft and didn’t make it and Jeff didn’t make it.  But, Bobby Miller made it!  And Eric Finch made it too – but we’re not sure if it really counts since he went backwards – all he had to do was to drop down into it, rather than climb out of it. 

Someone needs to do this run – but backwards from the way I did it.  The views coming down the mountain are spectacular.  Much better to view out your windshield rather than trying to see it from your rear view mirrors.

I was out with a group of friends a few weekends ago.  We were ‘wheeling an extreme trail and a Jeep rolled backwards off a ledge.  When it bounced, it landed among some of the other participants who had gotten out of their Jeeps to watch.  Two people were life-flighted out to the hospital in Albuquerque with serious injuries.  It appears that they will recover but they are pretty busted up and are staring at very long, painful recoveries.  The rest of the people walked away but were very, very lucky.  Some key lessons to review:

1. ALWAYS be aware of what is going around you.  Pay attention to potential hazards (including Jeeps above you on the trail).  If you have to be in a danger area, mentally plan your exit/escape route.  Jeeps can roll quickly and can cover a lot of ground in a tumble.
    

2. Stay out of potential kill zones.  This includes areas below moving vehicles (gravity always works), areas around winch lines, etc.
    

3. Know where your kids, dogs, etc. are and make sure they are in a safe area.  Watch out for others and let them know when they are in danger.

I cannot impress on you enough what it feels like to stand there with friends bleeding while waiting for medical help.  These were all experienced four wheelers who knew better but inattention/complacency/circumstances caught up to them.  Don’t let it happen to you and don’t let it happen to your friends!

The relaxing Memorial Day weekend trip started Friday when Chuck and Ethel May laid claim to the NM4W traditional campsite near Porter Landing.  By Friday evening, there were six families and more came on Saturday.  We didn’t let the no-campfire restriction spoil the fun.  We gathered around a Coleman lantern each evening for camaraderie and lounging.

Before leaving the campground, rules of the trash pick-up contest were announced.  We carried on the Bonnie Tyler-tradition of picking up trash along the roads and in the forest as part of NM4W’s commitment to caring for our public lands.  As trash bags were handed out, it was noted that there would be special rewards for those collecting the most trash by weight and by volume.

Saturday’s event was a run on the Ridge Trail, led by Tom “Chainsaw” Hurt, driving a reddish 1976 CJ5.  The other 11 participants were: Lauri and Jeff Rector (his & her Jeeps), Marcia Duggar (and her puppy dog) in her XJ, Glenn and Susan Bontly in their red TJ, Paul and Mary Thompson in their YJ, Bill Cline in his red TJ, Kristy Ohnesorg in her white TJ, Mark and Joan Wolf in their 1968 Jeepster pickup, Chuck and Ethel May Peeples in their TJ, Guest Bob Meyers in his 2004 Grand Cherokee, and Guest Fred Holguin in his ’97 TJ.

Bob Meyers broke in his one-week old 2004 red Grand Cherokee on the run (he said it aged 80 years that day).  Another guest, Fred Holguin in a ’97 Jeep TJ, was also on his first four-wheeling run. There were some boulders to maneuver and a few steep places but nothing extreme.  Everyone moved along quite smoothly and there were no vehicle breakdowns (but Lauri Rector was convinced that disconnects would greatly improve her Jeep’s performance).  These folks said this was the most challenging trail they had been on and were impressed with their abilities to make it without incident.  NO STRAPS WERE USED!

We ran into lots of downed trees on the last two miles down Joaquin Canyon road.  “Chainsaw” Hurt got a workout (as did Jeff Rector’s winch) in getting the obstacles out of the way.

Bear Harrison (with Kyle and Kalissa) arrived in the nick of time Saturday evening to get dinner on the table.  At 6:00 p.m., he and others fired up bar-b-que grills and cooked up a feast of steak, pork chops, burgers, and bratwurst.  With NM4Wers supplying a spread of side dishes, no one went hungry!  And, boy was it good!

Saturday evening’s fireless campfire chatting was cut short at 9:00 p.m. when the sprinkles started.  It’s a good thing everyone headed for shelter because the wet stuff came down for several hours.  There were even bursts of thunder and hail!

Sunday’s event was the NM4W Memorial Day Open golf tournament (otherwise known as amateurs hacking in the woods with beater clubs and reject golf balls).  Due to the size of the group (the Sierra Club entourage had arrived Saturday afternoon), we split up into two groups after arriving at the first hole at a meadow on FR 633.  The object was to get the golf ball (no tees allowed) into a 6’ x 6’ “fallen log” area. It was announced that anyone who could get a par 50 should be playing against Tiger Woods.  Suffice it to say, most of the scores were in the three figures.

The mostly-under-age-10 Sierra club played all three holes while the mostly-over-age-40 Group B played only two holes.  Their event was called due to inclement weather of wind, cold, and who-says-golf-is-relaxing attitude.  In their defense, Sunday was a windy, rather-cool day.  After golfing and lunch back at camp, folks chose their poison.  Some went on an impromptu trail run up McMillan Canyon while others went to the art show at Jemez Pueblo; still others went home or hung around camp.

Too bad for those who left early because Bear outdid himself Sunday evening with marinated brisket and ribs.  After another great potluck, awards were made to:

Golf Winners:
Best score Group A: Jack Sierra
Best score Group B: Jeff Rector
Best team score: Bill Cline, LeRoy, Chuck and Ethel May Peeples
Most strokes for one hole: Lauri Rector
6” from hole-in-one: LeRoy
Most potential: Angelo, Gabrielle, Cody, and Ashly

Good Citizen Awards (trash pick-up):
Most Volume: Jeff and Lauri Rector--$35 gift certificate to Desert Rat (Jeff!!  Let her buy those disconnects!!!)
Most Weight: Chuck and Ethel May Peeples—tow strap donated by Desert Rat
Most Unique Item: Paul Thompson (found an intact electric typewriter!!!)—prize was a magnet toy.

It was a fun, relaxing weekend.  Special thanks to Chuck Peeples for overall organization and Bear Harrison for chef skills

What’s the worst news you could get after returning home from a truly great 4-wheel drive weekend trip?  Your workshop burned down?  And you forgot to pay the insurance?  The old derelict 4X4 you’ve been coveting was given away to someone else?  How about “The BLM wants to talk to you about the trip you just completed. Please call Ranger Lime at xxx-xxx-xxx?”  That was the gist of the phone message I had waiting for me on returning home one day in May.

I did not think they wanted to see if I had a good time. Nor did I think they wanted to ask my opinion on what trail amenities I would like to see added. After some thought and discussion, I decided it would be better to write a letter to the BLM office in question, rather than make a return telephone call. That way I’d have a record of what I declared and what was affirmed to me. I sent off a letter stating how I could be contacted by mail or email.

While waiting for a reply, I spent some time researching on the web and found disconcerting information. The rules pertaining to the use of public lands under BLM management had been re-written. The new rules went into effect in October 2002. If you wish to wade through the 36 pages of rule you can find it at:

http://www.blm.gov/nhp/news/regulatory/2930-8370-Final/2930-8370f.html#2932.10

Ostensibly the rules are aimed at commercial recreational operations, competitive events and activities, & organized group activities and events. My club trip certainly wasn’t commercial recreation, nor was it a competitive event. I certainly did not think our simple club trip fell into the category of being an organized group activity. Well, whether or not my club trip was included in the organized group activity or event category seems to depend on how dark a green the viewers’ glasses are.  My trip was being viewed through very dark green glasses.

The reply I received informed me that my club was advertising trips on public land. What? Oh, it seems that placing an announcement for a club trip on the club website was being interpreted as an advertisement. How crazy is that? Never mind that no money was paid for the listing, no money was being charged for those in attendance, no one was receiving compensation of any kind for leading or participating in the trip. Never mind common sense. The reply went on to state that our club did not possess a Special Recreation Permit with the BLM (SRP; a new acronym for us all to learn and be aware of). That’s correct; we don’t have an SRP, and I don’t really want to get involved in that morass*. It was also stated that an SRP was required for all commercial and/or organized events to be held on public land. Failure to comply could subject me and/or my organization to penalties or fines.

*. (This is not a permit like those day-use passes that are sold at the gate of every National Park; pay your money and you’re in the gate. No sir, these are fill out all the blanks correctly, dot the “i’s” and cross your “t’s”. Attach topographical maps, describe your travel plan, number of expected participants, arrival and departure dates and times and enclose $80 (non-refundable if the permit is declined), and do it at least 180 days before your trip date. You may also be asked to provide an operation plan, more detailed maps, proof of private land ownership or other agency permission if applicable (like if you go from BLM to Forest Service land), proof of liability insurance for the event, and anything else the BLM may ask for. And then be sure you file the post event report on time or you may be penalized the next time. Phew!)

This is not what the BLM had been assuring our recreational watchdog groups since the rule came out. (see Brian Hawthorne’s accompanying article. Ed.) However that does not deter those with their own agenda. When you read the rule carefully, and savor the subtleties of the language, you come away with a sense of amazement; amazement that the BLM has been handed such god-like powers over our public lands.

The rule defines organized group activity as: "a structured, ordered, consolidated, or scheduled event on, or occupation of, public lands for the purpose of recreational use that is not commercial or competitive.” What kind of baloney is this?  You can hardly get two people together for a trip without “scheduling”, can you?

Then there’s the statement that an SRP is required  “If BLM determines that it is necessary, based on planning decisions, resource concerns, potential user conflicts, or public health and safety, we may require you to obtain a Special Recreation Permit.”  That’s a nice wide paint brush they wield; pretty much covers anything they take a dislike to doesn’t it?

When you read the sections that cover when the BLM may waive the requirement for an SRP, the emphasis is on that word “may”.  They may waive the requirement but they sure don’t have to.  If they’re reading though those dark green glasses … well you know what’s going to happen.

The interpretation can be so extremely one-sided, it makes you wonder what happened to your individual rights.  Who were these people that wrote this outrageous rule?  I could go on and on, but I should take another dose of my blood pressure medication first.  If clubs are required to have an SRP, clubs as we know them will die.  There will be little point in belonging to a club.  No, belonging to a club will be a detriment, a ball and chain around our necks.  What clubs remain will end up going underground, meeting in dark places in secret.

So what can you do?  Keep on traveling those trails you love.  Of course it goes without saying that you “tread lightly”.  Support efforts by land use advocate organizations such as the BRC and United.  If you are not already a member of either organization, join at least one.  Make an extra financial contribution if you can.  If you receive the same treatment I did, politely ask to have their decision in writing.  Then contact your land use advocates at the BRC and/or United.  They are waiting to hear from you.  If you have already been subjected to Access Abuse, write it down and send the information along as well.

(Don Miller is Secretary for the New Mexico 4-Wheelers. For questions or comments he may be reached via email at secretary@nm4w.org)

Message to NM4W Members from Bill Dart, Executive Director, Blue Ribbon Coalition

Dear NM4W members,

It is an absolute pleasure to share the great news about the Supreme Court ruling.  As you read in this issue of the Trail User, the Supreme Court upheld a Utah District Court ruling dismissing claims brought by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and several other anti-access groups in a lawsuit originally filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Utah.  It's not often I get to relate such good news to our partners and I wanted to relate some important details regarding this case.

BlueRibbon Coalition deeply appreciates the support we receive from groups such as NM4W.  We believe having you folks actively engaged in defending recreational access in our court system benefits OHV users across the nation.  Although it was not successful, we appreciate the manner in which you fought so hard on the Robledo Mtn closures.  We certainly don't expect to win every battle, but one thing is for sure, you can't win if you aren't on the playing field.

Thanks again for all your support, Bill Dart, Executive Director, BlueRibbon Coalition

=====================================

In October of 1999, Rainer Huck, president of the Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL) contacted BRC with advance word that SUWA was filing a very large lawsuit against the BLM.  Among other things, SUWA demanded the court ban all vehicle use on nearly 10 million acres!  The national significance of the lawsuit was immediately apparent.  We had to move to intervene fast in order to prevent an out of court, "sweet heart" settlement.

Soon after we were granted intervention, SUWA filed for a Temporary Restraining Order, asking the court to immediately close nine popular OHV areas.  After five days of court testimony, the judge granted a motion offered by BRC that dismissed most of SUWA's claims.

BRC and USA-ALL argued SUWA's claims are about the sufficiency of BLM's management of OHV use, and represents a "management through litigation" approach in an attempt to force the BLM into SUWA's preferred management option, which is to close large areas to vehicle access.  We also argued that effective solutions to management challenges require a balance of resource needs and local human interests.  This balance is best reached when the BLM involves all public land visitors in its decisions.

We argued that responsible recreational use, even the OHV use occurring inside Wilderness Study Areas, is properly occurring through coordination and collaboration with state, counties and OHV user groups.  The BLM noted that while there may be some illegal OHV use occurring, they refuted SUWA's allegations about the overall damage OHV use is causing.  The areas have been the subject of extensive analysis and management planning by BLM to manage these areas responsibly.

The Court agreed with our arguments and granted BRC's motion to dismiss pertaining to the areas involved in the Preliminary Injection request, with prejudice, and denied SUWA's Preliminary Injunction Motion as moot.  But that decision was reversed by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Both the BLM and the OHV groups petitioned for review with the Supreme Court.  The Court granted review and heard argument in March of this year.

I wanted to give that background because it's very likely the role of BRC and USA-ALL has been notably absent from reports you may have read in your local newspaper.  The obvious point is this; without effective legal representation, either millions of acres of Utah would be forever closed to vehicle access, or agencies of the federal government would be held hostage to the whim any special interest that can convince a judge to go along with their demands.

The national significance of the OHV community's role in this case can not be overstated.  The legal precedent SUWA sought in this case would apply to all federal agencies.  If SUWA and their litigation partners had prevailed, the management activities of all federal agencies, not only the BLM, would be hostage to fringe groups of all manner and sort.  It certainly would have paralyzed federal land management allowing anti-access groups to further force their agenda on land managers.

Everyone at BRC and USA-ALL is very proud of this victory.  The point I wish to emphasize, however, is how much OHV groups depend on individual members and their financial support.  Without your support, these federal judges would not hear any other perspective besides that of SUWA's.  Because of your involvement, these judges heard from the people who actually use the roads these anti-access groups want to close.  Continued active involvement of the OHV community in defending our access in court will prevent a future where the fringe SUWA-type groups drive the day-to-day activities of agencies of the federal government.

=====================================

MEDIA RELEASE:

SUPREME COURT REJECTS ANTI-ACCESS GROUP'S SUIT AGAINST BLM

Unanimous decision upholds ruling in Utah District Court made by BRC June 15, 2004 Pocatello Idaho

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld a Utah District Court ruling dismissing claims brought in 1999 by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and other anti-access groups against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The suit targeted BLM's alleged inaction in managing off-highway vehicle ("OHV") access.  SUWA's demands to immediately close nine popular OHV recreation areas were rejected by the Utah District Court, but that decision was reversed by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Both the BLM and the OHV groups petitioned for review with the Supreme Court.  The Court granted review and heard argument in March of this year.

"Needless to say, we're delighted", said Bill Dart, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC).  BRC led a coalition of OHV enthusiast groups who successfully petitioned for defendant-intervenor status to aid BLM's defense of OHV management.  "We are pleased the Justices rejected the 'management through litigation' model that is popular with anti-access groups," Dart added.

The case before the Supreme Court turned on a fairly complex jurisdictional point.  The Administrative Procedure Act allows lawsuits to compel nondiscretionary actions that have been unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed.  The OHV groups convinced the District Court that SUWA's claims went far beyond this standard and were really attempting to dictate the everyday activity of the BLM.  Thus, the case focused on the degree to which private parties dissatisfied with government action can sue the agency under an alternate "failure to act" theory.

Justice Antonin Scalia said SUWA's argument would insert the court into the day-to-day operations of the agency and "would divert BLM's energies from other projects throughout the country that are in fact more pressing.  While such a decree might please the environmental plaintiffs in the present case, it would ultimately operate to the detriment of sound environmental management."

"We have raised these arguments with limited success since the mid 1990's, and it is reassuring to see the Court has ultimately agreed with our analysis," noted Paul Turcke, the Boise, Idaho lawyer acting as lead counsel for the OHV groups.  "This case was never about limiting legitimate review of formal agency decisions, but will clarify that disgruntled and well-funded special interest groups cannot interfere with the ongoing administrative process simply by claiming the agency is failing to act," Turcke concluded.  According to BlueRibbon Coalition sources, there are numerous other cases at various levels of the federal court system that will be affected by this ruling.

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship.  It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,100 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide.

 1-800-258-3742                         www.sharetrails.org

Aluminum Cans: Our club saves and recycles aluminum cans.  Money from the sale of cans goes into our club treasury.  Please bring your aluminum cans to each meeting, and somebody will take them to the recycling center.

To Our Guests: If you attend a club meeting or event and provide us with your mailing address, we will send you three complimentary issues of Trail Tales.  If you provide us with an e-mail address, you will also be added to the guest e-mail list.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers, please contact one of our officers for membership requirements, or visit our web site at www.nm4w.org/join-the-club.htm.

Trail Tales on the Web Site: In a continuing effort help save natural resources and to control costs, you are encouraged to read the Trail Tales newsletter on the Club Web Site in lieu of receiving a hard copy in the mail.  Around the first of each month, the current issue of Trail Tales is posted at www.nm4w.org/newsletters.htm and an e-mail notification is sent to all club members.  In addition, a minimum of 2 years of back issues of our newsletter is also available on the web site.  So if you want to help “save some trees”, please send an e-mail to TrailTales@nm4w.org stating that you do not need to receive the hard copy of the newsletter.  Thanks for your participation in this program.

Submission Due Date: The Trail Tales is published on the first of each month.  Submissions for each issue must be received by the Editor not later than the 25^th of the prior month.  Submissions can be sent to TrailTales@nm4w.org, or Trail Tales, 21 Rattlesnake Ridge, Tijeras, NM 87059.

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Trail Tales
21 Rattlesnake Ridge
Tijeras, NM 87059-7440

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