Politics : politics@vcmc.info

The Bureau of Land Management in Southern Utah is considering a land swap for desert tortoise habitat that could put recreation near Sand Hollow at risk. A portion of Sand Mountain which is a popular area for events and general recreation is up for grabs in the Red Cliffs Warner Valley Land Exchange. This exchange will affect the area around the Pipeline Road, portions of the West Rim Trail including The Steps and the Funnel, the Ridgeline Trail, and mulitple dispersed camping sites. Offroad groups in the area are working to ensure that these trails and recreation areas are permanently protected for recreation use, but we need your voice.

Help us Stop the Sale of Sand Mountain and submit your comments by April 19, 2023.

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Located near St. George, Utah among the red rocks and red sand, Sand Mountain, by Sand Hollow State Park hosts year round recreational opportunities for people around the world. Bureau of Land Management is considering a land swap. However, if this land exchange doesn’t carefully consider all the relevant concerns, it could devastate events, local businesses, countless traditions and future memories. The exchange would involve swapping 1050 acres of the Western Edge of Sand Mountain near Warner Valley with 89 acres of private land in Washington near Green Springs in an area managed as a desert tortoise preserve. Washington County is designated as the Facilitator of the Exchange. The City of Washington plans to to annex much of the acquired area into their City, which will likely be a significant influence in the exchange.

STOP THE SALE OF SAND MOUNTAIN!

This exchange involves parcels that could affect access to the West Rim Trail, Ridgeline Trail, dispersed camping, staging areas and more. The recreation community needs to rally together, because land exchanges such as this tend to result in permanent changes. Utah Public Lands Alliance, Desert Roads and Trails Society, Mayor Nanette Billings (Hurricane), BlueRibbon Coalition, and Tri State ATV have been meeting with BLM, Water Conservancy, and the City of Washington to influence the outcome of this project. Now we need you to become part of the process. Send a comment to the BLM before April 19 to ensure our concerns are documented and included in the proposal.

Defend Your Ground,

Ben Burr

Executive Director

Policy Director Update: Shape the Future of Colorado’s Jumbo Mountain Travel Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Uncompahgre Field Office in western Colorado is accepting comments on the Environmental Assessment for the Jumbo Mountain Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management Plan. This is a popular 1,600 acre area for mountain biking and e-bike use. There are also plenty of two track routes within the project area that are used by all forms of OHV's, hiking, and equestrian use. The BLM has proposed several alternatives. The least restrictive is Alternative C however, there are still issues with Alternative C such as overall route closure and restricting motorized access that we would like the BLM to address before a decision is made. An action alert to send a letter to the BLM is included at the end of this article, we hope you add your voice to ours to advocate for motorized use in Colorado.

I also wanted to remind everyone that the deadline was extended for the Center for Environmental Quality guidance to consider greenhouse gas emissions in all administrative planning actions on public land. This change will likely affect all forms of motorized recreation across the nation, so motorized users need to speak up. While it’s easy to get fired up and involved in land exchanges and trail closures, this rule could have a broader sweeping effect on everything. Please join us in sharing our concerns on this proposal.

I would like to thank everyone who participates in these efforts. Together we are building a movement that is getting stronger every week.

Simone Griffin

Policy Director

Defend Your Ground Podcast: Stop Lava Ridge Wind Farm. Interview with Dean Diamond

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground Podcast, the BRC team discussed the Lava Ridge Wind Farm proposal in southern Idaho with Dean Diamond - a local farmer from the area. This is one of the largest wind farm proposals ever considered for public land, and it is receiving substantial scrutiny from a wide range of stakeholders. BRC is concerned that recreation access will be lost in the area. Dean identifies several additional problems with the proposal. You can add your voice to this process here: 

https://www.sharetrails.org/proposed-wind-farm-at-lava-ridge-could-restrict-public-access/#/97/

Here is where you can support the Stop Lava Ridge group in their efforts to oppose the project:

Stop Lava Ridge

PO Box 5377

Twin Falls ID 83303

Venmo: Stop Lava Ridge

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761309101717598

BlueRibbon Coalition will be attending the Jackson Hole Hill Climb! Be sure to stop by our booth and get your Lost Trails Guidebook and Enter to Win Our Yellowstone Winter Adventure Sweepstakes!

Bonus Entries: Jackson Hole Hill Climb Sweepstakes Promo!

We recently completed a sweepstakes for a winter adventure in Yellowstone for two offered by the Three Bear Lodge. Our winner of that sweepstakes opted to take the cash prize option. This means we still have a donated prize package that we can offer in a second round of this sweepstakes.

We will only be running this sweepstakes for a few more days, so be sure to enter soon!

Here are the details:

The Three Bear Lodge in West Yellowstone has generously offered to provide a 5-day, 4 night winter adventure in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding forests (valued at $2800). Three Bear Lodge was a valuable partner in the multi-year fight to maintain regulated access for snowmobiles into Yellowstone National Park, and they are committed to keeping public lands open for snowmobile recreation for future generations to enjoy.

Because snowmobile access to the park is highly regulated, one of the best ways to get guaranteed access into the park is through an official concessionaire such as Three Bear Lodge. These tours always sell out, and the small amount non-commercial passes availalble to the general public are distributed by a lottery where demand vastly exceeds supply. Even if you don't win the prize, you should put a winter excursion hosted by Three Bears Lodge on your bucket list, because it is one of the best ways to be guaranteed to see the park in winter from a snowmobile.See Prize Details

Business and Club Supporter Spotlight

The BlueRibbon Coalition is thrilled to announce that the Oklahoma Dirt Riders has renewed their membership for the 2nd year, the Western Slope ATV Association has renewed their membership for the 33rd year, and the Tucson Rough Riders has renewed their membership for the 28th year.

As passionate off-road enthusiasts, these groups understand the importance of preserving and protecting our public lands and trails for future generations to enjoy. By renewing their support, they are helping to ensure that the BlueRibbon Coalition can continue to advocate for responsible access and stewardship of our natural resources. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our mission and look forward to working together to keep the trails open and accessible for all.

The BlueRibbon Coalition is also excited to welcome the Flint Hills Jeep Club as our newest member. We are pleased to have such a dedicated group of off-road enthusiasts join our coalition and support our efforts to protect and preserve our public lands and trails. With their passion for exploring the great outdoors, we know that the Flint Hills Jeep Club will be a valuable partner in our mission to advocate for responsible access and stewardship of our natural resources. We look forward to working with them to ensure that our trails remain open and accessible for all to enjoy. Welcome to the BlueRibbon Coalition, Flint Hills Jeep Club!

Official Clubs and Organizations Have Been Our Backbone Since the Beginning

If you belong to a club or organization that isn’t yet a member of BRC, we hope you encourage them to join us in our fight to protect your adventures.