ATV Florida Forum

Well, I've been doing a little more research. I was just looking at the Division of Forestry's website. They have a map of the availible riding areas.. we've gone from two.. to five! LMAO. I've sent 3 letters so far to some of the Big Wigs.. I hope all of you send in a letter or two as well... we really need to start being heard. Example (Gay Rights activists... only 10% of the US population is for gay rights, yet they make so much noise that it seems like 90%, I want to be that loud!)

Also, I just made this webpage, it has a few people to contact (easier then clogging the bandwith of ATVFlorida :)) So now there is NO excuse to not send at least one letter, hehe http://www.geocities.com/humrz360/letters.html

good work there Ashley. After Huricane season I will be more involved cause I will have more time.

if you would like it hosted on a site without advertisements,,,,let me know, I can host that.

awesome page, thanks for the info.

I just might have to check out those other places,,,,never been to ANF.

Id@

Nice site ashley.....I will definately be writing some letters....have to find some use for all that writing that I had to do in all those years of school and the best thing to write about is something that your passionate about!!

I am glad you like it! I will add more names and addresses as I get them too. :) Anything that will help out or situation is great :)

I contaced John Walsh and recieved his reply today. All in all.. things may start looking up for us.. so he says...

Currently, as a result of the passage of this bill, the state is very active in trying to identifying public lands that may be compatible to developing additional OHV recreational site.  In fact, there are several teams, consisting of OHV users and state agencies that are actively looking and evaluating lands. However, finding and developing these sites will not happen overnight.  The important thing is that it is happening.



The state has also hired an OHV coordinator whose primary responsibility is to make sure that the provisions as outlines in Chapter 261, are carried out and that new riding areas are identified and opened to the public.



All funds collected through the titling of Off-Highway Vehicles are to go to support Florida’s new OHV program.  The money collected will be disseminated through a grant program to agencies develop new riding areas and improving existing sites.



Florida’s new OHV program is a very dynamic and will continue to grow.  We have a new web-site on line that will help to keep people inform of the progress of the program at http://www.fl-dof.com/Recreation/OHV/index.html.  Also you will be able to download or request publications such at the OHV Safety and Recreation Report and OHV Guide.



Also, as an individual or as a group, one of the best ways to get support to acquire land for OHV activities is to express your needs to your county and state delegation. Again, thank you for expressing your concerns and supporting our efforts to implement a new and exciting program for OHV riders in Florida.



John Waldron

Forest Recreation Coordinator





John C. Waldron

Forest Recreation Coordinator

850/414-9852

i am a dork

Claude, you left your computer signed on and walked away again I see........ ;D

the 5 areas  posted have been atv user areas for years, the title your ATVS for a place to ride is a $$$$ grabing scam. look what happen to croom  as soon as the bill was passed the gate fee jumped to $50.00 plus your title fee.  i can see it coming it will cost $$$$$ to ride at any state park. what next 15mph limit, like in BIG CYPRESS, ATV libilty insurance, atv yearly tag . will the BIG GOV every stop stealing from us? what we need to do is stop sending in are title fees,buying are ATVs out of state, so FL dosent get the salesTAX. and get farmers and land owners together and ride on private land.   like L CROSS.  

heres my thoughts. if we have to title them, if they make us tag them. we should be able to make them street legal! you wouldnt get any tickets in Ocala anymore.......+

can't remember his name, but one guy had a tag on his ATV from Arizona at Rodman,,,,,I'm looking in to that for sure.

Id@

I am new to ATV activities and my family is involved as well.  We are located in St. Augustine, Florida and are looking for legal riding places as well as organized group rides and activities in the Northeast Florida region.  Thanks for any help you can provide.

John Walsh?, Hehe...

looks like a BIG PAPER TRAIL LIE!!!!!!!!  yes the state is useing the title fee $$. to pay  for a ORV state employees .  {smoke screen}  FL  atv parks will be a long time away!!!  

every once in a while I see an opportunity to plug the www.fl-atv.com site for ATV land acquisitions. Check it out

i agree with the FL-ATV land deal.  stop wasteing your time and $$$ waiting on  FL  to give you some small chunk of land and charge $$$$ to ride on!!!!!!!!!

Sky high, thanks for your back up on this issue,  and runner I agree with you 100 %  

Just trying to pass info along. God knows, I am just as aggravated as everyone else on this issue. By the way...

MAIN PERSON TO EMAIL (FOREST RECREATION COORDINATOR)
John Waldron (850)414-9852

What is the status of the FL-ATV site? Has any headway been made for aquiring land to ride?

The good part is that the sign-ups are steady :D but we don't quite have enough folks for our first acquisition. Word of mouth and this forum has been very effective so far.

We'd like to send out post cards to every single ATV owner in Florida. The lists are tough to get. The dealers we've contacted are reluctant to let them out and the manufacturers haven't been consistent at returning phone calls by those who have the authority to assist :-/.

No doubt we will have parks around Florida but a little help from those who will benefit the most (manufacturers and dealerships) would be nice ::).

As a group effort, should anyone visit a dealership that shows interest in our effort, please let me know so I can contact them and provide materials.

As always - Thanks - and keep the faith! 8)

James Griffith
admin@fl-atv.com

it sad to see BAD LUCK going  away!! FWC wont give in and the DOF hands are tied.  we need a MASS MAILER to go out to all ATV dealers.it time for them to kick in some$$  to help out ,if we can ride then we cant buy!!!!! :o  

its all about more money to them. before I paid them money I will make a deal with the indians (tiger and his family) to ride on indian land.

Here are the email addresses and phone numbers for our Senators:

Mel Martinez:
mel_martinez@martinez.senate.gov
(202) 224-3041

Bill Nelson:
billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm#email
(202) 224-5274

You can also look up your Congressman at this link:

http://www.congress.com/state/fl.html


Let them know how you feel about closing our riding areas. You vote, and your vote keeps them in office.

Here is a sample letter that a fellow rider had posted:

Dear Sir,
We would like to say how disappointed our family and friends are that more riding areas are being closed. We have lost more and more trails every year and see no reason why these areas are being closed. Florida is all sand and that sand washes back into place when it rains. Forest fires do more damage from lightning each year. Then heavy equipment clearing trees and making fire roads cause more damage than that. We wonder what the real reason behind the closures are. Are the complaints even from Florida residents? The state implemented a registration for off-road vehicles and those funds were to be spent on developing riding areas, not closing them. This is the end of a 2nd year of collecting fees from that registration and again all we have seen are more areas being closed. We camp, hike, canoe, hunt, ride, horse back ride in the ONF and this is the only public place in Florida available to do all of those things in one area.

If you really want to do some good, spend some of the money checking noise levels and handing out tickets for everything over 92db and you will eliminate most of the complaints around private property and others using the forest. We all need to get along and noise is the #1 reason people complain. For the most part those complaints are after dark and the offenders are locals.

Everyone we ride with stops when we see horses or other people while riding trails. We are sure that is not the case with everyone, but don't let a few ignorant people spoil it for all of us. Disrespectful, ignorant people will continue to ride anywhere they want including the numbered roads etc. The only thing you will accomplish is preventing honest people from riding closed areas.

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts are FAMILY people. Florida Families, remember us? We are the ones who use the grounds all year long, we build our state infrastructures; we live and work and raise our families here. These are our forests and these are family sports. Most of us grew up knowing the joys of riding and camping. We are now teaching our children to love and respect our forests - and when we are all gone if you have alienated them from the forest - told them they don't belong - WHO WILL BE THERE TO LOVE IT AND FIGHT FOR IT WHEN WE ARE ALL GONE?

Please do not forget, we bring revenue to the forests and surrounding towns. Think of the impact to the economy. The State of Florida is going to lose an estimated 2 billion dollars in tourist revenue next year - you cannot afford to loose us.

We have been involved with dirt bike and ATV riding for many years. For the most part the people we have met have been family oriented folks who dearly love the woods and act respectful. The biggest problem we see is that residential properties are encroaching on the forests. Also, when people are 4-wheeling at night the sheriffs or rangers need to respond and make it clear these activities are illegal and will not be tolerated.

We have been promised more riding areas and we are the people bringing money to the campgrounds and surrounding towns. If you close us out you will lose more than you will gain. We urge you not to shut us out, let's find a solution we can all live with.

With Respect,

Her'e's the info for Rick Smith. He's the LeadEcosystem Resourse Representative for the FAMOUS Water Resource acquisition commission" These are the people who got the blame at wednesday's meeting...

rismith@sfwmd.gov
561-682-6517


If you really want to get things stirred up, Contact the democratic party and tell them you want to start a RECALL of Governor Bush. That will set the wheels of government going

A government of SPECIAL INTERESTS, for SPECIAL INTERESTS, by
SPECIAL INTERESTS >:(

Well said.....

Do have a sample letter?  I have seen this to be very effective for getting the message out with other groups like NRA, and Gun Owners of America?

I posted a letter in the first part of this string.

I have sent many email
soon we will have lots of places to ride
[smiley=drive.gif] [smiley=drive.gif]

LMAO, I wish that were true.

When they get sick of us riding everywere and sending letters they will have to start opening up some parks to ride
[smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]

Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting:
April the 26th from 1 pm to 7 pm
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004

For more information, contact: Chris Reed at 352/ 544-5136, email reedj1@doacs.state.fl.us.

I emailed Chris Reed and here's his replay;

Robert,


           The OHV Advisory Committee Meetings are open to the public and we invite your comment.  The status of potential areas being sought to provide OHV recreation will be discussed.  At this time I do not have a finalized agenda, but as always there will be a time on the agenda for public comment.  I understand folks have to work, so I plan to schedule the public comment portion of this meeting from 5:30 to 6:45.

Chris Reed, OHV Coordinator

FDACS – Division of Forestry

So, those of you in SFL should attend the comment portion of this meeting two weeks from tomorrow. See ya there!

Any updates 8)

I got your update right here! 4,700 ATVs were titled in Broward County, FL this year and, at least, 4,675 of their owners were too busy to attend today's OHV meeting in Dania(across from Fart Lauderdale airport).

I sent the sample letter to several people. Here is my latest response that I got for someone in Jeb Bush's office.

Dear Ms. Slate:

Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has requested that I respond to you
concerns regarding the US Forest Service action on the Ocala National
Forest.  We have just received information from the US Forest Service
regarding a partial closure of approximately 8,200 acres on the Ocala
National Forest.  They have sited that they must proceed with this on
portions of the most heavily impacted area in the southwest portion of
the forest.  This area is near the community of Linadale will be
restricted to designated roads.  

The US Forest Service has determined this partial closure is necessary
to prevent ongoing damage from off highway vehicles riding off roads.
According the U.S Forest Service that monitoring of the resource has
indicated that unacceptable impacts are occurring.  

When the Florida legislature created the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway
Vehicle Safety and Recreation Act, they clearly intended that since
off-highway vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in this state,
that the use of these vehicles should be controlled and managed to
minimize negative effects on the environment, wildlife habitats, native
wildlife, and native flora and fauna.  

To minimize the impacts, the US Forest Service also outlined that this
will be an ongoing access designation process that will eventually limit
off-highway vehicle use to a system of roads and trails throughout the
Ocala Nation Forest.

Your are correct that funds from titling off-highway vehicles (OHV) have
been collected and most are being used for a grant program to assist
public agencies with enhancing existing OHV areas, provide for safety
courses, protection of resources, or acquisition of new areas.   By July
1st a new trail system will be open on Tates Hell State Forest in
Franklin and Liberty Counties, and will consist of 154 miles of trails.
Other county owned lands and state owned lands are being evaluated for
OHV in other areas of the state.  

I regret that this could affect the legitimate riders who respect the
land and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.  Should there any
questions about this action on the Ocala National Forest, the US Forest
Service contacts are:  

Ms. Denise Rains Rick Lint, District
Ranger
Public Affairs Officer Seminole Ranger District
National Forests in Florida 40929 State Road 19
Phone:  (850) 523-8568 Umatilla, FL 32784
drains@fs.fed.us Phone: (352) 669-3153

If you have any questions or require additional information, please let
me know.

Sincerely,
Steve Bohl
850/414-9914

Does anyone know where this Tates Hell State Park is?

 Gee, this is what I was saying in Open Discussion. Now here it is.... You guys want to really do something about all this? Join forces with others who enjoy other recreational activities, numbers is what we are looking for here. Number of folks from all different activities to band together just like the greenies do.

There is no denying that a few bad apples are spoiling all our fun. Bad apples in all different recreational activities.

Here is a link for those so inclined to "do something". It is an appeals process that allows you to appeal closures, etc. in National Forests.
http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/applit/appeals.htm

Also, keep an eye on my blog. I am trying to keep folks up on some of the things the environmentalists use to close areas, and what areas are being closed. The link is: http://www.floridaenvironmentalissues.blogspot.com

http://www.arra-access.com/arra/washingtonnewsletter_august05.html?member_key=e6i63n415587dk&

August, 2005 Newsletter

Recreational Trails Program

Miracles do happen in Washington, even in July!  After months of writing about it, we are pleased to report to you that the Congress has finally passed the highway authorization bill. This means the Recreational Trails Program has been reauthorized for five more years with an increase in authorized funding of $370,000,000.

This is a major accomplishment!  Many recreation groups have worked very hard to shepherd this program through a very lengthy reauthorization process.  The fact that RTP was not only reauthorized but also received a significant increase in authorized funding is very good news.  ARRA members have consistently been in touch with their Senators and Representatives urging support for RTP, and this hard work has finally paid off.  Congratulations to all who have supported this important program.

New Forest Service Report on OHV Recreation

Hot of the press, the Forest Service has just released a major study on OHV recreation.  This is an excellent report with a wealth of information.  OHV enthusiasts will find this to be a very good resource for OHV data.  The report is called:  Off Highway Vehicle Recreation in the United States, Regions and States.  To access this report, please go to this link: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/OHV_final_report.pdf.

 

 This  is a great post, and as soon as I buy some stamps this week,
I will be sending a couple letters.
   May I remind you all that if you intend to write a letter on our behalf, that well written letters and spell checking would not hurt.
 Mention any club you may belong to, mention the numbers of people
wanting more trails. Acknowledge the need for enviromental concerns but insist that off road vehicles can co-exist.
  We are not in a position of ultimatums right now......as I see it  (and I have yet to pick up my ATV that I have just bought).....we may be trying  to hold on to what is available?

  I saw this mans name in the "news" section:

>>Tommy Neal, a Leesburg resident and area director for the Florida Trailriders Association, which has more than 2,000 members, called the new regulation anti-family and denounced it as part of a "continuing saga" to whittle away the permitted uses of the forests...<<

....is he still up for the challenge. Are WE  up for the challenge?   
    We may need to get organized......and the time may be slipping.
  Write a letter.......


                 Chuck

I just sent my letters AGAIN! I think the main problem is getting organized. The best thing would be to get a commitee of about 8-10 people preferably from different areas primarily in South Florida and start the process of getting people organized to represent our sport and present our needs. Who would volunteer for this. I know I would! I am from Miami and this area would be covered but again the more the merrier!!

   Another idea...and I know you people hate writing letters......but in the long run it may HELP us ATV'rs....
    but......write and ask your County Commisioners.......
"  How about applying for "ECHO" grants to buy vacant land.  The land would help replentish the water table/aquifer..ATV'rs could use or make trails and ride. ATV/trail bike users could pay a fee to use the land."
  The county gets land to be used for recreation..........gets fees for usage.
  Just think if every county could buy a few hundred acres?
     ATV users (a group or club) could 'adopt' the park...help provide
up keep the same way ROADS are adopted?
          Just 'thinking' on the key board......
    Like I have mentioned before....I am just getting started in this ATV activity. 
I know West Virginia  and New York State  help maintain trails.....and probably more states.
    We need more riders to voice their wants.....but as far as I can tell, there are no 'real' ATV clubs, are there?
  This website is about as big a gathering of info as I have seen.
(I rode at big scrub this past weekend and couldn't tell if anyone was associated with this site.)
      We do need to get the word out though......seriously.

           Chuck

ORGANIZATION IS THE KEY. We all have a lot going on in our lives but we have to be organized if we REALLY love this sport and I know I do!!!

i live in nothwest florida and as yet there is no place to ride.  Has anyone heard of a place being opened up in this area?  Seems like south and central florida is doing well with establishing areas but nothing is happening over here.

actually only central is doing ok, not great but ok. S.FLA and N.FLA are not doing good. Perhaps you can represent in the northern section.

I emailed my county commisioner today concerning the northwest florida area.  I encourage anyone living in this area to do the same, power by the numbers may make a difference.

http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2005/releases/11/travel-management.shtml

"OHV and other motorized vehicles are fun and exciting ways to experience national forests and we’ve seen dramatic increases in their popularity in the last decade," said Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth. "Land managers will use the new rule to continue to work with motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists, state and local officials and others to provide responsible motorized recreational experiences in national forests and grasslands for the long run."

   Sounds like we need to write to Mr. Bosworth.....

               Chuck

Florida OHV Recreation Management Workshop
May 1- 4, 2006
Hilton-Ocala
Ocala, Florida

http://www.fl-dof.com/calendar/2006_ohv_may_wkshop.html

http://www.nps.gov/bicy/pphtml/newsdetail20491.html

http://www.arra-access.com/arra/join.html?r=h71igU111mfzE

Now that the Forest Service has issued its Final Rule on the OHV route designation process, it is extremely important that OHV riders participate in this process.  We have compiled a comprehensive list of all National Forest locations for the convenience of our ARRA members.  A link to the list can be found on our website.

Please note that the list has been organized in alphabetical order by state and that the name of each forest acts as a link to each forest’s website.  We would encourage you to take a look at the list and find the forest(s) closest to you to visit and familiarize yourself with the site.  We hope that in coming weeks you will get in touch with your local office to inquire as to how you can participate and when they will be scheduling meetings to solicit public input on the designation process.  Please let them know that you want to be involved.

In the months ahead, ARRA will endeavor to provide you with as much advanced information about the designation process as is available.  We encourage you to check out our website on a regular basis.  However, please also check your local Forest's website regularly, as it may have more up-to-date information.  Being informed and becoming involved is the best way to ensure that the designation process does, in fact, provide opportunities for more OHV recreation on Forest Service lands.

Florida is not even on there! We are in for a long battle....

Not to long ago ATV's in Florida came with a Fl title, with this you could get a tag for beach riding.

  Only beach you can drive/ride on is in Volusia County  (Ormond/Daytona area).
   I towed my Grizzly down to the beach on New Years eve/day and rode for about an hour.  Kind of boring really......10 MPH in a straight line.  LOL
Right now.....there are no beach tolls, so I didn't have to 'check-in' with anyone.  While riding, a beach patrol truck passed me going the other way........didn't even see me I think.
  I just yesterday bought my atv "registration".  I took a copy of my title down to the tax office.......they took $4 from me and gave me a sticker to put on my left rear fender.  I guess I am "legal' now!!!!

  Chuck

I sent an email to gov. Bush and thought I would share the response I recieved back.

Dear Mr. Riley:

 

Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson asked that I respond to your e-mail inquiry, and appreciate you taking the time to express your concerns.  You can be assured that the Division of Forestry (DOF) is doing everything in its power to increase the number of legal riding opportunities for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on state lands in a sustainable and responsible manner.  Additionally, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Governor, and Legislature are well aware that OHV operation has become increasingly popular as an outdoor recreational activity and that there are limited sites available on public lands.  This need was the basis for the T. Mark Schmidt OHV Safety and Recreation Act being passed in 2002 (Chapter 261, Florida Statutes). 

 

            We understand your frustration and the DOF is working diligently to provide further OHV opportunities in the state.  The DOF recently opened approximately 150 miles of trails for OHV recreation on Tate’s Hell State Forest in Franklin County.  In addition, we are working with stakeholders and other agencies to possibly open a managed system of OHV trails on Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County.

 

            To assist in promoting this program to other governmental agencies, the DOF is cosponsoring a workshop through the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council this spring.  The goal of this workshop is to conduct an educational forum on off-highway vehicle recreation management for local, county, state and federal land management decision makers, recreation planners, resource specialists, and leadership representatives from OHV recreation and other stakeholders.  We anticipate that this workshop will reduce barriers, address misconceptions, and hope that it will ultimately result in increased opportunities for regional OHV areas. 

 

            We realize that OHV areas may not be happening as fast as you and many other enthusiasts feel to be reasonable, but it is important that activities and opportunities are occurring.    In order to keep the public informed of changes in the OHV program and possible new recreation areas, we now have a link on the Division of Forestry webpage at www.fl-dof.com.

 

Thank for your input and comments, and should you have any questions, please let us know. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Steve Bohl

850/414-9914

way to go kodiak..........we need to let them know we are here.
  I am sure they have the answers to our questions right in front of
them....but let them keep sending replies.

    chuck roast

That's the same one I got back...ended up with I think three from different
people at State.

 NEWS ALERT!!!!!

U.S. House Subcommittee Restores Funding for Recreation and Trails

May 4, 2006

Washington, D.C.

The Interior Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee today approved legislation that provides the Forest Service with funding for FY 2007.  As a part of the overall Forest Service appropriations, the Subcommittee approved $262 million for Recreation Programs, $11 million more that requested by the Administration. 

For trails programs and maintenance, the Subcommittee appropriated $73.4 million, $13 million more than was in the President’s budget request.

ARRA members have been very active in lobbying for more federal funds for these worthy programs and your comments to your Members of Congress have paid off.

This measure now goes to the full House Appropriations Committee for approval and then to the entire House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate will need to take similar action before this measure becomes law.

Congratulations to all those ARRA members who took the time to contact their Representatives and Senators on these important programs.  Progress is being made, but we will need to do more work in the coming weeks to ensure success.

 

 

Comments Requested on Florida's Big Cypress National Reserve OHV Management Plan
http://www.arra-access.com/arra/cypress_comments.html?member_key=e6i63n2o5b378x&
The meetings are this week and one is in Ft. Lauderdale Thursday 4-7pm. Get involved.

http://www.arra-access.com/campaign/subcommittee_hearing_mar13/e6i63nzh7b5e5t5?