ATV Florida Forum

I got this response for a DOF guy about a OHV meeting I am trying to post it in several places so everyone can see it. I IS IMPORTANT GUYS !!!

I assume you are referring to the OHV Advisory Committee meeting in Dania Beach on the 26th of this month.  This meeting is a public meeting and your input is desired.  These meetings are held about every three months in a different region of the state.  Typical discussions include: OHV titling update, grant program update (where is title money being spent), status of potential new OHV sites, public outreach, and public input.  Discussions may also touch on various agencies discussing their land management policies and what they are doing to offer any OHV opportunities.  



If this is something that interests you, let me know and I will send an agenda once it is finalized.



Chris

I'll probably be there as it's about 10 minutes from where I work.  An agenda would be great if you have one.

I will definitely be there!

I'm going to make some flyers for the local shops.

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  


http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/ohv_index.html

I'll take the day off.

I am the printer here....you make it up, and I'll print it

Cool  [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif] and I can go to Outdoor World while I'm there ;)

I GOT THIS FROM ARRA Mat be we can use it there as proof that there is money going to our cause from the feds. Just in case they tell us that there is not enough money.Transportation Bill H.R. 3




Your Senators need to hear from you!!  


The House has already passed its version of the transportation bill, which includes funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP); now it’s the Senate’s turn.


But the Senate has provided less funding ($325 million for six years) for RTP than the House ($503 million for six years).  So ARRA encourages you to write to your Senators and let them know they need to match the funding level in the House bill--$503 million.  


Your voice can make a difference, so write NOW!!





Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Senators


Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Support Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funding Now

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

As a constituent and outdoor enthusiast, I am asking you to support the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding levels in H.R. 3.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) was established in 1991 as a part of ISTEA and improved through TEA-21. This program utilizes a portion of the federal tax receipts attributable to off-highway recreational activities including ATV riding, motorcycling, snowmobiling and 4x4s for purposes of maintaining and improving recreational trails throughout the country. Since its inception, literally millions of Americans have benefited from the recreational trails that have been developed and maintained in every state of the union with monies from this program. And, it is important to note that these trails are developed for both motorized and non-motorized recreation.

The House version of the transportation bill, H.R. 3, provides $503 million for RTP over six years. The Senate version, S. 732, only authorizes $325 million over six years. Because of the importance of this program and the fact that every year more and more Americans seek to use recreational trails for a variety of activities, I believe that the RTP funding levels in H.R. 3 deserve your support. The Federal Highway Administration's most recent estimate of the amount of tax revenue generated by off-highway recreational activities is $286 million annually. Investing a small portion of revenue from off-highway generated taxes to improve the safety of such activities by constructing and maintaining recreational trails is an appropriate use of these monies. Accordingly, I hope you and your colleagues will support the higher funding for RTP as passed by the House.


Sincerely,

manuel orol



 
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What's At Stake:


The Transportation Equity Act, H.R. 3, distributes funds from the federal gasoline tax to various programs, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).  Last year, the bill made it to a conference between the House and Senate, but stalled there.  In this Congress, the bill passed the House of Representatives on March 10th, and ARRA is pleased to report that funding for RTP in the bill is $503 million over six years.  This comes from the gasoline taxes you pay at the pump—for your off-road motorcycle or ATV, your snowmobile or 4x4.

ARRA thanks all those who wrote to their Representatives in support of RTP and H.R. 3.  The Senate has begun pushing its version of the bill, S. 732, through committees and will soon send it to the floor for debate.  The Senate version includes just over $54 million per year for RTP, for a total of $325 million over six years.  ARRA wants you to write to your Senators and let them know that they need to match the funding level ($503 million over six years) in H.R. 3.





Campaign Expiration Date:
September 8, 2005






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I left a stack of flyers at some of the local shops (competition cycle, broward motorsports, rick case), lets see what happens.  I even dropped some off at the local corner store hoping that some of the ATVers in the neighborhood see them.  Not all riders are on the web, so we need to get this out how ever we can.

 [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]   [smiley=Clap.gif]

We  all  need  to  go  if possible  the  more  people  show  up  the  better  !!!!!!!!

i am going it 5 miles from work

From 1:00PM to 7:00PM? That's 6 hours! Are there different meetings throughout the day? One meeting for six hours just can't be.  

SK8r im not sure i'll find out.

Here is a map of where the ORV meeting at.

I 95 to Griffin Rd west one block then south one block.

Hey Grizz don't forget April 26 is your daughter's 16th birthday and we are going out to dinner
 Mama Grizz

(http://fool.exler.ru/sm/pila.gif)                 (http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ernaehrung/food-smiley-002.gif)                       (http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ernaehrung/food-smiley-008.gif)                              (http://fool.exler.ru/sm/poze.gif)

Looks like the Grizz family need some advice on where to dine in Dania.  ;D

We could eat at the sea food restaurent at Bass Pro just next door to the ORV meeting for my daughter sweet 16 .

Grizz

The Grizz always ready with a good solution! I will be at the meeting as well.

Here is agenda for meeting!!!


OHV Advisory Committee Meeting
April 26, 2005 – Ft Lauderdale
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum

1:00 pm      Welcome and Introductions                  Jack Terrell

1:15 pm      Approval of the Minutes                  Jack Terrell

1:30 pm       OHV Titling Update                        Stan Kirkland

1:45 pm      Update of Potential OHV                   Chris Reed
Recreation Areas       

2:15 pm       National OHV Conservation Council            Chris Reed
           Annual Conference Summary
           
WORKING GROUP UPDATES

2:45 pm      Legislative Issues                        Winn Peeples

3:15 pm       break


3:30 pm      Grant Program                              Chris Reed/John Waldron
Overview of funded projects
           and status  

3:45 pm       Public Outreach                        Jack Terrell

4:15 pm      Site ID/Resources                        Vernon Compton/
           Regional Working Groups                  Chris Reed
           
4:30 pm      Strategic Plan                              Chris Reed

4:45 pm      Term Expiration                        John Waldron      

5:00 pm      New Business                              Jack Terrell

5:30 pm      break

5:45 pm      Public Input                              Jack Terrell

6:45 pm      Establish Next Meeting                  Jack Terrell      

Here is the Agenda...OHV Advisory Committee Meeting
April 26, 2005 – Ft Lauderdale
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum

1:00 pm      Welcome and Introductions                  Jack Terrell

1:15 pm      Approval of the Minutes                  Jack Terrell

1:30 pm       OHV Titling Update                        Stan Kirkland

1:45 pm      Update of Potential OHV                   Chris Reed
Recreation Areas       

2:15 pm       National OHV Conservation Council            Chris Reed
           Annual Conference Summary
           
WORKING GROUP UPDATES

2:45 pm      Legislative Issues                        Winn Peeples

3:15 pm       break


3:30 pm      Grant Program                              Chris Reed/John Waldron
Overview of funded projects
           and status  

3:45 pm       Public Outreach                        Jack Terrell

4:15 pm      Site ID/Resources                        Vernon Compton/
           Regional Working Groups                  Chris Reed
           
4:30 pm      Strategic Plan                              Chris Reed

4:45 pm      Term Expiration                        John Waldron      

5:00 pm      New Business                              Jack Terrell

5:30 pm      break

5:45 pm      Public Input                              Jack Terrell

6:45 pm      Establish Next Meeting                  Jack Terrell      

I WILL BE GOING IF ANYONE WANTS TO RIDE ALONG AND SAVE SOME GAS. I'M IN PSL THE GATLIN BLVD AREA.

Welcome CAT thanks for joining  [smiley=deal.gif]   [smiley=Clap.gif]

I'll be there also. Did the caravan idea get scraped or what?

I'll be there 4 sure  ;)

Here is the map of where the ORV Meeting is at  

Griffin Rd west one block  ( At light left turn) then south  On Raven rd  then left Just next door to Outdoor world Brass Pro Shop See U all there.


.


(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/DeGrizz/bass1.jpg)

What time should we meet up and where should we park (in general)???

SURE YOU WILL I A'nt GONNA HOLD MY BREATH  [smiley=Dead.gif]

Meaning? I guess i'll c u there  :P

BLAH,BLAH,BLAH  [smiley=lecture.gif]

Seems to me that the 1:45 and 5:45pm sessions are the ones we all need to be at! See ya then.

I'm going to leave work early to be there. 8)

We need to show up when the working group starts ?

I'll be there at 1:00 .With my best behavior of corse . :P

Just a reminder.  This is tomorrow.

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  
 
http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/ohv_index.html

1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions   Jack Terrell

1:15 pm Approval of the Minutes   Jack Terrell

1:30 pm  OHV Titling Update    Stan Kirkland

1:45 pm Update of Potential OHV    Chris Reed
Recreation Areas  

2:15 pm  National OHV Conservation Council  Chris Reed
 Annual Conference Summary
 
WORKING GROUP UPDATES

2:45 pm Legislative Issues    Winn Peeples

3:15 pm  break


3:30 pm Grant Program     Chris Reed/John Waldron
Overview of funded projects  
 and status  

3:45 pm  Public Outreach    Jack Terrell

4:15 pm Site ID/Resources    Vernon Compton/
 Regional Working Groups   Chris Reed
 
4:30 pm Strategic Plan     Chris Reed

4:45 pm Term Expiration    John Waldron  

5:00 pm New Business     Jack Terrell

5:30 pm break

5:45 pm Public Input     Jack Terrell

6:45 pm Establish Next Meeting   Jack Terrell  

MEE  2

ok i'll be there at 1pm as well

Guys my daughter is home sick from school and i'm starting to feel it also. I was SOOOO eager in going but im not going to be able to... I'm so pist  >:( Sorry I hope everything goes as planned.

The meeting went well.  There were alot of good points brought up, but there is just so much red tape.  The OHV committee  seems to be on our side, but it really comes down to efforts made on the local level.  Tates Hell will be the first opening in October, and they are not sure about after that.  It was good to see that Dade county is actually trying to do something about our problem.  I hope the ball keeps rolling.

Where's Tates Hell going to be?  When will it open?

panhandle
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/tates_hell.html

I like to thank everybody that show up to the meeting for the support of our sport... Thanks again  [smiley=Clap.gif] [smiley=Clap.gif] [smiley=Clap.gif] also, thank you Nena for calling me and let me know what was going on. See Manny she was there!!!  ;D

I must say I am surprised  :o

Saw Nena there :) and some others. On the down side it doesn't look good for people in South Florida. I'm pretty skeptical about the St. Lucie riding area with it's population growth. Also they didn't seem to eager to give the mudder's a place to ride.

No problem Ricky  ;)
and Manny how could u be surprised if you don't know me..think about that be4 u make a statement.  

OKOK BABY I STAND CORRECTED !!!! MUAH !!! :P

Miami Dade is looking in at the old Thomson Rv park on Krome just south of Max fish camp in a possible site for atv park. U guys and gals need to speak to your county commissioner.

http://www.miamidade.gov/commiss/  
 
 

We are the people that have been elected in 13 districts to represent you. On our web sites, you will find information that will bring Miami-Dade County government closer to the people. Our government is strengthened by civic participation and increased involvement from our citizens.

   
Barbara J. Jordan
District 1  Katy Sorenson
District 8
Dorrin D. Rolle
District 2  Dennis C. Moss,
Vice Chairman
District 9
Barbara Carey-Shuler, Ed. D.
District 3  Senator Javier D. Souto
District 10
Sally A. Heyman
District 4  Joe A. Martinez,
Chairman
District 11
Bruno A. Barreiro
District 5  José “Pepe” Diaz
District 12
Rebeca Sosa  
District 6  Natacha Seijas
District 13
Carlos A. Gimenez
District 7  

 Do not give up!!! Keep fighting! You guys will make a difference! I heard that the turn-out was a large one...that will make a difference, believe me!

I am doing my part for all public access, whether I participate in a particular sport or not. I look at it this way, if one group loses, we all do. It is easy to ignore a hobby/sport you don't like and concentrate on only yours, but be aware that once one group loses access, it is easier the next time for them to take yours away.

I want to learn to dive...if I don't work on keeping access to boaters or fishermen open, they will close something to divers later too.

My husband wants to hunt, if they close trails off to hikers and campers, they will close it off to hunters. I horseback ride, again, if they close something off to hikers, I could/would lose those trails too.

We all have a stake in this for our kids' sake. Don't lose heart or give up!

Keep up the good fight, remember what Benjamin Franklin said: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." That applies to all our rights, not just liberty and safety!

Sorry I had to work butt hope you all got good info

Lisa is right if we don't keep fighting for our rights we will loose more area. Environmentalist are very vocal and very involved..Why do you think they are so succesful?

TRX350- I agree St. Lucie Co. is growing..But the property this project is being proposed on is 750 acres next tot he airport which is already owned by the county. It is slated to be and industrial park in 10+ years. It has been a cattle lease for roughly 20 years. As far as mudders it was already discussed int he initial plans that it was permissible to dig mud bogs for the mudders. I just hope enough of the St. Lucie Co. riders start getting involved to let there voice be heard. i know the riders from out of the county will be vocal..But the commissioners need to see the amount of residents invovled in this sport.

Hi Lisa

I told 2 of my friends in PSL to get involed and gave them this site

Hi CAOSPOP!  ;D I am jazzed! It is good to see groups standing up for their individual rights!  [smiley=Clap.gif]

Yes Maaaaaaam we are all here to help welcome to the site. We are riding at the holley lands it at the palm beach/broward county line on us 27. were riding on sunday at  7am. lets go ride.

For the people who did not attend the OHV meeting this week. A lot of good points were brought up. A few important ones that I wanted to pass along:

1) FWC clearly said that although Holylands in Palm Beach allows ATV riding depending on season. They said that 3 things will most likely get this place shut down if they do not stop. Drinking while riding, speeding on the levy (25 MPH limit) and trash being left behind. They were very clear about this.

2) The the OHC council needs local municipalities to bring ideas to them. It is these communities that have the land to contribute. The council can help fund the project.

3) A Dade county representatives came to the meeting with a proposal to use the area around the old Thomson Park as a ATV park. This area is around the Macks Fish camp area where a lot of us in South Florida used to ride. Like Grizz said, everyone who lives in Dade County needs to call or write their commisioner and voice support for this project.

The council said that the ATV community as a whole is poorly organized and that in part is where some of our problems are coming from.

These representatives do read our posts and are aware of the websites although they get them mixed up which is a problem. Another reason that posting pictures of inappropriate activities on any website hurts us.  

They spoke a lot about Ocala National Forest. To make a long story short, ONF is going to a designated trail system that will be a small fraction of the area we ride in now. Not very good news, but not a suprise either.

There was a lot more but these were the high points I remember. Thanks to everyone who took the time to be at this meeting.

 I am SOO glad ONF came up. ONF is a big problem here in the SW end of the forest. Many, many, many ATV riders are going where it is clearly posted not to ride. This gives the rest of you a bad name. I see families riding and doing it right when I ride our trails (yes I live in the SW part of the forest, next time ya'll see a Cow-Jeep, wave, its me! If you don't know what a cow-jeep is, you haven't seen me yet.)  ;)

There are a few of us working to keep the Volunteer Ranger Program alive. I am hoping this will keep the trails open. I would love to see a number of you in this area volunteer to be rangers. The Volunteer Rangers will be expected to pass on information on trail safety and etiquette, along with helping repair and put up fences.

Some of you might have run into the few folks who were actively involved with the program. Please, if you had a bad experience, don't let that stop you from volunteering. We need folks to step up to the plate and let the forestry folks know you care and are willing to be there for the forest and to help educate and protect our resources.

One thing that led me to realize we can potentially lose our trails (I am a jeeper) is the last time I went out with the group. Two guys had buzzed down a large tree that had been placed on the Boundery Markers out at Blue Sink and drove their 4X4 pick-up truck back in past the Boundery Markers. There is no way these guys missed those markers even if the fresh chippings and the chain saw in the back didn't give them away!

This kind of nonsense will get us all thrown out! We can stop the limiting if we work together and stand en force. I am hoping to get a group together to gather at the Ranger's station and tell them, "here we are, now put us to work as volunteers!"

Please PM me if you are interested.