It is time our voices get heard. This is only the beginning, before you know it the whole forest will be closed.  Rodman is only part of it, rumor has it big scrub is going to close except 5 miles of the power lines.

It is Rodman and big scrub now, this seems to be the way of the forest, next thing you know the forest will close, because there is no one to manage the trial system.

I say it is time our voices get heard, it is time to contact the star banner, and putting our opinions in the paper. Swamp the forest personnel with emails.

I also think a great time for a protest is when the trail system opens, protest at all the trail heads, don't let anyone on the trails.

I'm going to get word back from Marsha on her real intentions for Rodman Sand Pit, seems there are conflicting reports on whether it will be closed or just limited.  The Orlando Sentinel is going to run a story on the Appeal, I have been providing them with information.  If you are (or know someone) who can officially represent your group, toss me their contact info. jason@flwda.com Perhaps whomever runs this site.

The other party (environmentalists) who appealed the FEIS had their appeal upheld, which was to close the Rodman Sand Pit.  USFS cited that leaving it open is not consistent with the Forest Plan...assuming the plan is to close as much as possible down, they have a point.  FL4WDA's appeal was denied (all four counts).

FL4WDA is currently discussing our continued interest in the appeal of the FEIS.

Big Scrub is part of the "Yellow Section" in the Record of Decision that will be addressed by another ADP.  Delancy area is part of the current ADP which is why it has the attention of signage at the moment.  Pretty sure only posts are going up, no signs on the posts yet pending appeal of the Plan.

Interesting link Prairie Master.

We cleared about 9 tons of garbage from the forest with the help of 29 volunteers.  Clubs/associations in attendance were: FL4WDA, Florida Jeepers Offroad Association, Gator 4x4 Club, Mosquito County 4x4, Orlando Jeep Club and Florida Toyota Territory Off-Roaders Association.  Also had a couple folks from Tampa not yet plugged into a club.

Thanks to all of the volunteers, Keep Marion Beautiful and the Forestry Service for making this cleanup effort a success.  More will be planned next year, for now the FL4WDA is working on our annual campout along with some other things.

(Click images for larger version)

Hope to see some folks out there tomorrow from here.  Will let you know about future cleanups.

http://fl4wda.com/forums/forums/3/394/ShowPost.aspx#394

The area that we are looking to concentrate on is the Church Lake Management area, specificially roads off of 42.  Depending on how many show up and what types of vehicles/trailers we have the effort may spread out but given the shortness of time a local area is likely to be targeted.

If you plan to volunteer for this, please be at the Lake George Ranger Station on 40 (352-625-2520) by 8am Nov 5 for a Forest Service orientation.  I plan to end our cleanup around 3pm the latest.

Bring bug spray, gloves, lunch, water and trash bags if you have it.  Pickup trucks and trailers are prefered as more can fit in them.  In the future, I would like to utilize ATV's with trailers in tow to access hard to reach areas.  Thanks to all.

On another note, I have been working to get this effort covered by means of a public announcement after the fact letting our communities know that we are actively working to better our recreation areas.

The meeting place is looking to be the Lake George District Ranger Station for Nov 5 and will also be a place to take trash to provided other dump stations are not available, "Keep Marion Beautiful" is looking to help us out with dumpsters.

Currently, I am awaiting word back for some GPS locations that the Law Enforcement community has taken record of as needing to be cleaned up.

Any thoughts on how to get the bigger stuff out of the forest, like abandoned cars, etc?  Or are we only worried about the manageable stuff.

In general, only trash that we can carry and place into a bag, back of truck or on a trailer.  Dont want to go for glory and have someone get hurt.  I'd leave automobiles and simply report it to law enforcement, probably registered as stolen if I had to guess.

Hope to have some more information later this week or next week about details of the cleanup.  November 5 is looking to be the date.

Where is it taking place?  I've wanted to organize a clean up in the area I ride.  Is is possible to get the Forrest Service to put a dumpster somewhere for a weekend?

This is going to take place where the Forest Service have identified areas that need cleaning up, I'm hoping this is the first of more organized cleanups between the FL4WDA and the Forest Service that we all can help out in.  The FS should be arranging the dumpsites with established dumpsters, Saturday will most likely be the day for this.

Please let us know as soon as they decide on what locations

I've been to a few of the locations in the north section of the forest but there should be some spots all over allowing us to split up and make a greater impact.  We all will need to meet up in the morning at some central location for an official "Cleanup Orientation" since this is being coordinated with the Forest Service.

Unfortunately I dont have more than a day to devote to this but in the future I would like to organize Cleanup Efforts to include a campout and BBQ in the forest and I'm sure the FS will provide a place for us to do that.  For now, I'd like to join some of the motorized vehicle usergroups in the forest together since alot of efforts are similar already; basically, let's get started on something!

Hey Kurt, Lisa should know about this since she is now Environmental Affairs Chair for FL4WDA. Thanks for the interest everyone.

Greetings atvflorida.com members.  I'm an OHV user (83 CJ7), on staff at Florida Jeepers Offroad Association and acting VP for Florida Four Wheel Drive Association.  I'm also active in a Volunteer Ranger program in ONF so you might of seen me on the trail in a green Ford Ranger p/u at one time or another.

I am organizing a cleanup in ONF with the Forest Service (they are locating areas that need cleaning up).  Trash brought in by visitors is the target of this cleanup will last one full day.  November 5 or 6 are the dates we are looking to do this on since it places us in the forest during a break period of hunting.

Currentlly have approx 20+ folks seriously interested in participating.  Reply back if you have questions or plan on helping out.

More info can be found at the following URL's :

Florida Trail Riders Topic on the cleanup
FL4WDA Topic on the cleanup
FJOA Topic on the cleanup