At the OHMVR Commission meeting on Friday, August 18th, a report from the Department of Parks and Recreation was given by a Parks Representative. In that report, it was clearly stated that Parks, working with Governor Brown's office, have determined that many of the environmental components currently in SB249 are redundant, unnecessary and costly, and are not supported by the administration as written. They have also determined that these onerous and duplicative components of the bill would not improve environmental conditions on the ground. 

This is very good news, but a good part of the battle still lies ahead. The united OHV Community had already submitted a comprehensive letter  to Parks representatives and the Governor's office stating the same conclusions. It seems that we have been heard, and some components of the bill may change and improve. It's a step in the right direction, but only a step. Keep the pressure on your local representatives. This is how we got to this far - because of the hard work of all your OHV advocates in conjunction with the great grassroots advocacy from the entire OHV community. 

The Off Highway, out of state Green/Red sticker regulations were quietly changed earlier this year. 

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1234/files/OHV%20Information%20Bulletin%20-%20Non-Resident%20Red%20Sticker%20Equipment.pdf

Current Procedure: Nonresident off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, when visiting California, must have either current OHV registration from their home state or purchase a California OHV Nonresident Permit.  Current practice dictates that these visitors are not subject to California Clean Air Standards as defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and can, therefore, operate their California non-compliant OHVs (red sticker motorcycles and ATVs) year round in California.

New Procedure: Enforcement of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations shall be based upon the vehicle and not the residence of the owner. All OHVs that would receive an emissions noncompliant designation (Red Sticker) in California (identified by a 3 or C in the eighth digit of the VIN) may only be ridden during open Red Sticker riding seasons with a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit or an equivalent current home state registration. Riding seasons are determined by CARB and can be found at: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/redsticker_riding.

CORVA has received notice of a number of OHV trails being closed to motorcycles and 4WD travel with no legitimate reason and no upper level authorization. Is this happening in your favorite forest? 

Let CORVA know if you've found trails suddenly closed with no signs of damage consistent with a need for an emergency closure. We can't let the Forest Service continue to abuse our off-road rights. And remember, CORVA depends on your memberships and donations to take on the Forest Service and keep your trails open! Donate to Keep Your Trails Open

CORVA is proud to represent all off-roaders who use public land, and had the opportunity to speak against overreaching government actions that created a slew of unnecessary National Monuments in California during the past few years. 

National Monument status will always infringe on the rights of American citizens to access their public land. No matter the excuse or justification used, any land designation that keeps people from enjoying the forest or desert goes against the shared ownership of all public land in the US and place unacceptable obstacles on people's freedoms. 

http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2017/08/10/58517/pasadena-congresswoman-land-use-advocates-weigh-in/

As part of a court decision, 42 trails in the Eldorado National Forest were closed pending review of compliance with Forest Service water standards. Some of these trails reopened after it was determined they already complied with appropriate standards, but many important trails remained closed pending further review. The Deer Valley/Blue Lakes Trail remained closed primarily because of the new listing of the Yosemite Toad as a threatened species while the trail had been closed.

CORVA worked with stakeholders and the Forest Service, and proposed a new alternative countering the original Forest Service proposal . CORVA's alternative would allow the Forest Service to open the Deer Valley/Blue Lakes trail for the maximum amount of time while providing appropriate protections for the threatened Yosemite Toad. CORVA is the California OHV organization started enthusiasts tasked with representing off-road interests at all levels of government. This includes research into all aspects that may cause closures of roads and trails, including analysis into all scientific and pseudo-scientific issues that may be used as an excuse for closure. 

In this case, Ken Clarke, CORVA president searched for all relevant information relating to Yosemite Toad mating criteria and CORVA then proposed an alternative based on science to allow the trail to reopen for the maximum amount of time each year. CORVA Deer Valley Alternative

After consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, CORVA's alternative was adopted leading to the reopening of this spectacular trail. Thanks go to many people involved in the project, including Doug Barr of the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo's.

The Deer Valley/Blue Lakes Trail reopened to the public on August 3rd. 2017 for the first time in many years!

Visit Website for more information!

The California Air Resources Board is in the process of redefining a 'Racing Vehicle". On-road racers and off-road racers of all types will be affected b these new regulations, so CORVA has to hear from you now!

Truck racing, rock racing, hillclimbing, motorcycle racing - ALL OF YOU will be effected by these new regulations. No one is exempted - I repeat, no one will be exempted by these new regulations. CORVA has a seat at the table and we need to hear from you. We are the statewide organization started by enthusiasts, tasked with representing all forms of off-road with all levels of government.

https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm

CORVA submits substantive comments to the Bureau of Land Management proposing substantive changes and possibilities for streamlining: BLM Land Use Planning

CORVA filed comments in response to the Secretary of the Interior Zinke's request to hear from public regarding the ongoing support for recently designated National Monuments. CORVA filed the following comments: National Monument Review/California 

Most of you are aware of the lawsuit pending regarding open riding at Ocotillo Wells. This lawsuit started in May of 2013 when PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Protection) and the DPC (Desert Protective Council) filed a lawsuit against the California State Department of Parks and Recreation claiming that trails are not being maintained, archaeological sites are not being fully protected, excessive dust is blowing in the air, vegetation is being destroyed and the park is suffering erosion damage due to off road vehicles. They are claimining "their observation and experience of these incidents diminishes their recreational use and enjoyment of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and other nearby lands."  They are asking for open riding to be discontinued and for off road vehicles to be allowed only on designated trails.

-----fast forward to 2017----

We're almost at the finish line, but we have an important hurdle to overcome to defend Ocotillo Wells! The judge allowed expert witnesses, with each side able to interview opposition experts. These interviews, or depositions, have taken days to complete, and now we need the transcripts to prepare the best brief to present to the judge to defend OW. Each transcript may cost $1000 or more, and we need a number of transcripts, plus allow the attorney the hours needed to review the information and prepare the best defense for Ocotillo Wells. 

We need the community to help with this final push. We'll need at least $15,000 to do this right. We have to bury our opponents, and keep our park open! 

Fight For Ocotillo Wells has already donated $1,000 from funds collected selling stickers and the Fight For Ocotillo Wells Grand Prix races and now we're asking you to help us help CORVA. We're all in this together!

Donate to CORVA and specify Defend Ocotillo Wells in the comments.