Following are some of the recent legal activities in which SDORC has been involved

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San Diego Off-Road Coalition

Legal Update

Following are some of the recent legal activities in which SDORC has been

SDORC is a member of EcoLogic Partners, Inc

EcoLogic Partners, Inc funds legal counsel to protect the rights of OHV Recreationists.

www.ecologicpartners.org

EcoLogic was formed to advance land use policies that conserve natural resources while providing responsible outdoor recreation for American families. Currently the ASA, AMA D37, SDORC and ORBA are funding this organization.

West Fry Wind Project - Proposed location is the Johnson Valley OHV Area

We are currently working with Florida Power and Light and the BLM to mitigate the potential impact of this project to the OHV area.

Tule Wind Project - Proposed location is Lark Canyon OHV Area

we are currently working with Iberdrola Renewables and the BLM to mitigate the potential impact of this project to the OHV area.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP)

The BLM is rewriting the ISDRA's RAMP. We are working through the administrative process to improve this area for OHV recreation in the future.

Truckhaven addition to the California Department of Parks and Recreation

Two years ago the California Department of Parks and Recreation bought several checker boarded parcels of land in the area off-roaders know as Truckhaven. Off-roaders would like to see this area, where we have recreated for the 50 years be added to the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Unfortunately, the Anza Borrego Desert State park is also looking to acquire the land and add it to their park. we are closely monitoring the process embarked on by the state to decide who will manage this new area. For more information.

General Plan Update for Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (OW SVRA)

The OW SVRA is about to embark on an update for their general plan. EcoLogic will be submitting comments throughout this process to ensure proper planning and future recreational access to this area.

Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan

On August 8th the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the availability of a draft revised recovery plan for the Mojave population of the desert tortoise for public review and comment. EcoLogic will be making comments on this plan in an effort to aid the recovery of the tortoise and when appropriate enhance OHV recreation opportunities.

Geothermal Exploration and Development in the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (OW SVRA)

On August 1st the BLM released its Record of Decision (ROD) on the Truckhaven Geothermal Leasing area which cover parcels owned by the BLM but managed by the OW SVRA. These parcel are located near Pole Line Rd in the eastern section of the park. The decision by the BLM was to allow leasing of these parcels for geothermal exploration. EcoLogic is filing an official protest to this ROD.

Proposed Marine expansion into the Johnson Valley OHV Area

On August 19th the Marine Corps submitted a land withdrawal application to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for approximately 422,000 acres contiguous to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. A portion of the area being studied includes the Johnson Valley OHV Area near Barstow in San Bernardino County. EcoLogic will be submitting comments on this proposal when the NEPA process starts. We will also formulate a strategy to attempt to save this treasured area for OHV recreation. If the Marines deem it absolutely necessary to expand into this area EcoLogic will work with legislators and the BLM to receive acre for acre mitigation.

Page last updated: 8/22/08