GLFWDA Land Use Committee Report - Winter 2008

[Trail_Fanatic]

GLFWDA Land Use Committee Report - Winter 2008

I would like to take a few lines to thank my fellow Land Use Committee members for their contributions to the protection, improvement, and expansion Michigan’s off road and back country driving opportunities. During 2008, Committee members worked countless hours preparing for meetings, reading, researching, and commenting on a variety of proposals, answering emails, and conducting the business of the Committee. There is no way to properly measure their assistance. Just the time they spent on the road and attending meetings in 2008 totals more than 540 hours. That’s equivalent to having someone working for you full time for 13.5 weeks! They have put more than 12,500 miles on their vehicles and spent more than $2,200 just in gasoline. THANK YOU!



Below is an update of the status for issues addressed by the LUC between the Fall GLFWDA Quarterly Meeting and the of January 2009 Quarterly Meeting.

Link to more:
http://www.glfwda.org/showthread.php?t=7139

[miffy]

Thanks for everyones hard work at keeping 4x4ing going for all of us.:thumb:

not sure if your aware but your link can only be viewed by your members.

[Trucks are for girls!]

yup i cant see

[Trail_Fanatic]

Thanks for everyones hard work at keeping 4x4ing going for all of us.:thumb:

not sure if your aware but your link can only be viewed by your members.

Sorry!
I didn't even think about it!

Her's the report copied and pasted.
Sorry if it looses some of its formatting.

GLFWDA Land Use Committee Report - Winter 2008

I would like to take a few lines to thank my fellow Land Use Committee members for their contributions to the protection, improvement, and expansion Michigan’s off road and back country driving opportunities. During 2008, Committee members worked countless hours preparing for meetings, reading, researching, and commenting on a variety of proposals, answering emails, and conducting the business of the Committee. There is no way to properly measure their assistance. Just the time they spent on the road and attending meetings in 2008 totals more than 540 hours. That’s equivalent to having someone working for you full time for 13.5 weeks! They have put more than 12,500 miles on their vehicles and spent more than $2,200 just in gasoline. THANK YOU!



Below is an update of the status for issues addressed by the LUC between the Fall GLFWDA Quarterly Meeting and the of January 2009 Quarterly Meeting.

FEDERAL (NFS) ISSUES

Huron-Manistee 2006 Forest Plan Appeal

We continue to gather the necessary information to properly support, document, and fund our Appeal. We are pleased to have found a Michigan attorney willing to work with UFWDA Legal Council, Carla Boucher, to represent GLFWDA and file our suit. The attorney is also willing to grant our non-profit organization a discounted rate. This will be a long-standing project. Mention in future reports will be limited to new information or changes in the project’s status.

M Triangle

The purpose of this project is to designate the first 4x4 Route in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. We are working to map all of the existing trails and obstacles in the project area. The area is quite large and is defined by M-37, M-55, and M-115. There are still a few areas that need mapping. Computer GPS track manipulation skills are also sought. Please contact the LUC if you are able to assist with either of these needs. This will be a long-standing project. Mention in future reports will be limited to new information or changes in the project’s status.

Mast Lake

This project proposes the closure of several miles of rustic roads near the Croton-Hardy Damn area. GLFWDA and the Two Trackers Four Wheel Drive Club (The closest GLFWDA Member Club to the project area) GPSed the area and submitted Scoping Comments suggesting a more appropriate transportation plan to retain rustic access to, and through, this portion of the Forest. The LUC has now received the Environmental Assessment, reviewed it, and submitted additional comments to retain our standing for appeal should closures be deemed excessive by the Committee.

Grass Lake and Tuttle Aspen

It has been signed! The LUC has received a copy of the Decision Notice (DN) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Completion of this project adds 2.25 miles of unauthorized road (two tracks) to the Forest Road System for recreational use!

Jumpin Jackpine KW Habitat Improvement

The Decision Notice (DN) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) were received and reviewed by the Committee. The decision includes a disappointing 5.1miles of road closures.

Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvements

The NFS is proposing forestry work in 12 sections throughout Lake, Mason, Muskegon, and Newaygo counties. The LUC reviewed the proposals for changes to the transportation system. None were found. Comment was not submitted.

Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Restoration

This project would restore 431 acres of habitat by reducing tree/shrub density to <15% and reducing undesired vegetation to <25% across 20 sections throughout Grant, Otto, and Greenwood Townships in Oceana County. The project was reviewed for road closures related to proximity to endangered species, but not were a part of this project. Informal comments were submitted expressing our concern over the current management direction for endangered Species that precludes motorized recreation in habitat areas without the proof of harm legally required by the ES Act.

Great Lakes Geophysical Exploration

The proposal was reviewed to see if any temporary roads might need to be created that would have value to the recreational user. This project would not create any temporary roads as some similar projects do. No comment was submitted.

Lost Creek

The NFS will undertake a number of management activities to improve fuels and habitat objectives in 16 sections of Oscoda County. No road closures are related to this proposal and no comment was submitted.

STATE ISSUES (DNR)

Advisory Board Meeting

Updates were issued on a new motorcycle trail being proposed in the Hiawatha NF and the progress on PA 240 to date. The Grant Program is being transferred back to FMFM control. Michigan DNR has submitted $15,000 to participate in a national trail signage study to unify the nation’s off road signage for all classes of motorized trail systems. Dr. Nelson will be conducting a study of the Economic impact of off road vehicle recreation upon the state. The LUC is in contact with Dr. Nelson to attempt to improve the survey’s 4x4 data collection. A review of the 2009 Grants to be awarded was issued. A presentation of Luce County’s new “ECORD – Educate to Control ORV Education” program was given and the Long Range Financial Plan Workgroup has had its initial face-to-face meeting. 2009 meeting dates were set: Feb 4, May 6, Aug 5, and Nov 4. If you would like more information on any of the topics covered at the meeting, please contact the Land Use Committee at LandUse@GLFWDA.ORG.

Drummond Island

The Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association (GLFWDA) is proud to announce that the
Drummond Island ORV Route has been approved! It has taken several long years and countless man-hours supplied by scores of diligent volunteers, but the process has finally come to fruition. The MDNR has announced the official designation of the Drummond Island ORV Route system. This is Michigan’s FIRST ORV Route designed for the 4x4 Jeep, truck, and utility vehicle enthusiast. GLFWDA would like to thank our coalition partners: Drummond Island Off Road Club, Drummond Island Tourist Association, Eastern U. P. Transit Authority, Hummer Club International, Jeep Jamboree USA, and all of the dedicated individuals within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for all of their assistance and support during this long process.

GLFWDA invites ALL Michigan 4x4 enthusiasts to join us on Drummond the weekend of MAY 9th, 2009 to assist the Association with the installation of the confidence markers and signage for the new Route system. It is critically important that the recreational 4x4 drivers of the region show the Department, island businesses, and island residents that this route is highly desirable to enthusiasts by showing up in mass. Please wear/display your club or GLFWDA logos if at all possible. Plans are being finalized for a Saturday evening gathering after the work is completed. More information will be announced as it becomes available.


Upper Peninsula Citizen’s Advisory Councils

A subcommittee has been formed to create by-laws for the Council. The GLFWDA LUC representative serving on the Council has also volunteered to serve on this subcommittee.

COUNTY / LOCAL ISSUES

Mounds ORV Park (Rock Course RFP)

Construction continues on the rock courses. The 3 easy levels are complete and materials for the moderate level courses are now being delivered to the facility! Genesee County has had additional Grants approved to continue construction.


GLFWDA’s Land Use Committee:

Pat Brower . . . . . . . . Paul Hittie . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Olmstead
Bob DeVore . . . . . . .Pat Kinne . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne Rynbrandt
Brian Farley . . . . . . . Jim Mazolla . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Traynor
Gary Greenway . . . . Paul Mulder . . . . . . . . . Steve Walker

[miffy]

Thanks for posting that up, 8 of those guys I even know who they are.:thumb: