NEPA - The Basics

by: John Stewart
Natural Resources Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assures that federal agencies will consider the impact of an action on the human environment before decisions are made and the action is taken. It requires that NEPA documents concentrate on issues that are significant to the action in question. The NEPA process is intended to help public officials make better decisions based on an understanding of environmental consequences, and take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the human environment.

The topic of the day is travel management (aka route designation). Many people are voicing complaints about the pending loss of their favorite trail and are threatening to file a lawsuit.

Keep in mind, to file a lawsuit, you must have “standing” and prove that you are “harmed” by the decision. So, just what is “standing” and what is “harm”?

You, the recreationist, have an opportunity to participate in the discussions and make our opinions known to the planning team about routes (roads and trails) that need to be considered for developing the alternatives to the Proposed Action. Participation establishes “standing”.

Replacement Doors Offer Unrestricted Open-Air Driving Capability

Suwanee, Ga. (May 1, 2012) – Rugged Ridge, a leading manufacturer of high-quality Jeep® accessories, today announced the availability of Half Doors for 2007-2012 Jeep® Wrangler JK two and four-door models.

Rugged Ridge Half Doors enable Jeep® owners to add a new level of enjoyment to their vehicle by providing an open-air driving experience unachievable with the standard full-size doors. Off-road enthusiasts benefit even further, with added visibility, making spotting obstacles on the trail a much easier task. Additionally, Half Doors can be paired with optional Rugged Ridge Upper Soft Doors to fully protect your Jeep® from the elements.

Rugged Ridge Half Doors are engineered to be a direct bolt-on replacement for all 2007-2012 Jeep® Wranglers and are compatible with both factory and Rugged Ridge’s replacement mirrors. Constructed from high quality UV-resistant, impact-resistant ABS thermoplastic over a reinforced internal steel frame, Rugged Ridge’s new doors are lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions of off-roading. The doors are manufactured in a striking matte black finish, but can be painted to one’s preference.

Recreational Trails Program
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The legislative process to reauthorize our nation's transportation programs, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), continues to take many interesting twists and turns. While the Senate passed a two-year reauthorization bill, the House of Representatives has only been able to pass short-term extensions each lasting only a few months. Both legislative bodies have now decided to appoint conferees so that a conference committee could meet to hammer out what everyone hopes will be a compromise measure that can eventually pass both chambers.  The current short-term extension expires on June 30th, so it appears the goal is to try and finalize the compromise bill by that deadline.