MUIRNet-News Glossaries

ORBA HOSTS PRODUCTIVE MEETING BETWEEN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RACE PROMOTERS AND THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT.  AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE SAFETY OF COMPETITIVE EVENTS ON PUBLIC LANDS

BAKERSFIELD, CA (Sept 14, 2010) – In light of the off-road tragedy in Johnson Valley on August 14, 2010, Mojave Desert ORBA hosted a meeting on September 13 between the Southern California race promoters, their race rescue organizations and officials from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Temecula, CA to open up communication between the various race promoters and the medical organizations that service those events.

“Racing in the deserts puts a considerable amount of money into the Southern California economy and our industry. Ensuring it continues safely is in the best interest of everyone involved,” Fred Wiley President/CEO of ORBA.

During the meeting, BLM emphasized their continuing efforts in reviewing established procedures and guidelines relative to Special Recreation Permits. Although a majority of the discussion focused on current event stipulations, changes that the race/rescue organizations might suggest to the BLM were also discussed.

Off road permitted racing has had a positive safety record over the years however with the recent incident in Johnson Valley, BLM representatives stated that working closely on all future events with the off road community will go a long way to ensure that safe racing events continue.

“We applaud the proactive efforts of the off road community to ensure that future events are conducted properly and in the safest manner possible,” stated Teri Raml, BLM California Desert District manager.