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RECREATION GROUPS RESPOND TO THREATS TO MOTORIZED RECREATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FORESTS LAWSUIT

California Roadless Suit Means More Gates Installed on Forest Service OHV Routes

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 21) — The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs led a coalition of recreational access groups seeking to enter the latest lawsuit challenging motorized recreation in California. The lawsuit was filed by the California Attorney General's Office on behalf of the California Resources Agency, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the People of the State of California. It was filed against the U.S. Forest Service's "forest plans" for the Angeles, Los Padres, Cleveland and San Bernardino National Forests in southern California.

The State contends the Forest Plans fail both to comply with various federal laws and to properly "harmonize" the State's input on "roadless area" management with the long-range federal planning vision.

The Recreation Groups filed a motion to intervene on May 15th in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. C 08-1185-MHP). The groups petitioning the court include the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, American Motorcyclist Association District 36, California Enduro Riders Association, and the BlueRibbon Coalition,.

"Once again, the motorized recreation community have little choice but to respond to attempts to close treasured access to historical roads in these 'roadless' areas," said Don Spuhler, Cal4 President. "Apparently high levels of State leadership are dissatisfied by the prospect that these routes continue in use despite the Clinton Roadless Rule and unprecedented Forest Service travel management efforts. We believe it essential to defend this access and proper understanding of the forest planning process," Spuhler concluded.

The Motion to Intervene is presently scheduled to be heard on June 30, 2008.

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The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs is a California nonprofit organization actively promoting conservation and responsible vehicle-oriented recreation. The Association represents over 8,000 members and 160 member clubs. 1-800-4x4-FUNN. www.cal4wheel.com

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. www.sharetrails.org

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Contact:
* Don Amador, BRC Western Representative
o Phone: (925) 625-6287
o Fax: (925) 625-5309
o Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
o Webpage: http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DonA
* John Stewart, CA4WDC Natural Resources Consultant
o Phone: (619) 508-8840
o Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
o Webpage: http://www.muirnet.net