MUIRNet-News Glossaries

December 24, 2009.  The BlueRibbon Coalition is saddened today to learn long time partner and friend, Don Klusman, California Association of 4Wheel Drive Clubs, passed away yesterday.

Western Regional Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, Don Amador, said, "I've worked with Don for 15+ years on many far reaching land use issues, and today is a sad day indeed."

"I worked closely with Don on many California issues over the years," echoed Paul Turcke, legal counsel for the BlueRibbon Coalition.  "We were lucky to have him."

Don Klusman served as the northern natural resource consultant for many years, as well as being an event chair and CA4WDC board member.  Among the many services to the OHV community, he worked on several national forest and BLM management plans and recently completed work on a two-state advisory council subcommittee helping to develop a management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area.  Don pursued studies on the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act.  He has served on several committees for the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, California Back Country Discovery Trail and California Chamber of Commerce.

In offering her condolences to Don's passing, Daphne Greene, of the California State Parks OHV program, well stated, "Don was a man of integrity and honesty who cared deeply for the OHV program in California.  He spent many years working to preserve OHV recreational opportunities and to protect the resources.  He was committed to those individuals with whom he worked for so long.  His desire to bring people together to find solutions to difficult problems was a trait admired by all.  He will be deeply missed."

"Don mentored me quite a bit during my early days with Cal4," added Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador who also serves as State Environmental Affairs Coordinator for CA4WDC.  "Don gave me my first NEPA 101 class and helped me in the formation of the Friends of the Rubicon.  His expertise and dedication will be missed."

BlueRibbon Coalition offers its condolences to Don's family.  In a fitting tribute to Don's service to the OHV community, the family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the CA4WDC Jack Edwards legal fund in memory of Don Klusman.

More info on this sad news can be found on Cal4's website at http://www.cal4wheel.com

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The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org

EDITOR'S NOTE: I have worked with Don for over eight years.  His integrity, dedication, and commitment are rare traits.  He understood the issues facing motroized recreation and constantly fought to defend motorized recreation.  His knowledge and expertise will be missed.

John Stewart
Managing Editor
4x4wire.com