Help get us a new off-road riding area

[GregGimbert]

My email below, please create one of your own and send it in today. Perhaps ask you friends to do the same too? Thanks for your consideration.

G :)


To: kincaic@doacs.state.fl.us; grahams1@doacs.state.fl.us; jonesr1@doacs.state.fl.us

CC: ritcheyg@codb.us; rshiver@hotmail.com; woodsp@codb.us; mckays@codb.us; gillilandr@codb.us; henryd@codb.us; reynoldsc@codb.us; fbruno@co.volusia.fl.us; jhayman@co.volusia.fl.us; jwagner@co.volusia.fl.us; akelly@co.volusia.fl.us; cpersis@co.volusia.fl.us; pnorthey@co.volusia.fl.us; jalexander@co.volusia.fl.us

Subject: Public Input regarding Forest Management, public recreation expansion, and a new economic development tool.

Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 21:25:25 -0400

Dear Forest Managers,

I recently read a news paper article informing the public that you are conducting a 10 year review of your management practices at Tiger Bay State Forest. I am writing to ask your consideration in opening up access to new groups of users, specifically off road users with 4x4 trucks, traditional and side by side ATVs, and also dirt bikes. As off-road riding opportunities dwindle in Florida it forces citizens to ride illegally or give up what is widely known within the sport as a very healthy and family friendly endeavor. The Withlacoochee State Forest on Florida's west coast ( aka Croom ) is a prime example of just how valuable a riding area can be to a local economy, especially one who is trying to recast itself as family friendly as we are.

I know it may seem a huge task to integrate new users with the diversity of folks who already use the forest but giving the public access to the existing fire roads and 2 track trails your ranger trucks already use would be of little costs other than patrolling. A second wave of access could come from installing new trails that are motorcycle, ATV and side by side only trails. Side by side off-road vehicles are about the same width as an ATV but are becoming more popular with families and seniors who do not want the rigors of an ATV but still want to enjoy the great outdoors. In these competitive economic times our area could really use this very unique additional tourist and day tripper draw. Local riders from throughout the Volusia, Flagler and Brevard counties would appreciate it too.

I have personally explored the forest and interacted with your staff. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable. The forest was beautiful but underutilized due to lack of off-road access . I recognize that you have to follow the rules sent down from Tallahassee but other Florida State forests have found ways to permit and thrive with additional off-road access. I hope you will find the best way to protect our local forest from legislative surplus land sales and your fine employees from needless staff cuts is to open additional access.

Please accept my warmest thanks for considering my request. I hope you will work to find the YES, our local economy needs the help.

Sincerely,

Greg Gimbert
255 Euclid Av
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
386 852-0751



Direct quote from the Fl Dept of State Site - "Withlacoochee State Forest – Croom Motorcycle Area

Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, the Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities available for everyone."

[RiverRoadWarrior]

Good job!

[Dunlop]

Good job and best of luck on getting access.

[GregGimbert]

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to email in The meeting is tomorrow (Monday). The rest of ya - please take a moment to email and ask them to open some of the forest to off road riding if you have not already. Off road riding is a healthy family sport as well as the safest way to learn to ride. Most road racers grew up riding dirt bikes too. Help perpetuate the sport and get yourself some recreational space too. Drop an email today. Thanks for looking.

G :)

[GregGimbert]

No trails for you - http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/west-volusia/2010/05/20/panel-no-atv-trails-in-tiger-bay.html Thanks again for everyone who emailed.

[Shark Ethic]

Greg, do you know of any areas localy that 4x4's are allowed to ride?

[GregGimbert]

If you mean four wheel drive trucks and SUVs, there are none legally. Hit me offline and I can point you to some that are used anyway. FWIW when we presented to the Tiger Bay board we specifically asked for all the fire roads and 2 track to be opened up to 4wd vehicles and to set aside 10% specifically for dirt bikes, avts, and side by sides. There should be something out there for everyone instead regular folks like us get nothing. At least they let you hunt on part of it.

[Dunlop]

"Dear Dunlop:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your support of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important matter and welcome the opportunity to respond.

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was adopted by the U.S. Forest Service in 2001 to protect parts of our national forest system. This protection is the only way to spare roadless areas from the severe damage that roads and logging have done to other parts of our national forests.

Having been actively engaged in environmental and conservation efforts for many years, I fully share your concern for finding ways to promote sound management and long-term protection of our national natural treasures. I will keep your thoughts firmly in mind should language pertaining to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule come before the House for a vote.

Thank you again for contacting me and please do not hesitate to be in touch in the future. Also, please be sure to visit my website at www.kosmas.house.gov to sign up for my email updates and to learn how I may be of service to you.


Sincerely,
Suzanne M. Kosmas"


Does this sound anything like the Congresswoman read my e-mail requesting off road recreation rights to ride these trails?

[GregGimbert]

Did you write her about Tiger Bay? I hope this was not her response. After a quick google search the roadless area conservation rule seems as though it would prohibit off road uses like we were going for. Furthermore it only applies to national forests, not a state forest like tiger bay where there is already clear cut logging going on. I really hope this was not her reply to the tiger bay issue.

Our healthcare future and immigration rules are in these hands?

[Dunlop]

Here is the issue I e-mailed her about from the AMA website:
http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp
"AMA objects to unilateral action by the Administration for National Monument designation without public debate!"
and
"Support resolution directed at Interior Department to force disclosure of documents relating to National Monument plan."


She must not have read the last two paragraphs:
"As my Representative, I encourage you to reach out to the Administration and encourage them to work with Congress, affected user groups and local and state elected officials for input before the disposition of any designations of public lands as National Monuments areas.

On behalf of many friends and families who recreate together responsibly, I ask that you oppose any attempts by the Administration to unilaterally designate over 13 million acres of public and private lands in 11 western states as National Monument areas without any public debate."


Does this sound like I am against off road riding? I did not think so either!

[GregGimbert]

Having met her in person and participated in the AFL-CIO candidate screening I can tell you first hand that she is a puppet of the speculative development contributors and whatever it was she promised the school teacher reps, she had the screening in the bag before it started in spite of the fact that Clint Curtis wiped the floor with her. The electricians from the cape and the phone company reps were floored - but out numbered.