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(Posted 3-9-13)
Winter -13 Newsletter (If you have problems opening this document, please let us know: info@accessplay.com) (Posted 12-4-12)
Fall 2012 Newsletter (If you have problems opening this document, please let us know: info@accessplay.com) (Posted 10-12-12)
Public Land Access Year-round Dear Members, This newsletter is one of the most difficult ones that I have had the honor of putting together for all of you. This summer we have shared great rides, the Fun Run, the Rally and impromptu rides in between. Both the Fun Run & the Rally events saw exceptional rider participation, excellent trails and a lot of fun for everybody involved. The untimely passing of our 2011-12 President Jim Willis has been difficult for all of us. We can honor him by continuing our efforts to keep trails open, ride safely and enjoy the great outdoors. Deanna K. Hamilton Future Events Orofino Lumberjack Days Parade Sept. 15th Weippe Rodeo Parade Report Wow, what an exceptional turn out we had to honor Jim Willis. There were 29 members, 3 guests & 3 children who participated on various modes of transportation. There were horses, dirt bikes, a regular bike, a Jeep and ATVs. Thank you to every body who helped make this event one for of us to remember. Let's hope that we have a similar turn out for the Orofino Lumberjack Days Parade. April 5, 2012 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Submitted by May 3, 2012 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:07 P.M. Kathy Rodriquez, Forest Service District Ranger was the guest speaker. Kathy reported on the following items:
The regular meeting was conducted after Kathy's presentation. Heather also reported on the t-shirt and cap quote from Creative Gifts. It was decided to place the shirt & cap order with Bev Bailey, Creative Gifts, as the difference in price is minimal and to keep the order local. Heather stated that she'll put together an order form for special shirts and she & I were given permission to place an order for shirts and caps. The order form for special shirts will be emailed to all members as soon as possible. Old Business:
New Business:
adjourned at 9:01 p.m. Submitted by June 7, 2012 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:01 P.M. New Business:
Old Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Submitted by Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary 06/07/2012 July 12, 2012 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:05 P.M. Guest speaker Kathy Rodriquez reported on the following items:
Alex asked the members to thank Kathy for being the Forest Ranger who has attended the most PLAY meetings. The regular meeting commenced after Kathy's presentation. Old Business:
New business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:48p.m. Submitted by 2012-2013 Sponsors Members, Silver Gold Platinum 2012-2013 Officers Board of Directors - (Posted 4-6-12)
Public Land Access Year-round Welcome to Spring in North Central Idaho and Eastern Washington. At the March meeting some changes to this year’s ride schedule were made. Here is the updated ride schedule: April 22 - Kirkwood 10 a.m. - Breakfast at Hoot’s Café 8:30 a.m. Also for member’s benefit a level of difficultly has been assigned to this year’s rides.
If you ever have any questions regarding club rides please contact Jim Willis. Jan. 5, 2012 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:05 P.M. Correspondence: Dave reported on the following:
Old Business: Dave reported -
The website Mission statement was tabled until the February meeting. New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Submitted by Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary -2/01/2012 Feb. 1, 2012 Meeting Minutes Vice - President Mark Jennings opened the meeting at 7:04 P.M. Old Business: Website Mission statement was tabled until the March meeting. Deanna reported on the following:
Mark reported on the Forest Service Plan article in the Lewiston newspaper. More people are needed to help Dave and Alex on this issue. New Business:
Mark turned the meeting over to President Jim Willis. Jim discussed organizing a workshop to cover the Travel Mgt. Plan appeal. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Submitted by Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary -02/01/12 Mar. 1, 2012 Meeting Minutes 2nd Vice - President Dave Galantuomini opened the meeting at 7:02 P.M. Old Business:
Dave reported on the following:
Joe Davis thanked Shannon for a great ride in February. New Business: Dave reported on the following:
Shannon opened a discussion regarding the Ride schedule for this year. March 18th ride at Selway, meet at MM 99 Hwy 12 at 8:30 a.m. Deanna will send out an email if this ride is cancelled due to bad weather. The ride schedule was changed, I will send out an email to all members and call those without email. Shannon asked a question regarding Idaho Parks & Rec. refusing to fund projects on Federal Lands. Gov. Otter rescinded that order. Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Submitted by Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary- 03/02/2012 Note: The March meeting minutes have not been officially approved as of April 2, 2012. Members: If you have an article you would like to see in the newsletter, please let me know. Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary & Newsletter Co-ordinator2011-2012 Officers Board of Directors - (Posted 1-4-12)
Public Land Access Year-round This year for PLAY was an exceptionally fun year with rides starting out in the spring while there was still snow on the ground, the Rally was a success, members participated in Parades, some of the Officers and Board of Directors assisted in a very well written article on ATV usage and training which was published in the Lewiston Tribune and the year ended with a ride in December. Our wish for all members, their families and friends is to have an awesome 2012. Sept. 8, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantoumini opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. by welcoming all members and guests.
Members approved to support the BLM proposed Idaho County ATV Park on the lower Salmon River. Mark Jennings received a call from Reporter Eric Barker - Lewiston Tribune concerning submitting an article on the positive aspects of ATV use. After a discussion it was agreed that a group of Officers including Dave G., Mark Jennings, Mike Deyo, Jim Willis, Alex Irby, myself & Sheriff Goetz would meet on Sept. 13th with Eric Barker. The meeting will take place at the Ponderosa Restaurant at 6 p.m. in the area behind the salad bar. Dave asked how membership dues collection was proceeding. I informed him that Heather would be mailing me all of the information this coming weekend. Dues letters were sent in August and hopefully all dues had been collected. New Business: A new position within the club is Equipment Co-ordinator. This is a volunteer position that will be filled by Julie Irby with support from Alex. This position will be held until she no longer wants to be responsible for maintaining the Equipment Use Log. It was noted that Alex has the two-way radios, Dave G.&, Mark Jennnigs both have a GPS unit & Jim Willis has a chain saw. After a discussion it was noted that use of PLAY equipment is for the purpose of PLAY activities. Alex suggested that a class should be held for members to learn how to use the GPS units. Mark will try to put together a short version of the instructions for the club. Also mentioned was that all of the equipment should be permenately marked for identification purposes. Alex discussed a group from Id. Parks & Rec. Traveled from Elk City to Avery using the North South Trail system & they GPSed the trail. They are enthusiastic about the system and suggested renaming the trail the North South Route. Alex has met with Orofino Chamber of Commerce and has plans to meet with Pierce/Weippe, Elk City, Elk River & Kamiah Chambers. A thank you letter needs to be sent to Parks & Rec. Dave & Deanna gave brief reports on the Sheep Mountain trail clean up and soon he will be sending in the application for re-imbursement. Dave will also look into get an EIN for PLAY & a Post Office Box. The following members will receive keys President, Treasurer or Secretary & a member living in Orofino. Mark made a motion to add another position within the club: Trail Contract Co-ordinator. The motion was seconded and approved to appoint Dave Galantoumini to this new position. The coordinator will oversee all paperwork for all trail maintenance contracts. Dave will hold this position until he no longer wished the responsibility. Alex gave a brief report on Fish Lake. I gave a brief report on a Membership Appreciation Event. This idea was tabled until next spring. Mark stated that he'd like to see ATV classes held in Orofino in January or February 2012 before the snow melts. Jim Willis stated that the Dworshak people are playing phone tag. Dave reported after attended the Lewis Clark ATV club meeting where Paul Pence, Corps was in attendance that the Corps first project will be Elk Meadows. Alex mentioned that the Corps may not even be able to open Dent Acres campground next year due to funding reduction. Shannon discussed ATV trails open for 60 inch ATV/UTV for disabled riders. This is something that the Corp should address. Mark asked if anyone would like to join him in the Orofino Fair & Lumberjack Days Parade on Sept. 17th. Julie will sign the club up to participate. I will email members for their attendance. Old business Prior to the election of Officers Dave wanted clarification on the By-Laws Article IV Section 2: Officers: "The President may hold office for as long as he/she is willing." Alex stated that after the last By-laws change this sentence should have been deleted. A motion was made to scrape this sentence. Jim Willis will cover this By-Law change at the October meeting. Elections: Board of Directors: Terms expire August 2013 Dave turned the meeting over to new President Jim Willis. Jim adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Oct. 6, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:14 p.m. The Sept. meeting minutes were approved as reported. The special Sept. 13th meeting minutes with Eric Barker, Lewiston Tribune Reporter were approved as reported by Deanna. Alex asked to deviate from the agenda to thank Roger Myers for his donation to the club of a Stihl chainsaw, 20 inch bar & chain plus an extra bar and chain, case and accessories. It was voted on an approved to provide Roger with a thank you letter and receipt for his gracious donation. The amount of $500 was also approved. The Treasurer's report was approved as reported by Deanna in Heather's absence. Correspondence: Dave Galantuomini reported on the ISATVA meeting action items and meeting minutes. Dave also discussed the Lochsa Land Exchange meeting in Grangeville on Oct. 4th. I asked the Officers if I should forward the Magic Valley Newsletter to all members, their answer was yes. I also deviated from the agenda and mentioned the possibility of putting on an ATV rodeo in the future. Dave stated that next spring would be an ideal time. Old Business: The proposed By-law change regarding Elections: Section 2. Officers: The President may hold office for one (1) year, was approved by vote of members in attendance. #2. By-law change regarding Directors & Officers: Section 1. Directors: Any individual change of directors shall require a vote of all members in attendance at the following meeting. A vote was taken to approve this change, a final vote will take place at the Nov. Meeting. Mission Statement change: Mark Jennings would like to see an update to the website information. Deanna submitted a proposal for review after emailing the proposal to Mark. The following is the proposal: While continuing to fight to keep roads and trails open PLAY promotes safe, fun and responsible OHV motorized recreation while adhering to and promoting "Tread Lightly" programs. PLAY strongly believes in supporting the Idaho Parks & Recreation Safety Guidelines. We believe the future of OHV usage is always being threatened; therefore we must be good stewards of the land. After a discussion of the words "fight" and "threatened" it was decided to email the proposal to all of the members for their in-put. A decision will be made at the Nov. meeting regarding this change. Second mission statement proposal: PLAY also holds an annual Rally changed from Poker Run, in the Spring and along with summer weekend social rides. We encourage you to come to a PLAY meeting to see what is currently going on. Your paid membership will also get you a quarterly (changed from bimonthly) newsletter and email alerts. If you have any questions feel free to email us at info@accessplay.com. Julie reported that she has contacted all of the members who have club equipment and has asked them to return the items to her by Nov. And all items in the future will need to be returned by Nov. of each year. New Business: Deanna gave a brief report on the Orofino Fair & Lumberjack Days Parade, other members shared their thoughts and ideas for participating again next year. Jim talked about the changes made to Road 500 and there was a brief discussion by the members. Dave informed the group that PLAY now has an EIN number and a voucher for payments for trail maintenance has been submitted. Alex suggested that we apply for the 3rd leg of the Oro Grande OHV trail system. Alex stated that he had received letters from many area Chambers of Commerce regarding support for the North South Trail/Route. Bob Dennler mentioned that his neighbor has a 1996 Yamaha for sale. He had owned it previously and it hasn't been used since he sold it. Jim informed the group that while attending a Farm Bureau meeting he found out there will be a Farm/Forest Tour of teachers from the Portland area and other towns. The premise is to show them the area and Jim asked if we should get involved - members all said yes it sounds like a good idea. Jim informed the group that he has invited Kathy Rodriguez, NP/ & Clearwater Forest Ranger to the November meeting. I will send an email to all members regarding Kathy's attendance. Submitted by Nov. 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Jim welcomed and introduced Kathy Rodriguez, Northfork District Ranger. Kathy reported her work history with the Forest Service & discussed the following items:
Dave discussed Camp 60 - some areas need geo blocks, who do we submit info to? Alex answered with Tim Lewis. Alex mentioned recent information concerning Parks & Rec. can't fund work on Federal land. We need to check on this issue. The October meeting minutes were approved as reported by Deanna. Shannon opened a discussion on a possible ATV rodeo next year. Heather likes the term "Expo". Heather suggested when updating the by-laws to underline & strike through the old so there is an example of the former by-law. I mentioned to Heather that I have saved on a memory stick the By-laws dating back to 2007. Treasurers Report: The report was approved as reported by Heather. Deanna received a check for reimbursement for supplies & candy. Correspondence: None Old Business: The by-law change regarding Directors & Officers Sec. 1 was approved and is effective immediately. A motion was made and passed to purchase 4 rolls of Forever postage stamps. A discussion regarding the Mission statement ended with Alex making a motion to nominate a sub-committee of three (3) people to come up with a mission statement. The motion was passed, Dave, Heather & Joe Davis were nominated to this committee. New Business: The Orofino Christmas Light Parade on Dec. 2 was discussed, some of the members agreed to participate. Deanna will email all regarding this item. Heather suggested in lieu of a Christmas party that we have a ride on Dec. 10th with hot dogs and chili afterwards. Deanna presented a new By-law amendment re: the 2nd Vice-Pres being nominated and elected annually. This by-law passed and became effective immediately. Jim asked if anyone wanted to go on a ride on Nov. 13th. Members are to meet at Jim & Karen's home, bring own food, drinks & chairs. Dave reported on the Lewis Clark ATV club will be submitting a grant proposal around 11/10/11. He also reported on the Parks & Rec. funding for Fed. Land projects. He asked members what equipment he should list for a proposed grant. Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Submitted by 2011-2012 Officers President: Jim Willis - 208 476-3854
1st Vice-President: Mark Jennings - 208 798-7065 Board of Directors - (Posted 9-21-11)
Public Land Access Year-round President Dave Galantuomini Message The Sheep Mountain trail is now completed and we are waiting for word rom the Forest Service as to the next step n the proper procedure dealing with our contract. Let us hope it goes well. I would like to personally thank all the members who volunteered their time and effort to clear this trail fort the club. Our volunteer work will become more important in the coming years. The Clearwater Forest is losing a big percentage in the amount of money that goes into their recreation program. As many of you know the Army Corps of Engineers completed their motorized plan for Dworshak Reservoir. What that means is we have had a say into what project goes forward now. It appears that the Elk Meadows project will be the first project to get started. The Corp has to do internal work and then they will go to a scoping process to start the formal NEPA process. It will take time, but hopefully we will have a trail to the Elk Meadows area on the West side of the Reservoir. Our new North Fork Ranger Nancy Rodriques, is on duty. She stated that she would like to attend either the October or November meeting to introduce herself. May 5, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantuomini opened the meeting at 7:02 pm by welcoming members and guests.
Correspondence: Dave reported on the following:
Old business:
Speakers: Marc & Scott Hildesheim reported on the ATV Law S1001. They informed the group on ATV training requirements, Train the Trainer Program, Trail maintenance, Road closures & answered questions from the members. Alex thanked both of them for their hard work. New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary July 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantuomini opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. by welcoming members and guest Mark Correa.
Correspondence: Dave reported on the following:
Old business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Aug. 4, 2011 Meeting Minutes 1st Vice- President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:03 pm by welcoming members and guests Debby Bradley - Lewis Clark ATV Club, Annette Carter - Walla Walla Corps Office & Paul Pence Corps of Engineers. All members & guests introduced themselves. Program: Paul Pence - Gave background information on Motorized recreation around Dworshak and an update on the Master Plan. One objective is to increase use of campsites. His objective tonight was which project does our club want to start with? Paul discussed the following items: funding, Public Use Plan, the Trail system, the steps involved in these projects and fielded questions and suggestions from the members. Several members reviewed the maps and decided on the following four projects:
Jim Willis will keep the maps for the clubs future use. The regular meeting was conducted after Paul's presentation. Old business:
New Business:
A motion was made and approved to change the Sept. Meeting to the second week due to the Labor Day holiday. Next meeting will be Sept. 8th. The Aug or Sept. Ride was discussed. A motion was made & approved for the club to provide steaks for the clean up party with club members bringing side dishes. I will email all members regarding the work party. Meeting adjourned at 8:58 P.M. Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary
(Posted 6-15-11)
Public Land Access Year-round President Dave Galantuomini Message The club has been approved and received all the contracts for trail maintenance on Sheep Mountain for 2011. If completed properly and on time, we will have some much needed funds for the Club. We have not scheduled a work party yet because of the snow. As soon as we can, we will schedule a work party. It will be work but a lot of fun. Senate Bill 1001 passed into law. This helped lower the matrix model the Forest Service is using to grade all the Roads of Concern. Below is a list of the roads on the Boise National Forest. I have not seen one for the Clearwater or Nezperce yet. The decision was supposed to be out by May 1st. We will wait and see. The Boise National Forest identified just three roads that will need immediate action by the end of June 2011. The first is the South Fork Salmon River Road (FS RD 474) from its junction with Warm Lake Highway to the Payette North Fork border which will continue to have OHV restrictions. The Middle Fork Payette Road (FS RD 698) from its junction with the Silver Creek Road north to the Boiling Springs Cabin will have further evaluation once the snow melts with a recommendation developed by early June to mitigate the risk. The third road is the North Fork Boise River Rod (FS RD 327) from its junction with Highway 21 to Little Owl Creek which will also have further on-site evaluation with an early June recommendation. Other roads of concern (150 miles) will have various mitigation measures taken to reduce risk by the end of 2012. Anticipated mitigation includes improving site distance (brushing), installation of OHV and other warning signs, and/or minor road alignment. Doug Gober, District Ranger for the North Fork District, is retiring on June 3, 2011. We do not know when his replacement will be appointed.
June 25th & 26th - Rally - Camp 60 For any questions regarding the ride schedule contact Shannon Schrader (208) 476-3780 or Dave Galantuomini (208) 791-5890 (Posted 4-11-11) Welcome to the PLAY Spring Newsletter Edition President Dave Galantuomini Message I would like to thank everyone who is a PLAY member, volunteer or supporter. PLAY is getting involved in many areas of the political community. Several of us send information to Deanna to send out to the Club. Some involve State issues and some involve Federal issues. I ask that any member who would like to provide input on a particular subject do so. Several members have become personally involved with our State Representatives on a personal basis. This is great and should continue to happen. It is proving very important, as witnessed by passage of H144 and maybe S001a. Several messages have been sent out that some members of the Club objected to. Sorry for that. So, if you do not want to receive any messages let Deanna know and she will take you off the list. If you do not want specific type of messages let us know and we will see if we can set up a separate list. Just let us know and we will try and accommodate your wishes. I do not like to see discontent in the Club. We are all in this to try and preserve and promote ethical OHV use. The legislature has two important bills before it concerning PLAY directly. One is the restoration of the gas tax money for trails. It amounts to 4 million dollars. H144 was passed by the House and the Senate and became law around the middle of March. The second is S1001a. The bill deals with underage unlicensed riders on Forest Service Roads. The bill requires all underage riders to pass an approved rider training class. It also requires the same riders to be closely monitored while riding at all times. It has passed the Senate and has had its first reading in the House Transportation committee. The Governor is in support of this bill and has so stated in a letter to all members of the Legislature. The Dworshak Master Plan revision is complete and signed by the Corp. I and several other members of PLAY personally worked on this plan since 1999. The Plan now allows motorized recreation to occur on Corp. property. Who says things move slow in Government. The next step is for the user groups to step forward and identify routes they would like to see opened for motorized recreation. The next step would be for the Corp. to do a National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) analysis on the project. This could take as little as 6 months or as long as 5 years. The Pritchard-Dewey Project is now complete with a Record of Decision (ROD) in place. An ATV trail system will be put into place when the project is completed. The Orogrande OHV Trail Project is in the final stages. Hopefully a ROD will be forthcoming in the next several months. Some funding is in place and the USFS is trying to find some other avenues for funding. The Forest Travel Plan on both forests should be out this summer???? The really big issue and concern is the "Roads of Concern" project being analyzed. It directly affects roads on National Forest lands in the State of Idaho. Region one and Region 4 are the two Forest Service regions affected by this. It appears that some or all roads might be closed until the end of the analysis. In 4 years. A common thread in all of the above is that land resource agencies consider OHV use degrading to the environment. Noise pollution, water pollution, soil erosion and land destruction are just a few of the factors cited. I believe many activities cause the same resource damage. Logging, restoration work, mining, biking, hiking and horse packing cause some sort of damage. The result is that all damages are repairable. Damage can be identified and protections put into place to correct the situation. I feel permanent closure to motorized use is unacceptable. As Dale Wilson, the Forest Hydrologist, once told me "nothing is irreparable in geologic time". Land managers look at past deeds and base actions on future deeds. Future deeds can have a favorable outcome based on trust and cooperation. PLAY is working on our financial plan for the upcoming year. The work will consist of maintaining the Sheep Mountain OHV Trail system. It should be in place by July 1, 2011. Sorry to be long winded but a lot has and is happening. Hopefully I will see all of you at meetings or on the trail somewhere. Remember "2 people can meet where 2 mountains can never meet". Dave G-Pres. Idaho State Representatives Senator Patty Ann Lodge- palodge@senate.idaho.gov District 8 Representatives: Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis & Valley Counties Ken A. Roberts (R) House Seat A Paul E. Shepherd (R) House Seat B Members of the Senate Transportation Committee: Senator Jim Hammond, Chairman, jhammond@senate.idaho.gov 2011 Ride Schedule April 16th - Kirkwood - Breakfast Meeting Minutes Dec. 2, 2010 Meeting Minutes Vice-President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:05 pm by welcoming members and guests. Nov. Meeting minutes were approved as read. Old business:
New Business:
Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Jan. 2, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantuomini opened the meeting at 7:02 pm by welcoming members and guests. Dec. 2010. Meeting minutes were approved after changes. Old business:
New Business:
Speaker: Sheriff Chris Goetz was the evenings speaker. He talked about ATV registration funds & the importance of safety training programs. Additional discussions:
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Feb. 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantuomini opened the meeting at 7:06 pm by welcoming members and guests. January meeting minutes & Treasurers report were moved to March meeting. Speakers: Doug Gober & Don Curnutt gave a presentation on Roads of Concern in Clearwater & Nez Perce National Forests. Members posed questions and comments. Doug & Don both requested members to submit comments to the Forest Service website before Feb. 21st. Old business:
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary PLAY's Facebook Page For members who have a facebook page you can now access PLAY's Facebook page by logging on to your Facebook page and then type in the search box: Public Land Access Year-round. It is as easy as that. Important & Useful Websites www.stayontrails.com ------- President: Dave Galantuomini - 208 791-5890 Board of Directors - Kim Browning -208 476-3024 (Posted 1-27-11) P.L.A.Y Newsletter Winter 2011 Public Land Access Year-round Happy New Year Welcome to the PLAY Winter Newsletter Edition President Dave Galantuomini Message: It is important for all of us to keep an eye on what the Legislature is doing and introducing and voting on. Go to State of Idaho - Idaho Legislature 2011. Legislation, Legislation by bill number House or Senate Bills (bookmark this page). Go through the bills and click on the ones you want to look at. Then click on the full bill text and see what it reads, in it's entirety. Currently look at Senate Bill 1001. The OHV bill we have been discussing. Also Senate Bills 1015 and 1016. These pertain to Fish & Game and motorized use. To contact the specific committee or legislator go to the directory and pull up the name of the committee and email or call from there. It is time consuming but copy your message and paste in the message box when responding to each member. For those of you who can and have the time please do. Mention you support motorized access and you spend a lot of money doing so. I would not say you vote because it seems to turn folks off. But we do vote! Look at the book mark daily, it will change constantly. It appears that we might get the lost OHV dollars back. We have several sponsors in both sides of the house, they are listed below. Contact them in a separate email to thank them for supporting the permanent restoration of our OHV Gas Tax. Identify yourself as a member of Public Land Access Year-round (PLAY) and any other groups you belong to. Feel free to embellish as you think appropriate. Senator Patty Ann Lodge- palodge@senate.idaho.gov The 2011 Ride Schedule was finalized at the January meeting as far as dates and locations for the most part. As we get closer to the rides that don't have times or other important information, I will send out an email & call members who don't receive email. Post cards with the information below will be mailed out to all members soon. 2011 Ride Schedule
For any questions regarding the ride schedule contact Shannon Schrader (208) 476-3780 PLAY's Facebook Page For members who have a facebook page you can now access PLAY's Facebook page by logging on to your Facebook page and then type in the search box: Public Land Access Year-round. It is as easy as that. Important & Useful Websites www.stayontrails.com ATV Safety Instructor Six PLAY members have already signed up to become ATV Safety Instructors, if you are interested in becoming an Instructor plan on attending the February regular meeting and sign up. The Instructor course will take place, weather permitting, in the Spring. Nov. 4, 2010 Meeting Minutes Vice-President Jim Willis opened the meeting at 7:06 pm by welcoming members and guests.
President Dave Galantuomini arrived and finished conducting the meeting. The Speaker/Program was moved ahead of club business. Arlene Barton - Walrath Insurance reported on club insurance, Board of Director's Insurance & answered questions from the members. Old business:
New Business: Dec. 4th Ride & Christmas Party was discussed. PLAY will supply hot dogs, chili, condiments & eating utensils. I will email all members. Dave discussed the following items:
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Dec. 2, 2010 Meeting Minutes President Dave Galantuomini arrived and finished conducting the meeting. Old business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm Respectfully submitted by Deanna Hamilton, Secretary
The following is a bill introduced by Senator John McGee. An Act RELATING TO ATV'S, UTV'S, SPECIALTY OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES AND MOTORBIKES: AMENDING SECTION 49-302, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING FOR CERTAIN OPERTORS OF ATV'S, UTV'S, SPECIALTY OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES AND MOTORBIKES, TO REQUIRE CERTAIN UNLICENSED OPERATORS TO COMPLETE A SAFETY COURSE, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTIFICATES OR PROOFS OF COMPLETION AND TO DEFINE A TERM. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho: SECTION 1. That Section 49-302, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: 49-302 WHAT PERSONS ARE EXEMPT FROM LICENSE. The following persons are exempt from licensing if driving privileges are not suspended, canceled, revoked, disqualified, denied or refused: (1) Any person while driving or operating any farm tractor or implement of husbandry when incidentally operated on a highway. (2) Farmers are exempt from obtaining a class A,B or C driver's license to operate a commercial motor vehicle which is:
(a) Controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by employees or family members; and (3) Any person is exempt from obtaining a class A, B or C driver's license for the operation of commercial motor vehicles which are necessary to the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions, are equipped with audible and visual signals, and are not subject to normal traffic regulations. (4) Any person is exempt from obtaining a class A, B or C license to operate a commercial vehicle which is exclusively used to transport personal possessions or family members for non-business or recreational purposes. (5) A nonresident who is at least fifteen (15) years of age and who has in his immediate possession a valid driver's license issued to him in his home state or country may operate a motor vehicles in Idaho only as a class D operator with driving privileges restricted to daylight hours only except as provided in section 49-307(9), Idaho Code, and with full privileges at sixteen (16) years of age, and only if Idaho residency is not established.(6) A nonresident who is at least fifteen (15) years of age and who has in his possession a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement or who has a valid motorcycle driver's license issued to him in his home state or country may operate a motorcycle in Idaho with driving privileges restricted to daylight hours only, and with full privileges at sixteen (16) years of age. (7) A nonresident who has in his immediate possession a valid commercial driver's license issued to him in his home state or country may operate a motor vehicle in Idaho. (8) A nonresident on active duty in the armed forces of the United States who has a valid driver's license issued by his home jurisdiction, and such nonresident's spouse or dependent son or daughter who has a valid driver's license issued by such person's home jurisdiction. (9) Any active duty military personnel, active duty U.S. coast guard personnel, and members of the reserves and national guard on active duty including personnel on fulltime national guard duty, personnel on part time training and national guard military technicians who as civilians are required to wear military uniforms and are subject to the code of military justice, are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver's license to operate military vehicles. This exemption does not apply to U.S. reserve technicians. (10) Any person with a valid driver's license issued in their name is exempt from the requirement to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on the license when operating a motorcycle on highways or sections of highways designated for unregistered motorcycle use under section 49-426(3), Idaho Code. (11) Any person under the age of sixteen (16)years when operating an ATV, UTV, specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike on roads on federal or state land where the road us not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho or (This line revised: "any political subdivision thereof when the person" to) local road management authority and is supervised by a licensed adult operator eighteen (18) years of age or older, and the road is open for such use . Unlicensed operators on national forest roads must have completed a state approved motorbike or ATV Safety course. A certificate or proof of completion shall be in the possession of the unlicensed operator of any ATV, UTV, specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike or present in the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is operated within the state. The certificate or proof of completion shall be provided for inspection to any peace office upon request. No person shall be convicted of violating the provisions of this subsection if that person produces, at any time prior to conviction, the certificate or proof of completion of the required safety course where the certificate shows completion of the course prior to the violation. For purposes of this subsection, "supervised" means that the supervising adult must be in a position, on another ATV, UTV, or specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike or, if on the ground, within three hundred (300) feet of the unlicensed operator, to provide close support, assistance or direction to the unlicensed operator. President: Dave Galantuomini - 208 791-5890 Board of Directors - Kim Browning -208 476-3024, (Posted 10-30-10)  P.L.A.Y Newsletter Summer 2010 Public Land Access Year-round MOTORIZED RECREATION Excerpt from Back Country ATV Association July 2010 Newsletter Earlier this year President Obama held a conference on America's Great Outdoors and established the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to be led by the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality. The initiative is tasked with reconnecting Americans, especially children, to the outdoors and they have asked for public input and ideas. It is vitally important that the Administration hear from you about how you recreate on and enjoy public lands. We can be sure that they are hearing from those who would support limiting or ending access for motorized recreation, but we have an opportunity to tell our side of the story as well. Please visit www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/ sign-up and weigh in. Now is the time to make it clear that OHV recreation is a family oriented activity that allows for father and son and mother and daughter to spend quality time outdoors. Too often OHV recreation is defined by the renegade few who behave irresponsibly. Please take this opportunity to make it clear that millions of Americans responsibly enjoy motorized recreation on public lands. Here are a few talking points:
Please take the time to have your voice heard, go to the above mentioned website. Trail Maintenance Schedule May 15, 2010 Fun Run Report The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the eighty-seven participants and spectators. Thanks to Lisa Gunter for coming up with a novel contest for collecting litter and trash. It was the ideal way to clean up the trail of over 200 pounds of trash with Dale Cox the winner for collecting the most trash. In addition to trash, riders also picked up mushrooms. It was amazing to see what some of the riders brought back. The winner of the chainsaw was Jeff Turcott, congratulations. Deanna Hamilton, Secretary June 19, 2010 Rally Report Mother Nature cooperated by providing perfect weather again for the sixty riders and five spectators. We were honored to have Sheryl Nuxoll, Republican candidate for Idaho Senate and her family participate in her first ATV event. Thank you to all of the members who canvassed businesses in Orofino, Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville & Cottonwood. There were two tables loaded with raffle prizes from twenty-one businesses. The next time you are in any of the following business, please let them know how much we all appreciated their support of our event and organization:
The winner of the chainsaw was Tyson Watts, congratulations. There were seven memberships renewed and quite a few t-shirts and hats were sold. Thank you to all of the members who helped collect raffle prizes, distribute posters, set up the trail, set out the direction signs, take care of all the paperwork involved in putting on this event, Julie Irby & Roz Dennler who helped with selling t-shirts, Alex in registration, Dave G for the raffle & my husband Marion for your moral support and putting up with the chatter of three ladies for the day. A very special thank you to Heather for allowing us to take some of the load off your shoulders. This event is a major undertaking and with the help of so many people it shows that we can all contribute to PLAY's success. Deanna Hamilton, Secretary Below is a letter that Marion & I received from Idaho State Parks & Recreation. June 1, 2010 Legislation introduced in Idaho during the 2010 legislative session would have required all OHV operators without a driver's license to participate in an OHV safety class in order to ride on non-local jurisdiction roads (i.e. Forest Service, BLM). While this bill (HB 706) ultimately did not pass, it's expected to be introduced again during the 2011 legislative session. Although the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) isn't the sponsor of the legislation, we believe that it is important that you understand its purpose and the potential effects it could have on you. The motivation of HB 706 was actually in response to the passage of Senate Bill 1098 during the 2009 legislative session. Senate Bull 1098 gave all OHV users (including unlicensed children) the ability to ride on non-local jurisdiction roads, as long as they were supervised by a licensed adult. The bill was well intentioned, as it was passed with the intent of giving families the opportunity to recreate together. Without SB 1098, families were often unable to ride short sections of USFS/BLM roads necessary to connect trails. After SB 1098 was passed into law however, concerns were immediately expressed by USFS and law enforcement officials. They were specifically concerned with the safety of children operating OHVs on shared use roads with full sized vehicles without some type of training. The USFS communicated that unless steps were taken to mitigate for this risk, they would be forced to close many of the USFS roads to all OHV travel. As a result, the Idaho Recreation Council (IRC) began working with the Forest Service to try and address their concerns. The USFS agreed they would be willing to continue to allow unlicensed OHV operators to travel on forest roads if operators (children) took an IDPR approved OHV safety course. As a result, the IRC took the initiative and drafted the previously mentioned HB 706. In anticipation of the distinct possibility of this bill being passed during the 2011 legislative session, IDPR has developed an aggressive OHV safety training schedule for the coming summer months. While there is certainly the possibility a new bill won't pass, if it does, there could very easily be a rush to attend the classes from across the state. We encourage you to consider taking one of our voluntary classes now to help minimize any future scheduling conflicts. In addition, the information presented in these classes will help younger riders become better, more knowledgeable, and safer riders. Our classes are 100% free and only require 4 hours of your time to complete. More information about these classes can be viewed at the following link: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/ohveducation.aspx This website contains all the information necessary to sign up for one of our classes, as well as what to expect of someone in attendance. Respectfully, This is an article from The Salt Lake Tribune. ATV - related head & spine injuries on rise, studies show. By Kirsten Stewart - July 2010 Three years ago on a deer hunting trip in Vernal, Dave Smith flipped his all-terrain vehicle, puncturing his right lung, cracking a few ribs and shattering his back. The 47-year old West Jordan man wears a pain medication pump. Two steel rods, 12 bolts and a protective cage guard for his surgically reconstructed spine. But the skilled motocross racer and avid outdoorsman hasn't sworn off riding, putting him at risk of becoming yet another statistic. Hospitalizations for ATV-related head and spine injuries in Utah grew 50 percent from 2001 to 2005, according to a study by two University of Utah neurosurgeons, Joel MacDonald and Michael Finn. The research, to be published in the coming months of the journal Neurosurgery, has its weaknesses, said MacDonald. It is based on an analysis of hospitalization and trauma data collected by the Utah Health Department, much of which is voluntarily reported by medical facilities. And researchers couldn't account for increased ridership because that data wasn't available for those years. "It's trend and that's the most we can say. It could be just more people are riding these vehicles. Nonetheless, when you have 180 people severely injured per year, that's something worth noting," Mac Donald said. Nationally, ATV injuries are estimated to cost $3.24 billion annually, he said. MacDonald, who himself rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, said his study is one of the many highlighting the need for mechanical safety upgrades, increased helmet use, and greater efforts to train riders in the safe operation of their vehicles. Rollovers were the most common accident followed by collisions with stationary objects or other vehicles. No age is immune, but riders under 20 are at greater risk, comprising about 42 percent of all head and spine traumas, Mac Donald said. This is largely due, he said, to their underdeveloped motor coordination and physical strength, poorer judgment and lack of instruction. Children could also be at greater risk for rollovers, because they weigh less and aren't strong enough to lean vehicles into a turn, especially when operating an adult-sized vehicle, Mac Donald speculates. Talk about right-sized vehicle restrictions for children is gaining favor even among groups like the All-Terrain Vehicle Association in Pickerington, Ohio. "We're also a strong proponent of rider training," said the group's spokesman, Peter terHorst, who nonetheless would prefer such efforts to be industry driven instead of left to the government to regulate. Michael Swenson, of the Utah Shared Access Alliance, agrees riders disregard safety precautions outlined by the industry. "They jeopardize the ability for everyone to use these vehicles." MacDonald sees increasing recreational ATV use as a public health issue. "I see a lot of ad campaigns about not leaving your baby unattended in the car. But don't see anything targeted at ATV's and it's a pretty popular sport in Utah," he said. Still, even the most practiced, safety-conscious riders like Smith can run into trouble. "I veered off the trail, where I probably shouldn't have been, spotting some deer, and was on a brand new machine and not super familiar with it, Smith said. "I'm more cautious, but I still enjoy riding. It was just a bad decision on my part. It wasn't the machine's fault." The numbers of ATV injuries in Utah 741: Utahans suffered head & spine injuries in ATV accidents between 2001-05 Source: University of Utah's Department of Neurosurgery P.L.A.Y Newsletter Spring 2010  P.L.A.Y Newsletter Winter 2010 Public Land Access Year-round Happy New Year Thank you Alex and Julia Irby for hosting the annual Christmas Party on December 12th in your home. Twenty-eight members braved the falling snow to share delicious food, funny stories and friendship. Members signed up for a special drawing of "tree" prizes provided by Julia & Deanna Hamilton. Maybe this coming year we can get back to a white elephant gift exchange or something similar. Thank you to all of the members who attended I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. PLAY Events for 2010
Future updates on the rides will be posted on the website. A Special Events Coordinator is needed to help plan and organize the Fun Runs & especially the Rally. So if you are that person please let either Heather, Deanna or Shannon know, if not we just might pick someone for this most prestigious position! In advance thank you so much for your help. Disclaimer Secretary's Report Jim Willis informed the members that according to the Idaho Fish & Game statistics wolves kill 10% more elk than hunters! Dave informed the members that Idaho Governor Otter was going to be making his State of The State address on Monday, January 11th. Members were encouraged to watch. OHV funds are a concern and we need to get them back. Alex & Dave reported on a meeting regarding the North-South Trail. Dave has proposed a southern route down to Elk City that has some areas that need to be worked on and changes made. Dave gave a report on the proposed road obliterations in the Waldie Creek area that will get decommissioned and Dave is going to fight to open some of the area. He also stated that it was 11 years ago the first meeting was held regarding the Dworshak Area. Mark Jennings opened the discussion regarding member rides, the spring fun run and rally. After a few minutes of discussion the rides were scheduled. See the Ride Schedule on page one of this newsletter. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM Respectfully submitted by Deanna K. Hamilton, Secretary The following information has been provided by Dave Galantuomini. 2010 Changes to OHV Language SECTION 1. That Section 49-302, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: 49-302.WHAT PERSONS ARE EXEMPT FROM LICENSE. The following persons are exempt from licensing if driving privileges are not suspended, canceled, revoked, disqualified, denied or refused:
SECTION 2. That Section 49-426, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: 49-426.EXEMPTIONS FROM OPERATING FEES. The provisions of this chapter with respect to operating fees shall not apply to:
SECTION 3. That Section 49-666, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: 49-666.MOTORCYCLE, MOTORBIKE, UTV AND ATV SAFETY HELMETS -- REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride upon or be permitted to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, utility type vehicle, specialty off-highway vehicle, snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle unless at all times when so operating or riding upon the vehicle he is wearing, as part of his motorcycle, motorbike, UTV or ATV equipment, a protective safety helmet of a type and quality equal to or better than the standards established for helmets by the director, except the provisions of this section shall not apply when such vehicles are operated or ridden on private property, or when used as an implement of husbandry. SECTION 4. That Section 67-7127, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended to read as follows: 67-7127.USE OF MONEYS IN ACCOUNT. The board shall administer the motorbike recreation account. The moneys derived from this account shall be used as follows:
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