CORVA filed comments in response to the Secretary of the Interior Zinke's request to hear from public regarding the ongoing support for recently designated National Monuments. CORVA filed the following comments: National Monument Review/California 

Most of you are aware of the lawsuit pending regarding open riding at Ocotillo Wells. This lawsuit started in May of 2013 when PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Protection) and the DPC (Desert Protective Council) filed a lawsuit against the California State Department of Parks and Recreation claiming that trails are not being maintained, archaeological sites are not being fully protected, excessive dust is blowing in the air, vegetation is being destroyed and the park is suffering erosion damage due to off road vehicles. They are claimining "their observation and experience of these incidents diminishes their recreational use and enjoyment of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and other nearby lands."  They are asking for open riding to be discontinued and for off road vehicles to be allowed only on designated trails.

-----fast forward to 2017----

We're almost at the finish line, but we have an important hurdle to overcome to defend Ocotillo Wells! The judge allowed expert witnesses, with each side able to interview opposition experts. These interviews, or depositions, have taken days to complete, and now we need the transcripts to prepare the best brief to present to the judge to defend OW. Each transcript may cost $1000 or more, and we need a number of transcripts, plus allow the attorney the hours needed to review the information and prepare the best defense for Ocotillo Wells. 

We need the community to help with this final push. We'll need at least $15,000 to do this right. We have to bury our opponents, and keep our park open! 

Fight For Ocotillo Wells has already donated $1,000 from funds collected selling stickers and the Fight For Ocotillo Wells Grand Prix races and now we're asking you to help us help CORVA. We're all in this together!

Donate to CORVA and specify Defend Ocotillo Wells in the comments. 

Object to SB249

CORVA's Southern Regional Board is working on bringing back the Truckhaven Challenge.  It will be held in Ocotillo Wells and is tentatively set for January 20, 2018.  We will keep you posted, but please save the date and plan now to support the CORVA Truckhaven Challenge.  Volunteers will be needed and sign-up information will follow.  Check the CORVA website often for updates!

George Thomas Memorial Off-Roader of the Year (2016) – Neil Hamada

Past President’s Award - Kathy Lynch

American Buggy Association’s Edward H. Waldheim Political Action Award - Ed Stovin

Los Aventureros Conservation Award - Friends of Frank Raines

Looney Duners Charity Award - Orange County Dualies

Northern Club of the Year - Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF)

Southern Club of the Year - Trail Crew 4x4

The California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) held its annual elections and awards meeting in Bakersfield, CA on May 20, 2017. Ken Clarke was elected to serve as president and Bruce Whitcher was elected to serve as vice president land use. After the meeting, Ken Clarke appointed Roberta Woods to serve as secretary and Diana Mead was appointed as assistant northern regional director of legislation. The position of vice president of sales and marketing is currently vacant.

ALERT –  SB 249 (ALLEN) Off-highway motor vehicle recreation – OPPOSE

SB 249 is on the Senate Floor TODAY, Item #33.  Please call your senator NOW, and tell him/her you oppose this bill and ask for a “NO” vote on the bill.    

DON’T KNOW WHO YOUR SENATOR IS?

Go to: http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

• Enter your address, city and zip code.
• Click on “Locate.”  
• Your Senator will appear to the right of the map along with their contact information.   
  

Attached is a copy of the California State Senate social media list for Facebook and Twitter.

CA State Senate Social Media List Document