SACRAMENTO,
CA (May 21, 2008) - 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.
