Episodes
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In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss the issue of disability access in outdoor recreation on public lands. They highlight the importance of motorized recreation for individuals with physical disabilities and the therapeutic benefits it provides. They mention that they consistently bring up disability access in their comments and lawsuits, but the agencies often ignore these concerns. They also discuss specific cases, such as the proposed closure of Arch Canyon in Bears Ears National Monument, where disability access is at risk. Ben and Simone encourage individuals with disabilities to share their stories and advocate for their rights to access public lands.Share Your Stories: https://www.sharetrails.org/current-issues/operation-accessible-2/
Comment on Bears Ears Plan: https://www.sharetrails.org/bears-ears-draft-resource-management-plan-released-for-public-comment/
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Summary: This episode discusses the final draft of the BLM landscape health and conservation rule, which aims to flood money into the public land system to control management. The rule introduces new types of leases, such as restoration and mitigation leases, and prioritizes areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs). The hosts express concerns about the rule's lack of statutory authority and its potential impact on motorized recreation. They also question the need for the rule, as many of its provisions are already covered by existing laws and programs. The conversation discusses the proposed conservation rule and its potential impact on public lands. The hosts argue that the rule is a power grab by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and gives unilateral authority to state directors to designate Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) without congressional approval. They highlight the potential consequences for grazing allotments and the transfer of wealth from public land users to environmental groups through mitigation funds. They emphasize the need for congressional oversight and support for the West Act. TakeawaysThe BLM landscape health and conservation rule aims to flood money into the public land system to control management.The rule introduces new types of leases, such as restoration and mitigation leases, and prioritizes areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs).There are concerns about the rule's lack of statutory authority and its potential impact on motorized recreation.Many of the provisions in the rule are already covered by existing laws and programs. The proposed conservation rule gives unilateral authority to state directors of the BLM to designate ACECs without congressional approval.The rule could have significant consequences for grazing allotments and other public land uses.Mitigation funds created through the rule could result in a transfer of wealth from public land users to environmental groups.The criteria for ACEC designation are vague and could be subject to abuse.Congressional oversight and support for the West Act are necessary to address the concerns raised by the rule.Sound Bites"The BLM landscape conservation rule will only affect BLM land. The Wall Street rule would have affected everything.""There is an organized political movement that is doing everything it can to remove roads off the landscape so that it can create wilderness.""This is a land grab. This is them saying, we no longer need presidents in the antiquities act. We no longer need Congress and wilderness designations.""Once they get it designated as an ACEC, then it's going to be nearly impossible to remove that ACEC designation." Chapters00:00 Introduction and recent events04:46 Legislation and potential legal challenges09:29 Prioritization of ACECs in the rule13:44 Concerns about the rule's provisions23:32 Ulterior motives and the need for the rule26:57 Unilateral Authority: The Power Grab by the Bureau of Land Management29:35 Consequences for Grazing Allotments and Public Land Uses36:23 Wealth Transfer: Mitigation Funds and Environmental Groups41:21 Vague Criteria: Potential for Abuse in ACEC Designation48:23 Congressional Oversight and the Need for the West Act
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Missing episodes?
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Summary: In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben and Simone discuss the Grandview travel management plan in Idaho. They highlight the problems with the plan, including outdated information, missing routes, and the potential closure of desert racing routes. They also discuss the lack of analysis of social and economic impacts, as well as the potential connection between the plan and the development of solar farms in the area. The deadline for submitting comments on the plan is April 15th. Comment here: https://www.sharetrails.org/grandview-idaho-input-needed-on-proposal-to-close-65-of-routes-in-area/ https://www.sharetrails.org/western-solar-plan-22-million-acres-up-for-grabs-for-solar-projects/ TakeawaysThe Grandview travel management plan in Idaho has several problems, including outdated information and missing routes.The plan could potentially close desert racing routes, which would have a significant impact on the motorcycle and desert racing communities.The plan lacks analysis of social and economic impacts, which is a requirement under NEPA.There may be a connection between the plan and the development of solar farms in the area.The deadline for submitting comments on the plan is April 15th.TitlesDeadline for Submitting Comments on the PlanConnection Between the Plan and Solar Farm DevelopmentSound Bites"Implementing any of these alternatives will shut down desert racing.""There's not a single alternative that I'm willing to say, here's what we support.""The landscape itself is creating this really awesome network of single track trails."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Grandview Travel Management Plan02:43 Problems with the Number of Inventory Miles03:46 Potential Closure of Desert Racing Routes06:42 Lack of Support for Alternatives10:05 The Unique Landscape and Trail Network14:13 Impact on Single Track Riders25:16 Connection Between the Plan and Solar Farm Development32:52 Deadline for Submitting Comments
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The BLM recently released their preliminary maps for the San Rafael Swell travel plan. We expect a public comment period on this plan soon.
In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss the planning status of the San Rafael Swells in Utah. They provide an overview of the recent developments and the upcoming public comment period. They highlight concerns about road closures and the potential impact on popular trails, particularly for dirt bikers. They also discuss the implications of the Dingell Act and the creation of wilderness areas in the San Rafael Swell. The episode concludes with suggestions for how listeners can prepare for the public comment period and support the Historical Roadways Protection Act. This conversation discusses the potential closure of roads and trails in the San Rafael Swell. The hosts emphasize the importance of public involvement and documentation to protect these routes. They provide a detailed overview of specific roads and trails that are at risk of closure, including their locations and potential impacts. The conversation highlights the need for users to explore and document these routes to gather evidence for legal protection. The hosts also encourage listeners to support the Historic Roadways Protection Act and join organizations that advocate for off-road access. TakeawaysThe San Rafael Swells in Utah are undergoing planning for road closures and trail restrictions.The Dingell Act created wilderness areas in the San Rafael Swells and established the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.Cherry-stemmed roads were created to allow for wilderness designation while keeping some roads open.The Historical Roadways Protection Act aims to prevent further closures and restrictions in the area.Public input and engagement are crucial during the planning process to protect access to popular trails and recreational opportunities. Public involvement and documentation are crucial to protect roads and trails from closure.Specific roads and trails in the San Rafael Swell area are at risk of closure, and users are encouraged to explore and document these routes.Supporting the Historic Roadways Protection Act and joining organizations that advocate for off-road access can help protect these routes.The San Rafael Swell area offers a diverse range of trails and camping spots, and it is important to preserve access for future generations.In the episode we discuss how the BLM maps aren't useful for comparing the different alternatives they are considering. Here are two great maps that show the hundreds of routes that could be closed by this plan:
Arizona Backcountry Explorers Map: https://maps.azbackroads.com/maps/san-rafael-swell/index.html#7/39.483/-111.088
PLPCO's Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3b4d111082054f3ebf893cd279325c9b/page/Page/?fbclid=IwAR27kC0m_HxXXC-rTMKLLXz8lwI0SurEAMvvAJZoTcPX7gAPAsHut39xnSM
In the episode we made several references to the Dingell Act, and the text can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/47/text
If you want to enter our Build Your Dream Rig Sweepstakes and receive a copy of Volume 1 of our Lost Trails Guidebook (while supplies last), use this link: https://www.tapkat.org/blueribbon-coalition/0E73gE?promo=SWELL
If you are interested in volunteering to do field work in the San Rafael Swell, please contact BlueRibbon Coalition here: Contact Us
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BRC Executive Director Ben Burr was recently a guest on San Diego Off-Road Radio with Dave Stall. Show Participants discussed recent trail closures, the fight to keep trails open, concerns with new national monument proposals, and more.
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Southern Idaho has seen a flurry of BLM travel plans in the last year. In this episode we provide an update on the series of travel plans that have been introduced that will affect the Owyhee region of southwestern Idaho.
In the episode we discuss the Silver City Travel Management Plan, which is open for public comment until February 12. You can submit a comment here: https://www.sharetrails.org/silver-city-travel-management-in-southwest-idaho/
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In this episode we respond to multiple false claims made by Jonathan P. Thompson in his recent blog article: The Arrogance of the off-road vehicle lobby
References from the Show:
Page 127: https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2001224/200479500/20067049/250073231/LabyrinthGeminiBridges_EA_DRAFT.pdf
Find our lawsuit challenging these trail closures here: https://www.sharetrails.org/release-coalition-of-off-roaders-asks-federal-court-to-halt-closure-of-public-trails-in-moab-utah/
Support the Historic Roadways Protection Act: https://www.sharetrails.org/release-blueribbon-coalition-supports-the-historic-roadways-protection-act/
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Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks joins us in this episode to discuss the SEC's proposal to allow the New York Stock Exchange to create Natural Asset Companies. Natural Asset Companies would be a new form of corporation designed to securitize and privatize nature - including our public lands.
You can read Treasurer Oaks' opinion editorial in the Wall Street Journal about this topic here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-invents-companies-that-cant-make-money-ad71f8f3
You can read BlueRibbon Coalition's briefing on this topic here: https://www.sharetrails.org/oppose-the-sell-off-of-our-public-lands-and-national-parks-to-wall-street/
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In this insttallment of the "Last Known Position series" we are joined by Tyler St. Jeor, who has served as a volunteer for the Search and Rescue team in Wasatch County. With extensive experience on a variety of rescues in the Wasatch Mountains, Tyler shares his insights on how to recreate safely and responsibly.
We are grateful to all Search and Rescue volunteers, and we encourage everyone to support Wasatch County SAR.
The "Last Known Position" series is a podcast project that has been generously supported by the Utah OHV Program and the International Snowmobile Association
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In this installment of the "Last Known Position series" we are joined by Mike Fogg, who has served as a volunteer for Search and Rescue teams in Weber County. With extensive experience on a variety of rescues in the Wasatch Mountains, Mike shares his insights on how to recreate safely and responsibly.
We are grateful to all Search and Rescue volunteers, and we encourage everyone to support Weber County SAR.
The "Last Known Position" series is a podcast project that has been generously supported by the Utah OHV Program and the International Snowmobile Association
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The Manti-La Sal forest plan revision will impact snowmobile use on three major mountain ranges in Utah. After attending a US Forest Service meeting on the plan revision process with Mike Davis from the Utah Snowmobile Association, we connected to produce this episode to share additional information about this plan. This plan will affect recreation access to millions more acres in Utah, and we need everyone to add their voice: https://www.sharetrails.org/manti-la-sal-national-forest-forest-plan/
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In this installment of the "Last Known Position series" we are joined by Casey Lofthouse, who has a long history as a volunteer for Search and Rescue teams across the state of Utah. With extensive experience in southwest Utah - and specifically Sand Hollow - Casey shares his stories of rescuing those in need. We also discuss safety and preparation best practices to ensure that your adventures always have happy endings.
The "Last Known Position" series is a podcast project that has been generously supported by the Utah OHV Program and the International Snowmobile Association
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This episode was recorded at the Stop 30x30 Conference hosted by American Stewards for Liberty. BRC Board Member, Mark Maynard joins us to discuss BRC's efforts to oppose 30x30. We also discuss a new Resource Management Plan proposed by the Bureau of Land Management that will affect 3 million acres of land in Rock Springs, Wyoming.You can leave your comment on the Rock Springs plan here: https://www.sharetrails.org/southern-wyoming-under-attack-through-the-rock-springs-rmp/
Also mentioned in the show: https://www.sharetrails.org/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument-draft-management-plan-will-result-in-unacceptable-loss-of-access/
Episodes that discuss impacts to motorized snowmobile recreation are generously supported by the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association.
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The Manti-La Sal National Forest is requesting public feedback on the latest draft of their new forest plan. This will affect all forms of recreation use in over 1 million acres of central and eastern Utah. We appreciate the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association who has provided us with a grant to educate users about land management plans that will affect snowmobiling. This plan will affect snowmobiling, and int this episode we discuss what snowmobilers need to know.
You can share your feedback with the Forest Service here: https://www.sharetrails.org/manti-la-sal-national-forest-forest-plan/
This episode was made possible by generous support from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.
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In the latest episode of the Defend Your Ground Podcast, Will Harris was our special guest. Will has been one of the key players in correcting the scientific record about the dust emissions - or lack thereof - at Oceano Dunes. Agencies often rely on limited scientific findings to pass sweeping policy changes, and this results in false narratives that become very difficult to uproot. We encourage everyone to listen to this episode to learn the truth about dust pollution and Oceano Dunes.
From the show: Here is the link to the SLOAPCD Board, where web-viewing of SLOAPCD Board meetings can be accessed. Their next meeting is September 27, 2023 at 9AM. The agenda for this meeting has not been posted yet, but Scripps' Dr. Lynn Russell will be making a presentation regarding her PM10 investigation at Oceano Dunes and Nipomo Mesa.
We encourage everyone to voice the concern that we need to stop using false scientific narratives to justify closing recreation access to public lands.
https://www.slocleanair.org/who/board/meeting-minutes.php
We also encourage everyone to support Friends of Oceano Dunes in their legal fight to keep Oceano Dunes open for motorized recreation:
http://OCEANODUNES.org
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Congress needs to defund the monument planners for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You can notify your member of Congress here: https://www.sharetrails.org/defund-the-bureau-of-land-management-national-monument-planners/
Everyone needs to add their voice to the Kootenai Forest snowmobile plan: https://www.sharetrails.org/action-alert-kootenai-over-snow-vehicle-plan/
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Today President Biden is abusing his Antiquities Act authority to create 1.1 million acre national monument in Arizona called the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. This 30x30 land grab will lock the American people out from enjoying the benefits of these public lands. In this episode we discuss the problems with this monument, we discuss our legal challenge to the continued abuse of the Antiquities Act, and we share examples of how National Monuments are terrible for the lands they are allegedly created to protect.Help us oppose this national monument and abuse of the Antiquities Act: https://www.sharetrails.org/release-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-grand-canyon-national-monument-designation-is-unlawful-land-grab/
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The National Park Service is re-evaluating their rule to allow e-bikes in national parks. After listening to the show, you can add your voice to the process here:
Make a Public Comment on the Plan
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Western Idaho is undergoing travel management, which designates routes in the area of Canyonlands East in Owyhee County. This is the Fossil Butte and Grandview areas. The project area is 815, 677 acres. Known for off roading, single track, camping and access to rivers and lakes, the BLM is analyzing the majority of the routes in this area.
Add your voice here: https://www.sharetrails.org/canyonlands-east-in-owyhee-idaho-travel-management/
Senator Wyden of Oregon has proposed a bill which will designate 1,134,292 acres as Wilderness completely restricted from motorized and mechanized use in the south eastern corner of Oregon and into Idaho. That is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. This area already sees large amounts of wildfires and restrictive management will only exacerbate this issue. The resources they claim to want to protect are the most threatened because of wildfires.
Known for overlanding, off-roading, single track use and many forms of recreation this bill would be catastrophic to the current and future users and communities of this area.
Add your voice here: https://www.sharetrails.org/oppose-the-owyhee-wilderness-in-eastern-oregon-and-western-idaho/
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We reviewed the public records for comments that have been submitted for the BLM conservation rule that will sell our public lands to the highest bidder, and we found some hidden gems among the 150,000 comments already submitted. In this episode we read and discuss what advocates for the rule are saying. If you don't add your voice to the process, these are the comments the Bureau of Land Management will listen to.
Add your voice here: https://www.sharetrails.org/blm-proposed-rule-to-sell-public-land-to-highest-bidder/
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