BlueRibbon Magazine
The Official publication of the BlueRibbon Coalition.
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BlueRibbon Coalition Board of Directors
- AFFILIATIONS: North Shore ATV Club, Washington Ramsey County Wheelers, All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) - Past President (held position of 6 years) Currently, Legislative Chair
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Camping, ATV riding, Hiking, Photography
- HOME STATE: Minnesota
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: I have several and I'm sure many more that I haven't found yet! Currently, our favorite is the Moose Run/Moose Walk along the North Shore of Lake Superior. My husband and I also like to ride local trails in Minnesota, North Dakota Badlands, West Virginia, Utah and Idaho.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
ATVAM is a member of BRC. Our state motorized trail coalition has also hosted Trail Conferences where BRC Board Members have provided presentation in the past.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: In light of the Anti-Access groups attempts to push their agenda, I'm looking to educate myself and others in my region on how we can impact issues such as this at a national level.
- AFFILIATIONS: Western States Representative for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), California League of Off-Road Voters, El Dorado County Friends of the NRA committee member.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Motorcycling, fishing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, 4WD touring.
- HOME STATE: California
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Eldorado National Forest.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
I became familiar with BRC's work through my frequent contact with Don Amador and Brian Hawthorne. I am very impressed by the BRC's long-term commitment to the users of our public lands
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: Keep working on better recognition and understanding of what the BRC does amongst members of the general public. Help to position the BRC as one of the primary voices for public land users throughout the country.
- AFFILIATIONS: Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) - Executive Director. American Recreation Coalition. Americans for Responsible Recreation Access. American Watercraft Association. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. National Marine Manufacturers Association. National Safe Boating Council. National Water Safety Congress.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Boating, Running, Cycling
- HOME STATE: Virginia
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
PWIA has worked with BRC on personal watercraft issues at Lake Powell and in Biscayne National Park.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: I look forward to working with the board to promote a fully integrated offensive strategy that reaches every public sector affecting, or related to, access issues in our federal park system.
- AFFILIATIONS: Oregon State Snowmobile Association, Oregon Lands Coalition, Oregon Recreation Coalition, Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Snowmobiling, fishing, adventure travel
- HOME STATE: Oregon
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Trails and Coastal rivers in Oregon.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
Joani DuFord enlisted my help with the annual conference when it was held in Portland, Oregon
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: Through the last 12 years, I've helped BlueRibbon grow from a fledgling Western states organization to a Nationally recognized force in the recreational access arena. I've done that by helping others stay focused on fiscal responsibility and professionalism and by offering my experience in these areas whenever the opportunity presents itself. My goals for the BlueRibbon Coalition's future ore to continue ordered growth , maintain a sound financial base, remember our mission, fight for access and attend to the needs of our members. An ability to put a BlueRibbon presence on the ground in areas where members are not prepared or unable to respond to local threats is a long term goal.
- AFFILIATIONS: Member of both Pacific Northwest 4WD Association and California Association of 4WD Clubs; Chair for Oregon State ATV Account Allocation Committee and member for 12 years; member of Committee for Federal RTP for State of Oregon.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Four-wheel Drive
- HOME STATE: Oregon
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: High Desert Oregon, Nevada, California and Idaho
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
Introduced to the organization by a member 14 years ago and immediately became involved because of access issues.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: BRC with its diverse representation provides 'one-stop shopping' for public land managers. It is fitting that BRC is a leader in applying practical environmentalism across our recreational landscape. This will secure a legacy of motorized access for future generations.
- AFFILIATIONS: Executive Director of American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), American Recreation Coalition, Americans for Responsible Recreation, American Trails, and Coalition for Recreational Trails.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: All outdoor activities.
- HOME STATE: Michigan
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Every Snowmobile Area in the United States with lots of snow!
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
By working for the snowmobile industry and understanding the need for all forms of recreation working together on common goals/interests.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: Continued legal action to protect Public Land Access for responsible recreation activities. Access continues to be an ongoing challenge--from maintaining the current access we have for recreational opportunities to obtaining new access or access needed for re-routing purposes. Access is threatened regularly with proposed Wilderness areas. Access is threatened when users misuse the privileges that we have on public lands and private lands. Education is needed on access. Every individual who recreates needs to understand the challenges we face on access. Every form of recreation needs to get involved and work together to protect and maintain the access we have. Motorized and non-motorized need to work together. Summer and Winter enthusiasts need to work together. Recreationists from the North, South, East and West need to work together. Together we have larger numbers, together we can fight the very organized and well funded groups that are constantly trying to get our riding areas closed. Groups like the BlueRibbon Coalition can bring all users together.
- AFFILIATIONS: Northwest River Runners, Cougar Mountain Snowmobile Club, Idaho State Snowmobile Association, Hells Canyon Alliance, Owyhee County Ridge Runners, Americans for Responsible Recreation, South West Idaho RAC, South West Idaho Basin Advisory Group, NAMRC, Hells Canyon Subgroup RAC.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Snowmobiling, horseback riding, tennis, boating.
- HOME STATE: Idaho
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Idaho trails
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
My first involvement with BRC was while I was working for Senator Steve Symms. BRC was actively involved in lobbying for the National Recreation Trails Fund Act. Over the years, our paths have crossed often because our interests and goals are the same--responsible shared use of public lands.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: I believe that the primary responsibility of any board is fiduciary. If an organization is not financially sound, it has no future. I intend to do everything possible to see that BRC is effective, respected by most and feared by others.
- AFFILIATIONS: Treasure State Alliance, Executive Director; Montana Snowmobile Association; Great Falls Snowmobile Club, Board Member; Meagher County Little Belters; Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association; Great Falls Trail Bike Riders; Montanans for Multiple Use; National Off-Highway Conservation Council; Montana Alternate Partner; Snowmobile Alliance of Western States, Charter Member and past Board Member for Montana; Safari Club International Great Falls Chapter; National Rifle Association.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Anything outdoors to include motorized and non-motorized.
- HOME STATE: Montana
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: For snowmobiling it is the Gravelly's in the Gallatin National Forest; for 4x4 it is in the Whitehall area; for motorcycle/ATV it is in the Little Belts on the Lewis and Clark National Forest; for camping, hunting and fishing, wherever the animals and fish are.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
That is too long of a story to really tell here, really. But in short, the massive proposed closures through planning processes and NGO's propaganda for more Wilderness in Montana led me to the doors of BRC and the Public Lands office.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: To more effectively promote the concept of the OHV community recognizing BRC as our "National" organization for participating in agency processes, from pre-scoping to litigation. To work with the board in strengthening the state networks and creating new ones, state-by-state, to make the recreationist voice larger.
- AFFILIATIONS: NOHVCC-State Partner, New Jersey Off Highway Vehicle Association- VP, Advocacy Director, NJ Trail Council- Motorized Rep.,NJ Trails Plan Steering Committee, NJ Trails Council ORV Sub-Committee, AMA,ATVA,NRA ASI Safety Instructor,Tread Lightly Tread Trainer.
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: 4 Wheeling, ATV/Motorcycle riding, Softball, Target Shooting.
- HOME STATE: New Jersey
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Too many to mention. The one I have not gotten to yet in New Jersey.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
I have been riding for about 36 years and have been involved with access issues for a good part of them. As such I have had the pleasure to talk with Del Albright (BRC Ambassador) many times. Also, after fighting the good fight for many years by myself, I reached out to BRC, NOHVCC, AMA and other groups for help and they all came up big for us in New Jersey.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: BRC has done so much over the years, and I would like to help that continue and to help integrate the access issues we suffer on the east coast.
- AFFILIATIONS: Bay Area Snow Hoppers, California-Nevada Snowmobile Assn., National Rifle Association, Honda Riders Club, Good Sam, Steering Committee--Clavey River Ecosystem Project
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Snowmobiling, motorcycle touring (dirt and street), RVing, home improvements (with spousal encouragement!)
- HOME STATE: California
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: I haven't found anything yet that beats our Sonora Pass area, but I'll keep looking!
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
The notorious Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Amendment really steamed me...I wrote a windy appeal that must have appealed at least to Ron Rawlings, who suggested I apply for his Board seat when he retired.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: I've been appointed Chariman of the new BRC National Land Use Advisory Council (NLUAC) by the BRC Board and I want to help bring that concept into reality. BRC must expand its view and its membership geographically, as well as provide greater assistance to local access efforts, and I believe NLUAC is the most feasible way to do that.
- AFFILIATIONS: Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Association (COHVCO), Colorado Snowmobile Association (CSA), member and active in several local Snowmobile Clubs active in Western Chapter ISC (International Snowmoible Council).
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Snowmobiling
- HOME STATE: Colorado
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Wyoming - Wyoming Mountain Range, Colorado - Taylor Park area.
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: 1) continued growth, 2) continue to keep public lands open to the public, 3) continuing to become a "respected" National Presence on in land issues.
- AFFILIATIONS: Northwest Motorcycle Association, Washington State Snowmobile Association
- RECREATIONAL INTERESTS: Off-road motorcycling, snowmobiling
- HOME STATE: Washington
- FAVORITE TRAIL/AREA: Western Montana
- HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN BRC:
I heard about BlueRibbon in my local club and was able to take over for a retiring board member.
- COMMENTS/GOALS FOR BRC: Educating friends and fellow riders on proper trail etiquette and keeping sound levels low is foremost on my mind. First impressions are vital, and we all must make the image of off-road recreation a positive one 100% of the time. The BRC Policies and Positions are a great reference, whether talking to a land manager, at a public meeting, or with another trail user.
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