FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact

June 5th, 2008 Mark R. Howlett
Executive Director
MarkHowlett@PFJV.org

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR JOHNSON VALLEY MAKES PRESENTATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE MARINES REGARDING POSSIBLE BASE EXPANSION INTO JOHNSON VALLEY

The Partnership for Johnson Valley, Formed to Represent Outdoor Enthusiasts and Business Interests in the area, Seeks New Members to Help Support Continued Access in Johnson Valley

Twentynine Palms, CA - The Partnership For Johnson Valley (PFJV) presented a PowerPoint brief to the Marine staff at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base. The brief was related to the military's proposed expansion into the 185,000 + acres of the Johnson Valley Open Access area currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The presentation was part of an ongoing effort by the Partnership to exchange information with the Marines, to show the impact that the proposed expansion would have on the diverse group of stakeholders in the open multiple use area. The affected stakeholders include, but are not limited to: land owners, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, geocachers, historical organizations, mineralogists, equestrian groups, RC plane organizations, the film industry, other business groups, and youth groups. "The Partnership is reaching out to all of the stakeholders that could be impacted by the expansion of the Twentynine Palms Marine Base, “commented Harry Baker, Chairman of PFJV"

The original meeting with the military was orchestrated by Ed Waldheim, a past commissioner of the California OHV Commission, who represented OHV interests in Sacramento for 10 years. At the original meeting a coalition of groups were asked to participate to represent local stakeholders. They were subsequently invited back by the military to give a formal presentation of issues discussed.

After the second military meeting, the coalition participants agreed to form a Partnership, and establish themselves as a non-profit 501©(3) under the California Trail Users Coalition. The nonprofit organization was formed to represent the interests of all affected stakeholders in the Johnson Valley proposed expansion. “Johnson Valley is critical to the film industry because it represents the largest open unrestricted area in California where filmmakers can shoot 360 degree desert scenes. Without Johnson Valley's diversity and ease of use, the Industry will simply leave California to film elsewhere,” said Sheri Davis, Director of the Inland Empire Film Commission. Ms. Davis adds, “Annually, Johnson Valley open-access represents 10,000 California-based film industry jobs.”

The leadership of PFJV has been cooperatively working with the military and the affected Stakeholders in an effort to explore alternatives to the proposed land expansion. The Partnership For Johnson Valley, is led by Harry Baker, Chairman with Mark Howlett as Executive Director, and Wayne Nosala as Secretary.

To help with these efforts, the Partnership is asking for the support of other interested stakeholders in the area, and is seeking new members to join the Partnership For Johnson Valley. For those interested in assisting this effort, please contact Harry Baker or Mark Howlett at Info@PFJV.org.

About The Partnership for Johnson Valley:

Our Mission is to unite the many people who enjoy the diverse activities available in the multiple-access area of Johnson Valley. Our charter is to promote responsible recreation and the use of desert resources through conservation and education. The goal of the Partnership is to ensure public open-access to the area in the present, and for the future generations who Live, Work, and Recreate in Johnson Valley.

Two suggestions, please post this on the D37 board some of there members feel their getting shut out, and perhaps FOJV should consider moving the June 25Th meeting to another day, now that the Commission meeting on the 26Th will apparently actually happen...TJ

Is there no other area this base can expand?

Also may want to post on pirate4x4.com in the land issues section. Lots of JV/ hammers users in there.

Thanks for postng this Wayne, I just found it in my email this morning.

What a great idea to from this partnership. Getting all the varied uses together to form a united front - much like the California Desert Coalition we formed back in 1986.

And... what a great choice to have Harry Baker as the Chairperson of this org.

Given the very sensitive nature of this issue, its great to have the experienced leadership presented in the press release.

Partnership for Johnson Valley is now accepting donations

Follow the link to the donation page and follow the directions
http://www.pfjv.org/

Thanks
Wayne

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awesome