I was just at the airshow this weekend and there was booth for San Diego Offroad coalition. I got talking to the guy about the fees out in Imperial Sand Dunes and he told me that the BLM is already talking about putting them out at Occotillo and Occotillo Wells. He said it's still a couple years out but, they are already working on it. Now is the time to start fighting that or it'll be to late.
Just a heads up for those that didn't know this already. I know I didn't.
Full Version: Here We Go....
OW is CA State OHV.
That's what I thought. Maybe he was saying the State is looking at it. I just know he said it's already in the talks for there. He said it's still a couple years out but, it's being worked in already.
WTF..El Mirage is a fee use area..didn't they just DOUBLE our OHV reg? vote every incumbent out of office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys,
Certainly you can't be that naive. Don't you watch the news or read a newspaper once in a while. The mighty state of California is not only broke, but BILLIONS in debt. The state needs revenue BADLY, and they will be getting it wherever they can, and as soon as they can. It will happen, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Politicians do not respond to Joe Six-Pack. They respond to special interest groups that line their pockets with money. Our little off-road coalition(s) does not stand a chance against lobbys like oil, insurance, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, blah...blah...blah. It's pretty simple, they own the desert, and they will run it the way that benefits them. And the way that benefits them, is to make it generate revenue.
Think about this....During the recent budget negotiations in Sacramento, and indeed after the budget was passed, state parks were on the chopping block. They have us right where they want us. They will tell (threaten) us that without the additional fees (pay to camp), they will have to close the desert. Faced with that ultimatum, we'll then think they're doing us a big favor by charging the additional fees to keep the desert open to the OH activities that we all enjoy so much.
I hate to sound so cynical, but it is the reality of the way government works these days. It is no longer "of the people, by the people, for the people". Wake up. The fees are coming, and there is no way to stop it.
Certainly you can't be that naive. Don't you watch the news or read a newspaper once in a while. The mighty state of California is not only broke, but BILLIONS in debt. The state needs revenue BADLY, and they will be getting it wherever they can, and as soon as they can. It will happen, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Politicians do not respond to Joe Six-Pack. They respond to special interest groups that line their pockets with money. Our little off-road coalition(s) does not stand a chance against lobbys like oil, insurance, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, blah...blah...blah. It's pretty simple, they own the desert, and they will run it the way that benefits them. And the way that benefits them, is to make it generate revenue.
Think about this....During the recent budget negotiations in Sacramento, and indeed after the budget was passed, state parks were on the chopping block. They have us right where they want us. They will tell (threaten) us that without the additional fees (pay to camp), they will have to close the desert. Faced with that ultimatum, we'll then think they're doing us a big favor by charging the additional fees to keep the desert open to the OH activities that we all enjoy so much.
I hate to sound so cynical, but it is the reality of the way government works these days. It is no longer "of the people, by the people, for the people". Wake up. The fees are coming, and there is no way to stop it.
QUOTE (BigBadRadDad @ Aug 8 2009, 08:07 PM) 
Guys,
Certainly you can't be that naive. Don't you watch the news or read a newspaper once in a while. The mighty state of California is not only broke, but BILLIONS in debt. The state needs revenue BADLY, and they will be getting it wherever they can, and as soon as they can. It will happen, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Politicians do not respond to Joe Six-Pack. They respond to special interest groups that line their pockets with money. Our little off-road coalition(s) does not stand a chance against lobbys like oil, insurance, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, blah...blah...blah. It's pretty simple, they own the desert, and they will run it the way that benefits them. And the way that benefits them, is to make it generate revenue.
Think about this....During the recent budget negotiations in Sacramento, and indeed after the budget was passed, state parks were on the chopping block. They have us right where they want us. They will tell (threaten) us that without the additional fees (pay to camp), they will have to close the desert. Faced with that ultimatum, we'll then think they're doing us a big favor by charging the additional fees to keep the desert open to the OH activities that we all enjoy so much.
I hate to sound so cynical, but it is the reality of the way government works these days. It is no longer "of the people, by the people, for the people". Wake up. The fees are coming, and there is no way to stop it.
Certainly you can't be that naive. Don't you watch the news or read a newspaper once in a while. The mighty state of California is not only broke, but BILLIONS in debt. The state needs revenue BADLY, and they will be getting it wherever they can, and as soon as they can. It will happen, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Politicians do not respond to Joe Six-Pack. They respond to special interest groups that line their pockets with money. Our little off-road coalition(s) does not stand a chance against lobbys like oil, insurance, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, blah...blah...blah. It's pretty simple, they own the desert, and they will run it the way that benefits them. And the way that benefits them, is to make it generate revenue.
Think about this....During the recent budget negotiations in Sacramento, and indeed after the budget was passed, state parks were on the chopping block. They have us right where they want us. They will tell (threaten) us that without the additional fees (pay to camp), they will have to close the desert. Faced with that ultimatum, we'll then think they're doing us a big favor by charging the additional fees to keep the desert open to the OH activities that we all enjoy so much.
I hate to sound so cynical, but it is the reality of the way government works these days. It is no longer "of the people, by the people, for the people". Wake up. The fees are coming, and there is no way to stop it.
I agree....
Not only is CA in a serious budget crisis but they have already raided the OHV fund for $90 Million and given to the general fund...which swallowed it faster than a $20 ho.
They are now raising fees and and are talking about using those fees to run NON-OHV state parks. Areas that we can not ride in or access with OHV's are going to be dipping into the only self funded program that the GOV't has.
I would have no problem paying for the use of areas like Ocotillo ...IF, we are guaranteed that those funds would directly benefit the areas and patrons that pay them.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul is B.S. If the tree huggers and bureaucrats can't seem to generate enough funds to keep the parks open that they don't want "us" to responsibly enjoy then they should shut those parks down before asking the very group that they so vehemently despise to pay for it.
They are now raising fees and and are talking about using those fees to run NON-OHV state parks. Areas that we can not ride in or access with OHV's are going to be dipping into the only self funded program that the GOV't has.
I would have no problem paying for the use of areas like Ocotillo ...IF, we are guaranteed that those funds would directly benefit the areas and patrons that pay them.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul is B.S. If the tree huggers and bureaucrats can't seem to generate enough funds to keep the parks open that they don't want "us" to responsibly enjoy then they should shut those parks down before asking the very group that they so vehemently despise to pay for it.
Well, the scumbags that "represent" us will "guarantee" us anything and everything to get our votes and contributions. But as soon as one of their entitlement programs for lawbreakers, deadbeats, weirdos, losers, addicts, drunks, treehuggers, etc. runs short, they will rob from us (Peter) decent, hardworking, tax paying, law abiding citizens to prop up those who refuse to help themselves (Paul). It is systematic wealth re-distribution, and unfortunately, the administration (regime) that we now find ourselves under will do everything in their power to accelerate the process. Liberalism is going to kill, wait, is killing this great country as we know it.
So, the fees are coming, nothing we can do about it. They will "guarantee" us that all of the revenue will go right back into OHV related programs. But wait, where have I heard this before,..........Oh yeah, I remember. "Green Sticker" revenue was all going to benefit those who paid them. Well, for the millions, maybe billions that we have paid, what have we got. A few bathrooms, some cabanas, picnic tables, road signs (how did I ever enjoy the desert before the road signs?). Oh, and more closed areas. I'm sure they use "our" green sticker money against us as well.
What have I said here. Nothing really. Just venting I suppose. The thing that really pi$$e$ me off is that our kids are not going to be able to experience and enjoy the desert the same way we did, that is, without big brother crawling up our gluteous maximuse$! I'm at the age now that I could just sell all my toys tomorrow, give up the sport I love so much, and just say, "Its been a helluva good run while it lasted." I don't want to do that, but it is in the back of my mind. But as I write this, I can't wait for October!!!
BBRD
So, the fees are coming, nothing we can do about it. They will "guarantee" us that all of the revenue will go right back into OHV related programs. But wait, where have I heard this before,..........Oh yeah, I remember. "Green Sticker" revenue was all going to benefit those who paid them. Well, for the millions, maybe billions that we have paid, what have we got. A few bathrooms, some cabanas, picnic tables, road signs (how did I ever enjoy the desert before the road signs?). Oh, and more closed areas. I'm sure they use "our" green sticker money against us as well.
What have I said here. Nothing really. Just venting I suppose. The thing that really pi$$e$ me off is that our kids are not going to be able to experience and enjoy the desert the same way we did, that is, without big brother crawling up our gluteous maximuse$! I'm at the age now that I could just sell all my toys tomorrow, give up the sport I love so much, and just say, "Its been a helluva good run while it lasted." I don't want to do that, but it is in the back of my mind. But as I write this, I can't wait for October!!!
BBRD
QUOTE (BigBadRadDad @ Aug 15 2009, 02:24 PM)
I'm at the age now that I could just sell all my toys tomorrow, give up the sport I love so much, and just say, "Its been a helluva good run while it lasted." I don't want to do that, but it is in the back of my mind. But as I write this, I can't wait for October!!!
BBRD
BBRD
I was feeling that way about the sand for the past 4 years. I finally sold all my sand toys now. I'm getting into the Jeep thing since it opens more doors for me. Plus...I didn't want an expesive paper weight in my backyard after the Government shuts down to much sand area to where there is no room for the sandcars. Maybe I'm being to negative but, after 33 years of duning.....I've seen the change and really don't like it at all. I finally decided it was time to move on. That's why I'm now going to OW and other places like it with the Jeep. I'm still doing what I love just going down another avenue. I just hate to think that these places are following the lead of the sand dunes.
This thread is like piss in my cheerios.
I'm not throwing in any towels as I want my children to enjoy OHV recreation same as I did growing up.
I'm not throwing in any towels as I want my children to enjoy OHV recreation same as I did growing up.
Ya...I know...
There are a few other reasons too but, that honestly is the main reason behind it.
We aren't ruling it out forever but, we are for now. My kids will still ride, it'll just be in the hard pack now. Like I said, I'm not out of it completely, just taking another route now. Maybe we'll end up missing it big time and go back...Who knows.... It's still to new.
I did talk the decision over with my kids to see how they felt about it and they were fine. They actually said they have more fun in the Jeep. That's what sealed the deal for us.
There are a few other reasons too but, that honestly is the main reason behind it.
We aren't ruling it out forever but, we are for now. My kids will still ride, it'll just be in the hard pack now. Like I said, I'm not out of it completely, just taking another route now. Maybe we'll end up missing it big time and go back...Who knows.... It's still to new.
I did talk the decision over with my kids to see how they felt about it and they were fine. They actually said they have more fun in the Jeep. That's what sealed the deal for us.
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