This was posted last year (the release is dated September 2003) and it indicates that the "returning" TRT members would serve for one year (see bolded area below).
What is the status of replacing those "returning" members?
Full Version: New Trt Reps?
| QUOTE |
| For Release: September 17, 2003 CA-CDD-03-73 Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov BLM Announces Members of Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office Manager Greg Thomsen announced today the members selected to serve on Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team (TRT), which advises BLM on the management of the dunes. "We had a number of qualified applicants and the decision was difficult, but I believe that the combination of the returning TRT members and the new appointees will serve the public well," said Thomsen. "I also encouraged those who were not selected to stay in contact with the TRT and participate in the public meetings." Returning TRT members include Bob Ham representing Imperial County, Jerry Seaver representing Arizona off-highway vehicle (OHV) interests, and Harold Soens, Jim Bramham, and Larry Jowdy representing California OHV interests. New TRT members include Nicole Giles representing economic interests, Glenn Montgomery representing Yuma County, and Mike Cuff representing California OHV interests. One member of the California Desert District Advisory Council will also be appointed to serve on the TRT. All returning members will be on a one-year term and new members will be on a two year term. The TRT's mission will be to "Provide input to the Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, on the prioritization of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Management Plan implementation schedule, and the use of use fee funds collected in the ISDRA to complete specific projects in the schedule." The TRT meets two to three times a year, for more information visit the website at www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro or contact Neil Hamada, Dunes Manager, at 760-337-4451. -BLM |
From the 8/13/04 T R T Meeting Minutes
TRT members’ terms that will be expiring.
BLM has decided that due to changes in management at the El Centro Field office and other issues (i.e., RAMP, FWS BO, etc.), it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. Once a new field manager is in place this could change. Any member not wishing to serve can be released and replaced. No members objected.
TRT members’ terms that will be expiring.
BLM has decided that due to changes in management at the El Centro Field office and other issues (i.e., RAMP, FWS BO, etc.), it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. Once a new field manager is in place this could change. Any member not wishing to serve can be released and replaced. No members objected.
How convenient.
| QUOTE |
| ...it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. |
Only a belief held in some circles...
| QUOTE |
| ...this could change. |
We'll hold our breath for that one...
I thought that was the case but couldn't remember if I'd only heard it or if I'd read it.
Either way...
I haven't had the chance to look this up yet, but what are the regulations governing the Technical Review Team? Is it purely at the whim of the BLM or is there an actual system with operating policies in place? These are appointed positions... surely there are regulations guiding those appointments.
The ISDRA, by its nature, is an ever-changing location. Managers will come and go, staff will come and go, closures will come and (hopefully) go. The RAMP itself is supposed to be a flexible document.
To wait until everything is "settled down" before abiding by previous agreements may be in the best interests of the TRT and/or the BLM, but what makes it in the best interests of the ISDRA and/or the duning community?
Vicki
Either way...
I haven't had the chance to look this up yet, but what are the regulations governing the Technical Review Team? Is it purely at the whim of the BLM or is there an actual system with operating policies in place? These are appointed positions... surely there are regulations guiding those appointments.
The ISDRA, by its nature, is an ever-changing location. Managers will come and go, staff will come and go, closures will come and (hopefully) go. The RAMP itself is supposed to be a flexible document.
To wait until everything is "settled down" before abiding by previous agreements may be in the best interests of the TRT and/or the BLM, but what makes it in the best interests of the ISDRA and/or the duning community?
Vicki
Just to clarify this a little...
The public gets no input as to who serves on the TRT...
The public gets no input as to how long one can serve on the TRT...
the TRT can change the rules for term length at their discresion...
The TRT influences how BLM and others spend our money?
Does anyone but me see a problem with this system?
The public gets no input as to who serves on the TRT...
The public gets no input as to how long one can serve on the TRT...
the TRT can change the rules for term length at their discresion...
The TRT influences how BLM and others spend our money?
Does anyone but me see a problem with this system?
No Tom, I'm sure many see it the way you/we do.
I am incommunicado today since I'll be attending a seminar until this evening. If anyone has time to look into the regulations on Technical Review Teams and the ISDRA TRT specifically, that would be really dandy.
And before anyone says "why didn't you complain about this in August?" well, I don't have an answer.
But there is no point to such a query anyway. A member of the public is asking a question. Now.
Just the same as that misleading sign has been standing for months with no comment really doesn't matter. It is still incorrect no matter how many people have driven past without noticing.
Vicki
I am incommunicado today since I'll be attending a seminar until this evening. If anyone has time to look into the regulations on Technical Review Teams and the ISDRA TRT specifically, that would be really dandy.
And before anyone says "why didn't you complain about this in August?" well, I don't have an answer.
But there is no point to such a query anyway. A member of the public is asking a question. Now.
Just the same as that misleading sign has been standing for months with no comment really doesn't matter. It is still incorrect no matter how many people have driven past without noticing.
Vicki
Well, I normally stand in strong opposition to any incumbent, but in this case, it might actually be to the benefit that they extended those who've served. The government isn't too quick about filling positions, and wouldn't it be better to have experienced duners reps there to break in the newbie manager? Otherwise they might spend a lot of time re-inventing the wheel, and that background might keep things going in a positive track.
One thing that I wonder about is if the TRT is solely at the discretion of the blm manager, what if the new manager is an eco-nazi supporter? Can they then appoint a bunch of danny boy clones to pencil whip some fake "support" to things that the real dune loving community are really against? I realize the TRT is an advisory role only, but if the eco-nazi's can get a rubber stamp from that group in some of their dork-amaimy ideas, it sure sounds good to the general public.
One thing that I wonder about is if the TRT is solely at the discretion of the blm manager, what if the new manager is an eco-nazi supporter? Can they then appoint a bunch of danny boy clones to pencil whip some fake "support" to things that the real dune loving community are really against? I realize the TRT is an advisory role only, but if the eco-nazi's can get a rubber stamp from that group in some of their dork-amaimy ideas, it sure sounds good to the general public.
| QUOTE (tom simrak @ Oct 13 2004, 07:18 AM) |
| the TRT can change the rules for term length at their discresion... |
Reading the above, it looks as if the BLM had the discretion to extend the term, not the TRT.
| QUOTE (Big Tom) |
| The TRT influences how BLM and others spend our money? |
Do you really believe this? or rather, that the TRT is there so the BLM can say that they have "public support" whenever they do something new at the ISDRA?
| QUOTE (luvdunin @ Oct 13 2004, 11:07 AM) | ||
Reading the above, it looks as if the BLM had the discretion to extend the term, not the TRT. |
You are correct. That was the BLM's decision, not the TRT's. However as indicated in the minutes, there were no ojections from the TRT members.
| QUOTE (tom simrak @ Oct 13 2004, 07:18 AM) |
| Just to clarify this a little... The public gets no input as to who serves on the TRT... |
Tom, Based on what I was told about my appointment, the BLM did have some input from the public.
Since they didn't say one way or the other, I just naturally thought it was all good.
Got to think positive, right?
| QUOTE (SailAway @ Oct 13 2004, 06:27 AM) |
| I haven't had the chance to look this up yet, but what are the regulations governing the Technical Review Team? Is it purely at the whim of the BLM or is there an actual system with operating policies in place? |
Vicki, I don't know if there are regulations, but the Memo Of Understanding (MOU) is not longer in place.
See item 2 of the Chairman's Report from the TRT Meeting Minutes of Oct. 1, 2003
| QUOTE |
| 2 There is no longer a MOU; TRT members serve on the TRT committee at the pleasure of the El Centro BLM. |
| QUOTE (LoBuck @ Oct 13 2004, 10:11 PM) |
| Vicki, I don't know if there are regulations, but the Memo Of Understanding (MOU) is not longer in place. |
Quite right. But I would think there are at least guidelines in place governing Technical Review Teams (since they have become so popular). The MOU is site-specific.
And there was public input for the TRT reps but the only one they listened to was the support for Glenn Montgomery. And there was a LOT of public input regarding the rest of the TRT.
Vicki
| QUOTE (SailAway @ Oct 14 2004, 06:54 AM) |
| And there was public input for the TRT reps but the only one they listened to was the support for Glenn Montgomery. And there was a LOT of public input regarding the rest of the TRT. Vicki |
Listened to? Or listened to and agreed with?
| QUOTE |
| Tom, Based on what I was told about my appointment, the BLM did have some input from the public. |
Hey, your not the first person to ever correct me.
I guess what I meant was we get to add input, but the public doesnt decide. It is still an appointed position...We really have no way on knowing if our input falls on deaf ears or not. Ultimatly, we have no say so and no way of verifying if public input was considered. We can back whoever we want, there are no checks and balances to prevent BLM from deciding who represents me.
The fact is, the fox is deciding who and how to gaurd the hen house.
| QUOTE (luvdunin @ Oct 14 2004, 07:20 AM) | ||
Listened to? Or listened to and agreed with? |
Good point.
All I ever hear is "you recommended him" but never anything about who else was recommended (Crash, RadRat), let alone why they were passed up.
Maybe they only listened to this one, maybe they listened to all... how would we know?
Tom's right on.
Vicki
QUOTE(SailAway @ Oct 12 2004, 10:23 AM)
This was posted last year (the release is dated September 2003) and it indicates that the "returning" TRT members would serve for one year (see bolded area below).
What is the status of replacing those "returning" members?
[right][snapback]531896[/snapback][/right]
What is the status of replacing those "returning" members?
QUOTE
For Release: September 17, 2003 CA-CDD-03-73
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
BLM Announces Members of Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office Manager Greg Thomsen announced today the members selected to serve on Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team (TRT), which advises BLM on the management of the dunes.
"We had a number of qualified applicants and the decision was difficult, but I believe that the combination of the returning TRT members and the new appointees will serve the public well," said Thomsen. "I also encouraged those who were not selected to stay in contact with the TRT and participate in the public meetings."
Returning TRT members include Bob Ham representing Imperial County, Jerry Seaver representing Arizona off-highway vehicle (OHV) interests, and Harold Soens, Jim Bramham, and Larry Jowdy representing California OHV interests. New TRT members include Nicole Giles representing economic interests, Glenn Montgomery representing Yuma County, and Mike Cuff representing California OHV interests. One member of the California Desert District Advisory Council will also be appointed to serve on the TRT. All returning members will be on a one-year term and new members will be on a two year term.
The TRT's mission will be to "Provide input to the Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, on the prioritization of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Management Plan implementation schedule, and the use of use fee funds collected in the ISDRA to complete specific projects in the schedule."
The TRT meets two to three times a year, for more information visit the website at www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro or contact Neil Hamada, Dunes Manager, at 760-337-4451.
-BLM
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
BLM Announces Members of Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office Manager Greg Thomsen announced today the members selected to serve on Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team (TRT), which advises BLM on the management of the dunes.
"We had a number of qualified applicants and the decision was difficult, but I believe that the combination of the returning TRT members and the new appointees will serve the public well," said Thomsen. "I also encouraged those who were not selected to stay in contact with the TRT and participate in the public meetings."
Returning TRT members include Bob Ham representing Imperial County, Jerry Seaver representing Arizona off-highway vehicle (OHV) interests, and Harold Soens, Jim Bramham, and Larry Jowdy representing California OHV interests. New TRT members include Nicole Giles representing economic interests, Glenn Montgomery representing Yuma County, and Mike Cuff representing California OHV interests. One member of the California Desert District Advisory Council will also be appointed to serve on the TRT. All returning members will be on a one-year term and new members will be on a two year term.
The TRT's mission will be to "Provide input to the Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, on the prioritization of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Management Plan implementation schedule, and the use of use fee funds collected in the ISDRA to complete specific projects in the schedule."
The TRT meets two to three times a year, for more information visit the website at www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro or contact Neil Hamada, Dunes Manager, at 760-337-4451.
-BLM
[right][snapback]531896[/snapback][/right]
September 17, 2003 - the release comes out stating returning members and newly appointed members. Also that someone representing the "California Desert District Advisory Council" Which is Roy Denner.
August 13, 2004 - It was determined by the BLM that the expiring members term limits would be extended indefinitly.
QUOTE
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area
Technical Review Team
Minutes of Meeting
August 13, 2004
TRT members’ terms that will be expiring.
BLM has decided that due to changes in management at the El Centro Field office and other issues (i.e., RAMP, FWS BO, etc.), it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. Once a new field manager is in place this could change. Any member not wishing to serve can be released and replaced. No members objected.
Technical Review Team
Minutes of Meeting
August 13, 2004
TRT members’ terms that will be expiring.
BLM has decided that due to changes in management at the El Centro Field office and other issues (i.e., RAMP, FWS BO, etc.), it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. Once a new field manager is in place this could change. Any member not wishing to serve can be released and replaced. No members objected.
1) Does the El Centro Field Office now have new management in place? And, has this changed?
2) The "other issues" listed in the minutes, one of them was RAMP. As I understand it, part of the mission of the TRT is to advise on the RAMP. Also, the RAMP will take several years to implement? Is the intention of this term extension to keep the existing TRT committee members on the TRT indefinitly?
3) This September would mark 2 years since the "BLM Announces Members of Imperial Sand Dunes Technical Review Team". The returning members were set to be on a one year term and new members were set to be on a two year term. I understand that complete replacement of the TRT in one fell swoop may not be in the best interest of the ISDRA users, but... is the BLM expecting to replace any of the TRT committee in the immediate future?
Yep, we had an interim manager for a while and were told they didn't want to get things all mixed up during that time so no changes to the TRT.
But we now have Vicki Wood, not an interim but a permanent (well, as permanent as anything is at El Centro) manager. Can't imagine what would be holding up the works now.
Vicki
But we now have Vicki Wood, not an interim but a permanent (well, as permanent as anything is at El Centro) manager. Can't imagine what would be holding up the works now.
Vicki
btw, I did try tracking some of this info down at the BLM websites but they've been down 
Thanks for any info
Thanks for any info
QUOTE(HozayKwarvo @ Jul 20 2005, 03:08 PM)
btw, I did try tracking some of this info down at the BLM websites but they've been down Thanks for any info
[right][snapback]1078686[/snapback][/right]
Thanks for any info[right][snapback]1078686[/snapback][/right]
BLM websites have been down for months. Don't expect them to be back up tomorrow.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.