Defend Your Ground

Episode 8: The Bureau of Land Management Strikes Back in Arizona’s Black Canyon Corridor

Last fall the Bureau of Land Management withdrew a final plan for Arizona's Black Canyon Corridor. The withdrawn plan would have closed hundreds of miles of routes in the area, and it suffered from numerous technical flaws. Now they are back with an updated version of the plan. There is some improvement in the plan, but a lot that needs week. In this episode we discuss the plan with our allies from the American Mining Rights Association, Arizona Backcountry Explorers, Arizona State Association of 4WD Clubs, and the Undertakers 4x4 Club. All outdoor recreation users need to comment on this plan based on the information we shared: https://www.sharetrails.org/black-canyon-corridor-travel-management-in-arizona-could-close-58-of-routes/#/70/
You can also join the Arizona Adventure Alliance, which includes a promotional membership to four of the organizations featured in this podcast: 
BlueRibbon Coalition
American Mining Rights Association
AZ Backcountry Explorers
Arizona State Association of 4WD Clubs
Join today!
 

Episode 7: Last Known Position Series - Interview with Emery County Search and Rescue

Emery County in Utah is home to the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley, the San Rafael Desert, and it is encircled by towering mountain ranges. In this episode we sit down with three volunteers from the Emery County Search and Rescue team to discuss the wide range of rescue missions they've completed. From snowmobile rescues to slot canyon rescues, this crew has done it all.
This episode of our "Last Known Position series" was made possible by a generous grant from the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Program, the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association, and the Ski-Doo Snow P.A.S.S. Program.

Episode 6: Last Known Position Series ”They’re Wearing a Tank Top and Shorts in snow and Hail”

Chris Reed is one of Utah County's most experienced Search and Rescue volunteers. In this episode we share part 2 of his experiences that have left an impression on him. He also shares the most important pieces of gear that he wishes everyone who explores the backcountry would bring with them.
This episode of our "Last Known Position series" was made possible by a generous grant from the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Program, the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association, and the Ski-Doo Snow P.A.S.S. Program.

Episode 5: Keeping your public lands open in Alabama and Arizona

Four National Forests in Alabama are proposing new restrictions on various recreation activities. To restrict camping, the Forest Service is looking at length of stay requirements, seasonal closures, and prohibiting alcohol consumption in certain areas. You can learn more about the plans and share your feedback here (deadline July 22): Changes Proposed in Alabama National Forests
The Hassayampa Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management has also released their long-awaited updated travel plan for the Black Canyon Corridor. There are some good changes in this update, and we are still analyzing the full plan. Outdoor recreation users have until August 5 to add their feedback to this plan.
We also need the OHV community to know that the Bureau of Land Management has released 195 mile of trails in the San Rafael Desert in Utah for further analysis as part of a legal settlement with wildness groups, who want to shut down these trails. We need OHV users to document these trails and send feedback to the BLM.
You can support our fight to keep these trails open by joining the 10,000+ Project.

Episode 4: Reservation System at Grand Canyon’s Tuweep Area

The Tuweep Area of the Grand Canyon has introduced a new reservation system to limit access to this unique, remote way to experience this national park. We discuss some of the problems with this new program. Also, we fill you in on BLM plans to require dogs to be on a leash when you are camping in remote, dispersed camping spots. We end the episode by analyzing a new wilderness bill that was introduced for Oregon. You can join us in opposing this wilderness bill here: https://www.sharetrails.org/help-fight-30x30-and-the-wild-rogue-wilderness-act/

Episode 3: ”Last Known Position” Interview with Utah County Search and Rescue - part 1

Chris Reed is one of Utah County's most experienced Search and Rescue volunteers. In this episode he recounts the experiences that have left an impression on him. He shares his insights from hundreds of SAR missions in order to help outdoor recreation users be better prepared for the outdoor adventures.
This episode of our "Last Known Position series" was made possible by a generous grant from the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Program, the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association, and the Ski-Doo Snow P.A.S.S. Program.

Episode 2: Fighting to Keep 10,000 Miles of OHV Routes Open In Utah

Special Guest Bud Bruening from UTV Utah joins us to discuss the ongoing fight to keep 10,000 miles of OHV routes open in Utah. Become a member of the 10,000+ Project to join us in this fight: https://secure.anedot.com/blueribbon-coalition-sharetrails/10000-plus-action

Camping Closures Coming in Moab if we Don’t Speak Up

In the first episode of the Defend Your Ground Podcast, we discuss the camping restrictions and closures being proposed by the Moab BLM Field Office. We discuss the good and bad elements of the plan. We also discuss a letter to the editor of an Arizona publication demanding the Forest Service close all forests. We close by discussing a lawsuit form Earth Justice that is challenging a logging projects based on the threat caused by roads to grizzly bears.You can leave a comment on the Moab Dispersed Camping Plan discussed in this episode here: >> Leave a Comment