Giant step forward- Supervisors Eliminate Permit Requirement from Ordinance

Thu, 03/25/2010 - 8:52pm — desertrider

On March 23, 2010 the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, lead by our county supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry, voted to remove the staging permit requirement from the Off-Road Vehicle Ordinance 3973.

In its place, staging will now read as: Staging shall be permitted on private property of no less than two and one-half acres in size, for no longer than six days in a 30-day period.

While some may not agree with these new limitations and want the whole staging portion removed from the ordinance, FOGR as an organization, will support the change and thank our supervisors for standing up for private property rights. Gone from the ordinance is the burdensome permitting process (30 day advance notification to Code Enforcement), the $155 fee, and public internet notification of the applicants name, event location and duration of time the staging is taking place.

As families and friends celebrate this victory, FOGR is moving forward with our second objective - OHV education. In order to keep our public lands open and to keep local governments from imposing more restrictive laws, WE need to assist local law enforcement departments by educating OHV users of the current laws and challenge OHV users of all ages to be responsible stewards of the land.

WE cannot allow a handful of outlaws to ruin it for us all!

FOGR would also like to thank all of our members and friends who stepped up to the plate and wrote letters, made phone calls and attended the Board meeting in San Bernardino. We couldnt have done it without you!

FOGR's work is not over and we can't do it without your help. If your membership is passed or coming due renew it, or make a donation any amount helps.
Membership form- http://friendsofgiantrock.com/?q=node/7
Donations- http://friendsofgiantrock.com/?q=node/103
Some things we are working on are, "SLOW on neighborhood roads" signs, a billboard message sign, and rider education programs.

Again much appreciation and thanks to all who helped in reaching this momentous occasion.

Comments

Wed, 03/31/2010 - 1:45pm — Terri (not verified)

Thank you!

My family and I want to thank you! We go riding almost every weekend but always trailer out to the designated riding areas! I wish people would understand that not all of us are disrespectful and irresponsible to our desert.

WHO ARE WE? We are a family oriented off-road group, dedicated to making better neighbors of ourselves, especially our youth. This is an area of concern to everyone and mitigating conflict between urbanization and recreation, we can successfully promote this tremendous outdoor sport to the benefit of all. It's a job that needs doing! With your help, we can do it.------- WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? 1.Write letters to county and state representatives. 2. Be a responsible rider! Prove to the anti-OHV groups that we are safe, courteous and environmentally friendly. 3. Have legal and safe vehicles with spark arresters and quiet pipes (excessively loud vehicles are our worst enemies). 4. Drive slowly on dirt roads near homes/neighborhoods, people, animals and other vehicles. 5. Teach others to be respectful and responsible. Use common sense. 6. Be respectful to law and code enforcement officers. 7. Join Friends Of Giant Rock.