(Photo credit: Don Amador)
Trail Partner Hosts Field Trip
On May 2, ARRA partner, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council CA State Representative, and Western States Representative for the MIC Don Amador hosted a Side-by-Side field trip with the Mendocino National Forest supervisor, Grindstone Ranger District recreation lead, and the Region 5 North Zone Partnership coordinator to review various travel management prescriptions being used at the Stonyford OHV Area in Northern California.
On-trail discussions focused on the many post-wildfire recovery and restoration projects of recreation facilities on that unit. Other topics included the critical role that FS roads have in providing connectivity for both recreation opportunities and pre-/post-fire related fuel projects, ingress/egress for public and firefighter safety, and recovery efforts.
Credit should be given to the recreation management team for the hard work they put in to keep that unit open for public recreational activities, given the many ongoing challenges they face, and should also highlight the vital role that volunteer partner groups and clubs have in supporting post-winter storm or wildfire recovery projects. Don has been a long-time volunteer partner with the Mendocino National Forest and appreciated sharing the history of how the Forest has been one of the agency’s pioneers in implementing modern managed recreation tenets over the last 40 years.
The field trip concluded with discussions about the function of rolling dips and sediment catch basins, trail maintenance, equipment and training, signing, resource and cultural protection techniques, route delineators, and repairing washed-out roads.
Pennsylvania Invests Nearly $1M to Expand Motorized and Non-Motorized Recreation
On April 27, Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Limestone Township, Clarion County, to celebrate the addition of the 24-mile Piney Rail Corridor for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. The $937,900 investment, funded through DCNR’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Management Restricted Account Fund and awarded to Piney Rail Riders, supports the Shapiro-Davis administration’s commitment to expanding outdoor recreation and boosting rural economic development across Pennsylvania. With more than 290,000 ATVs registered in Pennsylvania, this investment will ensure continued growth in safe and accessible motorized recreation opportunities that best respect state land.
“The Shapiro-Davis administration is dedicated to supporting our growing $19 billion outdoor recreation industry for the benefits it provides to local communities across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Davis. “These types of investments are critical to ensure ATV riders have safe, high-quality opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and to create new memories in nature.”
The acquisition of the Piney Rail Corridor by Piney Rail Riders guarantees the long-term conservation and utilization of the trail while contributing to local economic growth and community development. Positioned to become a premier destination for outdoor recreation in western Pennsylvania, the corridor underscores the power of community action, sustainable recreation and the consequent economic benefits.
“The Piney Rail Corridor is a wonderful example of how strategic investments in outdoor recreation improve quality of life and drive local economic growth,” said Secretary Dunn. “This trail will connect residents and visitors to the natural beauty of western Pennsylvania, creating new opportunities for exploration, recreation, and community development.”
The DCNR has already achieved similar successes in other regions of the state. For example, the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail Connector generated $23.5 million in revenue over two years, showcasing the economic potential of off-highway vehicle recreation.
Covering approximately 550 acres, the Piney Rail Corridor stretches across six townships and connects to more than a dozen more in Clarion and Jefferson counties. It is expected to generate considerable tourism revenue for the Pennsylvania Wilds and significantly benefit local businesses, including restaurants, lodging and outdoor retailers. For many visitors, the Piney Rail Corridor will be a crucial stop when planning a trip to Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway.
“This award to Piney Rail Riders by DCNR will significantly expand outdoor recreation opportunities not only for community members in our region but for all Pennsylvanians,” said Bryan Huwar, Piney Rail Riders project manager. “It’s an invitation for people, no matter where they live, to come and visit. At the same time, it will foster the development of a thriving, family-supporting outdoor economy for our rural communities.”
Click here to learn more about DCNR’s All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile grants through the Community Conservation Partnership Program. Visit the DCNR’s website for more information about ATV riding opportunities in state forests.
Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus Launched in the House
The bipartisan Public Lands Caucus was launched in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rep. Gabe Vaquez (D-N.M.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.). This caucus comes at a critical moment as Congress and the administration are considering proposals to sell off federal land to fund housing development, which is gaining traction in congressional budget talks. “This is going to be a way for us to show a unified and bipartisan front to push back on any potential sell-off or transfer of public lands to the states or private entities as a pay-for to offset tax cuts,” said Vasquez.
Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) will be co-chairs. The caucus has more than 10 members, most representing Western states and districts.