Save the Johnson Valley OHV Area. White House Petition

[Woogeroo]

This post is about the potential closing of a Bureau of Land Management managed property that is currently open to the off road community.

There has been a proposal made to expand the 29 palms Marine base next door, permanently... which would leave the land un open to the off roading public.

I am not trying to be political or start any commentary, my only intent with this post is to inform you that this is occuring.

There is a petition on the White House website, if you wish to sign it, follow the link below, you will have to create an account to do so.

Below is some other information on how to find out who your state and federal representatives are, so that you can express your opinions on this issue, if you so choose.

I imagine the off roaders in California can use all of the help they can get, so let's get crackin'.

-W

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Save the Hammers

The Johnson Valley OHV area, which is home to a series of off-road trails known as The Hammers, is currently at risk due to the proposed expansion of the 29 Palms Marine Base. 29 Palms is the largest Marine base in the world and at 930 sq. miles which is about the size of the state of Rhode Island.

The Marines proposed expansion would include acquiring an additional 250 sq. miles which is the land equivalent to acquiring the country of Singapore. Some of the land for this expansion will be taken from the Johnson Valley OHV area. This expansion would mean the permanent loss of half of the California desert available to the public.

With the utmost respect for our nation's military and national defense, we are opposed to the expansion of the 29 Palms Marine base for the following reasons:

· Loss of public lands means loss of a way of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans

· The expansion will cost tax payers millions and the Marines have publicly stated the land is only needed 2 months a year.

· Economic reports show neighboring communities and small businesses could lose $100 Million annually due to base expansion.

· The Johnson Valley OHV area is a national treasure and visitors from all over the world travel to Johnson Valley annually.

· The Marine Base expansion will negatively impact the surrounding communities quality of life with increased noise from

training maneuvers and decreased revenue at local businesses

· The Marines expansion plans estimate that several thousand adult tortoises and even more juvenile tortoises could be lost
due to ordnance and and Marine movements.




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The petition on the White House website:

Save the Johnson Valley OHV Area. Be fiscally responsible. Stop 29 Palms Marine base expansion. Keep public lands open.

With utmost respect for our nation’s military and national defense, we request our government deny any request by the US Marines to acquire 140K acres of public land designated for OHV use in Johnson Valley, CA for the purpose of expanding the 29 Palms Marine base. Expanding the world’s largest Marine base will cost tax payers millions and the Marines have publicly stated the land is only needed 2 months a year. Economic reports show neighboring communities and small businesses could lose $100 Million annually due to base expansion. The Marines current expansion plan is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible. We request our government encourage the Marines to work with the public and obtain permits from the BLM to meet training objectives instead of closing this land to the public forever.

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Vote Smart.org - the voters self defense system

go there, plug in your plus 4 zip code and look up your reps to find out how to contact them. Phone numbers, offices, websites & email addresses.

Most of the Federal reps house/senate you cannot email directly, but you can submit a letter from their websites. If you send them a message, include your name/address so they know you are in their state/district.

US Post Office site - look up your plus 4 zip code

[PortalAxls]

Been sharing on Facebook every day and constantly email all my contacts. We only need a little over 2500 more votes. We can do this folks!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Stocker]

Thanks for posting this info.... I saw it on another board and signed already.

Definitely a worthwhile cause that deserves all possible support!

[rjsdad]

I signed it a couple weeks ago. JV holds a special place for me. A lot of childhood memories there.

[Woogeroo]

Good stuff folks... good lookin' out.

-W