The off road community has a fierce new weapon in the fight to keep our public lands open. The Action Program, a team effort between vehicle manufacturers, retailers, customers and the California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) was formed to provide national coordination and funding to defend the public right to access public lands for recreation. Basically, manufacturers and dealers of off road vehicles purchase access stickers for $25 each install them on the vehicles and the customer is charged for the sticker as part of the vehicle price. The funds generated by the Action Program will power the efforts of local and nation like-minded organizations, giving them the financial and political support to protect access to public lands.

           The Action Program started in the trailer manufacturing industry by business owners (Weekend Warrior) concerned with the recent rash of land closures. CORVA, with over 30 years of off road access experience, was approached to be the sponsor of this important program. Once involved, CORVA saw the potential of the Action Program as related to the off road vehicle sales and expanded the program to include all manufacturers and dealers of off road vehicles including motorcycles, quads, sand rails, buggies, trucks, RVs, and horse trailers.

           Once in full swing, the Action Program is expected to generate millions annually, offering, for first time, the off road community a well-funded legislative and public relations movement that will save public land access.

            For those in the fight for our off roading rights, this program is a long time in coming and way overdue. The funds generated will ease the very stained budget of our local access groups, and offer the money as needed to hire attorneys and biologists to give the extreme environmentalists some real opposition when trying to close land based on bad science. The funds will now be available to the off road community to file lawsuits when appropriate, and more importantly, land agencies will soon know the off readers have the money to sue if necessary.

           The Action Program is still in its beginning stages, with local dealers Malcolm Smith, Callaway Motorsports, John Burr Motorsports, Montclair Yamaha, and Beach Yamaha being the first dirt bike dealers to set up the plate. The Action Program also has the support of the CMDA ( California Motorcycle Dealers Association), and with their help we are hoping to get every dealer on board and supporting this team effort. The major manufacturers of ramp trailers and sand rails are already putting out their vehicles with stickers. All the current Action Program Supporters are listed in this newsletter. These industry leaders will also be announced in future advertising and news articles, as well. Please support them when buying trailers or other off road toys.

         YOU can support the Action Program in several ways. First, you can buy a sticker for every vehicle you own. If you have a close relationship with an owner of an off road shop that sells vehicles, we can get them on board. It doesn’t matter how many off road vehicles a shop sells, we want the sticker out there and for every off road enthusiast to know about the Action Program. If you are planning to buy a new off road toy, MAKE SURE the dealer / manufacturer is supporting the Action Program. If they do not, tell them you will be purchasing your off road gear elsewhere and DO SO!

          As an off road advocate for over five years now, I have joined the Action Program full time and wholeheartedly, as I see it as our last opportunity to make an impact and save what riding areas we have remaining. With the entire off road community’s support, the Action Program will stem the current tide and balance out the scales in the battle to protect our access to public lands. Your active participation in this program is very much appreciated. If you can help in anyway, please call ma at 1-800-42-CORVA ext. 555. To order your stickers, visit the CORVA website at www.corva.org.