Who should I join?

[OlBlueCJ7]

So I'm looking around, trying to decide which organization is the 'best' or most effective proponent for keeping our trails open.

Quite frankly, I can't afford to join them all:

COHVCO (http://www.cohvco.org/) is fairly inexpensive, and even allows for a one time donation.

Tread Lightly (http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/members-individual/Individual-Memberships) is $25 for an annual membership.

Blue Ribbon Coalition (https://www.sharetrails.org/index.cfm?page=511) is $20 for an annual membership.

UFWDA (http://www.ufwda.org/joinunited-people.htm) is $30 for an annual membership.

CoA4WDCi (http://www.hightrails.org/membership.html) is $20 for an annual membership, and you don't need to be in a club to join.

I'm sure there are a few national or state level organizations I've missed, and then there is the option of joining a local club which has a good chance of having it's own dues.

So with the goal of keeping trails open, where is my money best spent?

[scottycards]

Great post. I doubt I'll do them all, but I'm interested to see which are recommended here.

[newracer]

I joined a local club that includes membership to the state and United, all for $45.

[Big Dave]

I have a business membership to BRC and a media membership to TreadLightly.

I think BRC, UFWDA, and COHVCO would be the 3 to choose from. Tread Lightly does a lot of educating, but I've never really seen them fight to keep trails open.

[ThePagan]

There is also the Colorado State Association of 4WD Clubs. http://www.hightrails.org .

Joining them thru a club currently also gives you membership in UFWDA and they are a founding member of COHVCO.

I would list BRC and UFWDA at the national level - they work on things that eventually effect CO as well as CO specific issues when they are asked to help.

COHVCO does a lot of work on the ground in CO.. including the State Sticker Program, grant programs with State Parks. CoA4WDCi also does a lot of work on the ground but generally it's thru their member clubs - Adopt-A-Roads, clean-ups and such - they do have scholarships for college as well as grants programs that members can use to work on "on the ground" projects in CO.

COHVCO and BRC both support many forms of recreation not just 4x4's.

UFWDA is an International Organization that just supports 4x4 Vehicles.

I am a member of a club and that provides me membership in the CoA4WDCi and UFWDA. I am also an individual member of UFWDA, BRC and COHVCO.

I am a Director on the COHVCO Board (Still learning about their organization) and the past VP of UFWDA. I do the website (not the web hosting - their web host sucks) for CoA4WDCi. So you may consider my opinion tainted.. but I believe all these organizations do good work... and many times they actually work together from different aspects and angles.

I would not recommend anyone over the other - choose what makes you feel good.

Send each an e-mail and ask "Why you should join" - choose the one who responds with the answer you like best.

- Shawn

[OlBlueCJ7]

While it's a nice 'perk' that joining a local-level club would grant me access to membership in some of these memberships, I find the bureaucracy & requirements of clubs a hassle that I don't want to deal with. I wheel when I want, with who I want, and don't want to have to attend meetings just to be in some clique. But I digress.

Shawn, I was hoping you &/or Val would chime in on this one - I respect both your opinions, and assume that with your knowledge from the trenches, you might be able to shed some light on the activities of some of these organizations. I like your idea regarding the email - I think I'll write something up this morning.

[ThePagan]

OlBlue - my point about joining thru a club just means more benefits - since they promote clubs (and they do because clubs generally follow the rules, wheel responsibly etc - not saying individual don't, many do).. when you join CoA4WDCi as an individual you do not get membership into UFWDA.

When you join a CoA4WDCi member club, they grant you member into CoA4WDCi and UFWDA for that single membership.

Having said that I fully understand your opinion about clubs - but perhaps you just have never found the right one.. maybe the guys you run with should form your own club - don't have meeting - don't have a website - schedule runs when you feel like it and pool your money to join organizations like CoA4WDCi for a lower cost, get a membership in UFWDA and have rights to vote and make changes - if you feel like getting involved...

Just a thought...

Anyway I too wheel when I want with whom I want - and I still belong to a club (or two).... but I also see the future and the big money that is behind the environmental movement - it will take money and people to keep pushing back... without money, working people and a drive to keep things open to the public there may not be a need for 4x4 in 10 - 20 years. That just pisses me off.

- Shawn

[kevin719]

Joining a club is a great way to get involved. But if you don't want to join a club or can't find one you like. I'd say COHVCO has done the most for Colorado, they work with all forms of motorized recreation. If you just want to stay in touch with 4 wheeling then the COA4WDC is good. Start with local groups then you can go with national ones if you feel the need. If it had to be 1 though, it would have to be COHVCO.

[newracer]

While it's a nice 'perk' that joining a local-level club would grant me access to membership in some of these memberships, I find the bureaucracy & requirements of clubs a hassle that I don't want to deal with. I wheel when I want, with who I want, and don't want to have to attend meetings just to be in some clique. But I digress.

Just FYI, the requirements of the Mountaineers are pretty relaxed. Only one meeting or trip every three months to keep status as active and all you loose is voting privileges if you miss.

[jtw2]

bought a tread lightly membership. got the sticker on the heap.

[jtw2]

Mark, I'm pretty much like you. don't feel like playing politics to go wheeling so I haven't joined a club. If you find one you like let me know and I might look into it as well.

[longboy]

Mark, if you get some responses from clubs/organizations, please post them. I'm in the same boat as you-

[OlBlueCJ7]

Just FYI, the requirements of the Mountaineers are pretty relaxed. Only one meeting or trip every three months to keep status as active and all you loose is voting privileges if you miss.

Nothing against the Mountaineers (or any other club, for that matter), but I don't want any requirements. To me, there is very little benefit for me to joining a club.

Mark, I'm pretty much like you. don't feel like playing politics to go wheeling so I haven't joined a club. If you find one you like let me know and I might look into it as well.

I doubt I'll find a club I like. In order to find one, I'd have to actually look for one. :shrug:

Mark, if you get some responses from clubs/organizations, please post them. I'm in the same boat as you-

Will do.

[DaJudge]

I have been an individual member of Tread Lightly for many years. I pay $30 per yrear. The extra $5 gets me a nice T-shirt to add to my collection.

I recently became a Moab Partner (http://www.sharetrails.org/public_lands/index.cfm?section=Moab2) in BRC to specifically fund their legal work to keep Moab/Monticello trails open.

[newracer]

Nothing against the Mountaineers (or any other club, for that matter), but I don't want any requirements. To me, there is very little benefit for me to joining a club.Well actually the only requirements would be to attend three club functions in 90 days and then pay the dues. After that just pay the dues each year.

[OlBlueCJ7]

Well, we'll see what they say. May the best group win.

September 7th, 2007



To Whom It May Concern,

With the recent attention land use issues have gained in both mainstream media and internet forums, I was prompted to investigate deeper into what organization I should be financially supporting. My goal was to find that organization which best promoted public land use for all OHV operators, and fought aggressively to keep OHV open and accessible to all. My admittedly shallow research discovered many organizations who are proponents of public land use, and I was left rather confused.
Since there are so many groups that need my support, I am left with a decision ? where is my money best spent? I simply cannot afford to purchase annual memberships to all the OHV land use proponents, and I have found many other members of the off road community to be in the same situation. We want to be assured that our money is being effectively spent on keeping trails and OHV areas open, but are unsure who the best candidate for our donation is.
So I ask you this: With the number one goal of keeping trails and OHV areas open on not only a state level but a federal one as well, what organization or group should I join or donate my money to? Is it yours?



Sincerely,

Mark Peterson
Evans, CO


Cc: Blue Ribbon Coalition
Tread Lightly
United Four Wheel Drive Association
Colorado Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs
Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition

[GRNMEG359]

I am creating a website http://www.partsandpeople.com/Offroad (http://www.partsandpeople.com/Offroad) It is directed towards clubs/organizations/associations of Off-roaders. Is there any info suggestions that i can include in my webiste that will help you (the wheeler) come to a decision. I guess to reiterate, what would like to see from a site that is going to be an online directory? What info would help you come to an educated decision?
By the way my focus in the near future after the set up of the foundation of the site will be trail info/news, events, and trail clean ups.
Thank you for your time,
Ben Buchner (94' Yj Restore/Mod project)
P.S. the site is still in the test stages though it has content and contacts it is nowhere near complete.

[jimfoo]

What's the story with the pic of the Jeep? Talk about pucker factor!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

[OlBlueCJ7]

First response to my email, coming in from Brian Hawthorne at Blue Ribbon Coalition:

You know, people ask me this all the time. And it always seems odd because I work for BRC and naturally I'm going to encourage you to donate to BRC.

But my advise to you is twofold. 1 - Proceed as you would with any other charitable donation. Do your own research. For info on BRC there is our website, our magazine (past issues are on the web and you can get a 90 day free subscription) and our staff (me included), who will answer questions via phone or email.

Second is this; whatever you do, resolve to support a local, a state, and a National OHV advocacy group.

It is by working together at the local, state and national level that we can be effective.

Call if you want more info on what BRC is doing.

Brian Hawthorne
208-390-5770

[jtw2]

nice. that's a good response

[Leon Phelps]

:thumbsup:

Also in the finding something boat. Currently support Tread Lightly on a individual basis, definately up for doing more without the BS thats associated.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

I would go research each organization and see what they are actively fighting for currently. That should be easily available from their website. Then compare that to what you care about most. Invest in what you want then...

Personally I invest in a couple of the organizations, but always invest in Tread Lightly as well since I don't see it as a organization fighting to keep trails open, but one that is out there to educate users (well, in a way that keeps trails open). There are two seperate battles I see. One is the FS shutting down trails because they're unable to maintain a busted trail (because of uneducated users - this is where Tread Lightly comes in) and the second battle is those of other organizations fighting to get our trails closed (that is where BRC, COHVCO, etc... come in).

[GPP33]

nice. that's a good response

Dude that's weak. He asked why he should join thier org, not where can he go to find info about it. These orgs need to make thier mission loud and sell it to the public to get the publics support.

[jtw2]

I don't think it was weak. he showed that he first and formost cares about OHV support, not joining his particular org.

[Dallas Lemon]

I was a member of a club for over 22 years, hoping to hang on long enough to become a lifetime member. I finally couldn't handle the politics and the apathy anymore and elected not to rejoin. I have joined COHVCO instead. I have also come to the conclusion that these battles will be fought and won in the court system. I am all for getting involved, and money to hire the lawyers has the biggest results. Pick an organization or two, or three and support it.

[guapotaco]

if you can read this forum you can go to their websites and read about what they do right?, i have been doing this for the last 2 months, and all the info is there that your asking, go join every single one of those organizations if you really care about outdoor recreation period, motorized or not its time to get involved or just stay home because they are going to close alot of things soon, and it's only going to get worse, this will include mtn bikes, rafting, climbing, and every other form of outdoor recreation, i am a member at brc,cfwda,access fund, and need to join american whitewater, there is just no time to contemplate these things anymore, i spent over $200 last week alone even though i cant really afford it, but i want to do something to help out, i spend all my free time and some working time(i'm a river, and climbing guide) in these environments and dont want to see them go away, i have sent all the links to these organizations to about 20-30 people in the last week, sorry to rant but go get involved people

[OlBlueCJ7]

From Colorado Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc:

Well Mark,

That is a very good question. In the state of Colorado, there are two groups that work on keeping trails open. We as the Association of 4 Wheel drive concentrates mainly on 4 wheel drive trails. We work through out clubs at maintaining trails as well as educating individuals which in turn, help us keep trails open. We also have a land use fund that we use for trail maintenance or if there is a legal battle that we can fight, we use it for that. We have several people who do a lot with land use and members that are on different boards throughout the state working on the issue of keeping trails open.

There is also an organization called COHVCO. We are members of their association as well and donate some money to them. They are a group that concentrates on all aspect of motorized trail use. ATV's, motorcycles, 4 wheel drives, and snowmobile. They have a lawyer on staff that helps all the organizations with land use issues and some lawsuits. They do more for the other three groups then 4 Wheel Drive which is why we have our own fund for land use issues. They are a good organization as well.

Hopefully this information will help you make a decision. If you have any other questions or something specific you would like to know, please feel free to e-mail me directly at darylsurface@comcast.net.

Thanks for you interest,

Shelly Surface
President of Colorado Association fo 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.

and this one really impressed me:

From Dennis Larrat, Chairman of COHVCO:

Hi Mark,

I got a copy of your message about the dilemma of deciding where to join, and donate money. I am primarily a dirt bike rider, although I have snowmobiles and a 4WD. And I belong to a host of organizations. I helped found COHVCO back in 1987, and have rotated through many positions in it, I?m a lifetime member of both the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the American Motorcyclist Association, and I?ve been an officer in the Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit for most years since 1983. So the first thing that I have to say is that I won?t tell you that joining a single organization is either right or wrong. All of the organizations that I belong to, and the ones that you mentioned, have some really positive strengths. With that said, I?ll give you my opinion on your question.

COHVCO has a simple and single minded purpose, and that is to protect the privilege of using OHV?s on Colorado?s public lands. We try to comment on every land use decision that the USFS and BLM make in Colorado, and we maintain close relationships with them, as well as Colorado State Parks and our Colorado legislators. We represent all forms of motorized recreation, and have board representation from each group to ensure that each group is properly represented and communicated to/from. The reason to represent all is that together we are stronger, and a single voice to our political representatives and land managers is easier and more effective with them.
Through our efforts, the Colorado OHV Registration and Grants program was initiated. This program has been distributing about $1.6 million each year for motorized road and trail maintenance in Colorado, and that will increase to approximately $2.5 million per year, starting in 2009, with the upcoming 2008 fee increase.

COHVCO was named the 2006 State Organization of the Year by both the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Counsel. Some of our accomplishments in 2006 were driving language in the Colorado Roadless Areas Task Team that is some of the best language in the country, development of a DVD in concert with NOHVCC on the Travel Management Rule, and development of our TIGeR Teams to GPS routes throughout Colorado, so that they may be designated as open for OHV use.
We partner with ALL of the organizations that you mentioned, and more, on national issues. We have positive and open communications with those groups. They have insights that we don?t have, and vice versa. I think all of the organizations that you addressed would agree that we provide great input on items of national importance.

COHVCO was formed as a 501c(4) not for profit organization. That way we can legally endorse candidates, lobby legislation, and create a voice on the political front. But tax advantaged 501c(3) not for profit corporations CAN?T do that. So we have a closely allied organization, the COHVCO Foundation, that is a 501c(3) that is focused on education. They have created the Stay The Trail campaign and the Colorado Trail Patrol, which are working to educate the public about responsible recreation. Together, these two groups hit the gamut of OHV issues in Colorado.

We are the ONLY group in Colorado to regularly utilize attorney?s to assist in our comments to the land managers, our appeals on their decisions, and taking the agencies to court when they make improper decisions.
The one question that you raised that we don?t do well is nationwide route protection. We limit ourselves to Colorado and surrounding areas (WY, UT, NM) on critical issues.

Tread Lightly is primarily an educational based organization. They do a great job of getting the word out to the public in general about responsible OHV recreation. But in my 20 years of working on public land issues, I have not seen any comments to the USFS on specific land use issues. They are broad based and do a great job on education, but don?t have as much focus on in route preservation.

The Blue Ribbon Coalition has an even broader charter than COHVCO, representing primarily OHV users of all types, but also personal watercraft (PWC) users, and to a lesser extent, non-motorized recreationists, the extraction industries of timber and mining, equestrian users on a national basis. Their slogan of ?Preserving Our Natural Resources FOR the Public Instead of FROM the Public? is an apt descriptor. Their President, Jack Welch, was one of the people involved in the founding of COHVCO, so as you can imagine, our respect for one another is high. Blue Ribbon has a broader charter than COHVCO, and is involved at all levels of public lands use. Despite that broad charter, they provide some great input on Colorado issues and some excellent comments on Colorado public land use issues. And again, we share an attorney, when the need arises.

The Colorado Association of 4WD Clubs Inc. and Untied 4WD Association are both great groups. They have a stronger social and activity based component than does COHVCO. Their member clubs do outings, charity runs and other events that bring 4WD users together. And both organizations do their share of commenting on Colorado and national public lands issues. Gene King is the land use director (title?) for the Colorado Association, and is a long time former board member of COHVCO, while Shawn Pagan, who I think you know, is the Colorado Association representative to our board. We work closely together with Gene, Shawn and President Shelly Surface.
The membership structure in the 4WD groups also includes local clubs. Membership in a local club helps fund the state Association, which is also a member of the United 4WD Association.

The COA4WDCinc has one of the best Adopt A Road programs in the country. Their local clubs adopt routes that they use frequently, and it works very well. This helps preserve each of those routes.


So to get to the bottom line of your question: ?So I ask you this: With the number one goal of keeping trails and OHV areas open on not only a state level but a federal one as well, what organization or group should I join or donate my money to? Is it yours??. I think that COHVCO is probably the best organization for keeping trails open in Colorado, it is our focus, and essentially all that we work on. Like a good surgeon, we specialized so that we could do a good job on that front. You don?t go to a generalist for brain surgery!

But if I had the equivalent of one tire per year, or two tanks of gas per year (approximately $100) to spend on supporting the sport I love, I would spread the wealth. I would join the organizations in the following order:

COHVCO
A local club that is a member of the State Association (which also ties you to United)
Blue Ribbon

The good news is that you won?t go wrong in supporting any of the organizations, as they are all positive. I hope that this input helps. I am copying our Blue Ribbon and State Association partners for their reference.

Dennis Larratt


Looks like COHVCO will be getting my initial donation, and I'll contribute to the others when/as I can.