• Welcome to the new NAXJA Forum! If your password does not work, please use "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if we can provide any assistance.

PFJV meeting strategy meeting of 7-2

Paul S

NAXJA Member #103
Mark R. Howlett & Dustin Webster volunteered to take on the 'PR' duties. So,
with that in mind, see below.

Paul


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact
July 7th, 2008 Mark R. Howlett
Executive Director
818-408-1925
[email protected]

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR JOHNSON VALLEY HOSTS A STRATEGY MEETING AMONG OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE LEADERS

The Partnership for Johnson Valley, in the spirit of cooperation, met with off-highway industry leadership to discuss possible Marine Base expansion into Johnson Valley

Glendale, CA - The Partnership For Johnson Valley (PFJV) hosted a two-hour meeting last Wednesday, July 2nd at the California Trail User Coalition’s headquarters to strategize and align communication amongst a multitude of OHV Leaders. The strategy meeting was originally announced June 16th, following a Johnson Valley presentation given by PFJV to many of the same groups of OHV leaders. The purpose of the strategy meeting was to invite the many concerned OHV leaders into a collaborative, trusting and open relationship in an effort to preserve Johnson Valley as an Open Access multiple-use area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

In the wake of discontent following a BLM scoping meeting concerning a proposed energy development project in the West Fry Mountains of Johnson Valley, the PFJV strategy meeting was a welcome opportunity for like-minded leadership to strategize on land utilization issues. “I was happy to walk out of there to see nothing but smiles,” commented Dustin Webster with W.E. ROCK Events, an International Rock Crawling promotional and events Company. “It was an effective meeting. Stay tuned to see how you can help and at the same time, those that have seen the PowerPoint presentation, get your thinking caps turned on HIGH and help us out with more info.”

The Strategy meeting was moderated by Harry Baker, Chairman of the Board for PFJV. Mr. Baker began the meeting by immediately inviting John Stewart, Consultant for the California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. (CA4WDC) to lead the Strategy planning session. The outcome of the session was consensus that all OHV groups work cooperatively with the common goal of continued public land access in Johnson Valley.

The united alignment of all parties around a goal of retaining the 187,000 acre Johnson Valley as an open access, multiple-use OHV area supporting a multitude of recreation interests in concert with the current West Mojave Desert Management plan was agreed. “In order to successfully work together, we must have transparent communication and understanding amongst all parties,” commented Dave Cole, Founder of the popular Friends of Johnson Valley- representing motorized recreation interests. Mr. Cole underscored a need for long-term and short-term strategies, while building ongoing working relationships with all Stakeholders emphasizing that, “no grain of sand should be forfeited.”

Also in attendance was Founder of Friends of Giant Rock, Ray Pessa, Patrick Cooley with 4X4 Freelanders & 4X4Him, Garry Hall, Friends of Panamint Valley & Friends of Johnson Valley, Brian Nash with E Clampus Vitus & Myjeeprocks, Mark R. Howlett and Helen Baker with PFJV, Jason Bunch with Tri-County Gear, John James, resident Apple Valley, and Paul Sinclair with NAXJA.

About The Partnership for Johnson Valley:
The leadership of the Partnership For Johnson Valley has been cooperatively working with the military and the affected Stakeholders in an effort to explore alternatives to the proposed land expansion. The PFJV is a division of the 501(c)3 California Trail Users Coalition led by Harry Baker, Chairman with Mark Howlett as Executive Director, Wayne Nosala as Secretary and directors Ray Pessa and Helen Baker. The Mission of the Partnership is to unite the many people who enjoy the diverse activities available in the multiple-use open access area of Johnson Valley. The Partnership’s charter is to promote responsible recreation and the use of desert resources through conservation and education. The goal of the Partnership is to ensure public open-access to the area in the present, and to future generations who Live, Work, and Recreate in Johnson Valley. For more information and updates, please visit www.PFJV.org.
 
Thank you Paul
 
I'd like to also thank Paul who volunteered at the last moment to make this meeting (I wasn't going to get there on time....)


And on a similar note:
I had a good long meeting with Dave Cole (Friends of Johnson Valley) over the weekend and left that meeting feeling that FOJV will do the best at representing our needs in the battle ahead. To help them meet our goal of keeping JV open I will be proposing to our Chapter BOD that we donate as much as $1000 to help.
I will also be lobbying the National BOD of NAXJA to make an even larger donation available when the needs arise.

Rest assured that NAXJA will play a major role in the future of Johnson Valley with the help of our membership and leadership.

Rick
 
Back
Top