ASA Opposes cuts to OHV Program Funding

[nixsternik]

In keeping with the ASA's Mission to "UNITE, INFORM & MOBILIZE" the sand duning community to protect your right to recreate, the ASA wrote a response to a budget item being discussed at the Assembly Budget Committee #3 on Resources and Transportation. Budget Committee staff had recommended the Committee use Off Highway Vehicle funds to support security costs for protecting closed parks from prohibited off highway vehicle use.

The following letter was sent to the Chairman of the Budget Committee and cc'd to Committee Members:

February 10, 2011

The Honorable Richard S. Gordon, Chair
Assembly Budget Committee # 3
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 92449

RE: Feb. 10 Hearing - Impacts to OHV Program – OPPOSE

Dear Chairman Gordon and Committee Members,

I am writing today on behalf of the 40,000+ members of the American Sand Association to strongly encourage you to oppose any proposals that remove funding to the California Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program at State Parks.

The American Sand Association urges the committee to take into effect the serious implications this will have on the long term sustainability of the OHV program in California.

Sincerely,
Nicole Nicholas Gilles
Executive Director
American Sand Association

[nixsternik]

UPDATE - I received the following response from Chairman Gordon. This is proof that we are being heard!

From: Grant, Margot [mailto:Margot.Grant@asm.ca.gov] On Behalf Of Assemblymember Gordon
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 2:16 PM
To: Nicole Gilles (ASA)
Subject: RE: OHV Parks Funding Cut - Opposition

February 15, 2011

Dear Ms. Gilles,

Thank you for voicing your support of the preservation the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) funds. As the Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation (Budget Sub-3), I am pleased to inform you that Budget Sub-3 voted to not repurpose OHV funds to the California State Parks system on February 10, 2011. Please be assured that I will keep your concerns in mind in case of further discussion of OHV funding.

Sincerely,


Richard S. Gordon
Twenty-First Assembly District
(650) 391-2121

[Sandcock]

Good news =D> We can never let our guard down