Cal4Wheel Urges Targeted Law Enforcement Effort at CCMA

CA4WDC joined Friends of Clear Creek Management Area, AMA District 36 and BlueRibbon Coalition to urge BLM Hollister to begin targeted law enforcement efforts to address reported instances of illegal trespass in the Clear Creek Management Area.

A copy of the October 19, 2012 letter submitted to BLM and Sheriff of San Benito County is printed below:

Re: Targeted Law Enforcement Effort at CCMA

Dear Mr. Cooper:

The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (Cal4Wheel) is concerned about reported instances of illegal trespass in the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA).  These trespass claims have implicated OHV users and are the exception, not the rule.  As you know, Cal4Wheel supports responsible use of public lands and discourages trespass on private lands and public lands closed to motorized recreation. Further, Cal4Wheel supports the enforcement of laws and regulations that pertain to responsible OHV use on public and private lands.

“Enforcement”, along with Education and Engineering, comprise the three “E’s” and are important components in land management actions. Successful land managers use the three “E’s” to address recreational use of public lands regardless of land classification.  In addition, law enforcement is critical during “temporary emergency closures” to ensure compliance with the order.

Currently, the CCMA “Research Natural Area” and other sensitive habitat areas are closed to motorized access under a temporary emergency closure order.  Should the BLM find there are cases of illegal trespass by a few OHV users, Cal4Wheel urges the agency to consider an interagency targeted law enforcement effort to address the issue.  Cal4Wheel has seen other cases where joint efforts from local, state, and federal OHV-related law enforcement have successfully addressed identified resource issues..

Thanks in advance for your review of our concerns.