FROM THE CONSERVATION DESK   -   Ben Romero STODDARD VALLEY AREA SIGNED FOR ORV USE: A 12000 acre area of public land near Barstow has been identified as suitable for use by motorcyclists and other off-road vehicle users. The announcement was made by Del Vail, manager of BLM's Riverside District and Land Office. Vail said the area had been under study for several months, after being identified as one of several potential off-road use areas. The area lies near the southern limits of Barstow, within a triangle formed by the Barstow Freeway on the west, Barstow Road to the east, and the Stoddard Wells Road on the south. JOHNSON VALLEY CONSIDERED FOR ORV USE: An area of more than 100,000 acres in San Bernardino County's Johnson Valley is under consideration as a site for off-road vehicle use, mainly for motorcyclists, according to the BLM in Riverside. BLM said an area such as Johnson Valley would be needed to complement the 12000 acre Stoddard Valley, which would be used mostly by individuals or small groups. The larger area could satisfy the need for a place to stage cross-country racing, enduro, and other competitive events. Johnson Valley is about 20 miles east of Lucerne Valley, reached by highway 18 from Victorville. The area is north of Old Woman Springs Road. The area already receives considerable use by cyclists. BLM feels that since ORVs have used the area and done much damage already and since "it is already ruined" (their words) ORVs should have continued use of the land. FOUR-WHEELERS MEET BLM BOSS: Del Vail, new Riverside District BLM manager, held a rap session with over 100 persons representing 27 organized groups of 4WD on Oct 24; at an outing and campfire the 4WD-ers held in the Mecca Hills area. The four-wheelers with whom he met in Box Canyon say they are especially interested in keeping open for their use an area they found specially suited to their needs over the years. The area is generally bounded by highway 195, Interstate 10, the Kaiser Eagle Mountain Railroad and the Salt Creek Wash and the Coachella Canal. (Look on your maps and determine if any peaks on the DPS list are in that area!) At this same outing and at the campfire, Vail promised 4-wheelers: "THE BLM HAS NO INTENTION OF SHUTTING OFF VAST DESERT AREAS MERELY TO PRESERVE THEM AS SOME CONSERVATIONISTS WANT DONE." CORVA ASKS FOR FUNDS TO FIGHT SIERRA CLUB: The California Off-Road Vehicle Association has been fighting for the "rights of the Off-Roaders." In the latest issue of "Dune Buggy News" CORVA President asked members to donate money to fight opponents, particularly the Sierra Club. They are planning a campaign to get more dune buggy businesses to donate money. They cite the fact that the motorcycle industry is backing motorcycle clubs in pushing for legislation that will legalize ORV use on public lands. ANZA-BORREGO OPEN TO ORV USE: Pressured by ORV users and organized clubs, the State Parks arid Recreation Department reversed a decision on ORV use in Anza-Borrego State Park. Last May ORV users were told that their vehicles would not be allowed to be used in the park. Pressures were exerted. Last August State Director Mott opened the park to ORV use. This was done in spite of much evidence from the scientific community that there is much irreversible damage already done to the park by ORVs. BLM COMMENDS ORV USERS FOR PROMOTING GOOD WILL: Del Vail told ORV-ers recently that the organized ORV groups have created considerable good will by conservation activities in which they have participated for several years. Last March CORVA held a Johnny Horizon Clean--Up Day which drew 725 participants from 21 dune buggy clubs, Volunteers picked up 17 one-ton truckloads of trash and litter, a total of 150 cubic yards. Last Memorial Day 100 volunteers removed 10 ton of trash and litter from the Owl Canyon area. These were volunteers from mineralogical societies - rockhounders. And last month on Oct 9, 3740 people donated a minimum of 10000 man hours to

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