Adventurer, outdoorsman, four-wheeler, author, and defender of sustainable outdoor motorized recreational access.
 |
| By the time the gate goes up, it's too late! |
Welcome to landuse, access, conservation, stewardship, and getting involved. This is your first stop in learning what to do, how to do it, and where to start.
We can't afford to sit back and wait for someone else to do it. Here are simple starting steps.
 |
| Del's tips on how to keep trails open. |
By Del Albright, Sustainable Recreation Advocate
Right now — before the summer chaos hits, while clubs and groups are gearing up for events, fundraisers, and land use battles — is the time to ACT.
Our trails are on the table. Some are threatened. Some are already locked up. Others are barely hanging on. Some have been reopened! But together, we can help the new Administration and supportive elected officials keep the rubber on the dirt and the access in our hands. The key? More voices. More hands. More of YOU.
🔹 Join a land use organization: Whether it's national, regional, statewide, or your local club — we need numbers and muscle.
🔹 Get on a committee: Policy is shaped by those who show up.
🔹 Volunteer for trail maintenance: Sweat equity matters.
🔹 Donate or fundraise: Advocacy isn't free — but a locked gate costs way more in the long run.
🔹 Speak up on social: Be loud. Be visible. Be positive. Your voice influences others.
Because public land policies are shifting faster than ever. Because recreational use is growing. Because agencies are setting their summer priorities right now — and if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.
TRAIL ACCESS IS NOT A GUARANTEE — IT’S A FIGHT
And it’s one we can win. But it takes more than just enjoying the ride. It takes standing up, speaking out, and showing the world that our trails are worth protecting. And it takes JOINING organized recreation associations/groups.
Let your commitment be known — get involved before the gates are closed.
👉 Learn more, join up, and take action at www.delalbright.com
 |
Learn more of the tips and shortcuts to saving trails and keep our access alive and well in my book now available on Amazon here. |
##
🌎 Earth Day: The 3 A’s of Stewardship – A Roadmap to Keeping Public Lands Open
Every year, Earth Day gives us a chance to celebrate the incredible beauty and value of the natural world. But for those of us who live and breathe outdoor adventure—whether it’s exploring backcountry trails, camping under the stars, or kicking up sand in the dunes—Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar.
When it comes to preserving access to public lands and keeping trails open, one resource is more precious than all the rest: your time.
Sure, monetary donations to land use groups and off-road organizations are important. Joining these groups as a member strengthens our collective voice. But nothing compares to the boots-on-the-ground commitment of volunteering — giving your time, your sweat, and your energy to causes you truly believe in.
.png)
Key Historical Highlights:
1992: The publication of the California Spotted Owl Technical Report highlighted the need to shift forest management practices from clear-cutting to the protection of owl nesting areas, large trees, and canopy cover.
1995: The Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project (SNEP) was commissioned by Congress to conduct a scientific assessment of the Sierra Nevada's ecological conditions, providing a foundation for future management strategies.
1999: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment was released, outlining proposed changes to forest management practices aimed at balancing ecological health with human uses.
2001: The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the accompanying Record of Decision (ROD) were issued, establishing new management directives focused on: Protecting old forest ecosystems and associated species, including designating key core areas for the California spotted owl and Northern goshawk; Implementing measures to reduce wildfire risks through strategic fuels management; and Enhancing aquatic, riparian, and meadow ecosystems.
The development of the Sierra Nevada Framework involved extensive public participation. Over 60 public meetings were held before the draft EIS, and an additional 60 meetings were held between the draft and final plans.
In 2004, the Forest Service revised the 2001 Framework, leading to legal challenges from various environmental organizations. These disputes were eventually settled in October 2014, ending 13 years of disagreements over land management directions.
The Sierra Nevada Framework represents a significant shift in forest management philosophy, emphasizing ecosystem health and species protection alongside traditional resource uses.
(Author's Note: These things change with the tide - and Administrations. So always stay tuned in and engaged with your favorite organizations to ensure your voice is heard).
##
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
If you've ever wondered why land use decisions on public trails seem to move at a snail’s pace—or why some routes get closed altogether—the answer often points to one law: NEPA.
Let’s break it down.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. It’s one of America’s foundational environmental laws, and it requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions before making decisions.
In plain terms, NEPA is about “look before you leap” when it comes to projects on public lands.
Now for the nitty-gritty: how does NEPA impact our ability to enjoy trails with Jeeps, SxSs, dirt bikes, or overland rigs?
Every time a new motorized trail is proposed—or even an existing one needs to be maintained or reopened—a NEPA review is triggered. This can delay approvals and sometimes lead to closures, especially if environmental impacts (real or perceived) are flagged.
Even simple things like grading a road, replacing a culvert, or brushing a trail can require NEPA review on federal land. If funding or staff is limited, this means delays or closures happen by default.
NEPA is at the heart of how the Forest Service and BLM create their Travel Management Plans—which define where motorized vehicles are allowed. These plans take years and are based heavily on NEPA documents, public input, and environmental data.
NEPA isn’t just a roadblock—it’s also a tool for advocacy. Motorized recreationists can:
Whether you're a Jeep rock crawler, a dual-sport rider, or an overland explorer, NEPA shapes the landscape of your access. Understanding how it works—and how to engage with it—helps you protect the places you love to ride.
Motorized use often gets painted as harmful by those who don't understand or value our style of recreation. By participating in the NEPA process, we can defend responsible use, support trail stewardship, and ensure future generations can explore our public lands by motor.
Want to keep your trails open? Know your NEPA.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Public lands and conservation efforts in America come in many forms — and they often overlap in goals but differ in methods and philosophy. Here's a quick breakdown of four key ideas and initiatives you may have heard about:
🌲 The Wildlands Project (Now "Wildlands Network")
Launched in the 1990s by conservation biologists, The Wildlands Project aimed to create a connected system of protected lands across North America. Think of it as a "wildlife highway" — linking core habitats with corridors to help species migrate, thrive, and adapt to changing environments. It emphasized large-scale rewilding and limiting human development in key areas.
🐺 Rewilding America
More of a philosophy and movement than a single organization, Rewilding America builds on the Wildlands vision. It promotes restoring natural processes and reintroducing keystone species like wolves and bison. The goal is to bring back a wilder, more self-regulating ecosystem — even if that means scaling back roads, dams, or certain types of land use.
🗺 America the Beautiful Initiative
Started in 2021, this is a federal conservation plan aiming to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 — often called "30x30." It's about collaboration: public lands, private working lands, and tribal stewardship all count. Unlike strict wilderness protection, this program supports recreation, ranching, and restoration — with a balance between use and preservation.
🏞 Wilderness Areas (National Wilderness Preservation System)
These are the gold standard of protected lands in the U.S. Created by the Wilderness Act of 1964, these areas are left "untrammeled by man" — no motorized vehicles, no roads, no development. They're permanently protected and require an act of Congress to be designated.
✅ Key Differences at a Glance:
| Initiative/Term | Focus | Use Allowed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlands Project | Wildlife corridors | Limited human access | NGO-led vision |
| Rewilding America | Ecosystem restoration | Varies | Movement/ideology |
| America the Beautiful | 30x30 conservation goal | Recreation, grazing OK | Federal initiative |
| Wilderness Areas | Permanent protection | No motors, no roads | Legal land designation |
Why it matters to trail users and outdoor lovers:
Understanding these efforts helps us support smart conservation without losing access. Responsible recreation and stewardship can coexist — if we stay informed and involved. But do not let these terms sneak by you in your local area. Know what is being talked about and how it will affect your club and your access.
#PublicLands #Conservation #Rewilding #AccessMatters #OutdoorStewardship #Wilderness #AmericaTheBeautiful #landuse #access
The old prospector was a “discoverer.” Discoverers are those who find the ore or the strike but usually don’t have the capital to develop a gold (or silver)
mine. Sometimes in the 1800s it was common to have to sink a shaft 200 – 300
feet or more to get the “good stuff.”
So the discoverer would sell out to the developer, who did have the
money, manpower, and backing to fully develop the mine.
Soon it becomes evident that professional help and
perhaps even legal advice might be crucial in saving this trail, so the locals
reach up to the bigger organizations at the state, regional and national levels
– the developers with the money (hopefully everyone has been joining and
supporting these bigger organizations so they do have some strength). Naturally, the merchants – the off-road
businesses – are in the game as well by supporting the big orgs and clubs out
there prospecting and developing to help keep the gold mine (the sport) alive
and well.
It all comes together, just like in the old mining days
of the American west. Well, that is to
say, if we’re all working together, making the system work, and finding unity
in our voices.
 |
| Everything you need to know about landuse and volunteerism, right here on Amazon. |
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
INSTAGRAMDEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
FYI for OHV stakeholders who plan to attend the upcoming OHMVR Commission meeting in Sacto on April 2, 2025 and/or who are interested in the fiscal health of the CA OHV Program.
https://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2025/03/opinion-ca-ohv-program-budget-must-grow.html
Quiet Warrior Racing LLC
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
By Del Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocate
Let's see what our choices are:
four-wheeling or writing a letter. Snowmobiling or attending a meeting?;
mountain biking or a scoping session? Fishing or fighting the feds? You get the
picture. Ugly choices, but it doesn't take a rear-end specialist to figure out
that playing is ALWAYS a lot more fun than meetings, letters, and bureaucracy.
There is a catch here, though, and you know in your heart what that is.
The (relatively) small vocal minority
groups (mostly radical protectionists) are trying to exclude recreational
activities (and, for that matter, commercial activities) from public land. It's
that simple. They want us off. Hiking and photography will
be allowed in the future, as well as smelling and limited breathing. But who
knows what else?
So what are our choices? What can we do about it? Well, if you've read this far, then there's a small chance you've attended a few meetings and maybe even written a couple of letters. It's all about politics, and that's how we win. It's all about YOU and ME taking that little extra effort to make our opinions known. I do have a simple proposal I'd like to offer you.
I never ask anyone to give up playing
for political involvement. All I ask is that you CONSIDER the importance of
keeping our public lands open and ASK yourself if you've contributed something
to the effort. Heck, I believe even a simple letter to your congress critter
explaining how much you enjoy a local trail is better than nothing. Express
your opinion and let the love of your sport be known.
Yes, we've got to continue going to scoping sessions and meetings, writing to our elected officials, and sitting through boring presentations now and then. And yes, we must let folks
know what and why we believe in enjoying our public lands. In the meantime, get
out and ride your trails. Teach your kids to enjoy the great outdoors. Pass on
your love of your sport to friends and family.
I also tell folks not to burn out on political involvement. You can get in so deep that your
sport is no longer fun, or you don't have time to really enjoy it. I don't
suggest that. I say for every time you ride a trail, write one letter or attend
one meeting. Simple trade-off: One for one. If you go out for a day in your
rig, on your horse, or atop your mountain bike, make one call to your
congressman or write one email or handwritten note about YOUR priorities for them
for this upcoming year. On the other hand, if you are the kind of person who sits through meetings or writes letters, make sure you give yourself equal
treatment on the play side of things. Get your one day in the field, too.
In Thomas Jefferson's words when
speaking to John Hancock, "Come on, John, it's just a signature!"
Let's put our John Hancock's on a few letters in return for a few trail rides.
Heck, get brave and attend a meeting or two. Start out sitting in the back,
then gradually find your way to the front section. Make a difference.
If we all did it, our voices would be
heard across the land. Please support my proposal: One for One!
https://www.amazon.com/Shortcuts-Landuse-Volunteerism-Volunteer-Leadership/dp/B0CVXL345P/
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
.jpg)
Available now for free, the Land Use App is ready to help you with shortcuts to land use, saving trails, running meetings, writing letters, building membership, leading volunteers, and much more.
Just bookmark it on your phone/tablet here: https://m.delalbright.com/
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Rubicon Trail Roundup 2006 – What a Year!
By Del Albright, 2006 Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR)
(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This article brings back and records some history of the famous Rubicon Trail and the Friends of the Rubicon).
Our
forefathers did not want to compromise our liberties. They didn't want our
country founded on compromise. To compromise means to give up something.
In their case, they were building something, not giving up something (other than oppression). But if you're new to land use and access battles, then the idea of compromise might have a significantly different meaning to you.
Often, I hear from two very different sides of the fence. One side says never compromise…it only means we lost something in the process – and we've lost too much as it is. The other side says we must compromise in order to gain ground – that it's only fair to play the give-and-take game.
If you're negotiating for a look-alike Rolex in a third-world country, you might experience compromise at its best. The seller starts pretty high, and you counter really low. You "compromise" in the middle somewhere, most likely close to where you both wanted to be in the first place. It's built into the process. We expect it to go down that way. But is this how our access should be negotiated?
Let's look at this from the perspective of no compromise. If the "hacker of fine wanna-be Rolex's" sets a price that we don't want to pay, we are left with two choices – take it or leave it. So, is this how our access should be negotiated?
After thirty-five years of doing this land use and access stuff, I find myself wanting to compromise less and less. Oh, I still do it, alright. I just do it less and less. And for sure I like it less and less.
I look at the picture of our forefathers who built this country, and I don't see a lot of compromise in what they set out to do. Nowadays, our local, state, and federal agencies are completely focused on finding compromise (with us and those who oppose us). So, just how should we negotiate our access?
Don Amador, a 30-year veteran of many land-use battles, including some important victories, states, "Over time, I have adopted the concept of strategic or principled compromise or collaboration as an effective tool to help ensure that current and future generations of off-roaders have access to high-quality OHV recreational experiences."
"Strategic compromise takes a hard look at relevant factors such as political realities, rules/regulations, engaged or commitment level of local users, agency leadership/staff capacity, potential litigation, and ways to create a 'win' for those project opponents,"
Amador
continues.
"I think it also helps OHV leadership to understand that 'ALL OHV TRAIL DECISIONS ARE POLITICAL DECISIONS.' And that science, hard data, soil surveys, and other environmental or economic studies often have nothing to do with what decision is made."
Amador
continues.
"Acquiring and keeping a seat at the land use table where you show your commitment to key OHV stakeholders for ongoing management and planning activities is highly effective and is the best way for you to promote and protect your access to sustainable motorized recreation on public lands," Amador concludes.
I am here to tell you it's time for less compromise for compromise's sake. Politicians make a living by slinging compromise – that is what they do. Let's not get too mad at them for that; heck, it's their job.
Along those same lines, agency bureaucrats go to extensive training sessions to learn the art of compromise. I suppose we should not blame them either, as they always have a dozen different interests pulling at them. So, who is left to blame for compromises that leave us holding the bag? Us? I think so.
If you're reading this thinking, "Boy, Del, you're sending a mixed message," then you're right. I am. I say when you have a good politician or a good agency bureaucrat who is trying to make things fair by offering compromises to several different sides, then work with them. Find some compromise you can live with. Learn to compromise smartly in this case.
On the other hand, find your line in the sand. Define your fundamental principles. Do not compromise them. Hold firm. But also remember this – your "holding" position is only as strong as your ability to hold it.
You can quack all day long and threaten all sorts of things, but if you don't have the membership and money to back your play, then, well, I hate to say it, but you're just another duck in the noisy pond!
This leads me to my best advice for this dilemma.
First, after you define your principles (line in the sand), figure out your real room for negotiating. Include a list of things you want to gain -- not just those things you're willing to give up. Far too often, volunteer groups go into negotiating sessions with agency folks and radical protectionists, thinking only of what they might have to give up. Learn to think in terms of wins and gains as starting points.
Second: clearly articulate the consequences of your choices – what will happen with each choice you face. It's important to face the reality and consequences of your choices before you make them if you want to be successful in the long run.
Third: objectively analyze what you can really live with and what is best for the cause.
Fourth: ascertain just how much clout (membership and money) you really have at your disposal. It's almost like playing poker; there are only so many hands you can win with bluffing and bluster. Real clout and real wins come from a strong support base.
Fifth: build support for the plan of action you choose and make it happen! If your support base is not strong enough, then build it up.
Our forefathers did their form of compromising – they compromised amongst themselves and their constituents. They had to build this country in a democratic-republic fashion. However, they clearly did not compromise with their fundamental principles, and I think that is where we need to land more often.
I suggest that your job is to figure out where you fit in these battles and where you stand on the idea of compromise, then make sure you help those efforts that make sense to you.
Whatever you do, don't compromise your rights away by not even being in the game.
##
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Once Upon A Time…
"My fingers were ragged from climbing a jagged mountain peak, only to find a wise, old man sitting there, legs crossed, deep in thought.
“Old man,” I said, “what are you doing here
and so absorbed in concentration?”
“Son,” he mumbled, “it’s the tickets.”
“Tickets,” I exclaimed, “what the heck are
you talking about?”
“How many Win-A-Jeep tickets should I
buy? This will be a good year,” he
decreed.
I asked, “What’s so great about these tickets
and this Jeep?”
“Well,” he slowly explained, “even if I don’t
win, I’m helping this great outfit save trails and keep roads open. But if I do win, I can get the heck off this
mountain!”
That did it right there. I scrambled down that mountain, found a WiFi hot spot, logged in, and bought my share of tickets.
You should do the same!
The End.
Now the rest of the story. This will be a fantastic build with adventure written all over it. And the time is right now. You can get tickets before the build is even done, but you won't regret it. It's always a great vehicle. If tickets are not yet up, just keep checking back. Get yours at http://www.cal4wheel.com/win
Thanks for helping us keep our four-wheeling sports and alive and our trails open.
Del
##
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Curing
“Sign Blindness”
You’re driving to your favorite trail and whipping right
on by the kiosk or starting place with all the signs and do’s and do not’s. We
all do it. And we do it because we know our trial and the rules. Unfortunately,
not everyone knows the rules. But they are sure “blind” to signs way too
often.
I spend a large part of my time educating folks on how to
recreate responsibly – doing it right while enjoying the great outdoors. But
the one thing that frosts me is how some people do not seem to see signs and,
therefore, suffer from what I call sign blindness – the inability to see what
is in front of them and follow the rules!
Do
Not Feed the Wildlife
How many times have you seen someone feeding the wildlife
despite a sign 10 feet away to the contrary? Think about the tracks you see of
a mountain biker or dirt biker who just had to get off the trail and leave an
imprint where it did not belong in spite of brochures, signs, and laws to the
contrary. And how about the citified
lifted truck that rips through a meadow when the huge public lands sign
specifically forbids that?
Sign Blindness is a disease that ruins our public lands
and special places for everyone. We can help cure it. I hope you will join me
and include (as appropriate) in your wheeling, club events, writing notes,
tips, and suggestions that encourage responsible use of public lands and
prevent abuse or damage of our resources.
The
Simple Code
I like to call it the outdoor code of ethics:
1.
Stay on the roads and trails no matter your
choice of conveyance.
2.
Obey the laws and rules, and be sure to set an
example for those behind you.
3.
Stop and read the posted signs and kiosks as
you travel the backcountry. Make an obvious point of parking by the signs to
read them. Know and follow the rules.
4. Always pick up trash even when it is not yours. Set the example.
5.
Say something (without jeopardizing your
safety) to people being idiots and ruining it for all of us. In the worst
cases, I do not hesitate to call law enforcement.
Sign Blindness is Curable
Sign Blindness is curable if we all become obvious in our
“stop and read” efforts. Others will hopefully follow suit. Carry brochure
copies of the trail rules and signs and hand them out as needed. Take pics of
the signs at trailheads and post them on your social networks. Remind folks of
the rules. Let’s get people reading the signs and helping us save trails.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
Happy Veterans Day, you old (and young) warriors! We're still here, still standing, and still proud to have served. To my fellow...
