TALKING POINTS:

  1. What type of event is it (enduro, motorcycle trials, ATV, and whether it's a race in mass, like the Parker 250/500, or whether each rider is timed through the course)? The latter, timing, has fewer impacts.
  2. How often would the race take place, how many participants (they need to specify a cap) and what type of machines will be used?
  3. What routes would be used? If they're existing roads, good. But if they plan to use washes, bad. Even if existing roads, which ones and how would riders be kept from taking short cuts, etc?
  4. What restrictions would the BLM put on camping on public lands that might be associated with the event?
  5. Would refueling stations or check points be on public lands and, if so, how would these be monitored to ensure no spillage, damage, etc?
  6. You still have the reality of people from far away, either racing in the event or spectators, thinking that this is a good place to come back to and race on their own (without restrictions associated with the race). That is, it may become wider known as a place to take your ORV and have fun.
  7. What period does the BLM intend to issue the Special Recreation Permit for? One year is best given that the BLM is in the middle of a broad plan that may rule out ORV use there when the plan is made final. We want to avoid BLM approving the permit for 2 or more years (they can grant one for up to 10 years.)
  8. What monitoring will the BLM commit to, before, during, and after the event to ensure that the racing promoter keeps promises made in the permit and that any ruts/damage/spills are rectified immediately?
  9. Two federal agencies adjoin the BLM lands where these races are proposed which are fighting hard (at great expense) to keep undocumented aliens and pursuing Border Patrol from driving across the desert. Why should BLM consider allowing the same destruction to be permitted on their lands?
  10. Ajo is a sleepy community where people respect the desert, hike in it, observe it, cherish it and want to protect it. Leave this totally separated area out of the noisy, destructive, messy types of activities.

 

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