The year 2005 has been a very disappointing year for the OHV community. We have spent the previous decade hearing fellow backcountry users yelling, "the sky is falling, the sky is falling" And year after year, the sky never fell.
Now, the sky fell....finally and the 4x4 community is looking like it will suffer the most. GAMP is set to come out any week now and we will see how much of the 90% proposed trail closures will remain in effect. It does'nt look promising....at all.
So, what do we do?
Well, until a bunch of people with a lot of time on their hands formally introduce a 4x4 specific organization that enters the political arena, we only have AURS. They have been at it over 10 years.
The AURS has done lots of good things and also questionable things. Having Tim D step up to the plate to actively engage our position regarding GAMP has been a good thing. In his short time he has worked very hard to align ourselves with other provincial organizations. It has been an uphill battle to say the least. We still are not on the "inside" track with the provincial government but we are working towards that goal.
That goal is nescessary in order for us to protect OHV use (especially 4x4's) for upcoming access issues in Maclean Creek, Indian Graves, Livingstone and Dutch Creek areas.
So, some individuals are very opinionated against where the AURS is now. Some clubs are questioning the need for continued club support from thier members with the large $20 yearly donation. And certainly some are questioning the future of AURS.
Right now, AURS is all we have. The membership numbers are decent but politically need to be much higher.
So, elections are this Thursday. If you as an individual, as an executive from a club or as a member of a club have concerns over your need to support the AURS than i suggest you attend the elections.
Why?
To offer solutions
To offer suggestions
To stand up and be heard by running for an executive position with AURS
To help shape the future of 4 wheeling in Alberta
This is it. The future of 4 wheeling depends on how successful the AURS can become in 2006. We need to align ourselves with major political groups
like AOHVA and ASA. (quad and sled provincial organizations). We need to be in the same rooms as they are when the Minister of the Environment or Deputy Minister meets with user groups. Up til now we have been excluded!
OR
Forget about politics and let us concentrate on Stewardship of remaining trails only.
These are the serious issues we all face. Input from everyone is needed now (at the meeting) not later on websites or at club meetings criticizing AURS. This is your chance to participate in what could be the single most important night in AURS history and in the history of our sport.
Its up to you and you only. If you do not attend (understanding that some people have committments at home or work and will in no way be able to attend) than you have no say....unless its more public criticism on websites which is incrediblly destructive to every OHV user.
Show up, voice your concerns or praises and throw your hat into the political ring and do something about it.
Get the message out and let us have a wealth of knowlege and diversity of views meet to discuss the future of AURS and the future of OHV use in Alberta. The truth is that 4x4's are in a very precarious time for ANY use on ANY trails.
Thanks and hope to see a bunch of old but also the need for a bunch of NEW faces.
Tom
Topic: AURS ELECTIONS THURSDAY NIGHT (Read 1550 times)