BERKELEY, Calif.–The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) http://www.nationalmtb.org/ and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) http://www.imba.com/ have recently signed a partnership agreement which states that IMBA and NICA will work together to cross-promote their efforts and engage the broad cycling community.

NICA executive director Matt Fritzinger said, “We are very pleased to formalize our partnership with IMBA — the continued growth of high school mountain biking depends on trail access.” He added, “Riding bikes is a freedom all youth should enjoy, and parents greatly support their kids riding on trails away from the dangers of traffic. IMBA does an incredible job of working with communities to build and maintain sustainable trail systems that work for all trail users.”

“The success of the Northern and Southern California High School Mountain Bike Leagues has been truly remarkable,” said IMBA executive director Mike Van Abel. “When I learned about the plan to replicate those successes on a national scale under the NICA banner, I hoped IMBA’s club network might become a useful resource,” he added, also noting that the partnership would help expand IMBA’s demographic diversity and compliment existing youth programs such as National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/09_09/09_30_TKMBD.html

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IMBA is coming to Downieville, CA, Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, and you’re invited to join in the special events. Chris and Leslie Kehmeier of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew are teaming up with Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship for a weekend dedicated to improving local trails and having fun.

The visit features a Trailbuilding School, Club Care Workshop, social and a group ride. This is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the IMBA Crew while learning all about trailbuilding. Check out the details below and come join in the fun.

You are receiving this email as an IMBA member or contact. Help us get the word out. Please use the “Tell a friend” button below to send this invitation to other area mountain bikers, land managers and trail users. The more the merrier!

If this event is too far away for you to attend, we understand. We sent you this email to not just invite you but also let you know about the important work IMBA is doing in California.

Schedule

Friday:
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Club Care Workshop
Venues TBD

Saturday:
9:00 - Noon: Trailbuilding School Classroom session
Lunch
1:30 - 4:00: Trailbuilding School field session
6:00 PM: Volunteer dinner and Halloween party at Yuba Expeditions

Sunday:
Group ride (tentative)

Please RSVP online.

source: IMBA

SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Aug. 10, 2009 - Syncros Applied Technologies today announced its partnership with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to provide IMBA members and volunteers discount coupons for Syncros products as reward for their support of mountain biking communities and infrastructure.

Syncros, a bicycle component manufacturer known for its grassroots mountain bike heritage and pragmatic, indestructible components, will provide a 25 percent discount off Syncros products’ MSRP for IMBA members, a 40 percent discount for IMBA trail builders, and a 65 percent discount for IMBA member retailers that organize shop employees to work on an IMBA-sanctioned project.

“Syncros appreciates all of the time and resources that mountain bike enthusiasts give to help IMBA maintain the trails that we all benefit from riding,” said Steve Parke, general manager of Syncros. “We hope our partnership with IMBA will reinforce the Syncros brand as one that supports riders on their bikes and within their mountain biking communities.”

The Syncros discount coupons offered through this partnership will be distributed to members, volunteers and member retail shops through IMBA. Individual IMBA members will redeem their coupon discounts through an online code provided by IMBA on the password-protected portion of its Web site. Qualified IMBA trail-builders will receive their coupons through their local IMBA Team Captains. IMBA will distribute one-time-use discount coupons to its member retail shops participating in trail restoration projects. The Syncros coupons are redeemable through Syncros.com where orders placed will be fulfilled through Syncros in San Carlos, Calif.

“IMBA is supported by a grassroots network of members, so we really value the support of a grassroots brand like Syncros,” said Mike Van Abel, IMBA executive director. “It’s great to have a partner that keeps our member benefits program strong and robust.”

IMBA member retailers can submit their IMBA project proposals starting next month to the password-protected portion of IMBA.com. Project proposals should include:

Creative proposals may be used on the Syncros Web site or for other promotional purposes.

About IMBA
Since 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has created, enhanced and protected great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. A group of California mountain bike clubs founded IMBA to develop and promote mountain biker-education programs and innovative trail management solutions. Now IMBA has members in each state of the U.S. and 40 other countries that annually contribute more than one million hours to trailwork projects on public land. To date, IMBA volunteers have created more than 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of new trails worldwide. More information about IMBA is available at www.IMBA.com.

About Syncros Applied Technologies
Canadian-based Syncros, known for its grassroots heritage and pragmatic, indestructible components, shares its roots with the very origins of mountain biking itself. Founded on ideas formulated in the back room of Vancouver’s Westpoint Cycles in the mid-1980’s, the company continues to serve the needs of hardcore, off-road riders. By the early 1990’s Syncros was the leading provider of high-end off-road bicycle parts and in 2003 was purchased by Ritchey Design. Ritchey Designs’ global infrastructure has allowed Syncros to return to its roots and provide components for the most serious XC, All Mountain, and Freeride enthusiasts. Please visit www.Syncros.com for more information about Syncros.

source: Maura Lansford

IMBA Announces Historic Opportunity for New Mountain Bike Access in Marin County, California California State Parks has announced a proposal to open a singletrack trail for mountain biking in Marin County, on the shoulders of Mt. Tamalpais. The agency plans to allow bicycle use on the 4-mile Bill’s Trail segment, and is soliciting public comments on the project. The commentary period ends on 6-26. “I’m urging mountain bikers across the country to send comments in support of this project,” says Mike Van Abel, executive director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). “It’s hard to imagine a more important location than Marin, where mountain bikers have worked incredibly hard to regain access to the very trails that helped bring our sport into the world.” This landmark opportunity is the direct result of more than three years of partnership building with the parks department by IMBA California, Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin. A successful opening of Bill’s Trail will set the stage for bicycle access to several other singletrack trails in Marin, which is widely considered to be one of the birthplaces of modern mountain biking. Despite its historic role, Marin has seen precious few opportunities for mountain biking open to the public in recent years. IMBA issued a call to action, asking mountain bikers to tell California State Parks that they support the decision to open Bill’s Trail to bicycles.Within 24 hours of posting the alert, IMBA has recorded nearly 1,000 comments that have been submitted in favor of mountain bike access. A small number of local hiking and equestrian groups have vowed to fight against any new access for mountain biking in Marin County, despite plentiful evidence that well-designed trails can be successfully shared by various user groups, and that mountain biking is a sustainable, low-impact form of recreation. “I think that, broadly speaking, the community of trail users in Marin is ready for this,” says IMBA California Policy Advisor Tom Ward. “We have seen great success with our volunteer mountain bike patrol program there. Mountain bikers care deeply about protecting the gorgeous trails and natural areas in Marin, and we will continue working with like-minded groups.” According to Ward, outreach programs such as Share the Trail are creating stronger relations between user groups, and the outlook for increased mountain bike access in Marin has never been brighter. Located within the Mt. Tamaplais watershed in Samuel Taylor State Park, Bill’s Trail winds through native ferns, wildflowers and hazelnut trees. It averages a reasonable 7-percent grade, and its six switchbacks provide riders with multiple views of the surrounding landscapes. While it is expected that bike access on Bill’s Trail will be limited to alternate days at first, the parks department states that this stipulation will be open to further review. California State Parks is expected to announce opportunities for bicycling on other nearby routes in upcoming months. The Diaz Ridge Trail, which runs through Mt. Tamalpais State Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area property, is scheduled to receive a major reroute this summer. This project could produce shared-use singletrack joining State Parks and National Park Service properties.

source: Contact Mark Eller IMBA Communications Director

Support Historic Opportunity for NEW Mountain Bike Access in Marin County, California California State Parks has announced a proposal to open singletrack for mountain biking in Marin County, on the shoulders of Mt. Tamalpais. The agency plans to permit bicycle use on the 4-mile Bill’s Trail segment and is soliciting public commentary on the project. This landmark opportunity is the direct result of more than three years of partnership building with the parks department by IMBA California, Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin. A successful opening of Bill’s Trail will set the stage for bicycle access to several other singletrack trails in Marin, which is widely considered to be one of the birthplaces of modern mountain biking. Despite its historic role, Marin has seen precious few opportunities for mountain biking open to the public in recent years. Take Action! Tell California State Parks you support their decision to open Bill’s Trail to bicycles. The commentary period ends on June 26. Additional Information Located within the Mt. Tamaplais watershed in Samuel Taylor State Park, Bill’s Trail winds through native ferns, wildflowers and hazelnut trees. It averages a reasonable 7-percent grade, and its six switchbacks provide riders with multiple views of the surrounding landscapes. While it is expected that bike access on Bill’s Trail will be limited to alternate days at first, the parks department states that this stipulation will be open to further review. California State Parks is expected to announce opportunities for bicycling on other nearby routes in upcoming months. The Diaz Ridge Trail, which runs through Mt. Tamalpais State Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area property, is scheduled to receive a major reroute this summer. This project could produce shared-use singletrack joining State Parks and National Park Service properties. A small number of local hiking and equestrian groups have vowed to fight against any new access for mountain biking in Marin County, despite plentiful evidence that well-designed trails can be successfully shared by various user groups, and that mountain biking is a sustainable, low-impact form of recreation. “I think that, broadly speaking, the community of trail users in Marin is ready for this,” says IMBA California Policy Advisor Tom Ward. “We have seen great success with our volunteer mountain bike patrol program there. Mountain bikers care deeply about protecting the gorgeous trails and natural areas in Marin, and we will continue working with like-minded groups.” Bill’s Trail winds through dense forest and provides amazing views of the surrounding area Three Things You Can Do 1. Take Action! 2. Help IMBA improve bike access in Marin County and beyond by donating to the IMBA Legal Advocacy Fund. 3. Tell your friends to take action!

Donate Now |     News |      Membership

source: IMBA

Freedom Riders Film World Premiere At Sea Otter With IMBA - New High-Definition Mountain Bike Film From KGB Productions And Gravnetic Captures Evolution Of Freeriding And The Struggle To Create Trails - Media Contact/Questions: Keith Cozzens, kcozzens@basecampcomm.com or 307.690.7411. JACKSON HOLE, WY. (March 31, 2009) - Freedom. We all want it. We all deserve it – especially when it comes to riding our bikes. Freedom Riders, the latest high-definition mountain biking film from Jackson, WY-based KGB Productions and Gravnetic, will hold its world premiere on Saturday April 18, 2009 at the Sea Otter Classic at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, CA. from 7-9pm. The premiere will be screened at the IMBA California Benefit Party with proceeds to benefit the biking advocacy organization. Tickets cost $10 at the door and there will be a huge raffle featuring loads of killer prizes. IMBA, who’s mission is to create, enhance and protect great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide, is a partner for the Freedom Riders premiere, as well as the 50 venue nationwide tour that will commence after Sea Otter. “We’re super excited to have IMBA as a partner for the Freedom Riders project and given all the hard work and advocacy they put into furthering the sport of biking it’s truly a natural fit,” says KGB co-founder Sam Pope. “The film shows how important trails are to the mountain biking community and how a dedicated group of riders followed their passion to create history.” Freedom Riders is the Dogtown and Z Boys of mountain biking. The film artistically captures the evolution of freeriding from stealth trail building to forging a working relationship with the U.S. Forest Service to establish the first-ever downhill specific trail in Forest Service history in the Teton Pass area of Wyoming. The film showcases the freeriding subculture in North America from where it was to where it is now by highlighting how the sport has obtained its legitimacy in the public eye. Freedom Riders provides a compelling story of a group of individuals who never let their passion die while looking at the rich culture and history behind the sport. From old-school footage of Tom Richey and Gary Fisher to the time, hours and sweat it takes to build a trail to hucking and ripping down singletrack, Freedom Riders isn’t your typical bike porn film, it tells a story – an important one for any bike lover. The film with also feature an original soundtrack by Grammy Award nominee Luke Reynolds of Astral Kids. CHECK OUT THE FREEDOM RIDERS TRAILER HERE AND HERE. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK TOO. For more information about the film, premiere and nationwide tour check http://www.freedomridersthemovie.com/ and http://www.imba.com/.  About KGB Production and Gravnetic: Based in the outdoor mecca of Jackson Hole, WY, KGB Productions has been producing action sports films – and drinking beer – for more than a decade. From ski films to bike films to documentaries, KGB’s films aim to artistically tell a story while entertaining with top-notch, high quality footage. KGB also handles corporate contracts and has been known to film everything from trade shows to hip-hop videos. For more info, CLICK HERE. Gravnetic is a freelance cooperative of creative’s producing promotional’s, HD programming, web and motion interactive Web sites and applications. We can be found in the Idaho backcountry filming HD Fly Fishing and Biking. The narrative of Freedom Riders was a natural fit for the talents of the cooperative. For more info, CLICK HERE. About IMBA: IMBA is a non-profit membership association that creates, enhances and preserves trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, community participation, cooperation among different trail user groups and innovative, sustainable trail development programs. IMBA’s work has touched more than 10,000 miles of trails over 20 years. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 80,000+ individuals, 750 bicycle clubs, more than 150 corporate partners and 600 retail members. IMBA’s members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries. Principal projects include the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, the National Mountain Bike Patrol, IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Epics, Trail Solutions and a variety of educational and trailbuilding efforts that comprise international, national, regional, state and local efforts. Registration with IMBA is free, or you can join IMBA as a member. For more information contact Keith Cozzens, kcozzens@basecampcomm.com or 307.690.7411.

source: keith cozzens

www.freedomridersthemovie.com

Dear Forrest, Just weeks ago, mountain bikers across the country were preparing for the worst: Oil drills surfacing alongside iconic Utah trails like Moab’s Porcupine Rim. But IMBA, working together with partners like the Outdoor Industry Association, took action to stop this potentially devastating plan. Will you help us fight the next wave of attacks against mountain biking? Right now your gift of $25, $40, $100 — or more, if possible – is critical. Please Donate Today! Contributions from riders like you are essential for protecting prized riding areas in Utah, and across the country. We need your help to keep the momentum going as we strive to achieve bike-friendly policies across the political spectrum. Please make a gift to the Legal Advocacy Fund today. Your contribution is critical to prevent huge setbacks – like the looming ban on bikes on the 3,100-mile Continental Divide trail. Help us defend your right to ride your most-loved trails. Help IMBA have a loud and clear voice in Washington, D.C. Please show your support of IMBA’s work by donating to the Legal Advocacy Fund. We are committed to representing your interests and we can’t do it without your help. Thank you for your support of our work to advance the interests of mountain bikers nationwide. Sincerely, Jenn Dice IMBA Government Affairs Director P.S. Your donation will be used to help prevent bike bans in places like Montana, where a lawsuit threatens to close access at well-established riding areas. P.P.S. Are you an IMBA member? Above and beyond membership, your donations to funds, like the Legal Advocacy Fund, allow us to target your contribution towards specific issues that matter to you. Your additional support is very important – thank you! Learn More and Donate! Learn how the Legal Advocacy Fund supports the development of resources and information for … Individuals Clubs Free Gifts for Donors! When you donate $25 or more, we’ll send you a discount code good for 25 percent off of all IMBA merchandise, including items already marked down.  Better yet — donate $40 or more and get a limited-edition IMBA Advocate Speak T-shirt.

Donate Now |     News |      Membership Tell a Friend |     Update my IMBA Profile |     Unsubscribe

source: : IMBA

Action Alert
For Immediate Release

At long last, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has proposed a rule change which will make it easier for parks to open trails for mountain biking. IMBA urges mountain bikers to register comments in support of the rule change. IMBA has been asking for this change since the 1990s. We now enter a 60-day commentary period to make the change official.

Take Action Now! Customized letters are most effective.

You can read IMBA’s white paper analysis of the proposed rule change and view the entire text in the Federal Register online. We know that several groups are working to defeat this proposal — it will take thousands of comments in favor of the rule change to ensure it stays intact.

As the proposal explicitly states, none of the NPS procedures for environmental review — or opportunities for public commentary — will be diminished by this change. What it will achieve is a much more manageable system for adopting mountain biking trails. The proposal states, “As a general matter, the proposed rule provides park superintendents with a more efficient and effective way to determine whether opening existing trails to bicycles would be appropriate in the park unit they manage.”

IMBA believes that this measure will enhance national parks and deserves your support — please file your comments today!

Sample Letter

Thank you for accepting my comments concerning RIN 1024-AD72, the National Park Service rule change for bicycling. I fully support the proposed rule.

1. The special regulations process that restricts bicycling on trails is unduly burdensome and duplicates protections that are already addressed by the NPS General Management Plan and the National Environmental Policy Act.
2. This proposed rule would give park superintendents better tools for opening trails to bicycling. It would also treat bicycles like other non-motorized trail uses, such as horseback riding.
3. Independent scientific studies, including those conducted by the National Park Service, have shown the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to those of hiking, and far less than other uses.
4. The best research regarding social interactions on trails reveals those who encounter other user groups report very favorably on their interactions. Claims otherwise are unsupported by scientific data.
5. Shared-use trails are a successful management tool worldwide. NPS staff are skilled at selecting appropriate trails for shared-use by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
6. This rule will aid visitor enjoyment for both children and adults. Bicycling broadens the recreational offerings and gets Americans out of their cars and into the natural world. It connects people of all ages with the natural environment and is a fun, low-impact activity.
7. Improving opportunities for bicycling and promoting trails tourism could benefit economic conditions for nearby communities.
8. Mountain bikers are prolific volunteers–conducting nearly one million hours of trailwork on public lands annually–and could help build environmentally sound, sustainable trails.

Thank you for considering my comment. Bicycling is a wonderful way to explore our national parks and I hope the proposed rule change will be implemented.

Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

original press release here:
http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/12_08/12_18_nps.html

Join IMBA and an expected 600 bicycle advocates at the 2009 National Bike Summit, March 10-12, in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, the Summit provides a unique opportunity for mountain bikers to interact with cyclists of all stripes, attend diverse informational sessions and lobby the halls of Congress. IMBA supporters who attend receive discounted registration, a private banquet dinner and tons of great swag.

An Extremely Important Year for the National Bike Summit

The sweeping administrative and congressional changes in D.C. make 2009 an extremely important year. “With so many new members of congress, it’s more important than ever to show them the human face of mountain biking and introduce yourself to their staff and your issues,” says IMBA Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice. “Mountain bikers have a golden opportunity to protect more land, influence public lands bills, increase funding for trails and lay the foundation for productive working relationships.”

Attendees will be treated to presentations and panel discussions on many important topics. IMBA is currently finalizing an exceptional line-up of speakers and sessions to cover the following topics: urban trails and jump parks, integrating trails and neighborhoods, small-group land protection training, funding for the National Park Service and integrating singletrack into the Bicycle Friendly Community program.

Sign up online to attend the National Bike Summit. Early bird registration is now open and available through Feb. 5.

Bolster Your Trails by Attending the National Bike Summit

The Summit is the perfect way to build a relationship with your member of congress. U.S. representatives and senators can be very powerful allies when the time comes to develop singletrack destinations. Just ask the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), who garnered $800,000 for new singletrack north of Minneapolis. “Your congressional office can help you find the right way to go after money for trails. The funding opportunities are there, but you have to go out and get it,” says MORC’s Tim Wegner.

Mike Dulin, of the Kentucky Mountain Biking Association, says, “Last year’s Summit was amazing. The combined knowledge of so many fellow cycling advocates is truly inspiring and the meetings on Capitol Hill are a fantastic way to get the ball rolling on new trails projects.”

Advocates looking to influence public lands protection also benefit from coming to D.C. “We’ve sent Virginians to the National Bike Summit the past few years and it’s undoubtedly helped us become better advocates for mountain biking and protected landscapes in the Jefferson and George Washington national forests,” says IMBA Trail Solutions Director Rich Edwards.

Resources to Get the Most Out of the National Bike Summit

IMBA pulls out the stops to make sure mountain bikers make the most of this event. Attendees are encouraged to register early so they can join pre-Summit conference calls and take advantage of IMBA’s online resources for comprehensive guidance on a variety of topics, including how to raise money to attend and finding lodging options. Limited scholarship money is available to help offset costs.

If you’re serious about taking your local singletrack to the next level, make sure the National Bike Summit is on your schedule.

source: IMBA

Action Alert
For Immediate Release

IMBA urges mountain bikers to help preserve some of Moab’s most famous trails. A new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan would lease land parcels for oil and gas extraction near iconic trails such as Porcupine Rim, Amasa Back, Barlett Wash and Tusher Canyon, turning sections of trail into heavily used access roads. IMBA respects the need for domestic energy production, but believes Moab is better served by protecting its world-class recreational assets.

If these parcels are leased and put into production, the BLM will be required to provide adequate access in the form of roads capable of accommodating trucks and other large vehicles. Parts of these roads would be located on or near some of Moab’s most famous mountain biking trails.

IMBA believes the BLM should balance the need for energy production with the benefits of recreation and tourism. Please tell BLM officials to protect mountain biking and Moab’s sustainable recreation economy by withdrawing parcels near Porcupine Rim, Amasa Back, Barlett Wash and Tusher Canyon. The deadline for comments is Dec. 3.

Use the following official protest letter to file your comments. This form must be used for correspondence with the BLM regarding this issue and cannot be emailed. It must be mailed or faxed. The address is attached and the fax number is 801-539-4237. Due to the high volume of faxes received by the BLM on protest deadline days, we encourage you to send you comments well in advance of the deadline.

Remember, too, that IMBA’s Legal Advocacy Fund provides vital resources for protecting mountain bike access.

[BLM MUST RECEIVE PROTEST BY DEC. 3, 2008]

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Bureau of Land Management
Utah State Office
PO Box 45155
Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0155 FAX 801.539.4237

Re: December 19, 2008 Lease Parcels: 180, 181,182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 196, 197 200, 217, 218, 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225

Pursuant to 43 C.F.R. 3120.1-3, please accept this letter of protest regarding the proposed lease sale of the above noted parcels. I respectfully request that these parcels be withdrawn from the December 19, 2008 sale, for the following reasons:

I am a resident of ____________, ________. I have been to Moab/am planning to visit Moab, and have specific concerns about BLM’s upcoming oil and gas lease sale in Utah.

Moab’s Recreation Economy Part A: I understand that the recently released Moab Resource Management Plan (RMP) includes specific reference to the Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) which includes both the Porcupine Rim Trail and the Amasa Back Trail. The existence of this SRMA requires that the following parcels be defered as access to these parcels will violate the Visual Resource Management Objectives set forth in the RMP. Further, the loss of these two trails would greatly reduce my desire to visit Moab. Parcel numbers: 200, 217, 218, 219, 221, and 223

Moab’s Recreation Economy Part B: Tusher Canyon and Barlett Wash are both designated Mountain Bike Areas within the BLM Resource Management Plan and are closed to motorized travel except on designated routes. Oil and gas activity in this area will greatly detract from the desirability of these trails. The RMP does not include a site-specific analysis that addresses the impacts of oil and gas development included in these lease sale parcels. The BLM must conduct site-specific analysis before making these areas available for oil and gas leasing. Parcel numbers: 180, 181,182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 196, and 197

Moab Water Quality: I am concerned about the health and safety of both residents and visitors to Moab if drilling is allowed within the Moab Aquifer. The RMP specifically states that there will be no exceptions for oil and gas development within an aquifer. Parcel numbers: 224, 225

Parcels contiguous to Arches National Park: Due to the physical constraints of Moab’s unique topography the only access to these parcels would be through Arches National Park. Therefore, I request that these parcels be deferred. Parcel numbers: 217, 218

BLM acknowledges that the potential for oil and gas production is low in these areas, so why allow permanent scars of access roads and development to tarnish the landscape that provide a high quality of life to residents of Grand County and that visitors from around the world come to enjoy? A large portion of the Moab economy will be at risk if these parcels are not deferred. The BLM has discretionary authority to approve or disapprove mineral leasing of public lands. We request that the above listed parcels be withdrawn from the December 19, 2008, lease sale, and that these parcels not be re-offered in future lease sales.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER

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source: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Director