🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <237400038@cdp> jeaton@cdp.UUCP writes:
>
>Subject: Barstow-to-Vegas Race Alert
>
>/* Written 11:16 pm  Sep  4, 1990 by jeaton in cdp:cwc.wilderness */
>/* ---------- "Barstow-to-Vegas Race Alert" ---------- */
>YOUR LETTER CAN STOP THE BARSTOW-TO-VEGAS RACE!

Being an off road motorcyclist, my opinion may be biased, but I do bring
some fact to the table.
 
>Like a many-headed hydra, the infamous Barstow-to-Vegas motorcycle
>race is hard to kill.  Even after the Bureau of Land Management

Like the many-headed hydra without ears, the infamous environmentalist is 
hard to convince, that just 'not liking' what some people do is not enough 
reason to ban it. More than one EIS has come to the conclusion that the race
does not impact the desert. 

>The event had been banned after 3,000 riders severely damaged the
>desert in 1974, but BLM lifted the ban in 1983.  It was not until
>the desert tortoise was listed as a threatened species earlier
>this year that BLM reinstated the ban.
 ^^^^
This happened last year, must be a new recruit...

The reason that the BLM reinstated the race was because "no appreciative
cumulative effects" were caused by the race evidenced by fact in the 
more that one environmental impact statement that has been done on the 
race. No desert tortise fatalities were found at the close of last
years race, and many people were looking. But who wants to look at the
facts anyway.
 
>BLM denied AMA's request for a Thanksgiving weekend race this year
>for the following reasons:
>
...
>'  The event had eroded public confidence in BLM's ability to
>protect the desert

Sounds scientific to me?

Most of the race is along power transmission lines and over the access roads
that are already there. 

>District Manager Gerald Hillier made a preliminary finding that
>the proposed race will have a significant impact on the human
                                                         ?????
>environment therefore requiring the prepartion of an environmental
>impact statement (EIS).  If, after public comment, Hillier
>reaffirms this position, the race cannot be run since there is not
>adequate time to write an EIS.

So prevented by technicality, not because a standing decision has been made.

>WHAT YOU CAN DO
>

What others have done, EARTH FIRST!ers two years ago, put caltrops 
(devices to puncture tires), on high speed sections (100mph+) of the
course, ever had a flat at 100? Nothing short of attempted murder.
They also did other things that were life threats. When I race,
I wonder if they will get me next? but I still race, ROT IN HELL YOU
MURDERING BASTARDS! They continue to try and sabotage the race, but with 
the help of the police and others, no one has been killed yet, only broken
bones.

>Write a letter to BLM expressing your opposition to the
>Barstow-to-Vegas motorcycle race.  It will help if you make some

Write a letter to the BLM stating that you want a decision that 
is based on fact and not political interest or gut feeling.

>- In your own words, explain why the desert is important to you
>
>Write by September 21 to:  Gerald Hillier, District Manager,
>California Desert District Office, 1695 Spruce Street, Riverside, CA
>92507

Please! 

Bob Ciotti - desert moto race king of the day