Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association

Recent News Articles

	UFWDA - March 2009 E-News 3/18/2009
	AYL - U4WDA attends the Capitol Rally 2/15/2009
	AYL - U4WDA Clean-up Event 2/8/2009
	4X4's on Public Land help BLM 1/23/2009
	U4WDA dedicated to Cleanup, Volunteerism 1/25/2009

Public Land Use
Unfortunately, the exaggerated image of off-roaders as redneck environmental vandals raping the land is still frequently promoted by some environmental advocates in order to provide justification for closing primitive roads and trails in areas of historic interest and scenic beauty. As anyone who has explored them first hand can testify, use of these remote and primitive roads actually increases the traveler's appreciation of the backcountry and has no real environmental impact.

In fact, any disruptive effect of a modern, low polluting, light-treading 4X4 passing along a primitive road pales into insignificance beside such massive natural forces as flash floods, fires, rain and even winds. In spite of this, dirt roads and trails are currently being closed in record numbers in the name of environmental protection.

If you use a vehicle of any kind to explore the backcountry, make sure you are a low impact user who leaves the area better than you found it. Follow the Tread Lightly rules.. Specifically, drive only on established roads and trails. Pick up trash if you see any. Be courteous to other backcountry users whether they are on foot or in vehicles. Keep in mind that you are an ambassador for us all and should act the part.

If you would like to get involved and help protect your rights to enjoy motorized recreation on public lands, join us today!

U4WDA Open Access Fund

Unfortunately, it takes a lot of money to defend motorized access on public lands. U4WDA supports legal groups like Utah Shared Access Alliance, Blue Ribbon Coalition, United Four Wheel Drive Association, and others with financial donations to conduct specific legal action. Money donated or allocated for the U4WDA Open Access Fund is reserved for support of legal action in Utah that is intended to protect 4x4 access to public lands. Donate to the U4WDA Open Access Fund now.

Upcoming Projects

U4WDA 2009 National Public Lands Day - September 26, 2009
Join the U4WDA in the nations largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands across America. Last year, with the help of over 400 volunteers, U4WDA member clubs organized projects across the state of Utah that repaired trails, cleaned up camsites, built and repaired fences, removed trash and held information workshops.

This year, U4WDA invites you to join us for our Nations 2009 National Public Lands Day - More information is coming soon

Land Use Issues

Due to federal mandates, every BLM Field Office and Forest Service Unit will be revising their travel management plans and maps over the next two years. Now is the time to get involved if you want to protect 4x4 access on public lands! Find out about volunteer activities with U4WDA, or contribute to our legal defense fund.

In addition to our ongoing service and education activities, U4WDA is working on the following long-term land use issues affecting 4x4 access to public lands in Utah. Check this page often for the latest updates.

Five Mile Pass Motorized Travel Plan

Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road Closure

Five Mile Pass Motorized Travel Plan, Salt Lake BLM Field Office
The BLM Salt Lake Field Office manages a huge portion of land in northwest Utah.

As of now, we are not sure if the popular rock-crawling trails known as Rattlesnake and Constrictor will remain open under the new plan. Tooele County has expressed interest in claiming several roads to protect OHV access, and might be a valuable allie in preserving the current access.

The special recreation area known as Five Mile Pass will be undergoing several changes. First, the open travel designation will be removed, and a new policy of designated routes only will be enforced. Second, many of the spider web of trails will be closed for future travel.

If you would like to help U4WDA work on preserving access in this area, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us.

Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road Closure, Cedar City BLM Field Office
The Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road is a historic route in Southern Utah. Canaan Mountain is east of Hurricane, and north of Hildale. The road has been in use by motorized users since the 1950's. The road was originally established to serve a sawmill built on the mountain.

In the mid-70's the BLM closed the road by declaring the surrounding land a Wilderness Study Area. However, the road has seen continuous use up to this day.

In 2006, Dan Jessop of Apple Valley was issued a citation for driving on the road. Rather than just pay the fine, Dan has decided to fight the premise of the roads closure. Washington County claims the road under RS 2477, and a victory in the case would be a major benefit to the motorized community across the West. The law is on our side, but we can only win the case if Dan receives the financial support to keep fighting and pay legal costs.

To donate to the Canaan Mountain Defense fund via credit card or Pay-Pal, click here. To donate via check, send your donation to: Dan Jessop, 6890 E Apple Valley Dr, Apple Valley, UT 84737. Make checks payable to attorneys "Jones Waldo."

A detailed article on this land use issue appeared in the Summer 2007 edition of The Compass. The article can be downloaded here.