Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

h' C ~)n'r~, OI)I'?I"I~ N N ,'a:~ & '" "N " Cl By Russ Sanford Motorcycle Corporation 1/2 Freedom Avenue Anaheim, California 92801 ~YAMAHA $250,000 Parts Inventory At Vour Service BEST PRICES Same Day Service- Send S1 for complete accessory catalogue & American flag, Japanese flag & Yamaha decals ~E~YAMAHA Van Nuys Cycle Inc., Dept. C 7630 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91405 (213) 989-2230 MAYBl JOll, BUGS, J.N., SYlYAIN AND DlCOSTlR KNOW AflW THINGS YOU DON'T ... PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION EXPLAINED PART II PROCLAMATION ISSUEDOn. February 8, 1972, President Nixon issued Execu tive Order 11644, his Presidential Proclamation governing the use of off road vehicles on public lands, Although no self-respecting motorcyclist would object to its intent toward conservation and respect for the righ ts of others, then: was considerable objection to the negative wording of the directive. It gave every appearance that the President had sold out five million off-road vehicle enthusiasts in favor of the Sierra Club's 130,000 purported members. Both the AMA and the MIC, who publicly supported the Proclamation, contacted me to find why 1 was in opposition. My answer was that I understood that their organization must give the appearance of being in favor of the Directive in order to obtain a seat at the negotiating table. But, knowing that the squeaking wheel gets the grease, I felt that we needed a lot of squeaking wheels to let the President and his unegotiators" know that they have a large number of unhappy ORV enthusiasts in this country. Ifwe don't speak out and complain, they won't realize that there is a probLem. I was asked by a represen tative of the AMA to express my concern to a member of the l'residen t's personal staff. This man was purported to be receptive, logical, and impartial. flerewith is a copy of my letter: 22 March 1972 Mr. John C. Whitaker Deputy Assistant to the President White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Whitaker: The recent Executive Order 11644, relative to the operation of off-road vehicles on public lands, has created quite a furor among ORV-enthusiasts. As the represen tative of Californ ia 's motorcycle enthusiasts, it is my responsibility to bring the President's proclamation to their attention and to direct whatever remedial action is neces~ry. We are in the process at this very moment to embark upon a campaign which will no doubt cause adverse publicity for the administration, at least as far as the two-million-plus motorcyclists are coneerned. I sincerely hope that you understand that this course of action is predicated upon what we feel is '"egative direction' to the various land-use agencies referenced in the Exeeutive Order. Until . now, we have always attempted to work out our problems with these various Jo'••a,• .,~ I.s.,••(• sa,s • "He, Mr. De.'er" We carryall types 01 insurance ;cle~ IUne-up agencies through advisory c~uncils and have found this form of democratic self-government to be quite adequate and satisfactory. As fOT myself, I serve on the Advisory Council for the Pacific Crest Trail, the state-level ORVAC gtoup under the Bureau of Land Management, a similar, district-level OR VAC gtoup in the BLM's Ukiah District, and a host of other committees sponsored at federal, state, and local levels. Many of our members serve in similar capacities throughout tiLe state. This is mentioned only to establish that we can work with the agencies in a harmonious and cooperative association. I have been advised that our move to protest the Executive Order might adversely affect a continuation of-these cooperative relationships. This, of coutse, has been recognized from the outset. Nevertheless, we must make the President and his staff aware that the negativism of the directive will undoubtedly be construed by the Agency Heads to severely limit, rather than encourage, the establishment of areas set aside for such use. Those persons with whom I have discussed our campaign, have suggested that I contact you with what we feel is an acceptable course of action as an alternative. Quite simply, some form of directive, or memo of clarification, from the President to the referenced Agencies, indicating that it is the intent to make as much land available for OR V use as is environmentally and ecologically possible, would serve to put a decisive halt to our campaign. This is not intended as coercion in any form as those with whom I have eommunicated feel that such intent was the underlying theme of the President's dictate. While I recognize and trust that this was his intent, I must have more concrete evidence. That evidence, in the form of a clarifying directive, would be given the _gteatest of publicity and would no doubt endear the President to this co,wtry's five million ORV enthusiasts, rather than eausing the alienation currently being experienced. I trust that your response will be fortheoming. Respectfully, Russell"E. Sanford President and Legislative Advocate Two weeks later, the following letter was received from the White House: THE WHITE HOUSE Washington March 30, 1972 Dear Mr. Sanford: This is in response to your letter of March 22, 1972 which expressed the dissatisfaction of your organization with the recent Executi.ve Order concerning _ EC128A ENDURO CO¥PUTER - helps YOU hit check points on the dot! coverage - garage liability lire - theft & dealer bonds S.,. U, r.251 (m)'3&·~ ,~ •. 'l"'J;Q)/r,Ifi . '.1 tt,'~.ld t.' r; '- : , - ~ ~ B&G CYCLE REPAIR /~, . Stockers - Racers Specializing in Triumph & Yamaha & I "suranee Estimates Most Makes. I 214 N. Loara, Anaheim, Ca. 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