Just for your information:
The NOHVCC and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) sent OHV access surveys to both Blanche Lincoln and Bill Halter, in order to get their stands on the issues which impact our chosen form of recreation.
(Wilderness and National Monument designations, which are closing off millions of acres to OHV access; and the closing of the National Forests to OHV access.)
Bill Halter did not even respond to the surevey. (When I contacted his office on these issues, I was basically ignored as well.)
Blanche Lincoln did respond to the survey, and her office responded favoribly to my repeated calls about (national and state) land access issues.
In response to the survey, Senator Lincoln stated that she had worked with the head official of the USFS in Arkansas to prevent further closings such as the Wolf Pen Gap Trail. (She also stated that she has a quad. (Does that make her a quad-tard?)
Anyway, she is a supporter of OHV access, compared to Halter, who is backed by "Big Labor" and couldn't care less about OHV Access.
Personally, I prefer Boseman as Senator, but I'm voting for Lincoln in the Primaries, hoping to help halt Bill Halter in his tracks. I think that Boseman could more easily beat Lincoln than he could Halter.
If we are stuck with a democrat for a Senator, then I'd much prefer Lincoln to Halter.
The next primary is June 8. One doesn't have to have voted in the first primary in order to vote in the one next week. Please get out and vote, and pass the word around.
Good Riding and Voting to You!
Jim Cook
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ARRA Survey and Results
Blanche Lincoln (Incumbent)
Bill Halter
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Question 1: Do you own an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), off-highway motorcycle (OHM), snowmobile, or 4X4 truck used for recreational purposes?
Answer:
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes, ATV.
Halter:
No response
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Question 2: Do you believe that managed, responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation is a legitimate use of some federal public lands (such as on portions of Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management units)?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes, I believe that managed, responsible motorized recreation is a legitimate use of some federal public lands.
Bill Halter:
No response
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Question 3: Do you believe that OHV use on some federal public lands can be adequately managed and environmentally sustainable?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes, I’ve met with ATV users, conservation groups, and the Forest Service and have been struck by the willingness of all sides to take needed steps to protect the environment. ATV users across Arkansas value the environment as much as anyone, and they are committed to helping public lands managers in keeping safe, environmentally friendly trails open.
Halter:
No response
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Question 4: OHV recreation opportunities on public lands can have an influence on the economic development of rural areas. Would you be willing to weigh-in to stop pending trail closures to support rural local economies?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes, This year, I brought Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to the Ouachita National Forest so he could meet with local trail groups and Forest Service officials to discuss proposed closures at Wolf Pen Gap, and I lead a bi-partisan outreach to USDA to oppose those closures.
Halter:
No response
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Question 5: Will you support increased funding for recreation and trails in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Budgets?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes
Halter:
No response
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Question 6: Do you believe all local stakeholders should be involved in identifying public lands to be designated as Wilderness Areas?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes, I will check with all stakeholders before supporting any wilderness designations, including local and national groups, which work to preserve responsible access to our public lands.
Halter:
No response
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Question 7: Do you support continuing and/or expanding the Recreational Trails Program in future transportation re-authorization legislation?
Blanche Lincoln:
Yes
Halter:
No response
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For more information about ARRA, or to sign up to be a member, please visit www.arra-access.com
