Click Here to view the post in our forum with the article quoting Rich Francis of Damage Inc.

Click Here for a PDF version of United Four Wheel Drive’s May edition of E-News.

April 9, 2009 @ 10:00am

Current Balance: $3865.72

General Discussion:

1. Dues are pending from CI4WI and Syndicate
2. 4×4 Day at Rookies in Ankeny had no turn out
3. Next 4×4 Day
   1. Lucky’s Pub – on Ankeny Blvd. across from DMACC
   2. June 20th from 12 Noon to 6pm
   3. Plenty of vehicle parking, bar, food
   4. Flier being prepared for web and paper distribution
4. Tour -d-Fours ‘09
   1. June 20th, 9am till Noon
   2. Volunteer at Big Creek
   3. Brent Champlin is coordinating with DNR for volunteer need
   4. Meeting place for Big Creek is yet to be determined
5. 501-c3 Status
   1. Estimated 50% complete, no additional update at this time
6. Highway Helper
   1. Section of HW 163 is available in route to JOCCI’s club ground
7. Midwest Assoc. Convention Updates
   1. New state run OHV area in southern MN is in planning stages
8. IA4WDC web site updates
   1. New site online
   2. Question on who can change or post to main page
      1. Admin account privileges required
9. NORA
   1. Help available from NORA for planning and funding trails in Iowa
   2. Current focus of NORA is Rubicon and Tellico trail preservation
   3. Focus of NORA is nationwide trail opening and preservation
10. New group from Waterloo, IA area: 4×4 Damage Inc.
    1. Local county has possibility of available land but requires an more organized group before continuing
    2. Instructions and discussion on club incorporation process
    3. Estimations to number of 4×4 enthusiasts
       1. 200+ in Iowa Assoc
    4. 12000+ magazine subs to Petersons 4wheeler in Iowa
11. Mud and Monsters Show
    1. State Fair Grounds, June 6th
    2. Attempting to raise volunteers from Association clubs to help with event
    3. Planning IA4WDC booth and vehicle display
    4. Mud Racing
    5. Rock Racing
12. Art Schramm has stepped down as IA4WDC Vice President and is replaced by Coleman Young

Hello Fellow Off-Roaders,

My name is Pearse Umlauf, Vice President of Jeep Jamboree USA (JJUSA) and founder of the newly launched National Off-Road Association (NORA). I’ve been involved in the off-road industry for the past 12 years and have had the opportunity to off-road on some of the most scenic and challenging trails in America. These trails however are coming under increased attacks by groups that would like to see them closed to all future off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage.

Most recently the United States Forest Service (USFS) has asked for public comments on one of the most famous trail systems in America – Tellico in North Carolina. We’re encouraging all off-road enthusiasts to Take Action by sending a letter to the local ranger in charge of Tellico, requesting that the Tellico trail system remain open to all OHV users. Taking Action on the NORA web site only takes about 30 seconds. We write the letter for you…all we ask is that you “sign it” and “send it”. Please click on the following link to Take Action – http://www.nora-usa.com/takeaction/index.cfm

The deadline to submit public comment is March 27, 2009! Please Take Action Now!

I would also recommend anyone reading this post to sign-up for NORA’s free eNewsletter, by visiting www.nora-usa.com. Please note: Taking Action on important land access issues, through the NORA web site is completely free. “Strength In Numbers” is the only way the off-road community will have an opportunity to keep trails like Tellico open.

The businesses in/around the Tellico area our counting on us to help save their last remaining economic resource.

If anyone has questions regarding this post or about the Tellico land issue, please feel free to call me at (530) 333-1487, ext. 3 or send me an email to: pearse@nora-usa.com

Kind regards,

Pearse Umlauf
NORA

In Attendance:

• Delegates
  • John Sandin, CI4WI
  • Matt McVicker, CI4WI
• Others
  • Cory Manning, JOCCI
• Board
  • Luke Graham, President
  • Jim Shanks, Treasuerer
  • Ken Ristau, Secretary

Treasury Report: $3499.72

• 4×4 Syndicate dues are paid.
• JOCCI, CI4WI and Tallcorn Cruisers are still pending.

4×4 Night

• Rookies on 63rd closed.
• Rookies in Clive did not have a very good parking area, as it was in a strip mall.
• Rookies in Ankeny may have potential. John Sandin will check with them.
• Fat Boyz in Grimes. Jim Shanks will check with them.
• Target date is Saturday, April 18th. Location and time to be determined.

Upcoming Events

• Howiepalooza
  • April 24-26
  • http://forum.ih8mud.com/trails-events-expeditions/248692-howiepalooza-x.html

501©(3) Status

• Jim is still working with his friend. He\‘s not had the time, as he is very busy at the moment.
• United has lawyers available if we join them, too. They help with land use, lawsuits, club development and growth, etc.

New Trails in Minnesota

• Group up there is working on getting grant money.
• This would be the first public park for full-sized vehicles in that state.
• Two potential locations, one near Gilbert and one in the southern part of MN.
• This is a good opportunity for us to get involved helping them, as we could learn from their experiences.

Tour De Fours

• Perhaps make this a volunteer opportunity? Stop at a couple of State parks along the way to do repair or clean-ups?
• Reserve a shelter for lunch.
• Try to visit about 3 parks, if time allows.
• Luke Graham will check with area parks to see what volunteer opportunities are available.
• Set a target date of Saturday, June 20th.

Highway Clean-up/Adopt-A-Highway

• JOCCI may be able to get a stretch of Hwy 163 on the way to The Farm.
• Other clubs are encouraged to find a stretch of road near where they \‘wheel that is available.
• Iowa DOT Adopt-A-Highway flyer: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/pdf_files/adopt_a_highway.pdf

Land Acquisition Plan/Checklist

• Determine what the steps are in the process.
• Make a checklist we can use to follow our progress and keep on track.

Web site:

• Moving to a blog front-end with a forum for Association communications.
• We will be retiring the Yahoo Groups e-mail list in favor of using the forum for communication.