I paid our dues and we are now officially recognized as a club by the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. The AZOHVC is the main land use advocacy group in Arizona.
The AZOHVC helps:
Protect and Secure Shared Trail Access for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) and Other Recreationists.
Work in Concert with Public and Private Land Managers to Develop Equitable Sound Land Use Management Policies.
Promote Responsible Use of the Public and Private Lands by All Recreationists.
Educate Users, the General Public, Land Managers, Law Enforcement, Media and Other Decision Makers Concerning OHV Usage and Partnerships.
Supporting Existing OHV Laws, Rules and Regulations, Help in Development of All New Regulations and Assist in Enforcement in a Fair and Equitable Manner.
Affect the Administrative and Political Process in a Positive Way Regarding OHV Activities and Access.
Coordinate and Partner with Other Statewide Groups and Associations that Use the Same Trails (Horsemanship Clubs, Hiking Clubs, Mountain Biking, Hunting Organizations) to:
• Develop New Trails
• Identify Existing Trails for Specific Usage
• Assist Land Managers in Creating Statewide
Inventory of All Open Trails
We are also petitioning to join the ASA4WDC
The ASA4WDC pays for a liability policy for ALL it's clubs each year which allows liability coverage for all sanctioned club trail rides or events.
The ASA4WDC pays for a Group Permit from State Land Dept. for ALL clubs covering all members.
The ASA4WDC gave the AZOHV Coalition $5,000.00 to help fund a lobbyist for US regarding the HB2443 and the dust issues.
They will most likely be helping fund our lobbyist on retainer for next year...............
ASA4WDC are members and PAY DUES to BRC, ORBA and Tread Lightly each year.
The ASA4WDC make numerous "DONATIONS" to groups that need financial help and we write letters for issues outside our own.
ASA4WDC pays dues to United Four Wheel Drive each year which gives each club membership in United. Where each club has two delegates to the State meetings, the State Association has two delegates to United Four Wheel Drive. ASA4WDC pays for those two delegates to attend the annual meeting to carry the ASA4WDC votes to United.
ASA4WDC funds "Walk the Halls" (lunches and flyers to our legislators) although in the past recent years no one seems to "have the time".
ASA4WDC funds one or two members to Land Use Conferences each year.
NO ONE on the board of directors gets paid................ not even travel. They receive reimbursement for expenses such as postage, paper, newsletter costs etc..
However to join the ASA4WDC we need to have a set of by-laws or guidelines for our conduct on the trail. I have put together a list of guidelines that we should follow. Most of them are common sense and things we do already, but they need to be written down and formalized so this is the place to do it. Feel free to comment or add you own ideas. I will submit them to the ASA4WDC on Thursday
Article I
Higher Ground 4x4 By-Laws
1. We strive to maintain a safe and family oriented atmosphere whenever we wheel or explore. All members should have a basic first aid kit in their vehicle and should refrain from excessive swearing or lewd behaviour
2. Safety equipment is vital. All members should have basic safety equipment such as cell phone, tow straps, jacks, fire extinguisher and tools.
3. Obey BLM and forest service rules. No fires means no fires. We should always stay on the trail and practice the "tread lightly" guidelines
4. Keep track of your group. Know where each member of our group is. Whether they are in a jeep or off exploring a mine or cave. Know where everyone is at all times.
5. Never, drink and drive while offroad.
6. Always wear your seatbelt offroad. A roll over at 5mph can be deadly if you are not restrained.
7. When exploring caves each member of the party needs at least 3 light sources, extra batterys and a helmet. If you do not have these you will not be allowed in the cave.
8. We will not collect dues or hold mandatory meetings. If a member is inclined to help support the site and club membership then they may contribute financially. There will not be required meetings to attend
9. All vehicles must be 4wheel drive to attend offroad trips rated 3.5 or higher. 2wheel drive vehicles must have capable means of extraction if they become stuck. A tow rope, hilift or winch are mandatory for 2wheel drive vehicles on all offroad runs.
10. All vehicles attending recreational or exploration trips must be in good working order and need at least 1 piece of extraction equipment. (Tow rope, hilift jack, winch)
11. All ATV's or dirtbikes that attend a run need to have proper safety equipment and the riders need to observe good trail etiquette.
12. All trail participants acknowledge that there is a certain risk when traveling offroad or exploring. All members need to be prepared to spend the night if necessary and will not hold Higher Ground 4x4 or any of its members responsible for any vehicle or personal injury/damages.
13. These by-laws may be ammended by a 2/3rds vote from club members
Article II
Higher Ground 4x4 Membership
Qualifications:
Members must be 18 years of age
Members must have a 4wheel drive vehicle if attending offroad runs. If member is only participating in caving or recreational events then they must have a reliable means of transportation to attend.
Members must have proper safety equipment listed in Article I By-Laws.
Members must adhere to all club by-laws and show they are responsible drivers on and offroad.
Article III
Higher Ground 4x4 jobs
No member of Higher Ground 4x4 will take payment or salary of any kind for holding these positions
Each position is up for review yearly on January 1st. New positions may be created at this time and new members may be elected into office by 2/3rds vote by club members.
Lead mechanic: Responsible for trail repairs and may be contacted for help in wrenching on a friends jeep
Land use director: Responsible for coordinating with the ASA4WDC and AZOHVC on land use issues and keeping the club informed of bills in legislation that will effect the offroad community in Arizona
Lead web-designer: Responsible for website and page content.
Club photographer: Responsible for taking pictures of events and offroad trips
Forum moderators: Responsible for ensuring only appropriate content is posted on the forum
Club president: There will be no official president. All issues will be put to vote and decided by 2/3rds vote
This is what I have so far. I do not want this to be a decisive issue so I am trying to allow them to encompass everything we have now yet satisfy the requirements by the ASA4WDC. Comments, suggestions?