Trail Access and Land Use – Join the Conversation
As the popularity of overlanding and vehicle dependent exploration has grown, so has the discussion around land use. More and more people are turning to the great outdoors to seek solace and balance from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. With our population growing quickly, proper land use is paramount to healthy and sustainable recreation in our lands and waterways.
We sat down with Todd Ockert (President) and Del Albright (Executive Director) from Blue Ribbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org to discuss land use and land access.
Blue Ribbon Coalition Sharetrails.org
President
Blue Ribbon Coalition Sharetrails.org
Executive Director
Listen to the Podcast in its entirety below!
As Del explains, BRC/Sharetrails.org has been working for 30+ years both regionally and nationally to help “preserve our resources and public lands for the public. Not from the public…That’s really part of our (BRC/ST) culture is to explore, have the adventure, share the land – there’s places where we don’t belong, places that we do belong. That’s part of our mission and vision.”
And Todd is quick to point out the simple reason for becoming involved. Fun. “We want to make sure we have good forests and good public lands that are maintained so that they are sustainable… It’s responsible use of our public lands so that we can continue to recreate and go have fun.”
What does someone who’s new to overlanding and exploring in the US need to know?
Del sums it up easily. “Be Responsible. Setting the example. Carrying a trash bag. Volunteer for a club project. Writing a letter… ‘Land use’ is a package of persevering the adventure, the steps that we take to keep that adventure alive… It’s complicated and there’s a lot to it, but in reality it is that simple.”
Here are a few key takeaways from the conversation:
Have the right gear. “Anybody who doesn’t have a trash bag hanging on the back of their rig or accessible isn’t doing their part. Do you have to fill it up every time? No…but carry a trash bag.”
Get involved. “Overland Bound is just a start. Get online and learn more about the clubs and organizations in your area and contribute… If I can donate, fine, but if I can give a day of my time? That is the value right there.” There are problems that can’t be fixed with money.
Contribute. Consider setting $100 year aside to state and national organization memberships. In addition to the national reach of Blue Ribbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org, Del mentions CAL4WHEEL and/or CORVA as examples local to California.
Del has an acronym he came up with to make it easy remember:
JAIL – How to keep our public lands out of jail and what can the individual do:
Join
This is the most important action to take according to Del. You can join “nationally with BRC or if you want to start locally, whatever, start somewhere and join. Whatever makes sense. State. Regional. National. Local. Find the ones that make sense and throw some joining money their direction.”
Advocate
“Talk it up. When you’re talking to someone, share your passion. Why do you love exploring? What makes you so excited about driving around in the backwoods?”
Include
“If you ever get the chance to take a politician or someone that wants to learn more, give them a seat. Include them so they understand us.” Del definitely walks this talk.
Letters
“Write those letters when asked.” Most importantly, stay informed and active. When a post goes up asking for support, follow through and contribute.
At the end of the day, we are all working for the same end goal. Del adds one more thought, “The respectful consideration… Cleaning up, trash bags, trail work, all those things make up that magic word of ‘land use’.”
Hey there! Welcome to the site! Would love to see more pics of your ride. I used to own an FJCruiser! They are great trail rigs!
M
@technichen
Welcome !
And a welcome from the Netherlands as well.
Enjoy your time here, and please show us loads of pictures of your Cruiser.
Greetings from Robert
Great video Michael. Just what it's all about – great scenery, great company and to cap it all great rigs.
Welcome from West Texas!
looks fun
Hello and welcome from the uk
Welcome from Austin, TX.
Hello and Welcome from Tennessee
Overland Bound Member #6080
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A consistent problem in most areas in most the areas we've been to. Hiking here and there we always manage to collect a small bag. Might be a good idea to connect to groups already involved in cleanup projects. Like when in college my Rotaract club did a few pick ups of local reservation areas/ trails.
We started camping with our children when they were infants almost 25 years ago. As soon as they were old enough, we made a game out of trash collection. As soon as we stopped to set camp, we would send them on a "treasure hunt" to collect as much trash as possible. This was a great way for them to occupy time while set camp and a release of their energy after sitting in the truck for hours of travel. The reward was selected what to eat for dinner. We did the same when we broke camp, and the winner could choose where to stop along the way to our next destination. Now even though they are both young adults and help set up camp we all clean up the camp when we arrive and leave, and the reward is knowing that the next camper might notice. It has always amazed me how much litter there is to collect.
Thanks for this podcast. Strongly agree with the peer pressure aspect of this. My wife single handedly turned a riverbank area around after numerous stops while walking our dog to load up trash in front of the dopes that were hanging out there. Shockingly, the dopes began to police the area themselves which was really cool.