Environmental Affairs

 

     So– what has been going on in the realm of Land Use lately? Frankly, a lot has been going on. Redbird, Indiana’s first state operated OHV park will open on June 7th. This park will set the standard for possible future OHV or multi use areas in the state. Thanks to Brian Rowda of IFWDA, and Gary Delong of DIRT, and the countless others who have worked so hard to make this possible. Also, a big thanks to Nila Armstrong at the DNR, who has been a major source of help and support on the project. IT will now be up to us, the users, to set a good example while enjoying the park so that others may follow suit and help ensure it’s survival. Once Redbird is firmly on it’s feet, focus may be shifted to the other area that is currently being considered for multi use. Referred to as Interlake by many, Spurgeon by most, and still as Lynnville by some, this area lies in Warrick and Pike counties. The Warrick County Recreational Development corp. (WCRD) is working very hard to get the leg work done now so this area can be taken to the next level. While various coal mine companies and several large holding companies own the biggest portion of this ground, WCRD is working towards the DNR owned property

   Currently, the DNR portion of Interlake is closed to OHV’s, Horses, Mountain biking, and dog trail for Turkey Season. Turkey Season runs from the first Wednesday after April 20th (every year) through the next 18 days.  The area is also closed during deer season. The reason for these closures is safety. With the increased usage in the area by all types of OHV’s, there is a higher chance of conflict between riders and hunters.

   In the WCRD, we are currently finishing the GPS mapping of the property. This has went very well, with almost all of the trails having been covered. Also, in the Communications, Grants, and Fundraising committee, we have been pounding our brains working on gathering information needed to complete a 501 C-3 form (IRS) This status will allow WRD to receive charitable donations from corporations (tax deductible) and from various other funding resources. Once this information has been gathered, ABATE has agreed to have it’s Lawyers to prepare the paperwork. So, the next time you see an ABATE member, thank them! (and throw a dollar in their helmet the next time you see them collecting at the stop light). Luckily, the extensive work that was done for Redbird over the past decade has provided WCRD with a road map for our project. Also, having a few of the same players involved is a big help. Even with all of this on our side, the Interlake project will still take several years, so be patient.

   If you plan on wheeling at Interlake, know this. The DNR is very serious about keeping only the existing trails as they are. This means that if you are caught making a new trail, or modifying or even widening an existing one, you can and will be punished. It might be best to take a small group of two or three vehicles, at least on your first trip, so you can evaluate whether a trail will accommodate you. As a general rule, most of the trails out in the open areas will easily accommodate even a full size truck, and most of the trails through the woods are tight to impassable by even the smallest Jeep size vehicles.      

   On a different topic, the Adopt a Highway signs are up along US 231 south of Dale. Not only do they look great, but I have already had a couple of people mention it to me (non club members!)  Now, it is up to us to

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Classified Ads

 

For sale:

 set of 4  17x8 five spoke wheels with p235-75-17  tires  5x5.5 bolt pattern  and factory spare -Jim Philips- (812) 683 8586 or

jtphillips@psci.net

 

‘97 TJ Gambler wheels. (5)Factory 15x8 aluminum rims. Were used on my XJ for 2 years, so there are some “character marks” $150 OBO– Rich Reisz- (812) 937 4280 or rmreisz@psci.net

Front license plate frame for 84– 96 XJ Jeep Cherokee- $5

Rear bumper brackets (XJ) bought new, used for about 1 year before new bumper was built $15 (pair)

1set of Dana 35 non c clip axle shafts (88 Jeep Cherokee) $50 per pair– Rich Reisz

 

Wanted:

  TJ front axle shafts can be from any TJ 97+ or from an XJ 96+

Rich Reisz

 

   If you have items for sale or wanted, please forward them on to me with as detailed of information as possible. Also, once an item is sold or found, please let me know as soon as possible so I can remove it. Due to the nature of this newsletter, try to limit items to those of a 4x4 nature. If space allows, I will list any other items you have, within reason. As editor, I reserve the right to edit or omit anything I deem inappropriate.

 

Rich