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Ok, remove it.

Sent: Thu 7/9/2009 11:02 AM
Subject: Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department is Working with Collier County Agencies to Plan a Recreational Area to Include OHV Trails






FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MEDIA CONTACT:

Edith Torres

305-755-7862




MIAMI-DADE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS WORKING WITH COLLIER COUNTY AGENCIES TO PLAN A RECREATIONAL AREA TO INCLUDE OHV TRAILS



MIAMI-DADE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A "T. MARK SCHMIDT OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT" FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF FORESTRY, FOR PLANNING OF THE PARK



(MIAMI, July 9, 2009) – Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department has proposed to jointly develop with Collier County, a conservation park that includes fishing, camping, field archery, and trails for hikers and off-highway vehicles (OHVs).  Miami-Dade Parks received the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program Grant, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Forestry, in the amount of $72,000 with a Parks Department match of $18,000 from its Capital Outlay Reserve Fund, to conduct a site feasibility analysis for development of the OHV trails and supporting amenities.



The site being considered for the recreation area is located adjacent to the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County on a portion of 23,000 acres of land owned by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, and used for the Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport. The proposed recreation area, referred to as the Dade Collier Cypress Recreation Area, is planned on 1,608 acres south of the existing airport at 54575 East Tamiami Trail, near Mile Marker 48, and would feature OHV trails, hiking and biking trails, field archery lanes, fishing areas, a visitor's center, limited stay camping areas, and parking. 



In support of this effort, Miami-Dade Parks submitted a land-use amendment to Collier County and the approval process should last one year.  The project was presented to the Collier County Commission and the Big Cypress National Preserve Off-Road Vehicles Advisory Committee and received a positive response.  Due to the site's natural resources, and its location within the Big Cypress area of critical state concern, more extensive local, state, and federal permitting is necessary prior to development.  Environmental permitting generally takes two-and-a half years, following the land-use approval process.  Once all approvals are received, development of the park can begin as early as 2012. 



Supporters of the park include outdoor recreation advocates, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and motorbike trail-rider groups, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 12, Jose "Pepe" Diaz, and Collier County Commissioner for District 5, Jim Colletta. 



"This will be a great park for both the residents of Miami-Dade County and Collier County who have been asking for a place where they can safely ride their off-highway vehicles," said Commissioner Diaz.  "And this project will ensure the preservation and enhancement of the ecosystem, not only making OHV/ATV riders happy but also being environmentally sensitive," he added.



"This has been a long anticipated project for Miami-Dade Parks," said Jack Kardys, Director of Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department.  "We have been working with OHV clubs and individuals for quite some time now to be able to provide them with a great park where they can not only ride their ATVs, but also have other experiences to enjoy while outdoors," he added.



This project was made possible by funding support received from the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program Grant administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Forestry.



Miami-Dade Parks creates outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance our community for this and future generations.

www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/apr/19/road-enthusiasts-may-find-home-
site-failed-airport/

<cut>

Miami-Dade County, which still owns almost 25,000 acres [about 40 sq. miles]
at the jetport, is teaming up with Collier County to push plans to turn a 1,600-
acre [less than 2.5 sq. miles] swath of swamp between the runway and U.S.
41 into an off-roader's paradise complete with a visitor's center, campgrounds,
RV parking, fishing piers, an archery range, hiking trails and — most unsettling
for some — trails for off-road vehicles.

Hearings are tentatively set for later this year on Miami-Dade's proposal to
amend the Collier growth plan to create the Dade-Collier Cypress Recreation
Area.

If the new plans eliminate illegal off-roading in the preserve, the jetport might
help solve a conflict that was unforeseen when the preserve was created,
said Joe Browder, the leader of the dual campaigns to defeat the jetport and
create the Big Cypress.

Or maybe not.

"I think it could get very controversial if it's not planned right," Browder said.

All Confederate. Hats, tees, towels, flags, jewelry.

A pompous minister was seated next to a hillbilly on a flight across the country.

After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken.

The hillbilly asked for a whiskey and soda ...  which was brought and placed before him.

The flight attendant then asked the minister if he would like a drink... he replied in disgust,

"I'd rather be savagely raped by brazen whores than let liquor touch these lips."

The hillbilly then handed his drink back to the flight attendant saying...

     "S$$t, me too...  I didn't know we had a choice."

Well JackL, EVERY ONE of the utility riders slowed down when they went past our setup. EVERY ONE!!!!. But the blasters just blasted on by. I,ve been around long enough to see whats coming down and whats causing it. How many utes did y'all see trying to jump the levy How many ute riders were killed out there ? How many utes did y'all see get stopped for speeding ? Thank you. It's only gonna get worse in the future. Just look at some of the posts. I'm gonna get drunk, i'm gonna get smashed this weekend. Other people read the posts on these sites as well. That's part of the reason why the GFC banned the atvs' from the glades. Some people never learn! Most of the people we met at Underhills were nice people out for a nice ridin weekend. Say what y'all want to say but the truth hurts. and it's gonna get a lot worse. Ocala, wma lll, Rotenburger, Holyland. What's next ??

I expected some serious replies but all i got was the same $$$$ from the people that cause the problems for others. Say what y'all want to say but the TRUTH HURTS !!!!!!!

We're thinking of setting up a vendor booth at the mudfest if we get the ok. Do y'all bring your own beads, buy them at the fest. How much do y'all pay for them ? The last mudfest we did was at Underhills a few years back. The sport quads killed us by flying by without any consideration to our setup. Similar to why atvs' got thrown out of the everglades. But, my best side wants to try it again.
                                                                    thanks

News Release
FWC passes ATV restrictions for 3 South Fla. WMAs

February 26, 2008
Contact: Chuck Collins, 561-625-5131

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has passed new rules regarding the use of ATVs on Everglades and Francis Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger wildlife management areas (WMAs). 

Effective July 1, 2008, the use of ATVs will be allowed for hunting purposes only and only during the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons.  In addition, ATVs will be allowed for scouting purposes two weeks before archery season and one week before the start of muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons.

The unrestricted use of ATVs on these WMAs has resulted in extensive resource damage and public safety concerns.  The FWC took this action following its rulemaking process, which included publicizing proposed rules on its Web site in August and September 2007, publishing the proposed rules in the Florida Administrative Weekly and public meetings in September and December 2007 and February 2008. 

Final consideration of this rule by FWC took place at the February Commission meeting. For further information, see the meeting agenda at MyFWC.com/Commission/2008/Feb08/index.html.   

The FWC is a member of the Florida Off-highway Vehicle Advisory Council.  The council is working with riding groups to develop safe and sustainable riding sites in Florida.  For more information on the council see www.floridaohv.org.

Need to show up for this one !



PUBLIC
WORKSHOP
As a part of Miami-Dade County's continuing commitment to public participation in local government, the Park and Recreation Department invites area residents to attend a public workshop:
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Feasibility Study
The Department is searching for locations throughout the County that are suitable to develop OHV trails. A feasibility study is being conducted, and potential OHV sites are being ranked for suitability. Residents are encouraged to attend and comment on proposed locations for OHV trails.
The workshop will take place at:
John D. Campbell Agricultural Center Auditorium
18710 SW 288th Street
Homestead, FL 33030
Wednesday, January 24th, 2007
7:00pm â€" 9:00pm
For further information, requests for foreign language interpreters, or questions prior to the meeting please contact:
Andy McCall, Park Planner 2
Miami-Dade Park & Recreation Department
Planning & Research Division
305-755-7993
Call 305-755-7848 (V/TDD) for materials in accessible format, information on access for Persons with Disabilities or sign language interpreters (five days in advance).
Multiple members of individual community councils may attend.


OK RIDERS, DEALERS, CAMPERS, PARENTS OF OUTDOOR CHILDREN, COMMISSIONERS, HUNTERS, ETC. THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR......THE RESULTS OF THE FEASIBLE STUDY TO FIND A SUITABLE RIDING AREA IN MIAMI DADE COUNTY.  REMEMBER!!! MIAMI DADE PARKS AND RECREATION RECEIVED A $75K DOLLAR TO CONDUCT A STUDY.... WELL THIS IS IT!!!

YOU GUYS DID GREAT AND SHOWED UP FOR THE OHV MEETING AND THAT WAS A LONG MEETING BUT WE SHOWED THEM WE ARE ENOUGH, WE CARE AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET THEM TAKE ANOTHER SPORT AWAY FROM US AFTER SO MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN SENT AND TAXES HAS BEEN COLLECTED.

NOW I NEED YOU ALL TO ATTEND THIS MEETING, ITS ONLY 2 HOURS OR LESS AND AFTER WORK HOURS SO NO EXCUSE. WE HAVE TO SHOW THEM WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY AND WE ARE WAITING FOR OUR PARK. SO PLEASE COME WITH YOUR RIDING SHIRTS, RIDING GEARS, AND COME WITH YOUR KIDS AND FAMILIES, LETS MAKE THIS BIG SINCE THE MEDIA WILL BE THERE. LETS HEAR WHAT THE RESULTS ARE.

ANY EMAIL ME.... UNITED WE STAND RIDERS. DEALERS WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

THANK YOU.

               

   

Dirt bike riders infuriate neighborhoods


Residents offer to find a legal place for them

By Joe Crankshaw
scripps treasure coast newspapers
Posted January 2 2007


The dirt bikes and four-wheeled, all-terrain vehicles that roar through the vacant sand dunes behind Terry Tillman's home in Jensen Beach annoy her and her neighbors.

In fact, she is so annoyed, she wants to help the riders find someplace nearby where they can ride legally -- without disturbing anyone. If no such place can be found, she wants to help build one.



LocalLinks

Tillman is trying to deal with a problem that is vexing government officials and law enforcement agencies across the state.

"These people are trespassing," Tillman said about the people who ride ATVs and dirt bikes. "They are a plague on our neighborhood."

The problem has persisted for years, and residents in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties have complained about noisy dirt bikes and ATVs.

Tillman said most of the riders are juveniles, and even if they get arrested, they are released to their parents.

Environmentalists complain the vehicles damage the environment. They make trails over sand dunes and through fields and woods, disturbing wildlife with their noise and habitat destruction. State legislators took note of the damage and specified that any lands purchased for a riding area for off-highway vehicles must have been heavily disturbed by earlier uses.

Meanwhile, the St. Lucie County Commission voted in December to opt out of another state law that allowed off-highway vehicles to be ridden on dirt roads in unincorporated areas of the county. The action came at the request of St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara, who said he was concerned about the safety of the riders on the roads, particularly at night.

In Indian River County, Sheriff Roy Raymond is working with the County Commission to opt out of the same state law.

"Martin County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lt. Jennell Atlas said her department is not considering recommending the county opt out of the state law allowing ATVs on dirt roads. She said the county receives only sporadic complaints.

Most people involved with ATV and dirt bike riders agree that having a place where they can ride legally would help.

But when St. Lucie County Commissioners tried to establish an off-highway park at the St. Lucie County Airport in 2004, they abandoned the plan because of citizen protests and the potential costs and liabilities.

Still, Tillman said she in enthusiastic about the possibility of helping find land where the bikers can ride legally. She plans to speak to the local state legislative delegation at a Friday meeting in the Martin County Commission chambers in Stuart to ask for state assistance.

"I don't want to be someone who just complains," Tillman said. "I want the kids to have their fun, but I just want them to do it where they won't bother people."

Tillman also has recruited Winn Peeples, lobbyist for the Florida Motorcycle Dealers Association. The association represents merchants who sell motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and other recreational motor vehicles.

Peeples said it is possible there are already funds set aside for building riding trails and tracks in areas where there are not such facilities. The Office of Greenways and Trails in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is involved in three projects that total $1.9 million. But none serve the Treasure Coast.

"The Off-Highway Advisory Committee oversees the funds and selects areas for motorsports parks, and it meets quarterly," Peeples said.

The idea of a special riding area for off-highway vehicles has real appeal to people who sell the machines. William Talero, operator of Moto Mania on Dixie Highway in Stuart, said he believes a park for off-highway vehicles would be a success.

"I would be glad to join in any effort to turn that into a reality," he said.

Joe Crankshaw can be reached at joe.crankshaw@scripps.com

Thanks to the Sun-Sentinel

ATV protest planned for Everglades event

Daily News staff
Naples Daily News - http://www.naplesnews.com Monday, November 27, 2006

Top state environmental officials will be greeted by protesters Wednesday at an event marking a milestone in an Everglades restoration project in eastern Collier County.

A group of outdoor enthusiasts plans to protest the South Florida Water Management District's failure to meet an Oct. 1, 2005, deadline to find 640 acres of land suitable for an off-roading park. Collier County commissioners have threatened to sue the district and the state's top environmental agency unless the sides can come to an agreement soon.

"We don't want to get rowdy. We want to respect their event. But we want to let them know that we are to be reckoned with," said protest organizer Dennis Bolanos, a 37-year-old Fort Myers resident and avid all-terrain vehicle rider. He estimated that five protesters will be on hand, but there would be more if the event weren't being held during a weekday.

Dignitaries such as Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen Castille and South Water Management District Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle are expected to be on hand Wednesday. The state is celebrating two years of progress on the Southern Golden Gate Estates restoration project.

The 640-acre agreement grew out of a deal in 2003 in which the county gave up control over the roads in Southern Golden Gate Estates, a 55,000-acre subdivision south of Interstate 75 and north of U.S. 41 East. A meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 10 between commissioners and the water management district's governing board, which is appointed by the governor, to resolve the matter.

The failed subdivision was once a haven for off-roading even though the activity wasn't technically legal. ATVs, swamp buggies and dirt bikes have been outlawed there since the restoration project began.

Clarence Tears, director of the Big Cypress Basin, a local arm of the water management district, said the district has looked at about 20 potential ATV sites, but each has run afoul of "environmental issues."

"The district is doing everything possible to find a parcel of land that is acceptable," Tears said.


www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/nov/27/atv_protest_planned_everglades_event/
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Florida counties opt out of law allowing ATVs on unpaved roads

the associated press
Posted October 2 2006


GAINESVILLE · A state law that opened up many unpaved roads to all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts Sunday is getting a chilly reception in several counties outside South Florida.

Commissioners in Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Hernando, Pasco and Putnam counties have passed ordinances opting out of the new state law that allows ATVs on unpaved roads with speed limits under 35 mph.



LocalLinks

Alachua and Suwannee counties are considering similar bans.

Officials cite safety, residential complaints, law enforcement problems and property damage among the reasons for sticking with a prior state law that kept ATVs on private land or public tracks and off roads and highways.

"It's a shame that we have to penalize the majority for just a few, but we felt like it was in the best interest of the community to pass on the ordinance," Columbia County Sheriff Bill Gootee said. "We felt like we had enough problems with ATVs without adding more to the dirt roads."

Hernando County authorities cited three ATV deaths in August among the reasons they decided to keep the vehicles off dirt roads. Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent didn't like the idea of 800-pound ATVs sharing the road with 5,000-pound trucks.

"Not a good match," Nugent said in August.

Hernando County resident Clarence McCandless opposed the county's restrictions. He said keeping ATVs off dirt roads does nothing to prevent accidents.

"You're penalizing all of the ATV users, safe and not safe," McCandless said.

Some rural residents applauded the continued restrictions.

"We are terrified regularly by people on ATVs who don't even live in our neighborhood," said Alachua County resident Janice Henley. "They race really fast. They don't care about the speed. They've scared my 83-year-old mother half to death."

The new law was meant to promote ATV safety, said state Rep. Greg Evers, R-Milton. He said it encourages riders to stay on rural instead of paved streets and requires adults to supervise children's ATV use.

But Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly said the law is "poorly written" and does not define what constitutes proper supervision.

He said officers will have a difficult time with enforcement.
Thanks to the sun-sentinel

No problem people. I got used to it a long time ago. Just trying to point out a last ditch effort to get riding in Collier.

News Release
HIGH WATER LEVEL PROMPTS CLOSURE OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

September 20, 2006
CONTACT: Dani Moschella, (561) 625-5132

Due to an inordinately high water level associated with recent rainfall, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has closed the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area to the public. The high water level has jeopardized wildlife, particularly deer, in the area, which includes parts of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties

FWC Executive Director Ken Haddad signed an executive order Sept. 18, which takes effect at midnight Sept. 25 and will remain in effect until rescinded by subsequent order.

These special regulations prohibit:

taking game other than fish and alligators

use of vehicles, airboats, ATVs and other public access, except by special access permit and in Conservation Area 2 from the L-35B levee north to the east-west airboat trail

This order does not apply to:

persons permitted to participate in the statewide alligator egg collections or alligator hunts

persons operating boats (other than airboats) within the established canal systems or within 1 mile of those canals in adjacent marshes of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA.

Persons participating in the statewide alligator egg collections or alligator hunts must maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from any tree island and the L-5 South and L-4 South levees when operating a vessel or airboat to minimize disturbance to upland wildlife jeopardized by high water conditions.

The South Florida Water Management District will cease maintenance of the grass on the L-4, L-5 and L-6 levees to avoid jeopardizing wildlife.

To report a violation of this order, any wildlife violations, or a boating emergency, call the toll-free Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922

People on this site need to get their PRIORITIES straight. If y'all want to get ATV riding in Collier County y'all need to get as many views on this notice as there are views on NEXTEL views or it will NEVER happen. I don't post much BUT i look and listen. Take a look at how many views on someones cr500 pictures. and take a look at some SERIOuS matters as to "ARE WE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RIDE IN FLORIDA " Yeah, i try to keep  ahead of some serious matters. A friend of mine gets some really good info so i'm posting it here. Do what y'all want to do with it.

The information you will need to contact the Collier County Commission about the use of ATVs on dirt roads in that County is below. Following that information is an excellent letter written by Eric. He said you can use his letter to write your own.  There is a county hearing coming up on this matter so you need to send your letter by this Th.  Thanks
Jack


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frank Halas
District 2
Email: FrankHalas@colliergov.net
2006 Chairman
Web: http://www.frankhalas.com

-- Newsletters --June 2006April 2006

-- Sheriff's Budget --Spreadsheet Comparison of Other CountiesAnswers to the Chamber's Questions
Satellite Office
Headquarters Library
2385 Orange Blossom Drive
Naples, FL 34109
Phone: (239) 774-8097


Jim Coletta
District 5
Email: JimColetta@colliergov.net
2006 Vice Chairman
Satellite Office
Immokalee
310 Aluchua Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: (239) 774-8097


Fred W. Coyle
District 4
Email: FredCoyle@colliergov.net
 


Donna Fiala
District 1
Email: DonnaFiala@colliergov.net
Satellite Office
Tax Collector's Office
1040 Winterberry Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: (239) 774-8097


Tom Henning
District 3
Email: TomHenning@colliergov.net
 



-----------cut-------------------------
Immokalee
310 Aluchua Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: (239) 774-8097



To: Honorable collier county commissioner Jim Coletta



Subject: Please support F.S. § 316.2123 in suitable areas of Collier County



I ask that Collier County support F.S. 316.213 this is one of very few bills that have been passed that recognize our traditional uses in South Florida. South Florida is a multicultural and highly diversified population and our particular Folk Culture while accepting of all the many folks, cultures and lifestyles that has come our way has been steadily pushed aside and given up nearly all of the freedoms we grew up with due to pressure of population growth and prejudice towards our culture and heritage.



Our family  grew up driving swampbuggies, airboats, dirt bikes, ORVs, minibikes, go carts, hayrides, riding  horses you name it on South Florida Roads and trails  mostly on roads in rural areas and public lands such as the Big Cypress, the Everglades and in and around homes on dirt roads on acreage on the outskirts of the main populations,



Collier County is an outdoor paradise and folks from all over have both moved here and many visit .regularly.  This puts pressure to satisfy the desires of the masses resulting in the homogenizing of South Florida.  These actions too often result with adverse effects on South Florida's traditional folk culture and heritage.



Given this we still must recognize that there are many areas where ORV use may be disturbing or offensive to those who have not grown up in our culture. Very importantly we also do not wish to turn rural areas of Collier County into a race tracks for those who wish to abuse this statute. We advocate passive use in order to reach our destinations. This can be accomplished with responsible ORV operators following the rules and operate this equipment as we have our farm equipment for generations on the roads that Collier County determines are suitable for ORV use.



I ask that rather than dismiss this statute F.S. 316.213 in its entirety that Collier County inventory the areas and roads where this use is suitable. I will name a few that I know personally but do not wish to limit use to only the areas I have named but also  ask that Collier County seek public input on other areas of roads I may have missed



These are a few of the roads and areas that Collier County should not exempt itself from Statute F.S. 316.213.

Loop Road, Turner River Road, Burns Road, Birdon Road, Wagon, Wheel Road, Janes Scenic Drive, Joans Grade, Any of the roads leading to Picayune State Forest, Faxahatchee or the Big Cypress National Preserve., including the Addition Lands.



I greatly appreciate your consideration of my comments



Eric Kimmel

12685 SW 200 ST

Miami Fl. 33177  Email Looprd@aol.com  Phone 305-345-4202



Member Fulltrack Conservation Club (youth activities)

Friends of the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve

Africana Education and Research Foundation

Sorry to report that SFWMD has not accepted our offer to meet on 9/16. I am working with local state legislators to change the management of SFWMD from an appointed board to an elected board. I do believe that the SFWMD would be more responsive to the needs of the people if they are elected rather than appointed.
Jim Coletta



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jose VArela [mailto:lswjth2@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 7:34 PM
To: fiala_d; HalasFrank; CoyleFred; henning_t; ColettaJim
Cc: brian mchannon; dennis atv; kevin vaughan; gbryant58@comcast.net; vanessa; miamigirlrider@yahoo.com
Subject: Meeting on Tuesday between Collier County and SFWMD


Dear Commissioners, Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the meeting on Tuesday between yourselves and SFWMD. I just want to convey that although I will not be present I still support and again thank you for your continuing effort in assisting the recreational families of Collier County.I really wish that things would have not gone to where they are today, but I also understand that this is no fault of yours.I truly believe that when people sit down, commom ground can usually be found.Unfortunately as you are all painfully aware of, SFWMD has been less than truthful in their dealings with the county and it's citizens on this issue. They refuse to let us ride on the same roads where a 20 Ton earthmover can be towed. They were supposed to protect historic and cultural uses, they claim they have no land to give the county, however they own a little over 300,000 acres and now they might have entered into a contract with the county without having the authority to do so.I can only wish that if an agreement cannot be reached on Tuesday whereby we might be allowed to ride within 30 days from now, that the county immediately file an injunction and prevent any roads from being torn up. I also hope that the county get's the roads back ASAP so that on OCT 1 the new ATV law that becomes effective, you will allow us to ride on those roads  in the Picayune Forest. I again thank you for the way you have stood up for the citizens of our county.

Sincerly Yours
The Varela Family
Rick, Maria,Katrina and Samantha

To the Honorable Collier County Commissioner Jim Colletta

Please do not allow Collier County to entirely exempt themselves from this statute 316.2123 If Collier County Exempts itself from this statute this will adversely effect the Gladesmen Folk Culture. The NPS, will continue to stop citizens from gaining access throughout the rest of our public lands via the public roads  with our swampbuggies and ATVs as we have done historically for decades. If possible could Collier County consider a partial type exemption dedicating all the roads in and around the Big Cypress National Preserve, Picayune, Faxahtachee or any of the more rural roads leading to these areas as areas allowing ORV use and exempt the more populated areas from this statute.

Sincerely
Eric Kimmel
12685 SW 200 ST
Miami Fl 33177
Phone 305-345-4202





The public is hereby notified that the Collier County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. to consider whether the county should exempt itself from provisions pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public roads as specified in F.S. § 316.2123, which becomes effective on Oct. 1, 2006.  The meeting will take place in the Board of County Commissioners chambers, located on the third floor of the W. Harmon Turner Building, Building F, Collier County Government Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.

Collier County Government   

Communication &                                                                 Contact:  Sandra Arnold-Lawson
Customer Relations Department                                           Public Information Coordinator
3301 East Tamiami Trail                                                 (239) 774-8308             
Naples, FL  34112                                                   
                                               
Sept. 13, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006

9 A.M.

The public is hereby notified that the Collier County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. to consider whether the county should exempt itself from provisions pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public roads as specified in F.S. § 316.2123, which becomes effective on Oct. 1, 2006.  The meeting will take place in the Board of County Commissioners chambers, located on the third floor of the W. Harmon Turner Building, Building F, Collier County Government Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.

In regard to the public hearing: 

All interested parties are invited to attend, to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing to the Board prior to the meeting.  All registered public speakers will be limited to three minutes unless permission for additional time is granted by the Chairman. 

Collier County Ordinance No. 2004-05 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners, an advisory board or quasi-judicial board), register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department. 

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.  Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department, located at 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 774-8380, at least two days prior to the meeting.  Assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired are available in the Board of County Commissioners Office.

For more information, call the County Manager's Office at 774-8383.

-End

We were just informed that the SFWMD meeting will take place Sept. 19th from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in the BCC Chambers to discuss the 640 acres for ATV riders.

Read what people have to say what is wrong with orvs'

Holey Land, Rotenberger, Area 3  only.They are not going away any time soon. Basically Dade county club members use tracks now a days. Expensive to maintain and y'all only get one tag during the season for one deer. Can only be used in area for which permit was granted.

    
  
  
  
    
  
"The message ought to be clear to off-road riders: If you want to continue to use the forest, you must ride more responsibly," Rains said.
Let's see how many respond to this.

To those that can't read between the lines,
 http://www.arra-access.com/campaign/TransportationEquityActHR3/wnkgdxx2f5j58i7
 Let's see how many respond to this.