Blue Ribbon Coalition

The BlueRibbon Coalition needs your help.  These are tough economic times and, while we stretch every donation as much as possible, reduced funding threatens our ability to sustain the fight.

 

Our funding crunch couldn't have come at a worse time. The radical environmentalist litigation machine is running full steam and federal land mangers are about to implement a disastrous "de facto Wilderness" scheme. While we continue to defend responsible OHV and snowmobile recreation against these attacks, we are also planning offensive initiatives that, hopefully, will bring balance back to recreation management. 

 

All of these efforts, both offensive and defensive, require immediate funding. Please consider a donation today to help us in our efforts this year.  We have made it simple and secure online at: www.sharetrails.org/donate 

 

To those who have donated, everyone at BRC wants you to know that we appreciate your support... more than you know.  Your commitment makes our work on your behalf possible.

 

When we ask for donations and support, we do so knowing it is only fair for you to ask a few questions of your own.  For example, "What exactly does BlueRibbon Coalition do?"  Or, "When I join or donate to the BlueRibbon Coalition, how are those funds used?"  

 

To answer those questions and more, please look below my signature line for an overview of our most recent work.

 

We've done everything right in these hard times - as the Executive Director, I've cut every available ounce I can from expenses and overhead.  I have not given staff a merit or cost of living increase in over three years.  In fact, I've even cut staff and hours where possible and prudent.  

 

Unfortunately, we have not been able to cut the challenges we face.   There is no more cutting without cutting our effectiveness.  I need your help to keep up the fight. 

 

Again, please consider your donation to our efforts today.  It is simple and secure at www.sharetrails.org/donate. Thank you for your commitment.  

 

Please take a few minutes to peruse the information below.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Greg Mumm

Executive Director

BlueRibbon Coalition 

 

 

 

A brief look at our 25 year history reveals that even the most casual recreational activities on public lands and waters benefit from our longstanding efforts. A full list of our accomplishments can be found on our website: http://www.sharetrails.org/about/accomplishments

 

BRC is fighting to protect recreational access, improve management and benefit recreationists on three key playing fields:

 

BRC operates within a very disciplined budget with only 21% of its general funds used for what is described as "administrative overhead." Although those efforts (our membership department, accounting, etc) are vital to our day-to-day operations, the vast majority of funds coming into the BRC are devoted to the "On the Ground" efforts.  One key component is paying salaries for BRC staff and contractors.  

 

BRC's budget is determined by the Board of Directors, who are volunteers elected by the membership.  Our Treasurer provides a monthly accounting to the Board and the BlueRibbon Coalition goes through an extensive annual audit by an independent outside accounting firm.  Our annual 990 forms are made available for public review on our website.  http://www.sharetrails.org/about/990-forms 

 

The BlueRibbon Coalition has two funds we account for internally: Legal and General. Donations we receive that are identified for a specific legal case are accounted to that case and used expressly for that case.  The BRC General Budget funds our advocacy and education mission.    

 

BRC monitors agency planning across the nation and works with our members, member organizations, and member businesses to facilitate their involvement to protect recreational access.  

 

BRC also works directly on behalf of its members at every level, from DC bureaucracies to local field offices.  The quality of the product developed by our professional staff to assist our members in their local areas is unsurpassed.  

 

For an example of how this plays out at the local and regional level, please see our comments on the recent Carson Field Office of the BLM revised management planning at this link: http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Carson-BRC-Comments.pdf

 

As an example of how this plays out at the national level, please see our input to the Agency on the recent Forest Service planning for the new Forest Planning Rule: 

 

While not exhaustive in its scope, a fair representation of BlueRibbon Coalition actions over the past three years in over twenty states and Washington, DC can be found in the following link: http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/2012-BRC-Summary.pdf

 

Wherever possible, we partner with other national associations and with state level organizations to maximize impact and ensure we are not wasting precious resources.  

 

For well over a decade, the Legal Program has provided solutions to many challenges enthusiasts have faced.  Our longstanding relationship with Moore Smith Buxton & Turcke of Boise, Idaho, provides recreationists with counsel possessing cutting-edge knowledge unique to access law while controlling costs.  

 

The Legal Program starts with a retainer component that allows BRC members to obtain an initial review of a potential case paid for by BRC's general legal retainer.  It also provides the capability to work closely with public lands staff to assist BRC members in agency plans and appeals at below-market rates.  BRC has the equivalent of a "staff attorney" who is knowledgeable and provides instantaneous response to a wide range of member and partner inquiries.  The preservationist legal machine has hundreds of these attorneys.  Recreationists have, at best, a handful.  Results of the Program come at costs to be envied by any business, organization or individual forced to navigate the minefield of litigation in the public access arena.

 

When people think "legal," they think "lawsuits."  And that is an arena where BlueRibbon shines.  Through the Program, we have participated in dozens of suits across the nation, including several that have literally changed the law.  We repel the relentless attacks of anti-access forces and seize strategic opportunities to bring proactive, offensive challenges to bad decisions.   

 

The BlueRibbon Legal Program has stood the test of time in providing unparalleled quality and value in the access advocacy arena.  More information can be found at this link: http://www.sharetrails.org/legal

 

Recognizing the importance of a regular presence in the legislative process, BRC works efficiently to give voice to off-highway recreationists by educating the general public and legislators.  Within the legal confines of the IRS regulations , BRC lobbies on behalf of its members on legislation affecting recreational funding, recreational access and similar issues having an impact on recreation.

 

The BRC also works to enhance involvement of our legislators and respective Congressional committees in oversight of land managing agencies' activities.  BRC regularly submits written testimony to various oversight committee hearings on recreation issues.  This past year, for example, BRC's Greg Mumm and Don Amador were invited to testify before two separate oversight hearings on behalf of the recreation community.  BRC worked with legislative staff on both DC and field hearings, assisting members and partners in testifying for the recreation community.  See videos here: 

 

 

We have been here to work for you for the last 25 years because you care enough about your recreation's future to support us. Please donate today at www.sharetrails.org/donate

 

Pass this along to your friends.  We need their help too.