PRESS RELEASE: PWORA Kicks Off 2026 with Leadership Continuity, Funding Focus, and Renewed Forest Partnerships

The Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA)/RestoreTrails.Org will hold its first Board of Directors meeting of 2026 on January 12.

At this meeting, Ted Cabral has agreed to continue serving as President, providing leadership continuity as the organization advances its trail restoration and recovery mission.

A key priority for early 2026 will be to strengthen RestoreTrails through a more structured, sustainable funding approach. PWORA is developing a proposed Business Partnership and Fundraising Program designed to diversify revenue, build long-term stability, and expand restoration capacity.

As part of this effort, President Cabral will attend the upcoming California OHMVR Grants Workshop to ensure PWORA remains aligned with program priorities, timelines, and future grant opportunities. In addition, PWORA is exploring private grant opportunities that may complement OHMVR funding and further diversify RestoreTrails’ revenue sources.

PWORA has also reinitiated outreach with the Mendocino National Forest. The goal is to rebuild momentum on priority trail work and identify new opportunities for collaboration moving forward.

Together, these efforts reflect PWORA’s continued commitment to leadership, stewardship, and long-term recovery of OHV trail systems impacted by wildfire and other disasters.

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“DEVELOPING THE THINKING SAWYER” – RECERT CHAINSAW CLASS ON THE ELDORADO NF

 

“DEVELOPING THE THINKING SAWYER” – RECERT SAW CLASS ON THE ELDORADO NF

 By Don Amador

7/2/2025

The U.S. Forest Service requires that volunteers, who use chainsaws to clear trails of downed trees on Forest Service lands, become chainsaw certified or recertified every 3 years.  It was that recertification requirement that prompted the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) to hold a class at the Elkins Flat OHV Area on the Eldorado National Forest June 6, 2025.

 

Guided by PWORA’s Master Agreement with USFS Pacific Southwest Region 5 and tenets of the new U.S. Forest Service National Saw Policy, “Developing The Thinking Sawyer”, the class, was graciously hosted by the Eldorado National Forest, which included students from the USFS agency and trail volunteers from several OHV organizations in Northern California.

 

Sawyers from Eldorado Crew E-365, having multiple years of chainsaw Fireline and project work experience, assisted with the field instructing, along with Bill Aaron, retired U.S. Forest Service sawyer with 40 years of chainsaw experience during wildfire suppression, as well as hazard tree removal at FS admin sites. He currently remains as a Forest Service C level evaluator and instructor. On occasion, Bill operates under the banner of his own company, Bill Aaron Consulting LLC to help train chainsaw safety and operation for many FS volunteer groups.

 

INFO ON THE FOREST SERVICE “THINKING SAWYER” NATIONAL SAW PROGRAM

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/out-and-about/national-saw-program-updates

 

In 2023, the Washington Office of Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources program announced three important updates to the National Saw Program: amended national saw policy, national sawyer qualification tracking database and a new sawyer training curriculum. These improvements support implementation of the saw program at the national, regional, forest and district levels to benefit agency staff, partners and volunteers who use chainsaws and crosscut saws on National Forest System lands.

 

Don Amador, PWORA Training and Safety Education lead, states, “I agree with a number of trail volunteers that I talked with (who had been certified under the old saw program) that the new complexity-based certification system makes a lot of sense.  I also appreciated the program’s sharp focus on safety with a primary goal of getting you and your crew back home for dinner at the end of the day.”

 

PWORA continues to believe the need for a trained volunteer workforce will grow as federal agencies roll out new programs such as the Forest Service’s National Trail Strategy or face challenges such as recreation budget cutbacks or staffing shortages.

 *Amador was recertified as a B faller/bucker.

# # #

 

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years.   Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance and serves as the Safety Training Coordinator. Don is a Co-Founder and Current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.  Don served as a North Zone Fire Cache AD Driver for the 2022 to 2024 fire seasons. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA.  Don can be reached via email at: damador@cwo.com

PWORA IS NOW RESTORETRAILS.ORG

 LEARN MORE AND JOIN US ON OUR WEBSITE AT RESTORETRAILS.ORG

Preserving sustainable multi-use trail recreation amidst natural disasters for present and future generations.  Visit us at RestoreTrails.Org.

 2023 Round Valley Trail Four Wheel Drive Tour and Notes

by Del Albright

Up hwy 4, N. CA, near the Bear Valley Ski Resort is the Round Valley 4x4 Trail.  Our group decided to tackle it on a rainy September day.  It was awesome.  We also tested a brand new Bronco (Baja version) with great success.  The new owners and new wheelers were thrilled with the Ford.

and surprisingly we found Mule's Ears flowers in full bloom, Sept. 2, 2023.  Awesome.

PWORA NEWS RELEASE - CELEBRATE OHV AREA POST-WINTER REOPENING

STORM DOWNED TREES CLEARED FROM OHV TRAIL

Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino National Forest

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 6/5/2023

CONTACT: Ted Cabral – 707.246.8289

               

CELEBRATE OHV AREA POST-WINTER REOPENING

 

UPPER LAKE, CA - A celebration is planned to honor the work done by volunteers and the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service over the last six months to reopen motorized trails damaged by heavy winter storms. The PWORA Celebration event will be held on June 17, 2023 at the Middle Creek Campground on the Mendocino National Forest near Upper Lake, CA.

 

STORM DOWNED TREES BLOCKING OHV TRAIL

Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino National Forest

The severe rain storms, high winds, and heavy snow had caused hundreds of trees damaged by recent wildfires to fall across the designated road and trail system that blocked public access and raised concerns about rider safety and environmental impacts due to unauthorized reroutes around blocked travelways.

 

To help address those storm impacts, PWORA organized numerous work events attended by 170 volunteers who contributed over 2,000 hours to clear downed trees off of the multiple-use road and trail system managed by the Upper Lake Ranger District (ULRD).

 

PWORA worked with the ULRD’s District Ranger, Frank Aebly, and OHV recreation specialist, Matt Nourmohamadian, to ensure that trail clearing efforts followed sustainable trail management practices and safety protocols.  

 

Ted Cabral,  PWORA President and CEO, states, “Getting OHV routes reopened for public use before the Memorial Day Weekend was a herculean effort that was only accomplished by a strong collaboration between PWORA, volunteer crews, and the ULRD management and staff.”

 

“Special thanks also goes to the Lake County Public Works Department and Forest Service law enforcement who worked on a temporary fix and management strategy to reopen a slide on a section of the Elk Mountain Road to allow for trail repair crews to continue clearing downed trees,” Cabral continues.      

 

“The celebration event is an appropriate way to highlight the heavy lift by the Forest Service and partners to reopen this important recreation area so it can be once again enjoyed by the recreation community,” Cabral concludes.

 

 PWORA wants to thank our many sponsors and grant partners who helped make the reopening possible and they include,  FOX FACTORY Trail Trust Program, Factory Pipe, Metal Cloak Industries, California State Park OHV Grant Program, Metal Cloak Industries, Yamaha Grant Initiative, and the Marin County Motorcycle Association.

 

FB LINK TO JUNE 17 CELEBRATION

https://www.facebook.com/pwora

 

# # #

 

SNOW WHEELING FUN AND PROTOCOL

 

OVER THE SNOW, FOUR-WHEELING FUN AND ADVENTURE -- AND 

SOME PROTOCOL TIPS

By Del Albright

Snow wheeling, or over-the-snow 4x4 travel, is a lot of fun -- especially in good snow that allows you to float on top of the crust.

I recommend the first step is good snow-gripping tires like the BFGoodrich Tires KM3 Mud Terrain.  Secondly, air your tires down as far as you can safely go.  If you have beadlock wheels, then 3 to 5 pounds psi works great.  Third, lock it up and go slow.  Let the tires grab and walk you over the snow.

Protocol:

1. Follow the rules.  Make sure over-the-snow travel is allowed where you plan to go.

2. Always avoid resource damage (like driving over small shrubs and trees).

3. Obtain a permit if it's required in your area.

4.  Be extra courteous to other snow users like cross-country skiers.

Have fun.  Be safe.  And wheel that white stuff!

#BFG

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NEWS RELEASE - POST STORM TRAIL RECOVERY PROJECT STARTS ON UPPER LAKE RANGER DISTRICT

Downed Trees Cleared from OHV Route

POST STORM TRAIL RECOVERY PROJECT STARTS 

ON UPPER LAKE RANGER DISTRICT

 

On January 21, 2023, over 27 staff and volunteers from the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) and the Forest Service worked to reestablish motorized access to the Deer Valley Campground.

 

Crews cleared both small and large diameter downed trees along the Upper and Lower Deer Valley roads. Dirt-bike strike teams were deployed to clear downed trees on single-track trails.

 

Post Storm Condition on Many OHV Routes

The recent series of winter storms with heavy rain and winds caused a lot of trees killed or damaged by recent wildfires to fall down across much of the designated road and trail system. Several of the key OHV campgrounds also sustained significant damage.

 

PWORA Project Supply Trailer

The project area is located on the Upper Lake Ranger District (ULRD) that is on the west side of the Mendocino National Forest. The ULRD offers a total of three OHV staging areas/ campgrounds including Middle Creek, Penny Pines, and Deer Valley. These are multi-use facilities that offer a diverse range of high-quality motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities.

 

Ted Cabral, PWORA’s president and CEO, states, “It’s volunteer work parties like this that highlight the

increasingly important role that non-profit partners have in helping federal agencies with post natural disaster repair and recovery of roads, trails, and campgrounds.”

 

Safety Meeting with Volunteer Crews

PWORA has volunteer works parties planned the 2nd Saturday of each month for February, March, April, May and June to help the ULRD reopen portions of its trail system. These trails and access roads are currently closed due to damage by wildfires and severe winter storms.

 

PWORA’s volunteer work event will stage at the Middle Creek Campground at 9:00am. For more information please contact the PWORA FB page at:

 www.facebook.com/groups/677479795963782

 

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2023 OUTLOOK FOR ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS AND DUNES

2023 LANDUSE AND ACCESS OUTLOOK

By Del Albright, ASA Social Media Manager, Supporter

 

Where will we be riding and exploring this new year? What effect will our recent political history have on our access to public lands and dunes? Are we going to see changes in our favorite duning areas? Allow me to give you some insight.

The mess we call 2020 is now mostly hindsight, with 2021 and 2022 rough but better years. But our riding, exploring, and adventures for 2023 are not by any means guaranteed. 

The Administration’s policy changes, as is usual in a democracy, have flooded the world we live in. However, federal and state agencies are adapting to the “new” normal just like they did a few years ago with other agency/administration changes. Still, access to our public lands and dunes is tenuous at best.

Land closures and restrictions will get headlines in almost all states, especially in the west. New Monuments, new Wilderness, new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), new this and new that. I predict we will not be able to keep up with the pages of reading to review and comment.

In 2022 the environmental movement worked with the Administration to orchestrate the 30 x 30 America the Beautiful initiative – proposing to conserve (some say lock up) 30% of America by 2030. Right now, about 12% of our American lands and waterways are “conserved” or protected (locked up). ASA is watching this one closely!

Then we can throw in the many things that distract us daily. Gun rights will be highlighted and in the news a lot. How our kids are taught in school (or should I say brainwashed) will bug parents daily. The war over “American-made” or foreign-made will hit the top of the charts. Insurance, bills, trying to recover from the pandemic, and many other financial bites will nibble at us all year.

So what?

So, what does this mean? Does it mean you probably aren’t thinking much about keeping dunes open or saving our sports? And does it suggest that this trend of not joining clubs and associations is the easier way to do things – virtually, if at all?

WRONG! I can’t say that strongly enough. If we do not unite, speak up, stay engaged, stay tuned into what is happening with our trails, and FIGHT BACK, we will end up parking our rigs in the garage to look at a few times a year. We cannot just be virtual, and we cannot let daily distractions numb us into apathy.

Exactly what do we do?

JOIN: Get your joining back on! Join ASA and your state and regional associations/organizations. They need our membership dues to make a difference and do what dedicated, knowledgeable riders MUST do.

Sure, if you want to stay with your virtual group, ok. But do not make that your go-to. Virtual groups do not go to state capitals or Washington, DC, to fight for us (unless I missed something). But, on the other hand, brick-and-mortar groups do show up where it counts – in person, face to face.

DONATE: Send somebody some gas money! Donate to a group so they can send someone to those meetings where decisions are made about YOUR trails. Buy raffle tickets to organization raffle vehicles. If we are not at the tables, ALL of them, the head of the table will make decisions without us and not necessarily in our favor.

VOLUNTEER: Put a trash bag to work in your favorite duning area! Donate your time and volunteer to help keep dunes open. Help your association/groups on a project that needs time and effort (strong backs). Show up! Yes, I’ll be trite – the world is run by those who show up.

BUY SMART: Support businesses that support our sport. Buy from those outfits who do something for land use, such as donating to raffles, joining associations as a business, and contributing in some way to keep dunes open or helping a club doing just that.

Join, donate, volunteer, and buy smart. If you start doing those things with all your heart and ability, we can turn the tide in 2023 into a year we can be proud of and keep our right to ride alive and well.

START by joining (or renewing your membership in) the American Sand Association here: https://americansandassociation.org

 

 

 

 Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake District, Mason Trail Connector Work Weekends

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CHECK-IN: Volunteer Check in 9am, Saturday, USFS Middle Creek Campground, Mendocino National Forest, 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).

CAMP: camping available on site with toilets and water; trailers/RVs ok.

JOBS:  will include hand tool work, cutting and moving cut tree limbs, and other trail repair and restoration work.

FOOD: Bring your own lunch/food (unless we get a sponsor/donor) and hydration fluids.

GEAR: Bring personal protective gear if you have it; some will be available on-site.

DATES: work is scheduled to take place the 2^nd Saturday of each month of January, February, March, April, May, June (nothing in July – September), October, November, and December.

VOLUNTEER: Post up here if you can make it.

BACKGROUND:  PWORA is working with the Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake District to build new trails and restore fire-damaged trails. The Mason Trail Connector is a conversion to OHV use of approximately 1.3 miles of the abandoned logging road and will provide a connection between two existing Mendocino National Forest OHV trails. The trail was partially constructed by the Mendo NF and improved with 3 other culverts in locations along with the trailbed but lacked a sustainable all-season creek crossing in one location. PWORA constructed a multiplate culvert to provide an all season, sustainable and fire-resistant creek crossing to complete the new trail. Final preparations and arrangements are being made by PWORA and Mendo NF to prepare for an official opening of the trail in 2023.

NEWS RELEASE - POST WILDFIRE OHV RECOVERY ALLIANCE (PWORA) ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT/CEO

Ted Cabral at BLM's South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Ted Cabral

Email: tedcabral@gmail.com

Date: 11/14/2022

  

POST WILDFIRE OHV RECOVERY ALLIANCE (PWORA) ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT/CEO

  

COTTONWOOD, CA (Nov. 14) - The Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) board elected Ted Cabral as the organization’s new President and CEO. The vote was taken at the 2022 Board Meeting held on November 10 in Cottonwood, CA.

 

Ted Cabral will replace Don Amador who served from 2018 to 2022 as the organization’s first president who stepped down from his current position but will, however, remain on the board.

 

Don Amador, past president of PWORA, states, “I am proud of what PWORA has accomplished over the last 4 years where it collaborated with a diverse array of multi-interest strategic partners to mobilize volunteers and deploy resources on projects to mitigate post-disaster impacts to recreation areas on public lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in California.”

 

“PWORA’s significant achievements since the organization’s founding include signing a Master Participating Agreement (MPA) with the USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (R5) located in Vallejo, California, completion of numerous volunteer and contract post fire recovery projects, and successful fundraising efforts,” Amador continues.

 

“I know the organization under Ted’s leadership with continue to build capacity to help our agency partners plan for and implement important post wildfire recovery projects,” Amador concludes. 

 

Ted Cabral, former three term commissioner for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of California State Parks, has a long track record of collaboration with the government agencies that manage OHV recreation on public lands in California. “I am looking forward to building on the incredible foundation that Don and the PWORA board of directors have built.” Cabral stated. “My vision is to build our alliance by developing deep ties with local clubs and volunteer organizations. Those organizations would be able to leverage our relationship to streamline their volunteer efforts by taking advantage of PWORA’s MPA to better support the Forest Service and other agencies during recovery operations.”

 

# # #

Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) is a national non-profit organization founded to protect and restore sustainable OHV recreation from the devastating effects of intense wildfires and other natural disasters. PWORA collaborates with a diverse array of multi-interest strategic partners to mobilize volunteers and deploy resources to mitigate post-disaster impacts to recreation areas 

NEWS RELEASE - POST WILDFIRE OHV RECOVERY ALLIANCE (PWORA) IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR POSITION OF PRESIDENT

 

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:  Don Amador, PWORA President

Cell:  925-783-1834

Email: damador@pwora.org

Date: September 7, 2022

 

POST WILDFIRE OHV RECOVERY ALLIANCE (PWORA) IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS

FOR POSITION OF PRESIDENT

  

The Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) is formally launching its search this week for the position of President.

 Don Amador, appointed in 2018 as the organization’s first president, informed board members earlier this year that he will be stepping down from his current position on the board but will, however, remain on the board.

 PWORA is a national non-profit organization founded to protect and restore sustainable OHV recreation from the devastating effects of intense wildfires and other natural disasters.  Over the last four years, PWORA has collaborated with a diverse array of multi-interest strategic partners to mobilize volunteers and deploy resources on projects to mitigate post-disaster impacts to recreation areas on public lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in California.

 The ideal candidate will have experience in trail recreation-related stewardship projects and possess an enthusiastic approach to collaboration and working with government agencies.

 Significant achievements since the organization’s founding include signing a Master Participating Agreement (MPA) with the USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (R5) located in Vallejo, California, completion of numerous volunteer and contract post fire recovery projects, and successful fundraising efforts.

 

The position description is listed below and also posted on social networks and the PWORA website at: http://pwora.org.

PWORA seeks an energetic & purpose-driven multiple-use outdoor recreational enthusiast to lead the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance and a team of like-minded volunteers into the future.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Preside over the Board of Directors to achieve PWORA goals, objectives, and mission.

• Lead PWORA to capitalize on current agency directives and opportunities with cooperators and non-profit partners.

• Oversee corporate finances and tax filings, working directly with PWORA Treasurer.

• Orchestrate agency communications to develop relationships.

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners and stakeholders

• Lead traditional and social media campaigns garnering exposure for the organization

• Coordinate with state and federal partners to develop, execute and complete projects.

• Coordinate with PWORA Grants administrator on new project development

The ideal candidate will:

• Have trail work/project experience

• Broad knowledge of OHV stewardship projects on Public Lands

• Experience with motorized and non-motorized public land use

• Good communication skills

• Fluent in social media

• Good project management skills

• Ability to travel and work remotely

Compensation :

This is currently a volunteer position. However, the Board intends for the right candidate to grow this position into a full-time paid career. Currently, remuneration is limited to travel and related expenses.

About PWORA:

PWORA was founded following the devastating California wildfires to restore the trail systems destroyed by the fires. Since then, PWORA has secured a Master Agreement with the US Forest Service (USFS) Region 5, Pacific Northwest, to carry out projects and maintenance activities on USFS lands. Additionally, PWORA is registered as a Federal Contractor and is eligible to contract directly with the USFS and BLM for projects on Federal lands.

Learn more about the PWORA Mission, Goals, and Board Members here: https://www.pwora.org/

How to Apply:

The PWORA Board is considering all applications as they come in. The submission deadline is November 15, 2022; however, the Board has the right to choose a candidate at any time in the process.

Please send a resume with a cover letter with your background, qualifications, and why you are the ideal candidate for PWORA to:

Don Amador, President, PWORA

3306 West Ho Trail

Cottonwood, CA 96022

Email: damador@pwora.org

 

FOX FACTORY TRAIL TRUST PROGRAM GRANT TO SUPPORT POST WILDFIRE RECOVERY

 

   

PWORA is very proud to be the recipient of a significant grant from the FOX Factory Trail Trust Program that is helping recover and reopen critical multi-use recreation facilities after they have been devastated by intense wildfires.

FOX’s Trail Trust aims to deliver sustainable adventure to everyone with nonprofit partners worldwide. This means promoting the conscientious use of land amongst outdoor enthusiasts and protecting our shared playgrounds. It also requires expanding opportunities within the outdoor sporting industry, diversifying the populations that participate in power sports — because everyone deserves the thrill of adventure.

PWORA worked on two post-Ranch Fire projects on the Mendocino National Forest of northern California during 2021.  PWORA completed the Mason Trail Connector Project.  And now with funds from both the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant Program and the FOX Trail Trust, the St. John’s Mountain Restoration Project is geared up for completion in 2022.  Both of these projects are vital to sustainable recreation opportunities in the area.

While government grants are critically important to help pay for post-fire recovery efforts, often, a nonprofit has to cover significant upfront costs since some grants take time to travel through the bureaucracy.  The generous grant from the FOX Trail Trust will ensure that projects get off the ground and are completed on time.

LINK TO FOX FACTORY NEWS RELEASE BELOW

https://stories.ridefox.com/2021/11/fox-factory-launches-multimodal-off-road-community-investment-program/

 

 

PWORA WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OF THE FOREST SERVICE

PWORA WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OF THE FOREST SERVICE

The Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) wants to send our most sincere congratulations to Randy Moore on his appointment by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve as the 20th Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service.

 

LINK TO FULL AGENCY NEWS RELEASE

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/06/28/agriculture-secretary-tom-vilsack-announces-randy-moore-new-forest

 

 

According to a statement from Secretary Vilsack, “Randy Moore has been a catalyst for change and creativity in carrying out the Forest Service’s mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations,” said Secretary Vilsack. “In his role as Regional Forester, Randy has been a conservation leader on the forefront of climate change, most notably leading the Region’s response to the dramatic increase in catastrophic wildfires in California over the last decade. His proven track record of supporting and developing employees and putting communities at the center of the Forest Service’s work positions him well to lead the agency into the future at this critical time in our country.”

 

Upon swearing in, Moore will serve as the first African American to hold the role of Chief of the Forest Service.

 

Don Amador, PWORA President/CEO, states, “It has been a privilege to work in a collaborative manner with Randy and his staff  over the last three years as PWORA continues to build capacity to help  the agency with post wildfire recovery efforts of both motorized and non-motorized recreation facilities and areas damaged by wildfires.”

“That partnership has resulted in PWORA collaborating with the agency on numerous post wildfire recovery efforts on federal lands damaged by the Mendocino Complex Fire.  PWORA also signed a Master Agreement with Region 5 and successfully obtained grant awards from the CA State Parks OHV Grant Program to work on two post wildfire recovery projects on the Mendocino National Forest, “Amador continues.

 

“After seeing Randy successfully guide the agency through a number of severe and precedent setting wildfire seasons,   I believe he is the right person at the right time to fill this critically important position,” Amador concludes.

 

# # #

 

Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) is a national non-profit organization founded to protect and restore sustainable OHV recreation from the devastating effects of intense wildfires and other natural disasters.

NEWS RELEASE - WILDFIRE RECOVERY ORGANIZATION SIGNS MASTER AGREEMENT WITH FOREST SERVICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Don Amador, President

Phone: 925.783.1834

Email: damador@cwo.com

Date: 2/18/21

 

WILDFIRE RECOVERY ORGANIZATION SIGNS MASTER AGREEMENT WITH FOREST SERVICE

 

     OAKLEY, CA (Feb. 18) – The Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) is proud to announce that it was successful in completing its Master Participating Agreement (MPA) with the USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (R5) located in Vallejo, California.

 

The purpose of this agreement is to document the cooperation between the parties to recruit, train, mobilize and manage a volunteer workforce of specialists, consultants, subcontractors, individual and/or group volunteers, and youth conservation groups/corps and deploy those resources to mitigate post-wildfire disaster impacts effecting recreation areas and opportunities, particularly Off-Highway Vehicle and trail related recreation.

 

LINK TO MASTER AGREEMENT

https://pwora.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pwora-master-agreement-Fully-Signed.pdf

 

The MA serves as a guidance document between the parties to outline general requirements and Supplemental Project Agreements (SPA's) will be the instrument used to outline specific project requirements, field location requirements, and to obligate funds if needed.

 

Post Ranch Fire Meadow Restoration Project

Work that would be accomplished under this agreement as outlined in future SPA's includes, but is not limited to: Trail maintenance and repair, conservation education, youth engagement, training, OHV trail/facility planning, watershed protection, reforestation activities, maintenance of developed recreation facilities, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for trail related activities, heritage and cultural site protection, sign replacement and installation, and acquiring/managing grant funds.

 

Don Amador, PWORA President, states, “Getting the Master Agreement finalized was our top priority in 2020 so that PWORA can assist the Forest Service on important post-wildfire recovery projects and to authorize us to provide critically important training opportunities for our contract trail crews, volunteers, and agency staff.”

 

“PWORA looks forward to working with our civilian, agency, and industry partners as we grow both our professional and volunteer workforce to assist in post-wildfire recovery efforts,” Amador concludes.

 

    Current members of the PWORA board are Del Albright, Don Amador, Matson Breakey, Art Crofts, Cam Lockwood, and Eric Lueder.

 

# # #

USFS REGION 5 ISSUES EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER DUE TO EXTREME WILDFIRE CONDITIONS

PWORA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Sept. 7, 2020

REGION 5 ISSUES EMERGENCY FOREST CLOSURE ORDER FOR CALIFORNIA

As wildfires continue to blow-up in California and threaten the lives of visitors, including those rescued by the California National Guard on the Sierra National Forest, PWORA would like to share this news release today from the Regional Forester, Randy Moore,  at the Region 5 headquarters in Vallejo, CA.

PWORA urges the recreation community to review the news release to see what National Forests and recreation facilities have been closed during these extreme CODE RED wildfire conditions.   

Also, authorities fighting the August Complex Fires on the Mendocino National Forest issued a Red Flag Warning on Sunday afternoon that is in effect from 10 pm Monday to 8 am Wednesday. There is potential for increased fire activity and spread with heavy smoke production.

LINK TO REGION 5 NEWS RELEASE

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD799162

VALLEJO, Calif., September 7, 2020 – Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit. Due to these conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts. They will go into effect at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on Monday, September 7, 2020, and will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change.

1.            Closure of the following National Forests: Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and Cleveland National Forest.

2.            Prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California.

3.            Closure of all developed campgrounds and day-use sites on National Forests in California.

“The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. “We are bringing every resource to bear nationally and internationally to fight these fires, but until conditions improve, and we are confident that National Forest visitors can recreate safely, the priority is always to protect the public and our firefighters. With these extreme conditions, these temporary actions will help us do both.”

An example of extreme fire behavior is the Creek Fire on the Sierra National Forest which began on Friday Sep. 4th and grew rapidly on Saturday, Sep. 5th. The fire made a 15-mile run in a single day and burned 36,000 acres, prompting evacuations and life saving measures. The California National Guard evacuated at least 200 people from Wagner Mammoth Pool Campground and assessed them for medical needs.

The Forest Service thanks our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding of this monumental fire threat. It is critical that all Californians and national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

PWORA thanks you for your prompt attention to this public service announcement and urges you to support our firefighters and those who have been impacted by the 2020 wildfire season.  Remember we still have about 3 or more months left of our dry season before the winter rains come.

AUGUST COMPLEX FIRE TORCHES MENDOCINO NF BACKCOUNTRY

Plaskett Meadows Recreation Area - Circa 2017

Mendocino National Forest

*All Pictures are in the August Complex Fire Burn Footprint

AUGUST COMPLEX FIRE TORCHES MENDOCINO NF BACKCOUNTRY

The 2020 wildfire season continues to devastate families, private homes, and public lands in the Golden State.  One wildfire of keen interest to many backcountry trail enthusiasts is the August Complex Fire that is advancing across the northern part of the Mendocino National Forest.

Historically, this region of the Forest provides access to a lot of mid to high-elevation “deep woods” type dispersed/remote backcountry recreation for both motorized and non-motorized outdoor enthusiasts vs. the southern end of the Forest that is home to more developed OHV use, boating, camping, and fishing. 

Historic Log Springs Station - Circa 2017

Mendocino National Forest

The August Complex’s destructive path continues north from where the 2018 Ranch Fire was stopped near SheetIron Mountain.   Much of this area is a heavily wooded conifer forest that has not seen a significant fire event in some time.  This area is (or was) also prime habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl.

Most of the OHV recreation on this part of the Forest occurs on designated roads with some trail networks in the Doe Peak area that are enjoyed by dirt-bikes, ATVs, SxSs, and 4WDs.  However, the vast majority of motorized recreation opportunity is for street legal dual-sport/ADV motorcycles and 4WDs.  

Looking South from FH7 - Circa 2017

Mendocino NF

According to a Forest Service update today on the August Complex – comprised of the Hull, Doe, Tatham, and Glade fires- it sits at 221,284 acres and has 18 percent containment.

LINK TO AUGUST 30 AUGUST FIRE UPDATE

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CAMNF/2020-08-16-1732-Doe-Fire/picts/2020_08_30-08.23.30.739-CDT.pdf

Based on what I know of the fire and the area, the fire appears to have impacted a lot of the heavily wooded areas north of SheetIron Mountain along the M3 corridor, the Doe Peak trail system on the north side of FH7, and many dispersed camping and backcountry touring opportunities along the M2/M4/M9 route network.

Sugar Springs Campground - Circa 2017

Mendocino National Forest

PWORA’s professional staff and volunteers look forward to helping recover, restore, and reopen important public land recreation facilities damaged by 2020 wildfires.   

RECREATION ROADMAP HIGHLIGHTS IMPORT OF POST DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

RECREATION ROADMAP HIGHLIGHTS IMPORT OF 

POST DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

PWORA commends the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) for its outstanding work on behalf of recreation businesses, users, and other stakeholders.   ORR is comprised of 32 national trade associations that represent non-motorized/motorized recreation and natural resource management interests.  The motorized ORR members include representatives from OHV, OSV, and 4WD. 

In the recent ORR publication entitled: A ROADMAP FOR A 21ST CENTURY OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY, they highlight a number of their key strategies and success stories as they work to build support for sustainable recreation with decision-makers in Washington D.C and in state capitols throughout the country.

LINK TO ORR RECREATION ROADMAP

https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ORR004_2020Platform_Rd7.pdf

PWORA appreciates that ORR has included post natural disaster recovery of recreation facilities as an important part of recreation management efforts as cited below in the ROADMAP.

SOUND CONSERVATION POLICIES SUSTAIN RESILIENT RECREATION LANDSCAPES

Recreation access to our lands and waters must be balanced by ensuring resource protection and sustainable outdoor experiences for generations to come.

OUR PRIORITIES:

1. Creating a plan to mitigate climate change impacts on recreation assets and gateway

communities that rely on robust outdoor recreation, and supporting quick recovery

and restoration of these assets after a natural disaster.

2. Investing in natural solutions that allow for recreation while providing buffers during

severe storms.

PWORA encourages recreation groups and land managers to review the ORR ROADMAP as it contains a number of their significant accomplishments on behalf of recreation interests and the economy.

# # # 

NOHVCC WEBINAR - PWORA ON BUILDING CAPACITY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE IMPACTS TO RECREATION FACILITIES

On behalf of PWORA, I want to thank NOHVCC for giving us the opportunity to present a webinar entitled:  Building Capacity to Mitigate Post-Disaster Impacts to Recreation Facilities through Volunteer and Professional Services.

I believe you will find the presentation and discussions to be informative on how/why a non-profit natural disaster recovery organization is formed and the role it can play as a partner with land agencies and other stakeholders to address post-wildfire recovery projects so that units can be reopened to the public in a timely manner.

The presentation covers a number of subjects that include; collaboration with stakeholders, post-fire mitigation tools and prescriptions, organizing volunteers, providing certified training, important role for dirt-bike strike teams, use of PPE, master agreements,  human cost, economic impact, supplemental project agreements, developing relationships and building trust.

LINK TO JUNE 24, 2020 NOHVCC/PWORA WEBINAR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNnTFeen8bk

Please feel free to share with your networks and also leave a comment.

PWORA wants to thank all of our volunteer, club, industry, and agency partners and also our donors who have contributed to help us build capacity to recover and reopen recreation areas damaged by intense wildfires and other natural disasters.

Don Amador, President/CEO

Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance

555 Honey Lane

Oakley, CA 94561

Phone: (925) 783-1834

Email: damador@pwora.org

Web: www.pwora.org