MODERN LAND USE TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Understanding Modern Land Conservation: Wildlands, Rewilding, and Wilderness Public lands and conservation efforts in America come in many forms — and they often overlap in goals but differ in methods and philosophy. Here’s a quick breakdown of four key ideas and initiatives you may have heard about: The Wildlands Project (Now “Wildlands Network”)Launched in the […]
NEPA EXPLAINED FOR MOTORIZED RECREATIONISTS
NEPA Explained: What the National Environmental Policy Act Means for Motorized Recreation If you’ve ever wondered why land use decisions on public trails seem to move at a snail’s pace—or why some routes get closed altogether—the answer often points to one law: NEPA. Let’s break it down. What is NEPA? The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed […]
CALIFORNIA LAND USE HISTORY WITH THE “REN”
LANDUSE HISTORY IN CALIFORNIA – THE RESOURCE EDUCATION NETWORK 1997 LAUNCHED THE ERA OF ORGANIZATIONAL COOPERATION By Del Albright NOTE: I offer this bit of history to document our land use efforts in California. At the end of this note, you’ll find a full listing of the membership. As far as diversity of organizational involvement […]
DISCOVER THE FUNERAL MOUNTAINS OF DEATH VALLEY
RUGGED, JAGGED, FUNERAL MOUNTAINS OF DEATH VALLEY By Del Albright Discover the Funeral Mountains in Death Valley National Park — a rugged, remote range rich with history and haunting beauty. From towering limestone ridges to eerie old mining roads, this lesser-known range offers breathtaking views and deep pioneer lore. Don’t miss Daylight Pass, Hell’s Gate, […]
OVERLANDING TO FIND GIANTS IN THE DESERT
GIANTS OF THE DESERT: OVERLANDING TO FIND THE SAGUARO CACTUS Magical Mysteries on the Arizona Strip By Del Albright While overlanding across the rugged and remote trails of the Arizona Strip, I had the unforgettable chance to come face-to-face with some of the desert’s most iconic residents—the Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). These towering green giants are not just […]
RATTLESNAKES & RESPECT: SPRINGTIME WILDFLOWER WATCHING THE RIGHT WAY
RATTLESNAKES & RESPECT By Del Albright Spring in the West is one of nature’s greatest shows. Rolling hills and high deserts burst with color, wildflowers light up the land, and critters of all shapes and sizes stir from their winter hideouts. For folks like Stacie and me, it’s a favorite time to roam — cameras […]
OUR TRAILS NEED YOU AND NOW IS THE TIME!
NOW IS THE TIME: LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD LIKE NEVER BEFORE! By Del Albright Right now — before the summer chaos hits, while clubs and groups are gearing up for events, fundraisers, and land use battles — is the time to ACT. Our trails are on the table. Some are threatened. Some are already locked […]
WELCOME TO THE (UNNECESSARY) WILDFIRE MEGA-FIRE GENERATION
Living with Wildfire By Del Albright, Retired Fire Chief (NOTE: originally published in 2020, but the situation has gotten worse instead of better. I offer this up again so we can all be part of a better and safer future). 25-30 years ago, a 10,000 – 15,000-acre fire was a huge conflagration. Now, we regularly experience […]
AVOID BURNOUT BY FINDING YOUR THRESHOLD OF VOLUNTEERISM
Avoid Burnout by Finding Your Threshold of Volunteerism By Del Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocate Saying “yes” to a cause you care about is easy—maybe too easy. Before you know it, your calendar is overflowing, your inbox is bursting, your patience is thinning, and burnout is just around the corner. The irony? Once burnout hits, […]
MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH; HONORING OUR HEROES
Military Appreciation Month – Honoring Our Heroes, One Act at a Time By Del Albright May is Military Appreciation Month—a dedicated time to honor and show gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve in our U.S. Armed Forces. This includes the brave men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, […]