Friends Of Sycamore

[Sandee McCullen]

OK guys.................... I need help!!!

As most of you know Forest Service has been threatening to close Sycamore for years. I have FINALLY convinced them to let the OHV groups help with managing this area.................

FORMING MEETING for "FRIENDS OF SYCAMORE"

April 19, 2004
Mesa Ranger District
5140 E. Ingram Street
Mesa, AZ
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

I specifically need those of you that play in this area and know the area. The ATV and Dirt Bike groups will also be invited. I need approximately 25 - 30 4x4's at this meeting.

PLEASE R.S.V.P. and let me know if you want to be part of this organizing committee. It will most likely be an ongoing partnership to get us through plans, funding and implementation. This will also be on going for a couple of years and then following that formation portion, this group will help take over the "management" and "patrol" of this area.

If WE don't step in and show our responsibility this area will be closed.

Some of the issues will be: Widowmaker being a directional trail; build some play areas such as a tire pit, log jamb, rock pile, camping sites, information kiosks, trail signs and maybe fencing the entire area.

This type partnership can work but it takes EVERYONE cooperating.

Please RSVP as soon as possible.

THANKS, Sandee

[Hackle]

This is important that we support it! Wear Red and we need a large turnout to show that we do not stand for any area closures. If we do not show up in numbers for this what area is next? Not all will need to be on the committee we need numbers to give those of us that jump into the committee power!
Please help support this we have a lot of Jeeps in this area, give up a couple hours to help out.
Jim F.

[jeep4offrd]

I'll be there. A red shirt huh. Hmm. I guess I need to go shoping. Hey does AZVJC offer red shirts for sale?
Bruce

[Hackle]

Red AzVJC shirts were (were) available a while ago :(
Best shot is 4 wheelers and get a got Rocks shirt in Red.
Glad you are onboard Bruce.
Jim F.

[DsrtJeeper]

Does Hunter OffRoad still have red shirts?

[Hackle]

Only John knows tha answer to that :)
Jim F.

[h8pvmnt]

Sandee, Jim,

I will be there, as well as a few of the Dust Devils

[k7mto]

I'll be back in town this weekend after a three week business trip. I can't confirm yet, but I'll do my best to find time to show up Monday evening.

[jeepsonly]

Bill Hooven (that's me) still has Sharky Red shirts available. I'll probably make this meeting as well but just in case I don't, I'm on the east side around Alma School and Elliot. PM/Email me and I'll get you some red shirts. $15 each.

http://members.cox.net/whooven/sharkyt_1.jpg

More pics:

http://members.cox.net/whooven/sharkyt_2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/whooven/sharkyt_3.jpg

http://members.cox.net/whooven/sharkyt_4.jpg

[mbuckner]

Hello Bill,

What sizes are left? I need at least a "true xl" or I will work with a "xxl". I plan to attend the meeting on the 19th.

Best regards,

Mike

[jeep4offrd]

Hey Bill.
I'll take one. Can I get it this week. XXL
Bruce

[Hackle]

I will be at the meeting and bring all the Peat Sorb I have. I thank all of you for showing the interest in this meeting. I think you will find it well worth your time.
Jim F.

[DsrtJeeper]

I'll be there as well. I'm trying to get my sandrail group to go as they are members of the ASA and seem interested in the fate of our local trails as well.

[jeepsonly]

Here's my inventory on the red Sharky shirts above:

XXL - 2
XL - 7
L - 8
M - 1

Call me at 480-664-7802 if you want one and we'll hook up some night this week on the east side or possibly on the weekend.

I also have black versions - those sold pretty fast but I have some more.

Thanks,
Bill

[Hackle]

I was very impressed to see the turnout at the meeting tonight. We had a lot of AZVJC, and Mike Wixom got a great turnout from the Dust Devils. We had RockRats on hand along with Sandee and Jack from the ARC.
The motorcycles and ATV’s had a good crowd on hand, which is nice to see again. A year ago I had never seen them at a meeting now they are regulars.
This meeting set up a core group of 12 members to start to build the Friends of Sycamore to preserve this area through recreation management. This will be a long process with the end product expected in about 8 years. The meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at the Mesa Forest Office at 7:00 PM anyone is welcome at the meetings.
I thank everyone that showed up and let Mesa Forest Service know we are very interested.

The core group is
Barry Krayer Moto
Sandee McCullen
Randy Davis
Michael Davis
Eric Thompson
Kelly Hopstaken
John Miller
Matt Scoutten
Rich Smith
Jim Florence
Ken Sheilds
Kevin Fales
This group will be doing a lot of work for the next few years.
Jim F.

[DsrtJeeper]

Jim;
I'm very glad you had a great turnout and thanks for all your efforts along with everyone else who showed up. I wanted to apologize for not making the meeting. I blew a rear pinion seal on my Jeep unknowingly today and stepped outside to a puddle of fluid in the driveway. :mad:
It's real good to hear the ATV and sand sports crowd is getting out there and supporting the cause. So what is the 8 yr. goal for Sycamore?
Eric

[Hackle]

That is what the group is built to decide :D
Jim F.