Creede OHV Club
Minutes of June 5, 2008

  The Creede OHV Club met Thursday June 5, 2008 at the Community Center.  President Jerre Guthals called the meeting to order at 7:05PM. The President welcomed all guest to the meeting. Jim Martin moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes. Bill Gattis seconded the motion and the motion passed.

  Linda Martin, Treasurer reported that the club had paid expenses of $154.06 during the last month and had deposited dues of $150. The ending bank balance was $965.87.

   Joel Clark, Trail Supervisor, reported that the roads and trails east of Hanson’s Mill were wet or snow covered. Road 520 was clear to top of Timber Hill, but snow blocked trail on top. Ruby trail was clear of snow up four miles and timber had been cleared from trail.

   Sarah Garrett, Events Chairman, reported that no rides were scheduled at this time. She requested that members give her suggestions of possible events and rides they would like. Sarah will contact members as trails are cleared and events are scheduled.

    Jerre Guthals reported to club that Dennis Vincent was no longer our Volunteer Coordinator with the Forest Service. Jerre read a statement, which outlined all the club’s dealing with the Forest Service since the clubs inception in 2004. The last item on the outline was the information that the Forest Service had informed the club that work could not be started on McKenzie Trail. Jerre expressed his disappointment with this ruling since applying for the State Parks grant for McKenzie was suggested by the Forest Service. Since the money has already been approved, he plans to submit a new grant to switch that portion which was approved for McKenzie to be used on Lost Trail. This grant must be submitted in July in Denver. Whatever the outcome, the work will be done on Ruby Lake Trail.

    Bill Gattis suggested that all members write letters to the Forest Service protesting their decision. It was decided that Bill Gattis will write as sample letter, which will be distributed, to the club members and each member will personalize it and mail copies to responsible parties.

  Don Hollenshead suggested that the club try to get the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) investigators interested in preventing trail closures. He stated that ATVs were the only way many disabled and elderly persons could enjoy a backcountry experience.  He also reminded those present that closing motorized trails hampered rescue and fire fighting efforts in the backcountry. Ron Tassin said he had contact with ADA and would get information for the club.

  Bill Gattis, Vice-President, said the club should make the decision to go all out to preserve trails or give up. He suggested that a small group be formed to formulate a plan of action. Connie Guthals moved that a committee be formed and Don Hollenshead seconded the motion. The motion passed. Named to the committee were Bill Gattis, Jerre Guthals, Jimmy Martin, Joel Clark, Bob Loewecke, Don Hollenshead, and Ronnie Tassin.

   Dennis Vincent who was a guest at the meeting passed around sign up sheets for ATV Safety classes and chain saw safety classes. All members were encouraged to take the classes. He said the visitor’s center will be open six days a week in June, seven days a week in July, and six days a week in August.

   Sarah Garrett stated that she had done some research on ATV liability insurance. This insurance is currently being required in Hinsdale and San Juan counties. Anyone riding on 520 or Lake City trails should get insurance. She was requested to send information to all members with liability insurance information.

   Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM. Attending the meeting were 16 members and 8 guests. Those who attended are as follows:

Milt Benham                                    Virgil Mayes
Joel Clark                                     Ron Rounds
Hap Cochran                                    Bob Summers
Bob & Sarah Garrett                            Ronnie Tassin
Bill Gattis                                    Hap & Judy Christensen, Guests
Jerre & Connie Guthals                        Jay & Sharon Combs, Guests
James Larimore                                T O & Nelda Denman, Guests
Bob Loewecke                                  Chuck Fairchild, Guest
Jim & Linda Martin                            Dennis Vincent, Guest