The Resource Management Plan ( RMP) and the Travel Management Plan, (TMP), are both released by the BLM. We now have 90 days to comment on the 4 alternatives presented. There are several opportunities to view the maps coming up, and the documents are all located on line. The Jeep Club will have a copy of the maps as well. You will hear a lot about these maps, and the “plan”. This area of the country was explored from a time well before the automobile. The exploration for minerals, as well as the exploration for the sake of exploration, has continued to this day. Many old roads and trails go to scenic overlooks. Some go to historic mining areas, others to ancient Indian ruins, and some to fantastic hunting grounds. . Places many of us would like to continue to see, and would like our grandchildren to be able to see, to appreciate the wonders of our great country. Unfortunately, the political climate of our country at this point in time, makes it possible for people who have never been here, nor will ever be here, to make the determination on how, or if, we will have access to our own public lands. The RMP is the most important federal document ever written, when you consider the future, of the Grand Mesa Jeep Club. In one alternative, 2/3rds of our existing trails would be closed. This is not some closure in a place that is far enough away we may never go there. This is in our back yard. Over the course of the next three months there will be countless meetings, and trainings, and informational gatherings. Land use may have not been high on your list before. But now it needs to be, please get involved. The pure amount of information, 21 maps, with 4 alternatives, thousands of printed pages, and acronyms that look like spilled alphabet soup, is very overwhelming. But, we must do our best to implement the best possible outcome for the future of 4 wheeling in the Grand Valley. I don't want to have my grandkids ask me, "why did you let this happen?", when green gates block off all the dirt roads.
The club started in the 60s with a bunch of guys who used to take their old flat fenders out and explore the mining roads that spider web the mesas, deserts and canyons of this area. These days we face trail closures and land grabs by organizations with members who have never, and will never see the land they are trying to “protect” from explores like us. We appreciate the great outdoors and love it with a passion. Our goal is to protect the land and still see as much of it as we can. Be it a challenging trail or a scenic trip, or a little of both, we are up for it. We take care of the land, each other, and have a lot of fun doing it. The club is made up of a diverse group of off-roaders in a diverse group of vehicles. We have people who have been wheeling for over 40 years and people who have recently taken up the sport. We have restored classic Jeeps and Toyotas, and, also, full blown custom built hardcore rock buggies. The common thread is we love to wheel, don’t want to see trail closures, above all, we love to have fun. There are three main reasons to be in a club like this one. One: The social aspect of being with people who like the same things you do, and a family friendly atmosphere. Two: Having people to go with. It is always safer, and more fun, to have people with you in the back country. Three: To protect the continued use of the existing trails and roads which have been used to explore and gain access to the backcountry. I hope to see you on the trail. Jeff Bates GMJC President 2011
The Grand Mesa Jeep Club, incorporated in 1962, is the second oldest Jeep club in Colorado. Currently we have approximately 50 active members. It is an organization of four wheel drive vehicle owners who strive to promote the three “R’s” of four-wheeling: Recreation for the family Respect for other land users’ rights Responsibility for protecting the environment
Meetings address current and future club activities including trips and social functions. Periodically, guest speakers address the membership about land use issues, vehicle and product information, and community issues.
Four-wheel drive trips (day and overnight) happen on a monthly basis, camping, trail building and maintenance, BBQs, community service projects, annual Show n’ Shine/Swap Meet.
$50.00 per year. New Members receive vehicle safety and maintenance information, trail ratings, club regulations, vehicle decal, and the monthly GMJC Newsletter.
Individuals interested in joining the club may be placed on an “inquiry” mailing list for three months. During this time they may attend meetings and monthly trips as guests of the club. To apply to be a member, click here.
Members drive a number of different vehicle types; everything from stock to modified. Trail ratings are provided before each trip. It is recommended that each vehicle have front and rear tow hooks, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a “CB” radio.
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| DeBeque, Colorado |
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| Gateway, Colorado |
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| May 6, 2013 |
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| Fiesta Guadalajara - 7th and North Ave |
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| 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Meeting |
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PO Box 4915
Grand Junction,
Colorado 81502 |
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Jeff Bates |
President |
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Dale Znamenacek |
Vice President |
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Ross Gillespie |
Treasurer |
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Mary Burns |
Secretary |
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Jerry Smith |
Board |
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Roy Joseph |
Board |
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Tyrone Lofton |
Board |
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Cody Lange |
Board |
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Kurtis Houston |
Historian |
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Cody Lange |
Trip Committee Chair |
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Mary Burns |
Social Committee Chair |
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Pam Johnson |
Off-Road Show Chair |
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