U4WDA (long - from the jeep-slc list)

What is the U4WDA? by Alan Taylor - President

We're the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting 4WD recreation, responsible land usage, conservation, and education. U4WDA is an association of 4WD clubs and individuals located throughout Utah.
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U4WDA is a full member of United Four Wheel Drive Associations and a member of the Blue Ribbon Coalition. When you join U4WDA you automatically join these 2 organizations.

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Who is a Member?
U4WDA is made up of local "Member Clubs" of any number of vehicles and membership usually includes the entire family. There are "Associate Members" - businesses and other organizations who share the common interest in the promotion and sustaining of good 4 wheel drive practices. Also, there are "Individual Members" - those persons who wish to join 4 wheeling recreation
without belonging to a club. Most members belong to the association by being a member of one or more of the Member Clubs.

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What is the structure of the U4WDA?

The U4WDA consists of the President, Vice-Presidents, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Membership, Director of Conservation and Land Management, and Director of Activities who are elected by the U4WDA membership. In addition, there are added volunteer board positions such as the newsletter Editor, special projects, activities and land use personnel.
All officers and committee members are unpaid volunteers. The officers run the day-to-day activities of the association. The Member Clubs are the primary policy and decision making body of the association.
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What about meetings and events?

Planning meetings are held monthly on the last Wednesday at LHM Jeep in Sandy at 6:30 PM. Members are welcome at these meetings.

Business meetings are held quarterly on a Saturday, usually in conjunction with trail rides. Meetings are hosted by a member club and the location is determined by the member club. All members and visitors are invited to business meetings and trail rides. Going to the quarterly meetings is a great way to make new acquaintences and learn about new trails.

Our quarterly trail rides are held at various locations around the state so we can learn about a variety of trails and areas. Besides trail rides, we have manufacturer reps, dealer booths, games, dinners, contests, raffles, and trophies. A registration fee is required for some of these events and they are open to anyone with a capable 4WD vehicle.

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What has the association accomplished?
The association has gained recognition and respect of state and federal agencies. Lands have been kept open for vehicle use and favorable rules and decisions have been made regarding the administration of these areas.
With the help of many individuals around the State we recently changed the lift laws to be more easily understood and enforced and favorable to 4x4 builders. The association is actively pursuing the development of new trails and has deterred many unwanted and unjustified land closures.

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What are the programs offered?

Conservation - Projects are executed throughout the entire year at club and state levels. The purpose is to respect and protect our valuable resources.
This is accomplished in part by a close cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The U4WDA and the associated clubs contribute thousands of man-hours each year on projects with these agencies through many projects and alliances. Through the
Adopt-A-Trail program, clubs adopt one or more trails and help the Forest Service with maintenance throughout the year. Each of these projects encompass working with land use agencies regarding conservation in our state and helping in identifying unsafe roads which should be closed as well as informing those organizations of which roads we would like to remain open.

4WD Awareness Program - A strong emphasis is placed upon the provision of guidance to all 4 wheelers to help ensure safe and courteous driving and proper vehicle use off-highway. The U4WDA under the United Four Wheel Drive Associations is developing a 4WD Awareness education program which will be
held on a regular basis for novice drivers. The 4WD Awareness program intends to educate the 4x4 owner about general off-highway techniques and courtesies related to 4 wheeling and more specific skills related to driving skills, elementary vehicle mechanics, recovery techniques, and recommended equipment to carry on trips. This not only encompasses 4 wheel drive safety,
but also emphasizes environmental concerns and the "Tread Lightly" philosophy. In addition, members of the U4WDA are sensitized to the environmental concerns of today, passing that knowledge onto others as we observe their off-highway habits.

Fellowship - The promotion of friendly activity among people who share common interests of vehicle oriented family recreation is of prime importance to the U4WDA. Four wheeling is a sport that is enjoyed by all people of all ages and walks of life.
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Why should you become a member of U4WDA?

In unity there is strength. The U4WDA is dedicated to upholding the rights of the citizen in the continued use of public lands. Public Lands for Public Use -- But there is a need for proper direction in the use of these lands. The U4WDA supports the principles of freedom and with your support of these principles you will add your voice to the millions of other enthusiasts who
are striving for the same goal.

To join the U4WDA or get information on clubs in your area call Daynene Snyder at 963-1913, or email me direct and I'll get you the info.
The cost is $25 per year for individuals, or $20 if you join through your club.
Believe me, you get a lot for the cost of a tank of gas. We need good people to get involved and step up to preserve our access to the backcountry. That's why I joined. We are under attack as never before.

Thanks for your interest.
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Back to Jeep talk-

Alan
alan@gravitymedia.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/U4WDA/files/UTAH-APP.doc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/U4WDA/files/UTAH-APP.htm
 
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