Newsletter

So! I will be getting a committee together to seek out qualified contenders for officer’s positions. I will be starting soon because we did vote to allow proxy votes for elections of officers. We will need to get the nominees to the out of area members so they can vote by proxy. The proxy votes will be returned in the mail, to a non-officer, in a sealed envelope and counted at the spring meeting.

Congratulations to Josh Eldred, son of Robin and Marcie Eldred. His School football team in Rearden, Washington took the state title.

October / November 2005 Newsletter

Hi Everyone

My wife told me it’s about time I got off of my duff and build a newsletter, and she is right. There are few things to share.

As you know we had an auction at the breakup party to generate some funds for Christmas lights for Elk City. The results of the auction came to $500.00 !!!! And not only that, Carol and Val’s Convenience store made a cash donation of $100.00. And Greg and Becky Shilley, owners of Phoenix Electric Inc. out of Spokane and Dust Devil members, sold us the lights at there costs along with another $100.00 cash donation !!!

Also Rick Dennison, Dust Devil member from Lewiston sold us lighted animated deer at cost for the display.

Talk about Christmas spirit! Thank you all for the generous donations, it is very much appreciated.

The lights and Christmas decorations up town last year was such an inspiration.

We contacted Teresa Bryant about the candy cane cutouts, right away she cut 15 of them for us, (bless her heart). Larry and Shirley Biggers and Arlene have been busy painting them, well Shirley and Arlene were busy anyway, and I’m not sure what Larry’s role was, since I wasn’t hear to witness any of it.

Next Arlene will be enlisting help to put up the lights and decorations, if interested contact her at 842-2846 or e-mail at aaevett@velocitus.net.

If you have any usable extra lights you want to donate, bring them along.

Last years Dust Devil Christmas party was such a blast, everyone is looking forward to this year’s party. It will be held December 10^that the VFW kitchen and dinning section. We will start at 4:00 PM to check in white elephant gifts, we will eat at 5:00. The gift exchange will follow after dinner.

OK! Here are the white elephant gift exchange rules.

q If you buy a gift, the money limit is $15.00 (inflation)

q If you have something usable, unique, or handy lying around in your closet, shelves etc. that’s ok to. (food for thought, you may not want to give something that you would not want to receive)

q If you wish to receive a gift, you must bring a gift

q Only one gift per person

q Must be present to receive a gift

q All minor children must be with a designated guardian

q The gift must be plain wrapped with no names on them

q Gifts must be for all ages

Bring your gift to the party and you will draw a number, when the exchange starts Number 1 will pick first and open that gift. Number two will then pick out a gift and have the option to trade the unopened gift for a gift already opened, and right on down the line. So you see there is some”luck of the draw” also. Everyone can only trade once!

Any questions or concerns contact us.

The Dust Devils Club will furnish the ham and the soft drinks for dinner; we are encouraging everyone to bring a side dish. We will also be calling to confirm attendance. All out of towners, Please, call and confirm, or e-mail us.

Not much has been done about the travel management issues. I am not sure if the recent Earth Island Ruling has an effect on that process or what. A note from Brian Hawthorne from the Blue Ribbon Coalition is that the Northern Idaho and Montana Forest planning is becoming a concern for recreationists. Initial management proposals proffered by the Forests Service would close many premier snowmobile opportunities, and have the potential to close thousands of miles of roads and trails. Forests involved include: Nez Perce/Clearwater, Idaho Panhandle, Kootenai, Bitterroot and Beaverhead Deerlodge.

There is more info on the web.

www.fs.fed.us/kipz/index.php> and www.fs.fed.us/cnpz

I am nervous about the outcome of this revision.

I have been personally assured by our forest supervisor that we wouldn’t lose anything we already have. We need your input on trails. We are always available, and are going to work on trail issues all winter. If you have input, please call or e-mail us. After all, this is our land, and trails to protect.

Again I want to thank everyone for the outstanding summer season. It wouldn’t have happened without all your support and help. I want to applaud the venders and business for all the support and generous donations for prizes and gifts for our events. We will meet around February to plan next years events. Stay tuned…

Thanks again to all of you who dug in and helped with trails.

All you snow chickens (or birds) we miss you already, don’t get to sun burned, Deb and John! Leave some fish for me when I get down there. Along about February I will mail you a snowball if you will mail me some sunshine.

Bye Bye

Mike & Arlene

September 9, 2005

Hi Everyone! Me again, Here it is, September already. The annual breakup party/steak feed was really great this year, it was held over Labor Day weekend, September 3^rd to be exact. Some of us camped out for an entire week, the location was Red River. We had one end of the Red River Camp Ground full of campers, folks took weed eaters and groomed up the place, it turned into a nice setting, and there was plenty of room for setting up a covered dining area, and covered kitchen and even a horse shoe pit. I think Mike Halterman and Larry Biggers were the chumps, excuse me I mean Champs of the horse shoe contests, not to bad for a couple of old guys, They even established a horse shoe throwing handicap! (Can’t see, bad knees, shoulders etc).

122 folks attended the break up party! You may remember, at the start of the season Arlene asked folks for donated items for an auction, and the proceeds would be for a continuation of Christmas lights through Elk City. The auction raised $500, so now we need to get busy on getting lights, cutouts or whatever we need to doll up Elk City a little more this year. By the way who ever heads up the lighting for Christmas on the upper end of town does a great job, we were really impressed.

We did the Buffalo Hump Butt Buster Ride Sunday after the steak feed, turned out to be a 140 mile trip, 10 of us started out, two turned back.. (I promised Mark I wouldn’t talk about why and who turned back)

We had some out of state members that made the trip for the first time and as usual were impressed with the sights

Monday some of us made a trip to Mackey Bar on the Salmon, again the first time folks enjoyed this very much... there were some wild sheep, deer and a big cinnamon bear to look at on the way out

During the week long campout, Mike Halterman, Bernie Bruegeman, Greg Shilley, Brian Thornton, and Duane Zumwalt, finished the last 1.7 miles of the trail contract. I came in on the last little bit left, I cannot remember what flimsily excuse I had for not starting with them, but whatever the excuse was it worked! Thanks you guys, you did a great job.

And the trail money came and is in the bank ($1005.00).

Talking about money! Larry “money bags” Biggers was the winner of the 50/50 pot Saturday! Congratulations Larry.

On another note, I want to thank everyone who attended the IRC ride held on August 28^th. I believe 46 people from both Elk City and the Kooskia area attended. The Kooskia Valley Cats and the Dust Devils supplied dogs, chili and buns for the occasion. A special Thank you to Merle and BJ Barnett, Charlie and Vesta Barnett, and all the folks who brought side dishes for making this happen. (I dug out another excuse out of my bag of flimsily excuses and got out of that one too.).

Don’t forget!! September 14^th, meeting.

At the park 6:00 pm, unless weather is bad, we will find an alternate spot

Hot dogs and buns left over from the IRC ride will be supplied.

This will be our last meeting for this season, although I will keep everyone informed, and correspond through e-mail, newsletters etc.

One topic I want to cover again is the Travel Management and Access revision; this will be my winter project.

I have invited Terry Nevius to attend and talk to us about trails, Travel Management and trail patrol program

New Members.

Annie Booth—Elk City Id.

Duane Zumwalt—Graham Washington

Brian Eagen—Graham Washington

Lyle and Debbie Jensen—Clarkston Washington

Ellen Edwards—Lewiston ID.

Mark and Mary McKarcher—Lewiston ID.

Kevin and Mary Shaner—Eagle Id.

Steven Booth – Elk City ID.

Randy Johnson—Wenatchee Washington

120 memberships!!

I want to thank Dave Myra from Yakima for bringing my wife the boxes of fruit. You don’t how much I appreciate this. One reason is because we will enjoy the fruit, and other is it kept her busy for a couple days canning the fruit, I really enjoyed the piece and solitude. Thank you.

Congratulations Dust Devils!!!

For second place in the Elk City Days parade !!!!

Thank you everyone again for a great club, we really enjoy it.

Don’t forget the meeting next Wednesday.

Wont be long and we will be doing our second Christmas Party.

By By for now.

August 2005

Hi everyone!!

Here it is August already! Wont be long and most of us in Elk City will be pulling on a snowmobile starter rope. What a busy fun summer we have had so far. We got a lot accomplished last month (July). With a fun run and BBQ on the 2^nd, started the trail contract, Scavenger hunt and fun run on the 24^th.

The Scavenger hunt and fun run was a great success. 29 folks from the Boise area came up for this event. Please read the attached letter from Darrell and Rene Glen. Thank you Darrel for the nice letter, and by the way you forgot to mention that one of the ladies from your area was the 50/50 winner. Next year I hope you all will take the time to let me drag you over some more of our trails. And by the way Darrell, your Dutch oven cobbler was excellent. Only problem is you don’t have enough Dutch ovens, need about three or four more. I will show you a good huckleberry patch so you can fill all those ovens .

Last Wednesday we had our monthly meeting, it was decided that Red River will be the location for the annual breakup party and steak feed. Hopefully the fires won’t put a damper on riding, because some folks from out of town will be here early to do some riding. Sunday Sept 4^th will be a marathon run from Red River to Buffalo Hump, so if your up to it bring a lunch, beverages, gas and a butt pad, cause it will be a long ride, about 120 – 130 miles round trip I figure.

The Idaho Parks and Recreation grant money was received and deposited. It was agreed that we need a brush saw instead of a pole saw, I am fixing on trying out the brush saw FOC has to see if it is what we need to rid the trails of small Alder limbs etc.

The Trail contract is complete except for about a mile of 505 between trail 541 and 540, it is not done because of my inability of being able to read. I thought the spec’s said that we stopped at 541, but it says we stop at trail 540. I think we can knock out that mile while we are camped out at Red River during the steak feed. Although, the invoice has been sent to Parks and Rec and will be getting paid soon. The trail crew was great, took lots of pictures, had camp outs, great food and great fun.

The Idaho Recreation Council has asked all clubs in Idaho to schedule a ride for the weekend of the 28^th of August, this ride is to celebrate Idaho Recreation week. So we planned out a ride to the Hamby Shelter Sunday the 28^th, we will meet up with the Kooskia Valley Cats there, both clubs will furnish hot dogs and buns, bring along a dish if you want, there will be a shuttle rig to carry side dishes, chairs and a BBQ grill. Charlie and Vesta will lead the ride; meeting place will be Carol and Val’s at 9:00AM.

Call Arlene if you want her to take any dishes 842-2846

Saturday is the Elk City Days parade, anybody who wants to ride in the parade on their 4-wheeler is welcome, sign up is at 10:00 am up town, the parade starts and 11:00 wear your Dust Devil shirt or hat if you have one.

At the Break up party, there will be an auction of items donated from our members; the proceeds from the auction will go to Christmas lights in Elk City. One hot item going on the block is this really cool before and after picture of one of our members. Don’t forget to bring an auction item to the steak feed. .

About a month back, Jane Cottrell and Terry Nevis contacted us on recreational issues that are very important.

As you may have heard, the Forest Service is working on an OHV rule nationally. As part of that, the Nez Perce National Forests needs to complete a Travel and Access Management Plan.

In order to accommodate appropriate use and still show support for a valid use on the National forests, The Forests Service needs to work with users to identify travel routes, potential loops and connections and appropriate riding areas for various motorized users. As part of the rule, cross country travel will no longer be authorized. Travel will be on Authorized roads and trails only. Therefore we need to work to plan those routes and roads to be authorized under that plan decision.

We met with Jane Cottrell, Terry Nevis, Steve Williams, and Gary Loomis last Tuesday. We agreed to be a part of this, so now I am asking for input from everyone who wants to keep trails and roads open. To start off, I will be in contact will all. I will schedule a meeting before the snowbirds leave, so please give this some thought, get out the maps, and look them over. Any and all input is important.

A couple of things to remember, any wilderness land is out of the question, and there is no money in the Forests Service budget to develop new trails.

One other issue at hand is going over the closure orders behind many of the gates around here, with possibility of getting some of them opened.

Jane has assured me that we will not loose what trails and roads we have now. The basic is to identify them and look to link them and or create loops.

Stay tuned, I will keep you and informed or confused as possible.

With the growth in the OHV, motorcycle and 4X4 recreational use, the forests service is responding to protect the resources and still manage for responsible use. They have asked for all parties involved to make this a success. The OHV groups in our communities have been a valuable partner in reconstruction and maintenance of trails, education other users and in supporting long term enjoyment of the resources.

NEW MEMBERS!!!

First of all I need apologize to Greg and Sheila Wilhelm. I had them listed in the new member section of the last newsletter as Mike and Sheila. My Mistake… Sorry Greg and sorry Sheila for spilling the beans. Please forgive me. I will try and get it right from now on.

Also I didn’t mention one new member last newsletter. I didn’t mention Rick Dennison as a new member, sorry Rick, although I didn’t forget you! It’s just that with your lifestyle I’m not sure if you will be around from one month to the next. JUST KIDDING!!! Rick is a fine upstanding person, and a great friend and member.

New Members:

(I hope I get this right)

Corey Day – Colorado Cliff and Bev Day – Donnelly Idaho

Brian and Heather McKaucher Terry and Laurie Knapp–Clarkston Wa

Kip and Tracey Opbrock – California Bob and Patty McMillen – Lewiston Idaho

Mike and Faye Halterman – Post Falls Id. George Imoff – Ferdinand Idaho

Wayne and MaryBeth Funk- Elk City Robert and Peggy Lovell – Elk City

Donna Thornton – Emmett Idaho PFC Jessica Shepherd – Germany

“109 Memberships” = 217 people

I would like to applaud one of our members for a job well done!! Pete Abbott, a member from Troy Idaho was able to get us a new (newer) fire truck for Elk City. Troy had a surplus truck that is in excellent shape, it was Pete that worked to get it donated to Elk City. Thank you so much Pete!!

OHV COURTESY

(A little food for thought)

You can make a very positive or a very negative impression on people you meet along roads or trails while riding your OHV. The people you meet may very well form strong opinions about motorized travel as a result of your encounter with them.

Keep your speed down. Trails aren’t race tracks and other users won’t appreciate being surprised, chased off the trail, or buried in mud or dust.

Take time to visit with people you meet. Create a positive impression of motorized users.

When you meet stock such as hoses, mules, llamas, and pack goats, pull off the downhill side, and shut off your engine.

No one appreciates a loud machine that can be heard for miles. Make sure your OHV can be used only to enter and leave the campground, not to circle repetitively.

Don’t drive your ATV on groomed snowmobile routes-damages the track and creates a hazard for snowmobile riders.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming event. September 3^rd. Annual Members Only, Steak Feed. A whopper 16 oz Rib Steak. Ladies don’t forget to bring a dish, to compliment the steak. Must be a Member one (1) week prior to this event to be able to attend. That is because the order goes in, for the steaks a week prior. Arlene Will be calling to ask if you plan on being there, So we know how many steaks to order. If she does not call, call her and let her know.

Also the next meeting of the Dust Devils will be Sep. 14^th. In the Park, 6:00 PM.

On another note, For, the Dollar extra, we have raised for the commodities program, $230.00 for the year

And the same amount for the Senior Meals program. We should all be proud, of what we accomplished.

Hi Everyone!

A lot has happened since the last newsletter! First off we had our monthly meeting the 8^th of June. 36 folks showed up, all the ladies made up salads and side dishes and the club supplied chili dogs. It was hard to focus with the smell of food in the air.

The meeting was called to order, last meetings minutes were accepted.

Went over the treasure report, the balance as of the end of May was $1830.99.

Motion was made to increase the fun run hands to $6.00 (from $5.00); the extra dollar will be donated to the commodities and senior meals program. The motion was seconded and passed.

The June 18^th Fun Run was a wet surprise for all that rode in it. The weather man fooled us! It was good weather in the morning, and then when everyone got on the trail, all “hail” broke loose, along with plenty of rain. But since everyone was already out there, and wet, they took advantage of riding in the mud. It was great! Chalk it up for our first mud bog event! Should be some pictures of this event on the web very soon.

We had an even 100 hands!!

Fun Run winners were.

1^st-Caroline Thornton

2^nd-Sandy Nelson

Low-Mike Stroup

Big Thanks to all who helped make the fun run a success.

Charlie and Vesta Barnett, Don Bushy, Mike Howzen, Larry and Shirley Biggers, Betty Sorenson, Joyce Markee, Joyce Howzen Wayne Hasenoehrl, John and Deb Kite, Larry Altman, Mark Thornton, Shawn and Jim from Boise.

Thank you all who participated in the run!!!!

Thanks to all of you, and the communities business for the donations to the grab bag.

If I have forgotten anything or somebody, call me up and chew me out. (208-br-549) And then please forgive me.

June 21^st, I called a meeting with the Trail contract volunteers.

We went over the Forest Service specifications for the trails, and safety issues while working on the trails. I had hoped to get started June 25^th, although with lack of grant money yet, and the holiday weekend right around the corner, we did not get started then. I am working on getting organized enough to start around the 7th or 8th of July, please bear with me, I will call all the volunteers with plenty of notice. Please note that we will start at limber Luke, and some of us will be camped out there. The trails are in good shape now, they wintered well, and most of the maintenance will be on the water dips.

Mark Thornton has it down pat; he can clean a water dip in 40 seconds. (Give or take 30 minutes).

Any questions about the trail contract, please call (842-2846).

Thanks Charlie and Vesta Barnett, and Larry Grace Altman for the extra donation. This will help pay for stamps etc.

July 2^nd Fun Run!!!

What a huge turn out! 167 hands!! The weather was great, the trails were fun. And a great BBQ afterwards and the best Elk City fireworks show !!!

Larry, Shirley, Don, Mark. Thank you for the trail work.

Betty, Larry, Shirley, Mark, John and Deb. Thank you for manning stations.

Thank you all for bringing those delicious salads and side dishes.

And, most of all! Joyce and Marybeth, Thank you soooooooo much for the excellent job of cooking for all of us.

Thank you Herb and Lora Lee, for the use of your BBQ cooker, it was a time saver.

Jack Sorenson, Thank you for the donation of ribs, they were delicious I was told, they went so fast I didn’t get one, but that’s ok.

Thank you Paul Gilmore for the great fireworks display.

Congratulations to:

Gene Creutzberg, 1^st place in fun run

Suzanne Carpentier, 2^nd place in fun run

Dave Bushy, Low Man

And John Shepard, 50/50 winner (again)

New Members.

Mike and Shelia Wilhelm, Lewiston ID.

Mike and Jamie Edmonson, Elk City ID

Dave and Kim Bushey, Pasco WA.

Nick Yocum, Elk City ID.

Darwin and Judy Shelton, Jonesboro, GA.

Rusty and Donna fields, Lewiston ID.

Eddie and Denise Barnhill, Clallam Bay WA.

Ryan Gift, Glendale AZ

Eric Hoopes, Glendale AZ

Tom Simpson, Lewiston ID.

Gloria Curtis, Lewiston ID.

D Pitcher, Elk City ID.

Don Richardson, Lewiston ID.

Christy Bing, Lewiston ID.

Welcome to our club, and thank you for your participation.

We are now 91 memberships strong.

One more very important issue.

Donnie Hall. Honorary life member of the Dust Devils ATV Club passed away June 28^th. Donnie was a dedicated member, and a good friend. The July 2^nd run was dedicated in memory of Donnie. Members of Donnie’s family came and rode in the run for him, and with him. Donnie may not be riding down here with his anymore, but I know he is riding the big golden wheeler in the sky. We miss you Donnie, keep watch over us and protect us.

Don’t forget.

Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13th, in the park if weather permits, Forest Service building if not.

This meeting will be a down to business meeting, because I anticipate that we will have a lot of momentum with trail cleaning.

Agenda will include:

Update of trails.

July 30^th event.

Proxy vote for out of area members.

Hi everyone, well the ATV season has been kicked off. We had our first Dust Devil event last weekend. (Memorial weekend) The weather was great! There were lots of folks out enjoying there machines. 175 people showed up at one time or another to our event on American river. Some as far as Seattle and Boise area.

Sunday we had 22 machines and 29 riders go the Selway Falls. And another group went through the “bowl”, at the Table Meadows, O’Hara Saddle area. Everyone had a ball on both rides.

We held our spring meeting last month (May 14^th) 19 members attended; we reviewed last years Treasures report.

The past board of directors expressed that they wanted to be relieved, and new board of directors be appointed. The new Directors are: Mike Evett, Charlie Barnett, and Vesta Barnett.

It was voted in to have monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month during the ATV season. Next meeting will be June 8^th.

Gary Loomis reported on the trail contract. There are 33 miles of contracted trail, the trail cleaning will be done be done according to Forest Service specifications. Gary will inspect the trails as we clean them. Gary also asked the club to consider doing a joint project with the Lewiston club again this year to brush the 423 trail which leads to Blackhawk from soda Creek. Gary reminded us that the 5 miles of the 505 trail we asked to be open is included in the Forest Revision plan, and will take some time.

New club by-laws were made up and introduced to the members present, and were voted on and passed

Arlene is working on developing a movie of the ATV season, with the help of the kids; she is working towards making a movie of the season to show during the Christmas party.

This was a very efficient and effective meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

We want to thank Doug Boller, Kim Sorenson, Augie and Donna Reincke, Gary and ReAnn Loomis, Melissa Sander, Ralph Gormley, and Caroline, for the extra cash donation when paying their membership. Thank you very Much!!!

We also want to thank Wayne Maxwell for the donated Jewelry that he made for door prizes and event gifts, The Jewelry is very beautiful and you are very talented

Also we want to thank everyone who helped out during the memorial weekend event. Joyce Markee I hope your rosy red cheeks get back to normal after cooking over 100 hamburgers while standing in the hot sun, thank you very much.

Kayla Evens,(Elk City Idaho) Robyn and Marcie Eldred, (Ford Washington) John Casey, (Winchester Idaho) Robyn Morgan, ( Mckinney Texas) Ralph and Melissa,( Elk City Idaho) Jacob and Richard Farmer, (Elk City Idaho) Wayne Hasenoehrl, (Elk City Idaho) Jeff and Nannet Schnider, ( Elk city Idaho) Brad and Sam Gerlach, (Kuna Idaho) Jim and Bobbie Buchanan,( Yakima Washington) Shawn and Ellen Byrne,( Eagle Idaho) Cliff Greenchaw, (Grangeville Idaho) John and Deanna Shepherd, (Federal Way Washington) Dave Myra, (Yakima Washington) Gary Buchanan, (Yakima Washington) Joseph and Michele Arellano (Lewiston Idaho.) and Greg & Cami Kent ( Vancouver, Wa)

ALSO, THANKS AND WELCOME BACK ALL OF YOU WHO RENEWED YOU MEMBERSHIP. This is the last newsletter, for those who have not paid there dues for this year.. Get dues in the mail, or give to Arlene.

*June 18^th Fun Run. I will be asking for volunteers to help get the trail ready and man stations.

*Trail contract, I will go over the details and trail specification, safety issues, and various duties, and who will be interested in being involved.

Well spring is upon us (I think). I’ve noticed folks are renewing their stickers on there 4-wheelers, and some folks have already renewed their membership dues, that is a sure sign of spring!! Thanks to those for renewing their membership dues a little early, it helps us keep up.

On the topic of membership renewal, you will find a membership form in your newsletter. You will see it is a little different, I apologies for the small print, I know it is a little hard to read. Please read it over, Please note that it incorporates the limitation of liability, it will ask if you want to volunteer for several things and so on. Also it will ask if you want to receive a newsletter, and how you would like to receive the newsletter. The reason is! It costs the club $40.00 bucks a month in stamps, ink, paper, etc. to process the newsletter. Now don’t get offended, we want everyone to get the newsletter that wants it. We are just trying to save a few bucks.

After filling the form out, please return it to with your dues to Arlene. Either by mail or in person. (Address is on top of form)

Now lets talk about the annual spring meeting coming up on May the 14^th, we reserved the Forest Service meeting room for 7pm.

Hopefully this meeting will be quick and painless as possible. Although there are some issues to go over.

If I come up with any more topics to bore you with, I will bring them up at the meeting.

I have made up a set of club bylaws; it just covers basic club rules, and procedures. I have submitted them to the board of directors, and will pass them along to the membership at the May meeting.

Lets talk about 4-wheeling; Memorial weekend is the seasons first live action event!!

The place is the BLM park (the old dredge site on American river) there will be direction signs for those not familiar to where that is.

Saturday morning there will be time for riding, Saturday afternoon, we plan to do some 4-wheeler games and of course BBQ burgers and dogs. The Club will provide the food and will ask for donations.

Sunday, providing the trails are open, we are planning a trail ride up to Anderson Butte, then to Limber Luke via Boundary Trail. Then to the Selway River Falls, and back. The ride will start at the dredge site around 10.00 am.

This will be a “on your own free will” ride, so pack a lunch and join the fun.

I want to thank all the Elk City school kids for their suggestions for the July 30^th scavenger hunt. There was some very good ideas, and we will use them. We are looking forward to this event, it is very fun and popular.

“A note from Arlene.” I want to share the idea of an auction of donated items from the ladies of the Dust Devil’s club. I am asking the ladies to make or donate a gift to auction off at the September break up party. The proceeds will go towards Christmas lights for Elk City. Contact me (Arlene) to answer questions, or with suggestions to make this successful. 842-2846

We have some more hats, tee shirts, and sweatshirts available, they will be at the meeting may 14^th if you are interested.

March 2005

Hi Everyone!!

We are back from our excursion from the south. It was a good trip, no trouble. The high lights were seeing our family’s, our grand kids and friends. It was fun to look up all the snowbirds. The weather was just as goofy down there as it is here. Although it looks like we will be on the 4-wheelers sooner than normal, some folks have been riding all winter from what I have heard.

I have been busy trying to catch up on all issues.

The 505 trail: It is still pending, until the Forests Service is done with Travel Management and their Forest Plan Revision. At this time it is on the positive side, it is not dead, just in limbo.

The trail contract: We have been trying to secure a trail-cleaning contract, it has not happened yet, I don’t know why for sure. I will be staying in contact with Gary Loomis (Forest Service) and Marty Gangis (Parks and Recreation) on this issue; I personally hope we can secure it. A lot of members are looking forward to taking ownership of a section of trail, by keeping it cleaned.

Parks and Rec. Grant: As you know I applied for grant money from the Parks and Recreation for trail cleaning tools. The Parks and Rec release the grants sometime in July, I have a very good, positive, feeling that we will be successful. (I hope)

Shortly before I left for the south, I wrote a response letter to a Mr. Ambrock, Letting him know how I felt about his concerns for ATV’s OHV’s taking a toll on habitat and the quality of hunting and fishing. I sent a copy of my letter to all you folks, plus a few newspapers. I received a letter back from Idaho fish and Game in regards to this issue. I will send along a copy of that letter for you folks to read.

Don’t forget to check on our web site!! It is improving daily. Thanks to Cynthia Sherrer.

The web site address is: www.elkcitydustdevils.com

Lots going on this summer with the club, many fun events.

May 14^th is our spring meeting, 7PM at the Forest Service.

And don’t forget dues are due June 1^st, I can guarantee you that you will get your moneys worth.

May 29^th (memorial weekend) BBQ and games, at the dredge site on American River.

June 18 Fun Run- sign up at Elk City Air Strip- 8AM to 10AM

July 2^nd Fun Run- Sign up at Elk City air strip 8AM to 10AM. Wienie roast after run.

July 30^th Fun Run/Scavenger Hunt- Newsome Creek, Sing Lee campground area. Anyone who wants to camp out is welcome.

September 3^rd- Annual breakup party and Steak BBQ.

It was a lot of fun meeting up with the snowbirds down south and our members from the Boise area. Everyone was doing great, enjoying the weather. (Rain or shine).

While in Boise, we had the opportunity to attend an Idaho ATV Club meeting. And meet some of there members. I am looking forward to getting down there for one of their rides.

On another note, some of our members are feeling a little under the weather.

Donnie Hall is not feeling to well, Donnie and Sharon will be spending some time in Lake Havasu City. Until he gets to feeling better.

If you would like to send a get-well card or a letter, his address is

Donnie and Sharon Hall

3501 Highway 95 N

Space 88, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404

Get well soon Donnie!!!

Tom Long is also experiencing a set back, Tom had surgery on Monday.

Tom will be resting up for awhile in Texas.

If you would like to send Tom a card or letter, his address is:

Tom Long

Box 142

Alto TX, 75925

Get well Soon Tom !!!

Betty Sorenson also had surgery recently; Betty is recuperating in Lewiston now.

We expect her home soon. And if you want to send her a card or letter, her address is:

Betty Sorenson

Box 278

Elk City ID, 83525

Get well soon Betty, but remember! If you give me to much crap you may need to have you other foot fixed.

Don’t forget the May meeting, several things to address. Looking forward to another fun and great year with the club.

To all you snow turkeys, get home; the weather is good up here!

It is new, and will be continually updated and improved. This WEB site is being developed by our one of our newest members, Cynthia Sheerer, I cannot not thank her enough for taking on this task.. So! Go to www.elkcitydustdevils.com and take a look. Don't know for sure if it is up and running quite yet, but will be very soon. Also Cynthia is requesting pictures of A TV functions to be sent to Arlene, and she will make sure they get posted to the WEB site.

On another note. I had the opportunity to read a letter from a Mr. Ken Ambrock, President of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This letter was sent to Kathleen Clarke, Director, United States Dept. of the Interior, and Dale Bosworth, Chief, United States Dept. of Forests Service. The letter goes like this. ~

The directors of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) are deeply concerned over current trends in off highway vehicles (OHV) use on public lands. Unregulated and illegal use of OHV's has emerged as a significant threat to certain wildlife habitats and to the quality of hunting and fishing experiences. In addition, recent research indicates certain species- such as elk- are displaced substantial distances by OHV's, rendering some habitats ineffective.

It is becoming obvious that education and information efforts alone, while valuable, are not sufficient to address this issue. Projections for sale and use of OHV's make it obvious that adequate travel management plans, enhanced law enforcement programs, appropriate penalty schedules, and a strong commitment by agency personnel are the only keys to reaching acceptable levels of compliance.

We are aware your current budgets are limiting, however, issues of this magnitude warrant adjusting priorities and reallocating existing funds. In addition, our experience has shown that enhancing law enforcement efforts to address exigent circumstances requires a significant shift in agency thinking, and even culture.

The member states of WAFAW A remain committed to working cooperatively with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management on OHV issues. We respectfully request that you elevate the priority of OHV regulation on lands under your jurisdiction and work with the state wildlife agencies to identify priority areas of concern. We further request that you agency, in turn, address OHV use and regulation in ongoing and upcoming land use planning efforts. We also encourage you to make your local, state and regional offices aware of our concerns and our willingness to cooperate.

Well I am sorry, but I think that whole letter is a crock of un-desirable smelly substance. And it raised my dander up.

The next page is a copy of the letter I wrote in response. If you don't agree, I'm sorry.

Any way, if you wish to express your feelings towards Mr. Ambrock's letter, weather you are for or against his views, his address is: Mr. Ken Ambrock

If you chose to express yourself, I would like to encourage you to express your own feelings, rather than bombard him with the same copy of my letter, thanks. You all have a terrific day, stay warm (or cool). Mike Evett

Recently I had the opportunity to read you letter to Director Kathleen Clarke, and Chief Dale Bosworth identifying concerns over current trends in Off Highway Vehicles

(OHV's) on public lands. In your letter you stated that the unregulated and illegal use of OHV's had emerged as a significant threat to certain wildlife habitats and to the quality of hunting and fishing experiences. You make claim that recent research indicates certain

species - such as elk- are displaced substantial distances by OHV's, rendering some

Mr. Ambrock, I reside in the town of Elk City Idaho, located in the Nez Perce National Forests. In the Elk City, Red River, Dixie area we only have 72.2 miles of established OHV, ATV trails (50" wide and under) these trails reach no father than a nine-mile radius of Elk City. Currently well more than half of the Nez Perce National Forests is closed to motorized vehicles. But yet, Mr. Ambrock, our deer, elk and moose population are demising rapidly, far beyond our little nine mile radius of OHV trails, well into the non- motorized areas. Why do you think that is happening? DO YOU THINK IT COULD BE THE OVER Whelming WOLF POPULATION?

With the Wolf 's wiping out our game, how do you think that affects the hunting and fishing experiences?

Mr. Ambrock, before you pursue "enhanced law enforcement programs, and appropriate penalty schedules" in our area. I challenge you, at no expense to the tax payer's or sportsman, to come out here and show proof of your theory that OHV's are the cause of the extreme reduction of deer, elk and moose population in our area.

Mr Ambrock, I am the president of our local A TV club, I am proud of our club, we promote safe, and responsible recreation in our area. Don't blame your wolf problem on us. -

Hope you all had a wonderful holidays, we sure did, had some friends over for Christmas dinner, went to play Yahtzee with some other folks, received a good woopin to, good thing we wasn't playing for anything other than fun, because there was plenty of that to go around. I had a little trouble getting around during the holidays, it seems like I was having trouble staying on my feet. Slipped and fell, banging up my foot and ankle somewhat, did

it all on my own to, I did not have one "ounce" of help from my uncle Jim beam, or my half brother Jack Daniels, or my cousin Yukon Jack. So most all of the holidays I spent sitting in my recliner watching football while Arlene waited on me hand and foot, it was a tough ordeal, but I got through it. Arlene, bless her heart, mentioned several time that she would like to put me out of my misery, like an old horse. I'm not sure what she meant by that.

Here we are in a new year!!! 2005!! I am really looking forward to the 4-wheeler season, we have lots of things to do this year. You all should have gotten a schedule of events in the last newsletter, I will be posting the events around town, and will advertise them in local and area newspapers, money savers, and radio stations. I cant wait, fun-runs, BBQ's, scavenger hunt, just plain old get together and have fun kind of stuff. I am still working with Gary and the Forests Service, along with the Idaho Parks and Recreation to secure a grant for some tools and equipment. With the tools and equipment I hope to get a contract to clean some trails. At the spring meeting (May14th) I will go over the trail cleaning, it is not a big job, and it will be fun for those that want to participate.

On another note. Several months ago on behalf of the Dust Devil's, I wrote a letter to the Red River District Ranger, this letter was a proposal to open the 5 mile section of the Divide 505 trail, this is a section of trail behind the Red River hot springs. The forests service had responded, and has sent out letters, This issue is now in a comment period. I know, here we go again, another comment letter. But remember, the folks that want to keep it non-motorized will comment also. I hope I can encourage you to send in a comment. Along with this newsletter I have sent a copy of the Forest Service letter that explains the proposal, and gives directions on where to send your letter, also I have included a sample letter, you can go ahead and put your name and address etc. on it and send it in or change it, or write your own if you want. The letters must be in before January 15th, sorry for the short notice, but please give it a try. Thank you.

I had a good time during last years 4-wheeler season, and thank you all for your participation and membership, hope you all will be with us next year. It is your club and I am honored to be your president, I made a lot of new friends last year and hope to make more this year.

The Red River Ranger District of the Nez Perce National Forest is seeking comments on a proposal from the Dust Devil A TV Club of Elk City to open a five mile section of Divide Trail 505. This is the section of trail from the junction with Hot Springs Trail 504 to the junction with West Fork Sable Trail 612. The beginning legal ~ SW ¥4 , Section 29, T29N, RIOE and the ending legal is NE ¥4 Section 36, T29N, RI0E (see attached map).

Both ends of Divide Trail 505 are currently opened to 4-wheeler use. Opening this section would connect two high use 4-wheeler routes from Limber Luke Trailhead on FDR 443 and Divide Trail 505 Trailhead at MP 8 on FDR 468. This would be a route of approximately 35 miles.

We are considering the option of closing a motorized trail in a wet area in exchange for opening the section of Trail 505 which is located on a ridge. Two trails being considered are Box Sing Trail 881 which is 2.5 miles long. The beginning legal is NWNE 1/4 Section 24, T29N, R8E and the ending legal is NENW 1/4 Section 11, T29N, R9E. The second trail being considered is the Noble Creek Trail 208 which is 6.8 miles long. The beginning legal is NWNW 1/4 Section 5, T26N~ R9E and the ending legal is SESE Y4 Section 22, T26N~ R9E (see attached map).

Your comments will assist us in identifying issues and concerns and aid in the analysis.

Your comments should include: (1) name, address, telephone number, and organization represent~ if any; (2) proposed project on which the comments are being submitted, and (3) specific comments or questions related to the proposal. Comments should be received by January 15, 2005 to insure consideration in the analysis. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses, will be considered part of the public record on the proposed action and will be available for public inspection.

Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposed action and will be available for public inspection. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, those who submit anonymous comments do not have standing to appeal the subsequent decision under 36 CFR Parts 215.

Please address correspondence to Terry Nevius, District Ranger, Red River Ranger District, P.O. Box 416, Elk City~ Idaho 83525. For further information, please contact Gary Loomis at 208-842-2139.

Forest Service limits ATV use