By BlueRibbon Coalition
Sacramento,
CA -- The BlueRibbon Coalition, a
national trail-based recreation group, and the California Off-Highway Vehicle
Community welcomes the quick response from Governor Jerry Brown to investigate
financial irregularities and a hidden slush fund within State Parks.
The OHV community is disappointed, but not the least bit surprised that the
problem exists.
OHV enthusiasts have made repeated efforts over the past couple of years to
draw attention to the theft of OHV funds under the guise that dire conditions
are forcing the closure of recreational opportunities in order to save what
management has described as distressed quiet parks.
Motorized recreationists are asking that the OHV program, a national model and
one with absolute fiscal clarity, be restored completely.
The OHV program is the most successful division in State Parks and responsibly
provides recreational opportunities to millions of Californians. OHV
recreation is also critical to the rural economy of the state.
The OHV community is not amused by the protestations of former Director Ruth Coleman
that she had no idea the problem existed. Certainly, her career as a budget
expert is a matter of record. The buck stops someplace ... we hope that is
where the investigation will begin.
BRC looks forward to participating in the process.
Also, check out the Sacramento Bee Article
below: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/20/4645141/state-parks-director-resigns.html