"All trail-access decisions are political decisions"

The Trail Political Action Committee (TPAC) was founded as the first national non-partisan political action committee dedicated solely to championing responsible off-highway vehicle recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas on public lands through the electoral and legislative processes.
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The TPAC tactical goal is to target key races using state-of-the art real-time analysis where there is a tough election and the pro-access candidate needs some extra support to help to defeat their opponent.
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TPAC is needed to counter the anti-access special interests in Washington DC who have long ago figured that contributing to closure-oriented politicians is how they will accomplish their goal of restricting OHV access on federal lands.
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TPAC is ready to stand in that political breach to stop the flow of anti-access politicians into the Capital. TPAC will work hard to reverse that trend so that pro-access legislators will exist as the majority in Congress and the White House.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

TPAC's Key Congressional Races in 2012



Dear OHV Trail Voter,

As this year comes to a close, the Trail Political Action Committee wants to thank you for helping us get launched in 2011. 

TPAC supporters and our access friends have a lot to be proud of in 2011.  Today, there are pro-trail legislators in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate who are fighting for our access rights.  Some have introduced legislation to address the closure of historic roads and trails by federal land agencies. 

Other pro-trail politicians have introduced legislation to stop taxpayer funding of eco-lawsuits filed by green anti-access groups to severely restrict or ban OHV recreation.  

Elected officials in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are seeking to address the abuse of the OHV event permitting process by some federal agents.

As TPAC prepares its official questionnaire for Congressional races and the Presidency, we wanted to share a quick note about some key races in the 2012 election cycle.

TPAC’s goal in 2012 is to help send pro-trail reinforcements to Congress with a special focus on the U.S. Senate.

TPAC is currently reviewing key races in Utah, Wisconsin, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, and Michigan.

It’s going to take a lot of support from the OHV trail voter in 2012 to help TPAC counter the green PACs with their almost unlimited resources.  However, TPAC believes that YOU are ready to stand up against their trail-closure agenda and help us engage them in the political arena.

Please donate to help TPAC hit the trail hard in 2012.


Thanks for your support of TPAC’s effort to get the OHV trail voter engaged.

Best regards,

Don

Don Amador, Founder
The Trail Political Action Committee

Monday, December 19, 2011

Merry Christmas from The Trail PAC


Dear Trail PAC Supporters,

As we approach Christmas and many of us prepare to take a few days off to spend time with our families and friends, TPAC wants to thank you for your generous support of during its first year.

TPAC is very excited about the 2012 election cycle and will be highlighting those key House and Senate races starting in January.  TPAC will be judging each key/targeted race for its potential impact on OHV trail access to public lands.

For example, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV, CD-1) will challenge Senator Heller (R-NV).  With proposed new sage grouse restrictions that could impact public access for hunters, off-roaders, miners, and other interests, the candidates position on that and other environmental issues will be of critical import to voters throughout the West.

TPAC wants to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All,

Don


Don Amador, Founder
TPAC

To Make a Special Christmas Donation to TPAC go here:

Monday, December 12, 2011

TPAC NEWS RELEASE - Off-Road Racing Icon Endorses TPAC

                                                                  JEFF FREDETTE
TPAC NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador
Date: December 12, 2011

*Photo is of Jeff Fredette (photo courtesy of Fredette Racing Products)


OFF-ROAD RACING ICON ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

BEECHER, IL, (Dec. 12)  – A 31 time International Six Days Enduro medalist and business owner endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Jeff Fredette, president of Fredette Racing Products in the Midwest has been a strong supporter of land-use advocacy.

Jeff Fredette, Founder of Fredette Racing Products, states, “I believe that trail riders throughout the country must get involved in the political process to keep trails open for family oriented OHV recreation. Off-roaders only have ourselves to blame if we stand by on the sidelines while well-funded anti-access political action committees support politicians who vote to close trails.”

“I believe The Trail PAC will play an important roles in the 2012 election by directing resources to key races where the pro-trail candidates needs some extra support.  I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC this election cycle,” Fredette concludes.

The Trail PAC:

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Monday, December 5, 2011

THANK YOU! For Helping Support the "DON'T LOCK ME OUT" Moneybomb

                                
                                    
                             TICKER UPDATE Dec. 9 @ 7:00PM - 30% 
Dear Trail Voter,

Thanks to all for helping TPAC with its first ever moneybomb (Dec. 5 – Dec. 9). TPAC is proud of you for helping the “DON’T LOCK ME OUT” moneybomb raise funds for the 2012 election cycle.  This and future efforts will send a strong signal to closure advocates in Washington D.C that off-road and other outdoor voters are serious about protecting their access to public lands for responsible recreation.   

TPAC has already received endorsements from prominent pro-trail leaders such as Craig Manson - former Assistant Secretary for USFWS at the Department of Interior, Dennis Hollingsworth – former California State Senator and founder of the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, Chris Carter – International Six Days Enduro Gold Medalist and off-road hero,  Del Albright – a national off-road and 4WD spokesman, and John Stewart – Editor of 4x4Wire. *Watch for more endorsements next week

TPAC has also been featured in CycleNews, Dirt Rider Magazine, and numerous internet sites.

Your donations of any size $10, $25, $50, $100, $500 up to $5,000 are still needed to help us fund voter guides, improve website, and increase PAC outreach to take on the multi-million dollar anti-access PACs.

DONATE HERE

UPDATES ON MONEYBOMB TICKER HERE


Thanks in advance for your generous support!

Don

Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC


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! Paid for and authorized by The Trail PAC !

Sunday, December 4, 2011

4x4Wire Editor Makes Endorsement of The Trail PAC


Some very good weekend news. The Trail PAC just got the endorsement
of 4x4Wire Editor - John Stewart.

4x4Wire News Release


Watch for a major TPAC announcement tomorrow

Best regards,

Don


Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC

To Donate to TPAC go to:

You were added to this TPAC email list because of your interest in public land access
politics.  If you would like to be dropped from this list -- please send an email to: info@thetrailpac.com  --- Please accept TPAC's apology if you did not want to be on this list.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Update on Interior's Effort to Scrub OHV Recreation in Outdoor Initiative

The Trail PAC wants to remind off-road voters that their involvement in the 2012 election cycle will be of critical importance.  Many of you are aware of America’s Great Outdoors Presidential Initiative and its ongoing efforts to scrub OHV recreation from any of its reports or narratives.

Nov. 4 TPAC Blog on OHV Scrubbed in AGOP Report

It will be TPAC’s job in this election to remind politicians running for elected federal office that OHV recreation is a major and important element in the public land-use equation as highlighted in the Nov. 28 article on OHV recreation on BLM units in Southern California.

Nov. 28 Imperial Valley Press Article on 142,000 users visiting the dunes during Thanksgiving

With your support and donations, TPAC will ferret out (and support) those candidates who understand and appreciate motorized recreation and access to public lands.

Best regards,

Don


Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC

To Donate to TPAC go to:

Monday, November 28, 2011

TPAC Pro-Trail Questionnaires in the 2012 Election

The decision of what candidate to support during the 2012 election cycle can often be complex and difficult to make.  One of the tools that political action committees utilize is the Questionnaire.

The Trail PAC has linked to an anti-trail PAC’s questionnaire that was filled out by then presidential candidate, Barack Obama.   The League of Conservation Voters which is one of the major green PACs asked Obama about his position on off-highway vehicle and over-the-snow vehicle use in National Parks.  As you know, there are many national park units that allow for motorized use during the appropriate season.

Article/Post of LCV Questionnaire to Obama with his position against OHV use

As TPAC grows and prepares for the 2012 election cycle, it too plans to utilize questionnaires to help it decide who the best pro-trail candidate is in various House and Senate races.  The respective candidates for President in the general election will also get a questionnaire.

As always, your support is needed to help TPAC engage the anti-trail PACs and defeat the candidates and positions they promote.

Happy Trails!

Don


Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC

To Donate to TPAC go to:

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Op-Ed on Shakeup at Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society


Op-Ed
By Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC
Date: November 22, 2011

Opinion on Political Events at Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society

Not since the radical departure of Dr. Patrick Moore from Greenpeace in the mid 1980s has the green lobby been rocked by two large seismic events.  Last week, Carl Pope, resigned from the Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society cut their staff by 31 percent.

According to the LA Times, the departure of Carl Pope, 66, chairman of the club and a member for more than 40 years, comes as the nonprofit group faces declining membership, internal dissent, well-organized opponents, a weak economy and hostile forces in Congress trying to take the teeth out of environmental regulations.
An E&E News article stated The Wilderness Society has reduced its workforce over the last year from 224 to 155. In addition, the Washington, D.C.-based group, which currently runs on a $26.7 million annual budget, cited reduced donations amid a sluggish economy as one reason for the cuts.
The Trail PAC believes the “trail-access tides” are turning in Washington D.C. and in many other places in the country.  Sure there will be many tough political battles ahead in 2012.  However, TPAC plans to be in that fight ensuring that pro-trail federal candidates have the support they need to win elected office.
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Donate to TPAC today!

Friday, November 18, 2011

EPA Off-Road Dust Issue At Top of GOP Prez Candidate Debate


As off-road voters know, it’s both anti-trail politicians and the agency leads they appoint and/or confirm at the EPA and other cabinet level departments that can impact our recreational access to public and private lands.

Recently the issue of proposed EPA “dust regulations” has been at the top of the news.

Article on Newt’s Position on EPA and Dust

Newt has now joined Herman Cain as identifying the “dust issue” as one of the regulatory anti-access issues at EPA.

Here is a TV ad that talks about Cain’s position on EPA dust

TPAC blog on Cain and EPA Dust

 Be assured TPAC is engaged in the 2012 election debates to see where candidates stand on the issues that impact the motorized recreation community.  Your support is needed so TPAC can effectively counter the anti-trail and anti-access  PACs and candidates in this election cycle. 

To Donate online to TPAC go to:

To Donate via snail mail go to the main TPAC website and download the form:

To Endorse TPAC send your endorsement to:

Thanks for your support!


Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC
 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

CYCLE NEWS EDITORIAL ON TPAC - Getting in the Game


In the November 15 issue of Cycle News, the history and goals of The Trail PAC are
reviewed in an In The Wind editorial.  You will find out what challenge issued
to the OHV community back in 2002 was the onus for creating TPAC.

Cycle News In The Wind Editorial – Getting in the Game

TPAC wants to thank those off-road enthusiasts who have already donated to and/or endorsed our efforts. 

TPAC will be very busy in the 2012 election cycle helping support pro-trail candidates
running for elected federal office.  We need your help.

To Donate online to TPAC go to:

To Donate via snail mail go to the main TPAC website and download the form:

To Endorse TPAC send your endorsement to:

Thanks for your support!

The Trail PAC

Monday, November 7, 2011

Environmentalists and the 2012 Election


The news article today about “Environmentalists Returning to Obama” should be a rallying point for Off-Road Voters to join The Trail PAC to counter green political action committees.

Article on Environmentalists Returning to Obama in 2012

With the 2012 election cycle swinging into high gear, TPAC urges OHV recreationists to start getting engaged in the political process.  There will be dozens of key Congressional races this cycle.  Your support will help elect pro-trail candidates to the House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and the White House.

You can count on environmental political action committees and activists will be engaged in this election cycle.  Don’t let their actions go unchallenged.  Join The Trail PAC today.

Join or Donate TPAC:


TPAC blog with endorsements

To Endorse TPAC  - send endorsement to:

Thanks for your support.

Don Amador, Founder
The Trail PAC

Friday, November 4, 2011

Anti-OHV Government Reports Make Best Argument for the Trail PAC


The Trail Political Action Committee (TPAC) wanted to comment on the recent publication by the Department of Interior (DOI) of its final 50 State Report on Conservation and Outdoor Recreation.

This is the last in a series of reports and studies by DOI as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative (AGO).  As many of you know, OHV recreation was purposely ignored for political purposes by proponents of AGO. OHV was willfully scrubbed on all AGO-related videos, reports, and other publications.

Our motto at TPAC is All Trail Decisions are Political Decisions.  By scrubbing OHV recreation from the AGO program, anti-motorized trail advocates have made the best argument for why OHVers (that means YOU) must get involved in the election process.

TPAC is working hard on your behalf to build its resources so it can challenge anti-OHV PACs such as the League of Conservation Voters.   Pro-trail candidates running for federal office will no longer have to ask where is the OHV community when I need them most.  With your donations, TPAC will be there to support those pro-trail candidates in tough election fights.

Watch for more commentary, action items, and media outreach from TPAC as we enter the 2012 election cycle.

To donate to TPAC go to:

To endorse TPAC send an endorsement to:

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pro-Trail CA State Legislator Endorses TPAC

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador
Date: November 2, 2011


CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SAN D IEGO, CA – A nationally recognized champion for outdoor recreation on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Dennis Hollingsworth, former State Senator for the 36th District in California, worked for over 10 years to protect and promote responsible recreational use of public lands. His district is home to one of the largest concentrations of off-road families in the country.

In response to increasing efforts across the state to destroy California’s outdoor heritage, Senator Hollingsworth helped found the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, a bipartisan organization modeled after the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in Washington, D.C. The Caucus, of which Hollingsworth served as Co-Chairman, serves to promote outdoor pursuits by presenting a strong, unified voice in Sacramento.

Dennis Hollingsworth, an avid outdoorsman himself, states, ‘Pro-access candidates running for office need the support of the off-road community.  In 2012, I believe off-road voters and TPAC will have a critical role in helping get trail-friendly candidates elected into office.”

“It will be in those tight swing races where TPAC will be most useful.  Being able to direct fiscal resources to those important federal campaigns will help ensure that a pro-trail majority will exist in Washington D.C. TPAC is poised to make a big impact for trail users in the 2012 election cycle.” Hollingsworth concludes.

Hollingsworth was also the recipient of a legislative award from the California League of Off-Road Voters.

The Trail PAC:

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

FMR. INTERIOR OFFICIAL ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador
Date: November 1, 2011


FMR. INTERIOR OFFICIAL ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SACRAMENTO, CA – The former Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in the U.S. Department of the Interior endorsed The Trail PAC today.  The Honorable Craig Manson also served as a Superior Court judge in Sacramento and was General Counsel to the California Department of Fish and Game.

Currently, Craig Manson is General Counsel of the largest agricultural water agency in the United States, and has had a distinguished career in the Air Force and California Air National Guard. As a law professor for eighteen years, he taught natural resources law, administrative law and public policy development.

Craig Manson, “As one who has served as a land management executive policymaker at the highest levels of federal and state governments, I can’t stress enough the importance of recreation interests to get involved in the political process.”

“Federal resource departments must carry out the land-use directives from the White House while answering to Congress that creates laws, has budget authority, and oversight responsibilities.  It is critically important for recreational interests to support those politicians who champion a responsible land-ethic that includes managed OHV use on public lands,” Manson concludes.

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Monday, October 31, 2011

TPAC MEDIA ADVISORY - Major Endorsement TBA Nov. 1


TPAC Political/Media Advisory
October 31, 2011

Don Amador
TPAC Contact: info@thetrailpac.com

       MAJOR ENDORSEMENT TO BE ANNOUNCED  

WASHINGTON D.C. With the 2012 election just one year away, The Trail PAC will be announcing a major political endorsement on November 1, 2011.  The endorsement is being made by a former top Interior administration official who is endorsing TPAC's efforts to support those elected officials or candidates for elected federal office who believe in a responsible land ethic that includes managed OHV use on public lands. 

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

National Off-Road and 4WD Spokesman Endorses TPAC


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador
Date: October 26, 2011


NATIONAL FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SPOKESMAN ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

MOKELUMNE HILL, CA – A national spokesman for responsible four-wheel drive recreation on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Del Albright, president of Albright Enterprises in the Sierra Nevada, has been in land-use advocacy for almost 30 years, with 50 years of off-road recreation under his belt.

Del Albright, also a photojournalist that stays in touch with the national scene states, “Off-road voters must become actively involved in the election process.  In the 21st Century, the electoral process is just as important as the administrative or legal process when it comes to keeping our trails open for public use.”

“I support TPAC because it gives motorized recreationists a political champion that is singularly focused on the 2012 election cycle and how it will impact our trail access. I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC and am encouraging my network to support it with endorsements and donations,” Albright concludes.

The Trail PAC:

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

TPAC Watching CNN Prez Debate Tonight in Las Vegas


The Trail PAC will be watching CNN’s GOP Presidential Debate tonight that starts at 5:00 p.m. (left coast time).  As with all debates, TPAC is most interested in a candidate’s stance on regulatory reform of agencies such as the EPA.  EPA governs a lot of issues that impact OHV recreation.

Article on CCN Debate Tonight

Off-road voters have a lot at stake in the 2012 election cycle.  Be assured TPAC will be there for you every step of the way.

To find out about TPAC or to donate, go to:

Thanks for your support of, and interest in, off-road politics.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Off-Road Champion Endorses The Trail PAC

*PHOTO: ISDE Gold Medal Winner, Chris Carter.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador
Date: October 11, 2011


OFF-ROAD HERO ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SAN CARLOS, CA - An off-road racing champion and long-time supporter of efforts to protect trail access on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Chris Carter, president of Motion Pro in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been an industry leader in land-use advocacy since the 1980s.

Chris Carter, Founder of Motion Pro, states, “I believe that trail enthusiasts must be involved on every front in the fight to keep trails open for responsible OHV recreation.
Off-road voters must become informed and engaged in the electoral process because it is politicians who designate which areas are open or closed to motorized recreation.”

“I believe The Trail PAC is an important tool that should be added to the land-use tool box.  I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC to help elect politicians who will support
the trail community,” Carter concludes.

To Donate to The Trail PAC go to:

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Friday, October 7, 2011

The Trail PAC Makes Dirt Bike News


The Trail PAC wants to thank AMA District 36 for helping get the word out about our efforts.  As many of you know, D36 is one of the most politically active OHV organizations in the country.  Dave Pickett (D36’s head political guru) figured out long ago that off-road voters must become engaged in the political and electoral process if our sport is to survive.

Thanks D36 for your support!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Cain Wins Prez Debate on EPA Dust Issue



The Trail PAC watched the FOX/Google Presidential debate last night with keen interest.  As some of you know, the EPA is often driving the issue of OHV closures on public lands.  One of those EPA closure tools is  “dust” or particulate matter.  EPA claims it needs to control dust as a reason to order the BLM or Forest Service to close or severely restrict historic OHV access throughout the West.

EPA citing “dust” and other issues as a reason to close areas to OHV

EPA is also behind the closure of the Clear Creek Management Area.

TPAC gives the “OHV win” last night to Herman Cain because of his enthusiastic and clearly articulated position on the need to overhaul EPA.  And most important to OHVers -- is that he knew about the “dust” issue.

Video and Text of Cain’s EPA Discussion

TPAC understands this is very early in the election cycle and that there will be many more debates.  However, TPAC appreciates that there are candidates who understand how government overregulation is having an impact on public and private land uses.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Trail PAC Weighs in on NV CD2 Special Election


As the Trail PAC continues to grow, off-road voters can expect to see more commentary on the 2012 election cycle.  Even though the 2012 elections are still a long way off, there is one congressional race that TPAC is watching in NV-CD2. 

Nevada voters will decide today in a special election between Mark Amodei (R) and Kate Marshall (D). 

Access interests will have to decide which candidate not only will be most likely to listen and be interested in off-road issues, but just as important, will vote for pro-access committee chairmen on committees such as the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public lands.  As you know, that subcommittee has been working hard on OHV and recreation access issues and is holding a field hearing next week on September 19 in Sacramento. 

Mark Amodei’s Public Land Policy  (TPAC rating a B+)

Kate Marshall’s Public Land Policy  (TPAC rating a C-)


TPAC will be watching the returns tonight to see which candidate Nevada voters elect into office.  Let’s hope that off-road voters have played some role in this battle.  Your vote will help decide if you have a local voice in those aforementioned pro-access committee hearings and ultimately if they those hearings continue into the future.

To learn about TPAC go to:

To make a donation to TPAC go to:

Stay tuned, as the 2012 election cycle has already started.  This cycle should be very busy!

Monday, September 5, 2011

RVers need TPAC

Nice that RV Daily Report noticed the launch of TPAC.  When trails get closed
to OHVers… the campgrounds where riders park their RVs become ghost towns and
the local economy suffers as well.

RV Daily Report on TPAC

The 2012 election cycle has started!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

NEWS RELEASE - The Trail PAC Launched Today to Kick-off the 2012 Election Cycle


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador, Founder
Date: September 1, 2011

NATIONAL MOTORIZED RECREATION PAC LAUNCHED TO PROTECT
AND PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE OHV RECREATION ON FEDERAL LANDS

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 1) - A national political action committee (PAC) dedicated exclusively to promoting and protecting responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation was launched earlier today.  The formal and historic announcement of The Trail PAC (TPAC) comes just in time for the official Labor Day Weekend kickoff of the 2012 election cycle.
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Don Amador, founder of TPAC, states, The Trail Political Action Committee was founded as the first national non-partisan political action committee dedicated solely to championing responsible off-highway vehicle recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas on public lands through the electoral and legislative processes.
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Amador continues, “TPAC believes that ‘all land-use decisions are political decisions.’  Our strategic goal is simple. TPAC will contribute to pro-access politicians who will support OHV recreation friendly legislation and oppose anti-access proposals and agency overregulation.
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“TPAC will actively represent the interests of OHV recreationists by promoting and supporting legislators and legislation that are critical to the long-term viability of our recreational activities.  TPAC will respect the donations made by OHV recreationists and aggressively work to defeat legislators and legislation that undermines our right to access public lands in a responsible manner,” Amador concludes.
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Paid for by The Trail PAC
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TPAC in the News
http://utvweekly.com/index.php/2011/09/national-motorized-recreation-pac-launched-to-protect-and-promote-responsible-ohv-recreation-on-federal-lands/