By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
SEMA has endorsed a proposal by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) base at Twentynine Palms, California. Under the compromise, the Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley Off-Highway (OHV) Recreation Area for up to 42 days per year for training exercises. However, the land would be designated a “national” OHV recreation area under the continued management of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Johnson Valley is the largest OHV area in the United States, totaling nearly 189,000 acres. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters. The area is also home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers event. SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) are urging lawmakers to adopt the solution and enact the legislation into law. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for OHV vehicles and, through the SAN, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these vehicles.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.