To punctuate the preservation of the Johnson Valley area for off-roading, our local congressman has invented a new distinction, and seeks to have it codified by legislation. Reporter Dan Stork explains…
Rep. Paul Cook has introduced legislation to designate the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area as a National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, the first of its kind. This follows last year’s success in limiting the expansion of the Twentynine Palms Marine Base into the area. Johnson Valley is explicitly designated for off-highway vehicle use under last year’s deal negotiated with the US Marine Corps. This area includes the Hammers, both the front and back side, and other topographical features such as Spooners, Aftershock, Sunbonnet, the Riffle Monument, and the Cal200 Memorial (The Rockpile). The majority of the Fry Mountains and full access to Soggy Dry Lake Bed are also guaranteed for off-highway vehicle use, as well as access to Emerson Dry Lake Bed. In describing the intent behind the legislation, Cook stated, “It will show that Johnson Valley is of national significance, raising its profile for economic purposes and within the federal government, which owns the land.”
CONGRESSMAN COOK INTRODUCES JOHNSON VALLEY OHV AREA BILL
