Time to improve the Endangered Species Act

When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.

The House Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, has begun a series of hearings to review the ESA. The purpose of these efforts is to look for ways to update, improve and strengthen the law - not to turn back the clock to 1973, before the law was passed. Congress last renewed the ESA in 1988, which means it has been 24 years since any substantial updates have been made. Clearly, Congress has failed to do its job.

Even the most ardent supporters of the ESA should be able to agree that after two decades, there are ways to make the law more efficient and effective. By listening to citizens both affected by and interested in the ESA, the committee will conduct a fair and open assessment of both the law’s strengths and its weaknesses.
There are five objectives that I think a review and update of the ESA should achieve.

One, focus on species recovery. There are 1,391 domestic animal and plant species listed under the act. Of these, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has declared just 20 species recovered. That represents only a 1 percent recovery rate. The law is failing to achieve its primary purpose of recovering endangered species. We must do better.

Two, reduce ESA-related litigation. One of the greatest obstacles to the success of the ESA is the way in which it has become a tool for excessive litigation. Instead of focusing on recovering endangered species, there are groups that use the ESA as a way to bring hundreds of lawsuits against the government. In response, agencies have to spend time and resources addressing those lawsuits instead of focusing on species recovery.

FWS Director Dan Ashe has testified that the agency spent more than 75 percent of its fiscal 2011 resource-management allocation on court orders or settlement agreements resulting from litigation. He stated,”We fully agree with the concern that our resources are better spent on implementing the ESA than on litigation.”

Three, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year on endangered-species protection. In the face of trillion-dollar budget deficits, Congress has an obligation to ensure that money is spent appropriately to achieve the law’s intent - the recovery of species. Every dollar that is spent on court settlements and legal fees is a dollar that is not going to directly help endangered species.

Four, base decisions on independently peer-reviewed science. Any decisions made on whether to list or delist a species should be based on sound science, not politics and not just because of lawsuits.

Unfortunately, this is not often the case. For example, FWS has decided not to conduct a stock assessment for the Atlantic sturgeon before moving forward with a listing. How can it determine whether a species is endangered if federal bureaucrats don’t bother to count the size of the current population? Without this information, how will they ever be able to determine if the species is recovered?

Five, make the law work for both species and people. The implementation of the ESA too often goes beyond the original intent of species recovery and is instead used to block and delay job-creating economic projects and activities. For example, a renewable-energy wind project in Washington state was abandoned because of the ESA’s overly burdensome regulatory process. The Radar Ridge project would have created up to 300 short-term jobs and provided a new source of renewable energy. But the project never went forward because of lengthy, costly and questionable restrictions under the ESA. We must be able to protect species without creating a bureaucracy that is so burdensome that it destroys economic activity and jobs.
Updating the 24-year-old Endangered Species Act will help ensure that the law works better to recover endangered species. Congress can no longer kick the can down the road while millions of dollars are wasted on frivolous lawsuits, resources are diverted away from true species recovery, and jobs are lost due to regulatory red tape that does little, if anything, to protect species.

Rep. Doc Hastings, Washington Republican, is chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Rugged Radios Introduces Pink Headsets for the Ladies and 'lil Princesses!

SAN LUIS OBISPO, California (May 18, 2012) - Rugged Radios is proud to introduce pink headsets. Originally offered in an 'over-the-head' model, the new pink color is now available in the 'behind-the-head' model as well! The new pink is perfect for professionals, passengers, pit crews and precocious progeny.

Both models feature a DNC microphone for clear transmissions and Rugged Radios' Clear Hear speakers for unsurpassed audio performance in extreme noise environments. Both models feature industry standard 5-pin intercom ports and 3.5mm audio input port for scanners, iPods or other MP3 music devices. They also feature a built-in waterproof PTT (Push-to-Talk) button for use with mobile or handheld radios.

Matt Realy, of Rugged Radios stated "This is a popular and powerful performing headset and we're excited about the new color. I'm not sure you can really appreciate it until you see it in person. You just can't replicate that color online or in print. It's almost electric! "

Rugged Radios, based in San Luis Obispo, CA develops and provides complete communication products for offroad, UTV, circle track, and professional race teams.

www.RuggedRadios.com

Popular Dumont Dunes OHV Area helps NASA prepare for Mars exploration

In an area where one is most likely to see off-highway vehicles, you wouldn't expect to see rovers traversing the sand dunes. NASA officials obtained a Lands Use Permit from the BLM Barstow Field Office to test various applications of their prototype rover, nicknamed "Scarecrow." This will give them a better understanding of how their actual rover, "Curiosity," will traverse similar conditions on Mars. NASA Scientists from Pasadena, Calif. chose the Dumont Dunes OHV Area for testing, because the dunes are believed to be very similar to those located at the landing site. Dumont is also somewhat close to the research facilities, and the area is classified as an open-use area, which makes the permitting process easier to complete. Mickey Quillman, Acting Field Manager for BLM Barstow said, "This was an extremely interesting opportunity. Our field office helped out NASA by providing an opportunity to test equipment that is going to be used for space research on Mars."

Photo by Rusty Gates, Barstow Field Office Scientists gather data to see how Scarecrow (the far rover) traverses the sandy slope.

Curiosity was launched on November 26, 2011 and will travel an estimated 354 million miles before reaching Gale Crater on Mars. Curiosity is tentatively scheduled to land on Mars in August of 2012. It will then gather data, such as photos and soil samples, for a minimum period of one Martian year, which is almost two years on Earth (98 weeks). When Curiosity lands on Mars, communication will be through radio relays -- in which one-way radio transit time between Earth and Mars is approximately 13.8 minutes. As a result of this time lapse, the rover is not being controlled with joy-sticks by NASA Officials here on Earth, as it may need to take immediate evasive maneuvers -- such as changing directions to prevent going over a cliff. Specially designed software inside the rover gives it the ability to choose alternate routes of travel. The Rover’s top speed on flat, hard ground is 1.5 inches per second. However, under autonomous control with hazard avoidance, the vehicle has a slower average speed.
The rover was designed to be capable of exploring up to 12 miles of terrain during the prime mission. Curiosity has a 7-foot robotic arm to deploy instruments to collect powdered samples from rocks, scoop soil, prepare and deliver samples for analytical data, and brush the surface. Color cameras will also be used to collect the rover's surroundings in exquisite detail and with motion. Power for the rover consists of a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator and lithium-ion batteries.

Photo by Rusty Gates, Barstow Field Office

The spheres on top of Scarecrow were added to the prototype to collect numerous data from the surrounding cameras and equipment as it traverses up and down the sand dunes. The rover is 14 feet, 9 inches long by 9 feet 8 inches tall and on earth weighs 1,982 lbs. but on Mars will have about 1/3 of the gravity as compared to that on Earth. Curiosity, the actual rover already en route to Mars, is equipped with a 7-foot robotic arm with various attachments and two megapixel cameras on a mast.

Prototype of the rovers, "Spirit and Opportunity" -- the first rovers exploring Mars in January of 2003. The last communication with Spirit was on March 22, 2010, and communications with Opportunity still continue today. Photo by Rusty Gates, Barstow Field Office.

The public can visit http://www.nasa.gov/ntv to learn more about NASA. More information on the Curiosity rover is at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html.
Dumont Dunes is popular for OHV open riding, as well as for commercial filming and equipment testing. Dumont Dunes is approximately 35 miles north of Baker, Calif. on Highway 127, adjacent to Death Valley National Park.

- Rusty Gates, Outdoor Recreation Planner, BLM Barstow Field Office (May 15, 2012)

MARADYNE ANNOUNCES 2012 PRODUCT LINE CATALOG

 
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Maradyne High Performance Fans(r) has released its 2012 High Performance Fans, Heaters and Accessories Catalog. The 32-page book features the latest products in the manufacturer's line, including the Pacesetter Series fans and the new Stoker(tm) heaters.

Pacesetter Series fans are available in 10-inch to 16-inch fan sizes, and are ideal for high-performance applications as well as daily drivers. Dependable and affordable, the Pacesetter Series fans are designed to improve engine cooling, horsepower and A/C cooling at idle.

Maradyne's high-quality, compact Stoker heater features a vented motor inside a durable glass-filled nylon plastic case. It is available with either two 3-inch outlet hose vents or in a Grille Face design. Stoker heaters are perfect for street rods, ATV/UTVs and boats. The new catalog also includes an extensive application guide and a history of Maradyne, highlighting the company's commitment to utilizing only the highest quality components in its fan assemblies. Consumers can secure a copy of the 2012 Product Line Catalog by calling 800.403.7953 ext. 626. To learn more about Maradyne's product line, visit www.maradyneHP.com.

Maradyne High Performance Fans is a brand owned by DCM Manufacturing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreison International., Inc., which manufactures and sells air movement and air directional accessories and components serving the high performance, off-road equipment, agricultural machinery, heavy duty truck, automotive, bus, RV, marine and military markets.

For more information and dimensional drawings, contact Maradyne High Performance Fans at 800.435.7953; fax 216.362.6342; write to 4540 W. 160th St. Cleveland, OH 44135; or visit www.maradyneHP.com.

Alumi Craft Pre-Runners take top three spots at NORRA Mexican 1000

Baja California, Mexico – The NORRA, Mexican 1000 was revived in 2010 to allow people to experience what it was like for the originators of off-road racing. The rally is best known for the Vintage race vehicles that compete in the annual event but there are several other classes that also take part in the epic adventure. Not everyone has a vintage racer capable of the long trek from Mexicali to Cabo, NORRA wanted anyone who wished to experience the history, culture and magnificent scenery in Baja to have a chance to participate. Drivers who own state of the art off-road cars are still able to sit around the fire after a day’s stage and bench race with the icons of our sport.

Three such competitors are Butch Jensen, Rudy Lekar and Ben Schlimme. They finished first, second and third in the Evolution class for buggies with back seats. The three friends all drive Alumi Craft “Grande” pre-runners. These three take regular trips to Baja logging 1200 to 1500 miles per trip at an average speed of 47 miles per hour. That’s right, these guys don’t mess around, in fact Butch finished second overall in the Mexican 1000 this year behind Robby Gordon and Clyde Stacy in Robby’s bright orange Hummer. Butch’s goal is to drive every road on the Baja peninsula before he hangs up his steering wheel. “We are out to have fun,” says Butch, “We don’t want to waste time fixing cars, we usually have too much ground to cover. We love to explore but we also like to go fast. Our Alumi Craft cars give us thousands of miles of trouble-free running. We trust their quality and love their performance. I’ve had plenty of other cars over the years but now, I only buy Alumi Craft.”

Rudy and Ben also share Butch’s love for the most remote stretches of Baja. They came in fourth and fifth overall in the Mexican 1000. “We had a great time at the rally,” said Rudy, “We finished in Cabo then caught a flight home. We will head back down to pick up the cars this week and race them all the way back. I’m currently driving my second Alumi Craft; I usually buy Butch’s when he gets a new one. Even as a second hand buyer Alumi Craft owner, John Cooley gives me a lot of personal service. He is always there to answer any questions and offer any help when needed. After finishing the NORRA rally all the car needs is a new CV boot and it’s ready to do another 1500 miles.”

Their cars fit nicely in the Evolution class because they are all a product of constant evolution. Alumi Craft is continuously applying the latest technology into everything they build. They are constantly testing and tuning and most importantly, they listen to feedback from their customers. Alumi Craft has a long winning record in competition but they also build the most reliable and best performing prerunners available. Regardless if you are doing course reconnaissance, racing for a trophy or just having a blast with your friends, Alumi Craft is dedicated to providing you with a fun, safe and reliable vehicle that exceeds your expectations.

Photography By Brian Binkert
Bink Designs – www.binkdesigns.com

More photos: 2012 NORRA Mexican 1000

About Alumi Craft
Alumi Craft is the premier racecar chassis manufacturer in the off road industry. Crafting cars from lengths of 4130 Chromoly tubing is our specialty. We offer a variety of vehicles to accommodate the professional off road racer to the recreational driver. For the past three years, Alumi Craft has claimed Three Pro Buggy championships and a Super Buggy Championship in Short Course. The drivers who aided Alumi Craft in achieving the repeat are Rob MacCachren, Chuck Cheek, Cameron Steele and CJ Greaves.
For more information on Alumi Craft Race Cars check out www.alumicraft.info

About Bink Designs
Bink Designs is a premier graphic design company located in San Diego. Since 2003, we have been committed to providing cost-effective solutions to our clients’ high-end graphic needs. Whether you want to create, maintain, or revamp your corporate identity, Bink Designs will work with you to develop a strategy that matches your goals. Bink Designs offers a number of services, including: Identity, Print Design, Vinyl Graphics, Web Design, Photography and Apparel.

MICRO STUB CONVERSION ADDRESSES BREAKAGE ISSUES

Developed primarily to address needs of serious off-road competition vehicles JAMAR’s, centerboard, micro stub kit will certainly prove beneficial to a variety of auto sport applications. The sophisticated stub kit is designed to bring the bearings closer together thereby minimizing the possibility of breakage and associated issues. Each kit comes with a 3/8” x 11.250 rotor, billet 4-piston caliper, 205 mm lug pattern with 14 mm lug studs. The black surface is a special UV coating and provides a durable, long lasting finish. There are 2 stub axle options, 930 or 934. For 934 applications the flange is lightened and clearanced for the CV axle. Additionally, bolt holes in the axle are upgraded to ½-20 thread to keep all CV fasteners similar. The new Micro Stub kit retails for $1939.00 and can is available from JAMAR dealers worldwide. For the dealer nearest you visit JAMAR at www.jamarperformance.com

Kawasaki Performance Chemicals & Cleaners – The ULTIMATE in performance care products for your Kawasaki

Understanding their owners deserved more; Kawasaki went back to the lab and developed the ALL NEW line of Kawasaki Performance Chemicals & Cleaners. Just like the race-proven line of Kawasaki Performance Oils, each product has been developed with premium components to keep your Kawasaki running strong and looking as new as the day you bought it.

Kawasaki Performance Chemicals & Cleaners:

• Kawasaki Performance On & Off-Road Prewash (K61021-501)
• Kawasaki Performance Wax & Shine Detailer (K61021-502)
• Kawasaki Performance Wipe Down Cleaner (K61021-503)
• Kawasaki Hi-Performance Grease (K61021-504)
• Kawasaki Performance Air Filter Cleaner (K61021-505)
• Kawasaki Hi-Performance Air Filter Oil (K61021-506)
• Kawasaki Performance Synthetic Chain Lube (K61021-507)

About Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,350 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.^™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.