Press Release
December 16, 2003
Contact: John Stewart
MUIRNet Consulting
619-390-8747 or via E-mail at: john@muirnet.net
In a move that will enhance the cooperation between recreation groups
and businesses, the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)
has contracted with John Stewart for recreation access support. Stewart,
Director of Environmental Affairs for United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(UFWDA), will be
working with ORBA to strengthen the recreationist efforts to oppose
land closures. Stewart also serves as one of the Natural Resource
Consultants for the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs
(CA4WDC).
This move brings a level of cohesion to recreation organizations,
providing increased national exposure and integration of recreation
businesses with their customer base. ORBA is a trade association representing
the after-market suppliers and manufactures of equipment for motorized
recreation.
"We are delighted to have someone with John's knowledge and
experience working with us to help protect access to our public lands.
The future of our member businesses depends upon it.", said ORBA
Vice President Jim McGarvie.
"I'm excited to work with ORBA to secure the future of four
wheeling", said Stewart. "We are entering an era when partnering
with recreation associations and business interests is extremely important."
In accepting the increased responsibilities, Stewart stated "My
desire is to improve motorized recreation visibility in front of land
management agencies. Improving that visibility requires a strong interaction
between recreation groups and the business community that supports
their recreation."
"The year has been tumultuous for motorized recreation in California
and across the nation," Stewart said. "The year has also
seen the growth of coalitions of recreation interests to fight proposed
access restrictions and new wilderness proposals. Recreation interests
face unprecedented pressure from anti-access groups that seek to restrict
access to public lands across the nation. Building recreation coalitions
and partnerships with businesses is necessary to secure access to
public lands."
Stewart has been involved in the Tierra del Sol Four Wheel Drive
Club of San Diego for ten years. He recently completed a 35 year career
in public service where he served as Information Systems Security
Manager for a Navy activity for the past 16 years. An avid outdoorsman,
Stewart is married and lives in Lakeside, CA.
UFWDA, www.ufwda.org,
is an international association dedicated to preserving and promoting
recreation opportunities. CA4WDC, www.ca4wdc.com,
is a California organization dedicated to enhancing the four wheeling
experience for individuals and clubs and is a UFWDA member. Both organizations
represent motorized recreationists. ORBA, www.orba.biz, is a trade
association representing the businesses that supply equipment and
parts to the motorized recreation community.
