In this issue:
Areas:
Friends of Pinjar
Lancelin Loudness
Gnangara Harvesting Reminder
Advocacy:
Environmental Grants to RTRA
When are DEC Permits needed
Why Trail Bikes are like Frogs
Events:
RTRA /WCS 1 Day Blackwood
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Helping to save your riding areas
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Dear Member,
We were delighted to have people asking where the July eNewsletter was. I'd love to be able to say that we couldn't fit it in around all the riding we were doing but the reality is that there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on that we are only now able to announce!
Some significant and exciting news. Read on ...
RTRA Wins Two Environmental Community Grants
The Minister for the Environment, Donna Farragher, announced today that the RTRA has been
successful in its funding application for two projects under the
'Sustainable Recreation in Natural Areas' grant scheme.
The first project is for the development of a Minimal Impact Riding program and the second is the development of a new Pilot Trail as a model for more sustainable trail development. The total value of these projects, including in-kind contributions is over $117,000. More details on these projects can be found on the RTRA Web site.
Some people might choke on the idea of trail bikes and environmental sustainability in the same sentence. But the reality is that the long term future of trail riding depends on us riders solving issues of trail damage, noise and general environmental impact. These two projects are a significant step in this direction.
Perhaps even more significant is the recognition that RTRA and its members are making a genuine effort to protect the environment while enjoying our chosen recreation.
Local Government Minister Stalls Information Campaign
While the Environment Minister is to be commended for taking a proactive approach the same can't be said for the Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli, who has stonewalled a proposal to create a campaign to inform people about how their choice of motorcycle determines where they can legally ride.
The planning for the RTRA-suggested project was completed last year, but Minister Castrilli now wants to wait for the State Trail Bike Strategy to receive official endorsement before making any commitments to implement the campaign.
Meanwhile, riders are confused about what sort of registration they need and where they can legally ride. Frustrating.
Noise: Expect to be Tested at Lancelin
Rangers are now noise-testing bikes and quads at Lancelin.
Noise is the big issue for Lancelin residents and as we see it, one of two things will happen:
Either riders at the area will get the message, maintain reasonable exhausts and keep the noise down on the front side of the primary dune, OR legal action by residents will give the council the ammunition it needs to force closure of the area.
DEC Permits: When are they Needed?
A couple of weeks ago a large group of riders was told by Police and DEC Rangers to pack up and go home.
OK, they were on private property without permission at the time, but they were also informed that they needed a DEC Permit to ride in State Forests as they were conducting an organised event.
So when does a group of mates getting together to go out for a ride become an 'organised event'? See 'Riders' Rights' on the RTRA Web site for our assessment.
RTRA Blackwood Valley ride
It doesn't get much better than this. Cool, clear conditions, no rain, no dust, fabulous trails, a great mix of riders and the pure joy of knowing that someone else is taking care of every detail!
That was the recent RTRA / West Coast Safaris Blackwood Valley tour enjoyed by nineteen RTRA members.
If you haven't done one of these rides and you have a licence and a road-registered trail bike, make a note of October 9 and 10 for the two-day Margaret River ride. It'll be a great weekend!
Kaptions on KTMs
Kongrats to Graham Whitehead, winner of our June Kops on KTMs Kaption Kontest.
"But commissioner, we need KTMs because ... it's hard to be cool when you're a cop, and those Suzuki's aren't helping!"
Your KTM Kap is in the mail.
'Friends of Pinjar'
 With trail construction at the Pinjar ORV area to commence soon we are looking for volunteers to form a 'Friends of Pinjar' group.
The Friends of Pinjar will be a coordinated group who will inspect signage and trails on a regular basis, report on trail damage, dumping or vandalism and act as 'trail ambassadors' to new visitors to the area.
We have set up a Pinjar Special Interest Group so we can communicate specific news about this area to those who have an interest. You can sign up to receive Pinjar-related information on the Pinjar page of the RTRA Web site.
Gnangara Harvesting Reminder
A reminder that harvesting in the Gnangara pine forests will occur from July to September. The area north and south of Trainor Rd is the target for this latest round of clear-felling.
RTRA is in discussions with FPC and DEC about the post-harvesting rehabilitation of this area.
Why are Trail Bikes like Frogs?
 ...because they both appear from nowhere after the rains.
This is a busy time of the year out on the trails. Trails that were deserted in summer are now teeming with motorised life - and it's a fair bet that 50% of it is coming the opposite direction!
We've recently had reports of collisions between 4WDs and quads, quads and bikes, and bikes and cars.
So take care out there. Always leave a margin so you can take evasive action if necessary and be especially careful of blind corners and crests of hills.
The conditions are too good to be wasting time in hospital!
Is your Membership current?
Not sure if your membership is still current? You can now check your renewal date online.
Just login to the RTRA web site using your member details shown above. The renewal date will be shown along with your current contact details.
If your renewal is due you can renew by clicking the Membership Renewals link.
Spread the Word
The more members we have, the more we can achieve. If you have riding buddies who are not yet members of the RTRA, forward them this email and give them a prod to join up.
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RTRA e-Newsletter