In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben Burr and Simone Griffin interview Tate Morgan from Sons of Smokey and the Gambler 500. They discuss the origins of the Gambler 500, a race that evolved into the largest trash cleanup event in the world. Tate explains how the Sons of Smokey organization was created to fund the trash cleanup efforts and develop an app for reporting and mapping trash sites on public lands. The conversation also touches on the perception of the Blue Ribbon Coalition and their role in advocating for off-road enthusiasts and protecting access to public lands. In this part of the conversation, Ben and Tate discuss various topics related to public land usage and management. They touch on the impact of national monuments on access and activity, the misconception that motorized users cause more damage than non-motorized users, the importance of getting people out on public lands to foster stewardship, the balance between concentration and dispersion of recreational activities, the role of technology in accessing new areas, the need for responsible use and stewardship among side-by-side users, and the impact of closures and restrictions on public land. They also address the perception that the motorized community is to blame for closures and emphasize the importance of unity and collaboration among different user groups. Ben highlights the need for fair and evidence-based decision-making and challenges the narratives that often dominate public land discussions. In this final part of the conversation, Ben and Simone discuss the importance of education and advocacy in public land management. They address the need for organizations like Tread Lightly and Sons of Smokey to educate users about responsible recreation. They also emphasize the role of administrative advocacy and litigation in influencing land management decisions. The conversation then shifts to the Lakeview Resource Management Plan in southern Oregon, specifically the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes. They discuss the different alternatives proposed in the plan and the potential impact on access and recreation. They encourage listeners to submit comments and get involved in the public comment process.

Mentioned in the show:

Download Sons of Smokey App: SonsOfSmokey on the App StoreApplehttps://apps.apple.com › app › sonsofsmokey

Comment on Christmas Valley plan: https://blueribboncoalition.org/lakeview-oregon-rmp-christmas-valley-dunes-are-at-risk/

Send feedback on Owyhee wilderness proposals: https://blueribboncoalition.org/oppose-the-owyhee-wilderness-in-eastern-oregon-and-western-idaho/