A Campaign to Halt the Commercialization, Privatization and Motorization of Recreational Opportunities on America's Public Lands.
Postscript: The National Day of Action was a turning point in the battle to keep public lands Wild and Free. To read the press generated from these protests please click here.
This is where you can learn how to become a part of the August 14, 1999 National Day of Action.
National Day of Action
(Provides a brief explanation of why Americans will be protesting on August 14, 1999.)Stop the Federal Recreation Fee Demonstration Program
(This is a sample flier that for you to copy and distribute. It is also available in Microsoft Word file format and in Rich Text file format for you to customize, circulate and use in your own protests. )A Campaign to keep access to public lands free
(Here is a another sample flier that for you to copy and distribute. It is also available in Microsoft Word file format and in Rich Text file format for you to customize, circulate and use in your own protests. )Sample Protest Announcement
(This is the announcement being used by activists members of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club. It is offered here as a model from which you might create your own protest announcement.)Sample News Release
(This is the news release being used by activists members of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club.)
Click for high resolution image
Click to read threatening letter from the
Walt Disney Company to Wild Wilderness
Click to read Wild Wilderness'
response to Disney
This design on 100% cotton preshrunk white shirts
List of Scheduled Protests:
The following is a partial listing of protests currently scheduled for August 14, 1999. Additional protests are still in the planning phase and information will be posted here as it becomes available. Numerous smaller protests will also take place as individuals and small groups of friends take this opportunity to express their personal opposition to the recreation fee demonstration program.
Multiple Locations - Central Coast, OR
Disneyland - Anaheim, CA
Justin Herman Plaza - San Francisco, CA
Snoqualmie Pass - Seattle, WA
Downtown Farmer's Market - Moscow, ID
Lava Lands Visitor Center - Bend, OR
Multiple Locations - Aspen, CO
Nr. Terminal Tower - Cleveland, OH
District Ranger Office - Idyllwild, CA
Convention Center - Salt Lake City, UT
Los Padres NF - Santa Barbara, CA
Mt. Lemmon - Tucson, AZ
Ojai Ranger Station - Ojai, CA
Forest Supervisor's Office - Bend, OR
US Highway 2 - Skykomish River, WA
Central Kootenays - British Columbia, Canada
Lionhead State Park - ID
Snake River - Jackson, WY
Forest Service Office - Cle Elum, WA
Three Sisters Trailheads - Nr. Eugene, OR
Twisp Farmer's Market - Twisp, WA
Multiple Trailheads - Ketchum, ID
Clear Creek Info Center - Nr. Pasadena, CA
REI Store - Eugene, OR
San Juan NF Office - Durango, CO
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs - Lolo Pass, ID
BLM-US Forest Service Office - Montrose, CO
Eagle Creek Trailhead - Nr. Portland, OR
Angeles National Forest - Nr. Los Angeles, CA
Multiple Locations - Central Coast, OR
Members of Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition will stage three simultaneous protests along the coast on Aug. 14 from 10 am to noon, at Yaquina Head (north end of Newport), Cape Perpetua (just south of Yachats), and Oregon Dunes Overlook (midway between Florence and Reedsport). Please join us; bring a sign if you can. For more information, call or e-mail Bonnie Henderson, 541/485-2104, bonnhen@aol.com.
Disneyland - Anaheim, CA
A large protest is being organized by multiple groups and will occur at the entrance to Disneyland. Directions to closest parking: (Heading South on I-5) Exit at Harbor Blvd and go south on Harbor Blvd to Katella. Turn right on Katella and into Anaheim Convention Center (Left at first signal). Park in Anaheim Convention Center Parking Structure. Protest location is north of the parking garage on Harbor Blvd. Actual location is on the West side of the street where cars enter Disneyland. Time 11:00 Am to 3:00 PM BRING a day pack with water, food and a hat. Bring Protest Signs! Contact: (Keep the Sespe Wild Committee) Alasdair Coyne (805) 646-5960
Justin Herman Plaza - San Francisco, CA
WE CANNOT LET THIS BRAINCHILD OF THE WRECKREATION INDUSTRY LIVE ON! To keep our national forests and other public lands wild and to continue the long tradition of free access, we must use the remaining months of this millennium to send an irrefutable message to Congress and the Clinton Administration. We must let them know that we OPPOSE being treated as customers and that we oppose the current attempt to commercialize, privatize and motorize lands that we own. To ensure intense disapproval is heard loudly and clearly, join other Bay Area citizens on the National Day of Protest against Fee-Demo: Saturday August 14, 1999 at 1:00 pm Justin Herman Plaza (Market at Embarcadero) in San Francisco T-shirts and picket signs will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own. Protest will include a march to the Federal building in the Civic Center. For additional information regarding the protest, please email Jeff Kane at roadless@pacbell.net or call (510) 893-4335.
Snoqualmie Pass - Seattle, WA
Seattle Area Fee-Demo Protest Please join us for what will be one of the Pacific Northwest's largest protests against the highly unpopular recreation fee demonstration program. Location: Snowlake Trailhead at Alpental Ski Resort Parking Area -- located approximately 45 miles East of Seattle. Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Local contact: Reverend, Jeffrey Barker 206-325-2665 evenings Directions from the west (Seattle): Take Exit 52, "West Summit," and follow the sign to Alpental Road under the freeway. Take 2nd right and follow the road past the chalets and hotels to the end. (The first right goes to Pacific Crest Trail trailhead.) Directions from the east: Take Exit 53, "Snoqualmie Recreation Area." Go through the Summit business area. As you curve around at the end of the business area, go under the freeway, following the sign for Alpental Road. Take the 2nd right and follow the road past the chalets and hotels to the end.
Downtown Farmer's Market - Moscow, ID
The day of action should be a day of irreverence and fun in Moscow, Idaho, where residents will gather at the local Farmer's Market (downtown, 8am to noon). Activists will be handing out small flyers, gathering petition signatures and enjoying some light hearted street theatre. (So far planned, the Forest Service marries Disney!) Before the 14th, as well, the Friends of the Clearwater will be sending out an action alert over email and a letter to local residents who may be directly impacted by the changes should the fee system become permanent on National Forests. We look forward to a laughter filled morning on the 14th, and hope anyone in the Moscow area might be able to join us. Contact: (Friends of the Clearwater) Sabrina at 208-882-9755, E-mail: cove@moscow.com
Lava Lands Visitor Center - Bend, OR
Protest outside the Lava Lands Visitor Center on Highway 97, approximately 6 mi. south of Bend, Oregon. Visitation at this site has decreased 46% percent since it became a fee-demo site. The US Forest Service has said it can no longer afford to operate the facility and is looking to find a "partner" to assume responsible for this facility. Time 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Contact: Dale Neubauer 541-388-7335
Multiple Locations - Aspen, CO
We will be hitting all the local major trailheads and distributing informational materials about fee demo, user fee etc. These will be put under car windshield wipers and handed out in person to trail users. The effort is being organized by Dottie Fox, Aspen Wilderness Workshop, Chair. If interested in participating, call 303-927-4483. The actual protest will take place on the morning of the 14th at locations yet to be determined.
Nr. Terminal Tower - Cleveland, OH
In Public Square, near the terminal tower in Cleveland on the day of pretest, August 14th, I will be passing out literature, stickers, and holding signs. If you are interested in helping feel free to call me anytime at (440) 835-4169, ask for brad. I can also be reached via Email, Bpacker701@aol.com. Thank you and I look forward to having a great turnout and winning those votes!!!
District Ranger Office - Idyllwild, CA
Idyllwild and Free will be protesting outside the US Forest Service office in the heart of Idyllwild, CA from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For details contact: Lois Mitchell 909-659-3114
Convention Center - Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City will be the site of several fee-demo related events. The day will begin (8:30 AM) with a presentation by Kelly Cassidy, spokesperson for Rep. Merrill Cook (R-UT). Doug Hoschek of the Public Access Coalition (732-530-1976) will speak on behalf of a various outdoor user groups and outdoor equipment manufacturing companies. From 3:30 to 4:00 there will be a fee-demo rally on the North side of the Convention Center. Contact Denise Boggs, (Utah Environmental Congress, 801-466-4055).
Los Padres NF - Nr. Santa Barbara, CA
National Forest Defense Alliance is organizing protests at two location from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Both sites are located along Paradise Road, in the Santa Ynez Valley off the Cachuma Pass Road (Hwy. 154). Site I - In front of the USFS Santa Barbara District Ranger Station on Paradise Road. Site II - On Paradise Road at the river crossing kiosk where Adventure Passes are sold. Contacts: Jeffrey Pine 805-320-4459 Greg Kappos 805-569-0963
Mt. Lemmon - Tucson, AZ
Arizona Earth First! will hold a Fee-Demo protest on Saturday, August 14th. Meet at the Mt. Lemmon Fee Booth on Catalina Highway by 10 am. Posters, banners, stickers, etc. will all be provided, however feel free to get creative and bring whatever you need to get your message across. Contact A.J. at 327-8978 for more information. We hope you will come out to show your support for ending user fees on public lands.
Ojai Ranger Station - Ojai, CA
Free Our Forests will be holding a demonstration outside the Ojai Ranger Station in Ojai, CA from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Contact: Heidi Mauer (805)649-9012
Forest Supervisor's Office Bend, OR
Join protesters outside the Forest Supervisor's Office on Hwy. 20 in Bend Oregon. Time 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Bring a protest sign or cardboard and markers will be available on site to make you own. Contact: Bill Arras 541- 389-8739
US Highway 2 - Skykomish River, WA
Location: Approximately 10 mile roadside hike/picket along US Hwy 2 from boat put-in on Skykomish River about 2 mi. east of Gold Bar to town of Index and back. This is a major access road for people using the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest. Time: I and few friends will departing put-in around 9:00 am. Will either pack a lunch or plan on stopping at Mt. Index Cafe. A formal departure time is not necessary if others want to participate. In fact the more strung out the demonstration is along the road, the more motorists and forest users will be impacted by it. Contact info: Pat Reeves, reevesp@u.washington.edu, 206-362-2805. Directions: Take US 2 east to town of Gold Bar. Continue approximately 2 miles until you reach a bridge over the Skykomish. Just after the bridge there is an exit and large parking area to the right. I think there is a brown sign saying "Fishing access" just before the turn. This area is used as a put in by people floating the river and has a small beach for swimming. If you are coming west on US 2, turn left just before the bridge, about 5 miles downstream from the Index exit. Recommendations: Wear bright colors. Don't forget water, sunscreen, and snacks.
Central Kootenays - British Columbia, Canada
On August 14 the Valhalla Wilderness Society in the Central Kootenays of British Columbia will be demonstrating in one or more provincial parks. The Society plans to leaflet busy park campgrounds. Keeping BC Parks Wild and Free in the 21st century is a theme of urgent significance in BC at this time. The BC Minister of Environment will be making an announcement in August that could lead to the same "restructuring" that has enabled US federal agencies to take on partnerships with the American Recreation Coalition, Disney Corporation and many others. Besides this, the BC government is allowing logging companies to build roads through provincial parks where needed to access timber holdings outside park boundaries. In the week leading up to August 14, the Valhalla Wilderness Society will make sure thousands of British Columbians know exactly how President Clinton and the US Congress are bringing America's magnificent parks and wilderness areas to their knees with funding cuts, and selling them out to corporations and their front-groups. Through the influence of corporate globalization, the same thing has spread to Canadian national parks. We will be telling Premier Glen Clark that this must not happen in BC. Another BC wilderness group will also hold a significant Wild and Free protest on August 15. Contact: (Valhalla Wilderness Society) Anne Sherrod anne@vws.org Phone 604-358-2333
Lionhead State Park - ID
Stan and Maxine Jones of Glenns Ferry, Idaho are completing the Idaho Centennial Trail back-packing with their four goats on August 14, 1999. There will be a celebration and press conference at Lionhead State Park on Priest Lake, in Northern Idaho. They are both 75 years old and have hiked on public lands for almost all of that time without having to pay a user fee. It has taken them seven years to complete the over 1,000 miles of trails. They are an inspiration to people of all ages and economic backgrounds who enjoy hiking on public lands. Contact: L. Jones (208)-838-2651
Snake River - Jackson, WY
West Table Boat Ramp, Alpine Canyon of the Snake River, about 25 miles south of Jackson. Wy. Saturday Aug 14th, 10 AM-1 PM This day should be lots of fun. There will be live music courtesy of CowBoy Swing and other activities are planned. Contact: Charlie Woodward IDPV@ compuserve.com 208-787-2495
Forest Service Office - Cle Elum, WA
People will be picketing the Forest Service office at 803 West Second St. in Cle Elum, WA from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Contact: Robert Schnelle (509)925-4216
Three Sisters Trailheads - Nr. Eugene, OR
Trailhead protests and leafletting at various locations. Fee Demonstrators will depart from the Eugene area and travel to nearby trailheads. Call (541)342-6091 for details.
Twisp Farmer's Market - Twisp, WA
The Twisp, Washington demonstration will begin at the Twisp Farmer's Market on Highway 20 on Saturday, August 14. We will begin to gather just after market, between 12:00 and 12:30, which should allow time for vendors to join us. Friends are encouraged to come a little early and enjoy the market and each other's company. There will be signs prepared, but it always helps to have more. It is preferable to have one you can carry a couple of blocks, although others can also be used. Toilet facilities are available close-by, and you might consider bringing a lunch or picking up a good snack at market. Be prepared to have some fun! For details, call 509-997-4425 or e-mail coldmtn@methow.com.
Multiple Trailheads - Ketchum, ID
The Idaho Sporting Congress (Ketchum Office) will hold a news conference on Saturday morning to explain why they oppose the fee-demo program. Following the conference, volunteers will travel to as many of the trailheads as possible and gather petition signatures from local area hikers. To learn how you can participate in the day's activities, please call: Idaho Sporting Congress (208) 726-9059
Clear Creek Info Center - Nr. Pasadena, CA
From 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM protesters will be distributing information about the Adventure Pass and encouraging forest visitors to boycott the Recreation Fee-Demo program. The protest will take place within the Angeles National Forest at the Clear Creek Information Center. This is located at the junction of the Angeles Forest Highway (HWY2) and the Angeles Crest Highway (N3). For additional information contact: Free Our Forests (Los Angeles Chapter) Phone (626)795-2642, e-mail: rsbartsch@earthlink.net
REI Store - Eugene, OR
From 12 noon - 2 PM, a Fee-Demo Protest will take place in front of the REI Store located at 306 Lawrence Ave. in Eugene, OR. The protest is against the US Forest Service's Trail Park Pass program and NOT against REI. After being picketed last October in four Western States, REI withdrew from the corporate coalition responsible for creating the fee-demo program - ARC's Recreation Roundtable. While REI has not yet come to oppose the recreation fee demonstration program, indications are they are moving in this direction. Hopefully REI will join other responsible outdoor equipment stores and stop selling Trail Park and Adventure Passes. Contact: 541-342-7786
San Juan NF Office - Durango, CO
March, distribute literature and gather petition signatures against the recreation fee demonstration program. Activists will gather outside the Forest Supervisor's Office located at 15 Burnett Court in Durango, CO from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bring a protest sign if you can! Contact Leroy 970-882-0191 for further details.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs - Lolo Pass, ID
A Peace and Education Gathering will be held from noon to 8:00 PM at the Jerry Johnson Hot Springs located just west of the Montana-Idaho border on Highway 12. This location is approximately 50 miles east of Missoula, MT. Information on Fee-Demo and forest ecology will be distributed, the area will be cleaned of trash and starting at 4:20 PM, participants will gather in a drum circle for an evening of celebration. Contact: (This Land is Our Land) "kdog" 208-883-7321
BLM-US Forest Service Office - Montrose, CO
The demonstration is being held at the BLM-US Forest Service office at 2465 S Townsend Avenue in Montrose from 11:00A-1:00P. In our area the Montrose BLM has added the popular Gunnison Gorge whitewater river run and world class trout fishery to the growing list of fee demo sites. Included in the protest will be a public speaker to explain the fee issue, literature to educate your friends and protest stickers. More important will be the presence of ordinary citizens demonstrating their extreme displeasure with our government's program to commercialize recreation and charge fees to access our public lands. Help send a message to Congress that public lands fees are not being accepted. After the demonstration spend the rest of the day taking in the wonderful recreational opportunities of the surrounding area, the amenities of nearby Ridgeway, CO, and the local public radio station KVNF fund raiser at the Big Barn in Ridgeway starting at 9:00P featuring musical master, John Cowan. contact: (Citizens to Keep Our Public Lands) Skip 970-921-3034.
Eagle Creek Trailhead - Nr. Portland, OR
Protestors will be handing out literature and speaking with users of the area from 10 AM to 1 PM. The Eagle Creek Trailhead is located off Interstate 84, just east of Bonnevile Dam. Distance from Portland Oregon is approximately 25 miles. If you can't immediately located the protestors, look for a red Suzuki Sidekick, license no. VQS--- A planning meeting will take place at the Sellwood Starbucks, 7001 SE Milwaukie St on Thurday August 12th at 7 PM. Contact: Barbara (503) 772-9192
Angeles National Forest - Nr. Los Angeles, CA
ANGELES CHAPTER of the SIERRA CLUB JOINS OPPOSITION TO CONTROVERSIAL RECREATION USER FEES FOR ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS, WILL PARTICIPATE IN AUGUST 14 NATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST AGAINST FEES The exact locations of Sierra Club protests are still being decided, but will likely include major entry points to Angeles National Forest, such as Chantry Flats and Mt. Baldy Village. Other grassroot activists are mobilizing for peaceful protests at additional Angeles National Forest entry points, such as Clear Creek Information Station, as well as entry points to the Los Padres, San Bernardino, and Cleveland National Forests here in Southern California. Contacts: David Czamanske (626) 458-8646, david.czamanske@sierraclub.org Bill Corcoran (213) 387-4287, bill.corcoran@sierraclub.org
