Page updated: 04/23/2005 04:54 PM

An Offroader’s Thoughts #4

I recently had the privilege of holding an Interview with Peter S. Di Primo (YellowSub1962), the Land Use Moderator and Staff Member of www.pirate4x4.com

I consider Pete my “Mentor” for getting me started in Land Use. When I first asked him to participate in this interview, he laughed! He asked me if I was sure it was “mentOR” and not “mentAL”!!

As with every time I talk with Pete, he teaches me something new. I never regarded the NRA, National Rifle Association, as a Land Use Organization. I “thought” they were an Org to protect my rights to “Bear Arms”. Well I definitely “thought” wrong on that one!!

Pete is the type of person that “pulls no punches” when it comes to discussing Land Use and/or any other “Issue” you decided to ask him, he will tell it like he sees it! This is what really makes me personally listen to what he has to say.

You may not agree with what he has to say, you should listen to it though!! Pete is the type of person that if you don’t want to hear the answer he has to give your question, then don’t ask!!

Here is the “Interview” as I sent it to Pete and his responses. Hope you all enjoy these “Thoughts”!!



Jack: How long have you been involved in Land Use?

Pete: I’ve been involved since around 1996, so almost 10 years.


Jack: What got you into Land Use in the First place?

Pete: I got involved was because I finally had enough of seeing my access to public lands being hacked away by so called “environmental” groups and crooked politicians, under the guise of “saving the planet”.


Jack: What do you consider the most important thing a person can do to educate themselves about Land Use Issues?

Pete: I guess the most important thing they can do is get involved. With involvement and experience comes education. If someone is already involved and wishes to educate themselves further, the best thing they can do is grab their beverage of choice and their keyboard. The internet is the best single tool we have in the fight for public lands.

Jack: What are your recommendations on how a person can get themselves involved in Land Use with out “burning out”?

Pete: Do what you can, when you can. I’ve gone through “burn out” twice. I made it a part of everyday to be involved in the fight. Whether it was just reading the 50 emails a day I was receiving from all the lists I signed up for, or calling a senator or congressperson, or faxing the BLM or USFS, I spent at least an hour a day doing something. I finally got burnt out. I was spending my only free hour in a day on the computer or the phone. I finally had enough and had to step back and reevaluate my efforts. The best advice I can give is kind of an old cliché – Remember good things are best in moderation. If you are so focused in “the battle” it’s easy to lose sight of the reason you’re fighting in the first place – to enjoy the outdoors.

Jack: What do you think is the one thing that is “hurting” Off Roaders the most when it comes to Land Use?

Pete: In a single word, apathy. In fact, I wrote an editorial on it. It is online at http://www.pirate4x4.com/opinion/peter-01-05.html if anyone is interested.

Jack: What “sets you off the most” while watching or Trail riding with others?

Pete: I guess the thing that gets me the most is how someone can sit around Monday through Friday bitching about closures and the stereotypical “drunk, redneck, earth destroying, lawless” image we get while doing nothing to correct it, then on the following weekend going out and thinking they can do anything they want. I guess in a word, hypocrites. If you want to be part of the problem that’s another issue, but to act like you’re the savior then got out and think you’re above everyone else really gets me. Another pet peeve I have are people that try to prove something and just tear up the trail instead. There is no shame in taking a strap, sure you’re friends will razz you, but they’ll do it with a smile. Tell them you did it FOR them, and they’ll probably buy you a beer too.

Jack: I have posted your “Mommy, Daddy, Why do we recreate behind fences?” article around the Internet. Is there anything that you would like to add to the article that wasn’t mentioned before?

Pete: If I added it here, I wouldn’t have anymore editorials to write now would I? Stay tuned to Pirate4x4.com for more follow up articles. Also if people have topics they would like my take on, let me know about it- just don’t cry if I don’t tell you what you wanted to hear. I call it like I see it.

Jack: You personally, what Land Use Org’s do you belong to and who would you recommend for people as “first time” joiners?

Pete: That’s an easy question and tough one. The first part is the easy part. I’m currently a member of Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC), California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), San Diego Off-Road Coalition (SDORC), The Ventura County Axle Snappers 4WDC, Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) and The National Rifle Association (NRA). You might not think of the NRA as a L/U org. They fight for access to public lands as well as our right to keep and bear arms. Other Groups I have been involved with in the past are California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), United Four Wheel Drive Association (UFWDA), Friends of Oceano Dunes, Friends of Panamint Valley, as well as many local clubs and groups in my area helping to keep lands open and performing Trail maintenance alongside the USFS and BLM.

Now for the second part of your question: I can’t pick just one organization for someone else. The reason to join any group or club is because they represent you. Do a bit of research on which ones fit your style and the types of activities you participate in. For example CA4WDC is primarily for the keeping of 4WD vehicle access, that’s not to say they don’t work side by side with all user groups, but their primary focus is vehicles. If you’re primarily an Equestrian, this might not be the best group for you. BRC on the other hand encompasses all user groups. Personally if I was just starting out I would look for a local 4WDC in my area that enjoys my type of wheeling, and talk to them about what organizations are working in their area to preserve their access. Certain areas have local groups that have an established working relationship with the city or county that a National org might not have. Find a group that represents you as much as possible, since that’s what you will be paying them to do.


Jack: Last, but not least. Do you have any other comments that haven’t been covered here?

Pete: I have lots of stuff to say, but you’ll have to read about it with everyone else in my future editorials on Pirate4x4.com. I will leave everyone with something to think about though. I would like people to think long and hard about it.

If you’re not part of the solution, you are the problem. No matter how small of a part you think you’re playing in the fight, just think about which side you’re on. Whether you’re out on the trail or post something on the Internet, consider the effect you, your words and actions will have on those around you.


Jack: Thanks for your time Pete and I really appreciate your time in this interview!!

Pete: It was my pleasure Jack. I enjoy helping out where I can. Now it’s my turn to thank You, all the other members of the United States Military – past, present, and future, all of the Law Enforcement, Firefighter, and Emergency Response personnel that keep this the greatest country in the world. Sincerely, Thank You.


I can’t agree more on Pete’s “hypocrites” comments!!

WOW!!
Does anyone else wonder why I consider this man my mentor?

Jack “primergray” Ducummon, Jr
Land Use Moderator
www.jeepaholics.com
www.broncoholics.com