Tiki_Dave wrote: . . . . The main message was that the 4x4 off-roading community needs to pull together and get the good things we do brought to the attention of the public. Anything good needs to somehow be known by the public and we need to crack down as a community on the illegal and bad publicity that seems to follow us. Clean-ups, charity work, etc... needs to be known by the non-wheeling community. This will hopefully present us in a good light to those who really don't know what we do or think we are just driving in the woods and cutting trees and ruining the environment. We need to change this stereotype. . .
Interesting. I would argue that NEA member clubs are already engaged in such activities (yes, we could always do more).
Based on the name and mission statement I understood CORP to have a more narrow focus on establishing a park. I'd like to get more involved with this effort and would recommend an evening meeting (perhaps via teleconference) since weekends this time of year can be a scheduling challenge.
Some specific questions I have include:
Is there a documented business plan?
What type of 501? (Presumably c3 which can take a year for IRS approval)
Have any specific towns/properties been identified?
What does the current balance sheet look like?
Are any significant donors lined up?
Are any federal/state grants available? (outside of RTP)
Are any state legislators on board? Who?
Are any local officials on board? Who?
What governance model is expected for the park?
Are there any measurable goals with deadlines?
In addition to ECOJOCS, I know that other NEA clubs including JonFund, Northeast Jeep Organization, Central CT 4 Wheelers, and Ocean State Jeepsters have members in CT. Several NOVA clubs also have CT-based memberships including JT4x4 & Eastern 4 Wheelers.
Perhaps its time for a unified effort?