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Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities. Edited by: John Stewart |
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SDORC Removes Abandoned Vehicle from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park had a problem. Ranger John Ruddley of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA and San Diego Off-Road Coalition (SDORC) proposed a solution. An automobile had been driven into the state park and abandoned. For park officials, it presented a problem in that they had no means to quickly and easily remove the automobile which was abandoned in a place no tow truck would venture, about three miles south of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA Ranger Station within the State Park boundary. Knowing that many off-highway vehicle recreationists have four wheel drive vehicles equipped with winches and vehicles capable of travel in the sandy washes of the desert, Ranger John Ruddley of the adjacent Ocotillo Wells SVRA asked the leadership of the San Diego Off Road Coalition for their assistance removing the abandoned automobile from the State Park.
The challenge was accepted by George Kropp from Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego and member of the SDORC. Like many OHV recreationists, his Jeep has a winch and is capable of travel in the sandy desert washes. After visiting with the Ranger and surveying the site, George proceeded with rounding up the necessary equipment, trailer, tow vehicle, and OHV volunteers to assist with the clean up. Sunday, December 10 was set to remove the automobile.
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After a brief meeting at the Ranger Station, the nine man volunteer work crew proceeded to the abandon automobile. The volunteers started picking up trash around the area while George positioned his Jeep. The first task was to pull the automobile away from the bushes and into position to be winched onto the trailer. Next came the task of winching the automobile onto the trailer. Loose doors, and other trash, including a wooden pallet, were loaded into the automobile. As George reeled in his winch cable, the automobile was slowly pulled onto the trailer. Once loaded, the automobile was delivered to Oly's Yard off Split Mountain Road for proper disposal.
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The volunteer crew included: George Kropp, (jeep with winch), Tierra del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego and SDORC; Robert Foster (tow Vehicle), SDORC; Dave Konstaantine (trailer), SDORC and Los Pretot's Club; Phil & Julie Allen and Bill & Brent Brown, SDORC and Tankslappers Motorcycle Club; Scott Clark, San Diego Outbacks 4X4 Club; and Harold Soens, Los Pretot's Desert Club, Tankslappers Motorcycle Club, AMA-D38 as well as SDORC.
Remember, off roaders are environmentalist as well as recreationists.
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