This extra fuel savings is gained as the engine automatically stops and restarts under different operating circumstances. Rather than a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrids use a compact 14-kW electric induction motor or starter generator integrated between the engine and transmission. The starter generator not only fires the engine repeatedly, but it also stores electricity in a 42-volt lead acid battery pack for later use. It could support onboard electronic accessories or provide 20 amps of 120-volt household-like power through outlets in the cab and bed to operate power tools on site or essential home appliances in the event of a power outage. For more information, check out www.gm.com.
The Good FightUSDA Forest Service Final Rule ReleasedThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has implemented a new regulation for recreational motor vehicle use in national forests and grasslands that may successfully forge a sustainable system of routes and areas designated for motorized use in the future. The new travel management policy requires each national forest and grassland to identify and designate those roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicle use, and asks for public input and will coordinate with federal, state, county, and other local governmental entities, as well as tribal governments, before any decision is made on a particular road, trail, or area.
The best part about the USDA Forest Service Rule is that it will allow unplanned and user-created routes (man-made trails) to be considered at the local level during the designation process. Blue Ribbon Coalition founder and executive director Clark Collins pledged his cooperation with the new rule, stating, "A key component of this new rule is that the agency can still designate "open" areas where appropriate. Some forests have ignored off-highway-vehicle management in the past and that is where we have the most problems. This rule says that OHVs are an important growing use of our public lands and should be managed to provide quality recreation opportunities while protecting the resources."
Clark also added, "OHV recreationists now need to work with their local Forest Service office to ensure that all the routes they use are included in a complete and accurate trail inventory. If they are not included in the inventory, they are certain not to be designated and I caution OHV users to not think the authorities can't catch them. That is a sure-fire recipe for making the entire OHV community look bad."
Clark also stressed that these designations should include those "secret spots" that you hope others won't discover. Share it or lose it should be the line of thinking. For more information about the USDA Final Rule, check out www.fs.fed.us. For more information about Blue Ribbon Coalition and how to get involved or volunteer, contact: (800) 258-3742, www.sharetrails.org.