Images: Save the Hammers on Facebook

For months now, the threat against Johnson Valley, California as an area open to off-road enthusiasts for public and event use has been at the forefront of off-road oriented persons minds. That’s because, thanks to the requests of the Marine Corps, the government has been trying to decide if they should shut down the majority of Johnson Valley for military use or keep it open as a compromise with off-road enthusiasts. Luckily, it seems that the later is the more agreed-upon decision.

But the fight for Johnson Valley and specifically King of the Hammers is not over. According to a plea on Ultra4racing.com, the Save the Hammers campaign needs your help now more than ever.

While Congressman Paul Cook introduced legislation earlier this year that would meet the Marine Corps’ demands while retaining public use of Johnson Valley, Senator Dianne Feinstein is considering introducing a conflicting proposal, which would take the majority of Johnson Valley’s public use away from off-road enthusiasts.

As of recently, the proposed version of the Marine Corps Alternative Four bill passed through the House of Representatives without opposition and currently sits awaiting confirmation by the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Feinstein’s possible introduction of an opposing bill could throw the nearly completed legislation out of consideration.

Whether you’re part of the Save the Hammers campaign or just want to show your support of the King of the Hammers event, as well as the responsible off-road use of Johnson Valley, the Save the Hammers organization asks that you call or write Senator Feinstein asking her to support the modified version of the Marine Corps Alternative Four proposal rather than introducing the opposing bill. Not only will this help save Johnson Valley as an off-road Mecca of sorts, it will also preserve the integrity of one of the largest off-road competitions in the world.

To contact Senator Feinstein, please use the information below. You can also see an example letter written to the senator by Dave Cole, on behalf of the California Motorized Recreation Council here.  

State Office: (415) 393-0707

Washington Office: (202) 224-3841

LA Office: (310) 914-7300

 San Diego Office: (619) 231-9712

 Fresno Office: (559) 485-7430

 Email Link: Senator Dianne Feinstein