"ODESSA CITIZENS ACTION COMMITTEE"

         Was formed by  (2) local Odessa citizens, (Ed Hayden & R.M."Ron" Costlow) back in July 2006 as a result of Governor Gregorie signing into law HB-2617, which allows certain size Towns and Counties to "Designate" certain "streets, roads, & highways within their jurisdiction for the use of Orv's to be able to access ORV/ATV outdoor recreational riding areas and be able to access local communities for supplies and services, (gas, food, lodging, shopping, etc).

Ed & Ron could see the potential economic benefits this could have for local businesses and the surrounding communities.

In forming the OCAC, they chose their motto/logo as,

"ODESSA, WASHINGTON" the "HUB" for ORV/ATV outdoor recreational activity in "Sunny" Eastern Washington", ("ALL" roads lead to ODESSA, North, South, East, & West).

It all started when Ed Hayden, (Owner/Operator of the Odessa Motel) promoted the Stump-Jumpers, "DESERT 100"  motor-cycle race near Odessa back in 2003, which is held in April each year, and has been growing in attendance each year since. (From 2,500 to over 10,000). there are two (2) main races the, "Desert 100", with a number of class for the young and senior citizens, and a Dual Sports "Poker run".

Since the formation of the OCAC, we have also been successful in securing another Stump-Jumper promoted race, The "WHITE KNUCKLE" enduro race which is held in the month of October each year just south of Odessa at the "Big O".

OCAC'S main project is the promoting of an ORV/ATV , "connecting trail" from the town of Odessa to the current ORV/ATV riding trail system at the north end of the BLM'S "Lakeview Ranch " property, (which includes securing a Town & County ORV Ordinance), Which we have been successful in doing.

Since becoming involved, and working with a large number of ORV groups, clubs, BLM management, and doing the research we have found that there is a real need to open up some of our "Public Lands" for ORV/ATV owners/users. Especially for those who can not, "walk or ride horse back", (the young, the elderly, the handicapped and the disabled) to access, share, and enjoy a small part of "OUR"  back county public lands.

It seems that the environmentalist, "Green People" have had the control over the use of these "Public lands", well due to "Changing Times" we now have a new means of accessing our back county "public lands"  the 'ORV/ATV'S" (A new type of "Mule") a four wheels mule). for those who can't "walk or ride a horse".  This "4-wheel mule" provides them with the legs to get around and enjoy the great "back country" outdoors.

We are currently working with BLM management in our attempt to secure that "Connecting riding trail", (using old existing two-track roads) to complete our goal.

OCAC is also working with other local communities, & counties in promoting & the development of "DUAL SPORTS" (Rallys, Poker Runs, etc.) through-out our scenic Eastern Washington back country roads, "new" places for these outdoor riders to see and enjoy.

Come visit ODESSA, as 'ALL" roads  (State Hwy 21 -North & South, and State Hwy 28 - East & West) meet in Odessa which is only 21 miles North off Inter-State 80.

You can contact OCAC at odessa000@centurytel.net, or Ed Hayden at (509) 982-2412 or cell (509) 988-0611

MORE to come.

R.M. "Ron" Costlow, OCAC