Flying Site Assistance - 2004/05

May 2004 165
BUZZ BORDEN, flying site assistance
volunteer from Deland, Florida, was
presented the AMA District V Service
Award for his outstanding and ambitious
effort in attempting to develop the largest
aeromodeling park in Florida.
Buzz sent in the following article about
his efforts in Florida.
“It Can Happen: We residents of
Florida have been fortunate in our
government’s prudent leadership
throughout these years. It was with vision
that 156 award-winning state parks have
been developed—these natural reserves
accommodating many forms of passive
recreation.
“The State Bureau of Land
Management has entrusted an additional
838,117 acres (and growing) to the state’s
Division of Forests for conservation and
recreation. The demise of the Cross Florida
barge canal left the state’s Greenways and
Trails with more than 500,000 acres for
conservation and recreation. A major,
commendable effort is underway to
acquire even more land for bicycle, hiking,
and jogging trails.
“In addition, more acreage is being
acquired by ‘Florida Forever’ in order to
protect more of our natural heritage.
“More than 1.5 million acres of public
land are now under Florida State’s control.
With development mushrooming beyond
wildest expectations, the 67 counties
comprising our state are being forced to
repeatedly amend their Comprehensive
Master Plans to accommodate this rapid
growth.
“A combination of the zoning changes,
subsequent creation of sweeping
residential developments, and the spiraling
cost of land is forcing recreational RC
flying clubs to close up shop. This is a
national problem! Indeed, a national
American pastime once enjoyed by many
astronauts in their younger years is now
being threatened with extinction.
“The proposal contained within this
pamphlet outlines a plea for 96-125 acres
of public land to be used for a variety of
recreational uses not condoned in our 156
state parks. The parcel of land we seek is
desolate, ravaged, and downright ugly.
Conversion of this acreage into a simplistic
facility for RC airplane, boating, and car
enthusiasts would surely serve the state’s
best interests—expanded recreational
facilities.
“A threat to wildlife? This is seriously
doubtful when one becomes aware of the
fact birds are the number one problem at
airports across the nation and jackrabbits
are now causing major havoc at Miami’s
International Airport.
“The reader is asked to envision the
beneficial impacts this facility would have
on Volusia County’s tourism business.
Development of this park would be done
with private-sector dollars. All we need is
a minute piece of Tiger Bay State Forest. It
would be a win-win situation for everyone.
“All visitors would be welcomed, but
all users of the park facilities would have
to be members of the Academy of Model
Aeronautics, abide by its posted rules and
regulations, and be the beneficiaries of its
comprehensive insurance plan covering
members and spectators.
“Governing Body Overseeing the Park
“Concept: To establish a multifunction
park on 95 acres in Tiger Bay State Forest
and to devise a management structure to
tend to the needs of the functional
groups/clubs using the facility. The
management structure is to provide
optimized conditions for all participants
and the community as well.
“Scope: The functions to be
accommodated in this park shall consist of
a wide variety of model aircraft, RC 1/8-
and 1/10-scale motorized vehicles, RC
sailboats, and electrically-propelled RC
boats.
“Membership: All members and
certified guests must be active members of
the Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) and abide by its rules and
regulations. AMA Membership includes
liability insurance offering protection to
guests and participants. Students of
Embry-Riddle would have their own flying
club as co-tenant with an AMA chartered
club having jurisdiction over the boats and
car facilities.
“Structure: A board of directors shall be
formed to oversee the overall development
and productive usage of this facility. It is
envisioned the State Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (e.g.,
forests) will grant a lease of these 95 acres
to Volusia County for a period of time of
no less than 20 years.
The “landlord” could be the Volusia
County Director of Leisure Activities, who
would also serve as chairman of the board.
Also sitting on the board would be a
representative from the Department of
Forests, an AMA District
manager/appointee, and a representative
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University.
“The initial purpose of this board of
directors is to set forth the design and
development of this multifunction park, to
see to it all and any development is
consistent with the State-approved plans,
and to ensure all/any manmade structures
would be removed upon termination of the
lease.
“A permanent charter is drafted that
will ensure certain park usage parameters
would be set and would remain
unalterable. Contributing to the crafting of
this charter would be the members and
officers of AMA chartered RC flying clubs
located here in Central Florida. It is
envisioned this charter would provide for
up to seven (7) annual flying events being
hosted at this facility. Competitions for RC
car enthusiasts could also be scheduled as
a separate entity.
“The on-going purpose of this board is
to manage the facility and invoke
usage/membership fees to cover the cost of
maintenance and whatever improvements
are agreed upon by the board.
“Events Board of Directors: A
supplemental board of nonvoting members
shall be established to regulate and
schedule special events over the course of
the calendar year. Intended board members
would be tourism officials from
surrounding communities, the AMA site
manager, and presidents of the suggested
two resident clubs.”
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar
Coordinator,
Eastern Region,
Districts I - VI
198 Merritt Dr.
Oradell NJ 07649
Tel.: (201) 261-1281
Fax: (201) 261-0223
E-mail: [email protected]
Wes De Cou, Coordinator
Western Region
Districts VII - XI
Voice: (480) 460-9466
Cell: (480) 296-9515
Fax: (480) 460-9434
202 W. Desert Flower Ln.
Phoenix AZ 85045
E-mail: [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
Register as an FSA Volunteer!
The Flying Site Assistance Program
consists of a network of volunteers who
serve as the AMA’s eyes and ears.
These volunteers read newspapers and
listen to and watch news programs to be
aware of any activities that could impact
an existing or potential flying site.
It is just a matter of collecting
information regarding flying sites, advising
local modelers and AMA clubs in the area,
and passing it on to one of the AMA
Flying Site Assistance Coordinators.
Join this ambitious program as a
service to your fellow modelers. Anyone
interested, contact me at the address above.