JOHNSON VALLEY, CA:  Hammerking Productions, the founders of The Griffin King of The Hammers Presented by Nitto Tire, are pleased to announce that the week-long off road festival held annually in Johnson Valley, CA will be able to continue in its current location for the foreseeable future. After six years of negotiations between the United States Marine Corps, the federal government and the Off Highway Vehicle(OHV) Community, a deal has been reached to preserve the majority of the land in Johnson Valley for OHV use.

Congressman Paul Cook spearheaded the deal which allows nearly 100,000 acres of land to remain open to the public and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Marines will have access to approximately 55,000 acres of shared use land for 60 days a year to meet their training objectives, but will not retain ownership of the land the remaining 305 days a year.  The proposed legislation is expected to pass  the House later this week and the Senate next week before the holiday recess.

The deal preserves access to the trail system known as “The Hammers.” Areas that were formerly at risk including trails named Spooners, Aftershock, Sunbonnet, and Riffle Canyon as well as the California 200 Memorial at the spot known as “The Rock Pile” on Bessemer Mine Rd. remain open to public recreation under the current plan.  The plan also includes access to Soggy Lake, Emerson Lake and the majority of the Fry Mountains.

Dave Cole, founder of King of The Hammers, had this to say, “This deal is something that couldn’t have happened without the tireless support of the entire off road community. Thousands of people have donated time, energy and money for us to reach this point. Thank you to all who have worked to Save the Hammers for future generations. I especially want to thank Congressman Paul Cook, The California Motorized Recreational Council and The Off Road Business Association for their efforts. We wouldn’t have made it to this point without them.”

The 2014 Griffin King of The Hammers Presented by Nitto Tire is scheduled for February 7th, 2014 in Johnson Valley, CA. The weeklong series of off-road races kicks off on January 31st, 2014 with the opening of Hammertown to the public. For more information on King of The Hammers, please visit www.ultra4racing.com.