BLM seeks public input on OHV grant proposals in central California

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California District is hosting virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grants support off-highway vehicle management activities, including visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and monitoring, and maintenance on BLM-managed public lands.

Representatives from each field office will present information on their OHV programs and the development of preliminary grant applications for the upcoming grant cycle.

“The BLM uses grant funds from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to improve off-highway riding and driving opportunities for our communities and visitors,” said BLM Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “We appreciate hearing suggestions from those who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands.”

Those who wish to participate can register for the meetings through Zoom. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Anyone interested can participate in the entire meeting, or just the field office sessions that interest them, during the following date and times:

Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Bakersfield Field Office: Public Meeting 4 – 4:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 4:30 – 5 p.m.
• Bishop Field Office: Public Meeting 5 – 5:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 5:30 – 6 p.m.
• Ukiah Field Office: Public Meeting 6 – 6:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Grant applications are currently being prepared for the G25 OHMVR Division grant cycle. Public and stakeholder input will help the BLM identify OHV recreation needs for better connectivity, safer solutions for shared trails, greater public access, and more enjoyable experiences.

Preliminary applications must be submitted to the OHMVR Division no later than March 3 and will be available on the OHMVR Division’s website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for additional public review and comment from March 4 - May 5. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments. Participants can submit written comments to the field offices by mail or email:

• BLM Bakersfield Lake Field Office, 35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308, attention Michelle Bem; email: mbem@blm.gov.  

• BLM Bishop Field Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514, attention Brett Holman; email: bholman@blm.gov.

• BLM Ukiah Field Office, 2550 N State St., unit 2, Ukiah, CA 95482, attention Ashley Poggio; email: apoggio@blm.gov.

The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division state program supports off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing funds collected from gas tax, entrance fees and off-highway vehicle registration. For information on the OHV grant program, past grant allocations, program regulations, and more, please visit the website.

The BLM manages off-highway vehicle areas to provide outstanding, sustainable opportunities for recreation on trails designed to minimize impacts on natural resources. The agency works closely with stakeholders and communities in this effort.