BLM seeks public input for off-highway vehicle recreation in Bakersfield and Ukiah
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EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. –In an effort to provide safe, well-maintained off-highway vehicle trails with services all recreationists can enjoy, the Bureau of Land Management welcomes public input on grant applications to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The BLM Bakersfield and Ukiah field offices will hold virtual public meetings to discuss grant proposals and receive public input.
This year, the BLM will apply for grants to pay for law enforcement and operations and maintenance. Funding would be used at the Knoxville, Indian Valley and South Cow Mountain OHV management areas managed by the Ukiah Field Office, as well as at the Keysville Special Recreation Management Area and the Temblor and Chimney Peak recreation areas managed by the Bakersfield Field Office.
California’s grants program has funded trail maintenance and restoration, watershed assessments, accessible fire rings and barbeques, informational kiosks, animal-proof trash enclosures, restroom cleaning, route signage, emergency dispatch, sound testing and law enforcement patrols on BLM-managed public lands.
The virtual public meetings will be held via Zoom. Click on the registration link below to receive the meeting details. Please contact the email addresses below for reasonable accommodations to participate. Comments may also be submitted electronically using the following email addresses.
Ukiah Field Office: Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
- Zoom registration link
- Comment by email: BLM_CA_UK_OHV_Grants@blm.gov
- For specific questions, call Ashley Poggio, BLM at 707-468-4000
Bakersfield Field Office: Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.
- Zoom registration link
- Comment by email: BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov
- For specific questions, call Brian Ludt, BLM at 661-391-6000
The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division supports well-managed off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing more than $35 million annually collected from gas tax, entrance fees and OHV sticker registrations. Cities, counties, districts, federal and state agencies, educational institutions, federally recognized Native American Tribes and non-profit entities can apply for funds to develop, maintain and restore trails; provide law enforcement; and offer safety and training for riders.
Preliminary applications must be submitted to OHMVR Division no later than March 7, and will be available on the OHMVR Division’s website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/ for additional public review and comment, March 8-May 2. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments. Public comments should be submitted to both the OHMVR Division and to the appropriate BLM field office by May 2, 2022.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.