The BLM seeks public input on improvements to South Cow Mountain off-highway vehicle area
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UKIAH, Calif. — The BLM Ukiah Field Office will host a virtual public engagement workshop on Thursday, Jan. 20, starting at 5:30 p.m., to hear public input on how to make the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area more family friendly, increase safety and improve the trail system.
The virtual public engagement workshop will provide an opportunity for the public to propose future routes, facilities and other improvements by using an interactive map at the popular off-highway vehicle recreation site. The public is invited to provide feedback to the BLM that will help identify new trails and redesign routes for better connectivity, find safer solutions for shared trails, provide greater public access, and offer a more enjoyable experience.
South Cow Mountain encompasses more than 23,000 acres of BLM-managed public land with more than 90 miles of OHV trails, two developed staging areas and campgrounds. Some of the existing trails are too steep for even the most equipped off-highway vehicles and experienced riders; causing erosion that requires substantial route maintenance. Recreation area users have requested more family-friendly features, such as a training area for kids, additional campgrounds or RV parking and restrooms. The BLM staff will also use this planning effort to help minimize impacts to sensitive plants and animals, cultural sites and slow the spread of invasive species.
The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division is funding the planning efforts through an OHV planning grant. The state program supports OHV recreation in California by distributing more than $35 million annually collected from gas tax, entrance fees and OHV sticker registrations.
To participate in the workshop, please register at least 30 minutes prior to the event at https://tinyurl.com/2p8p3wmc. Please contact us for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact Ashley Poggio at BLM_CA_UK_SOUTHCOWPLAN@BLM.gov.
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.