Sequoia National Forest and BLM to hold 2019 OHV Grant Application Workshop in Kernville
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PORTERVILLE, Calif. – You can help shape the future of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use within the Sequoia National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office jurisdiction. The Forest and the BLM will hold a public meeting/workshop Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Kern River Ranger District Office (11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA), to obtain public input into the development of preliminary 2019 off-highway vehicle grant proposals to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR).
This meeting will allow the public to share desires and concerns pertaining to the Sequoia National Forest and the BLM’s OHV programs before the preliminary grant application deadline of March 4. The FS and BLM will incorporate feedback from the workshop into their 2019 grant applications, enabling continued management of a sustainable program that benefits the users and protects resources.
2019 Grant Cycle – Important Dates
• Monday, Jan. 14: Grant application process begins. Application materials are available on the OHMVR Division's website.
• Monday, March 4: Preliminary applications are due.
• Tuesday, March 5, to Monday, May 6: Public review and comment period.
• Monday, June 3: Final applications are due.
• June and July: OHMVR Division review of final applications.
• Monday, Aug. 5: Application Results - Intent to Award posted on the OHMVR Division’s website http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/.
• Tuesday, Aug. 6, to Wednesday, Sept. 4: Thirty (30) calendar day appeal period.
• Thursday, Sept. 5: Final awards posted on the OHMVR Division’s website upon resolution of any appeals.
The Forest Service application will focus on maintaining off-road vehicle routes, facilities, signage, law enforcement and education. The OHMVR and Sequoia National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for more than 25 years.
The BLM application will focus on providing law enforcement support, equipment for development and maintenance for OHV areas, as well as funding for upkeep and patrols.
For more information or to provide your comments through other means, please contact Sequoia National Forest Recreation Officer, Karen Miller, at 559-784-1500 or kgmiller@fs.fed.us, or BLM Bakersfield Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Brie Chartier, at 661-391-6000 or BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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.