BLM and Inyo National Forest seek public input for off-highway vehicle grants

BISHOP, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest are seeking input from the public on how to ensure off-highway vehicle trails are safe and well maintained on public lands throughout the Eastern Sierra during a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m.

The public must register to participate in the virtual public meeting at: https://ow.ly/kaYW50Qy0Tb. Registrants will receive a link and phone numbers to join the meeting. Please contact the BLM or USFS for reasonable accommodations to participate.

"This public meeting will give off-highway vehicle users a chance to discuss with BLM and Forest Service staff ideas for changes or improvements that can enhance outdoor recreation," said BLM Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. "The BLM and Forest Service will use public feedback to prepare grant applications to the California State Parks' Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program for law enforcement, restoration, and ground operations and maintenance projects."

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program supports well-managed, off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing more than $30 million annually collected from gas tax, entrance fees and off-highway vehicle 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. A separate Law Enforcement grant proposal seeks funding to help ensure off-highway vehicle user safety, education, and regulatory compliance.

Preliminary applications must be submitted to California State Parks' Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division no later than March 4 and will be available on the Division's website from March 5-6 at http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for additional public review and comment. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments.

Public comments must be submitted to both the California State Parks' Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and to the BLM Bishop Field Office or Inyo National Forest by May 6. Comments may also be emailed to Brett Holman at the Bishop Field Office at [email protected], or to Adam Leidy at the Inyo National Forest at [email protected]. For additional information about the Law Enforcement grant contact Laura James, Law Enforcement Patrol Captain at [email protected].