Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Applications

The Forest Service announced that San Bernardino National Forest recreation managers will be seeking public comments on their proposals for the 2014/2015 State of California Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grant program. According to state requirements, public comments can be submitted from Tuesday, March 3 through Monday, April 6. A three-step application process is used by the State to allow public comment and feedback before final submittal. Public recommendations regarding the development of preliminary applications were solicited, received and considered by the Forest in February, which were due March 2. This opens the second public review and comment period. The Forest will review and consider the public comments and then submit their final grant applications on May 4. The state is using an Internet-based “On-Line Grant Application” process as the means to apply for State funding. At this time, San Bernardino National Forest is soliciting public input specific to the Forest’s 2013-2014 grant application proposals for Cooperative Agreements with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD). The public is encouraged to provide constructive criticism and/or suggestions for improvements to the program. The Forest will be submitting five preliminary grant applications. The grants include projects for ground operations, law enforcement, development and restoration. The preliminary applications will be available online by visiting the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements program at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Hardcopies may be requested by contacting Deveree Kopp 909-382-2831 or dkopp@fs.fed.us. The Division’s website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary application and submitting comments. Comments must be submitted via email to both the OHMVR Division and the San Bernardino National Forest. Comments to the San Bernardino National Forest should be submitted to Al Colby at acolby@fs.fed.us and to California State Parks by using the "Grants" tab on their website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. State regulations require annual public participation in this fund allocation process. The agreements support OHV management activities on the national forest, including operations and maintenance, restoration, law enforcement and education and safety. The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the San Bernardino National Forest has maintained a successful partnership for more than 29 years, with funding assistance for well-managed OHV recreation on National Forest lands. In 2014, the Forest was successful in obtaining over $600,000 in grant funds to provide the public with world-class OHV recreation opportunities.