BLM to hold virtual public meetings to discuss OHV grant funds in northern CA
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REDDING, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management welcomes anyone interested in off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands to share ideas about the use of grant funding, when the Northern California District hosts a virtual public meeting via Zoom, Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. The meeting will be divided into three, one-hour segments for the Eagle Lake, Redding and Arcata field offices.
Representatives from each field office will present information on their OHV programs and pending requests for grants from the state of California.
“The BLM uses grant funds from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to improve off-highway riding and driving opportunities for our communities and visitors,” said BLM Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “We appreciate hearing suggestions from those who enjoy off-highway vehicle sports on public lands.”
Grant applications are being prepared for the 2024 grant cycle. Public comments will be most helpful to the field offices if received prior to the grant submission deadline of March 4.
Those interested in learning more can join the meeting by registering at https://ow.ly/XA1S50QzqFW. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Anyone interested can participate in the entire meeting, or just the field office sessions that interest them, during the following times:
- Eagle Lake Field Office (Susanville): 4 to 5 p.m.
- Redding Field Office: 5 to 6 p.m.
- Arcata Field Office: 6 to 7 p.m.
The public is invited to provide information that will help the BLM identify new trails and redesign routes for better connectivity, safer solutions for shared trails, greater public access, and more enjoyable experiences.
Once the proposals are submitted to the state, anyone interested can review and comment on the preliminary applications from March 5 to May 6, by visiting the grants section at https://ohv.parks.ca.gov, or by submitting written comments to the field offices by mail or email:
- BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130, attention Marisa Williams; email: mbwillia@blm.gov.
- BLM Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, attention Sky Zaffarano; email: szaffara@blm.gov
- BLM Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Road, 95521, attention Casey Hague; email: chague@blm.gov.
The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division is funding the planning efforts through an off-highway vehicle planning grant. The state program supports off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing more than $35 million annually collected from gas tax, entrance fees and off-highway vehicle sticker registrations. The program supports off-highway vehicle recreation in California by providing financial assistance to cities, counties, districts, federal agencies, state agencies, educational institutions, and federally recognized Native American Tribes and non-profit entities.
The BLM manages off-highway vehicle areas to provide outstanding, sustainable opportunities for recreation on trails designed to minimize impacts on natural resources. The agency works closely with stakeholders and communities in this effort.
In northern California, BLM offices provide OHV recreation opportunities at the Fort Sage and Rice Canyon OHV recreation areas in Lassen County, at the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area in Shasta County, and at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area in Humboldt County. Additionally, OHV use is allowed on designated roads and trails through wildlands managed by the agency.
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.