BLM seeks public input on 2022 off-highway vehicle grant proposals
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is hosting several virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grant applications are currently being prepared by BLM staff for the 2022 grant cycle.
“BLM staff will use public comments gathered during these meetings to develop grant applications for the California State Parks Off Highway Motor Vehicle Division,” said California Desert District Manager Andrew Archuleta. “We welcome visitor input on these important grant funds, which will be used to support projects and activities of importance to the outdoor community.”
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.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program bolsters well-managed off-highway vehicle recreation by providing financial assistance to cities, counties, districts, educational institutions, state agencies, federal agencies, federally recognized Native American Tribes and nonprofit entities.
The BLM applies for grants from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division annually to help fund and coordinate its off-highway vehicle programs. The grants support off-highway vehicle management activities such as visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and monitoring, and maintenance on BLM-managed public lands throughout the state.
Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to attend the scoping meeting, stakeholder meeting, or both. The Zoom meeting schedule is as follows and participants are invited to join using the Zoom virtual meeting platform or by phone using the dial-in information below:
El Centro Field Office: Feb. 8, 3:30-4 p.m. scoping meeting and 4-4:30 p.m. stakeholder meeting
Phone: 833-568-8864 / Meeting ID: 160 280 7618 / Passcode: 316624
Needles Field Office: Feb. 9, 4-6 p.m.
Phone: 833-568-8864 / Meeting ID: 160 682 8650 / Passcode: 227854
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office: Feb. 10, 5-6 p.m. scoping meeting and 6-7 p.m. stakeholder meeting
Phone: 833-568-8864 / Meeting ID: 160 238 2983 / Passcode: 305449
Barstow Field Office: Feb. 15, 4:30-5 p.m. scoping meeting and 5-5:30 p.m. stakeholder meeting
Phone: 833-568-8864 / Meeting ID: 161 834 2777 / Passcode: 583142
Ridgecrest Field Office: Feb. 16, 4:30-5:15 p.m. scoping meeting and 5:30-6:15 p.m. stakeholder meeting
Phone: 833-568-8864 / Meeting ID: 160 741 7023 / Passcode: 048982
Preliminary applications must be submitted to Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division no later than March 7 and will be available online here. The website will also provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments. Public comments should be submitted to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and to the appropriate BLM field office from March 8, 2022 to May 2, 2022.
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.