| | Sequoia National Forest Seeks Public Comment On Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Application
Feb 25, 2009US Forest Service , Sequoia National Forest
Contact: Mary Chislock, Public Affairs or Denise Alonzo 559-539-2607
Forest Service Seeks Public Comment On Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Application
Porterville, CA., February 23, 2009...The Forest Service announced today that Sequoia National Forest recreation managers will be seeking public comments on their proposals for the 2008/2009 State of California off-highway vehicle (OHV) grant program. According to state requirements, public comments can begin after Monday, March 2, 2009.
This year a two step application process will be required to allow public comment and feedback before final submittal. The preliminary application is due March 2nd. This will open a 30-day public review and comment period and will follow with final applications due on Monday, May 4th. This year the State will be using an "On-Line Grant Application" internet based application process as the means to apply for State funding.
The Sequoia National Forest is soliciting public input specific to the Forest's 2008/2009 grant application proposals for Cooperative Agreements with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division. The preliminary application will be available online by visiting the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements program at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Hard copies may be requested by contacting Carol Hallacy at 559-338-2251 ext 360.
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Sequoia National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for over 25 years, with funding assistance for well managed OHV recreation on National Forest lands. In 2007, the Forest was successfully awarded over $500,000 of grant funds to continue to provide the public with outstanding OHV recreation opportunities.
Current 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, education and safety. The "operations and maintenance" category is divided into four project types; aquisition, development, ground operations, and planning, with the emphasis on projects that sustain existing OHV recreation.
According to Forest Supervisor Tina Terrell, "the Sequoia National Forest is known throughout the state for providing top notch year-round OHV recreation opportunities on over 200 miles of designated OHV trails, and over 700 miles of roughly graded roads open to OHV use. Along with providing a variety of outstanding riding opportunities and support facilities, the Forest is known for its balanced approach which includes on-going resource monitoring, restoration projects, and enforcement of Federal and State laws related to motor vehicle use and resource protection," she commented. "Without State OHV funding assistance, sustaining the critical balance between OHV recreation and responsible management of our natural resources would be very difficult," Terrell said. Sequoia National Forest Seeks Public Comment On Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Application - USFS press release 2/23/09 [details] Sequoia National Forest |
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