CORVA: Keeping Public Land Open FOR The People, and Not FROM The People
Reference Documents:
Bureau of Land Management
One of the most significant issues with the BLM occurred this past week with the release of the 'Conservation Rule". The Press Release from the Department of the Interior can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-strategy-guide-balanced-management-conservation. The substantive comments CORVA filed last year in response to the draft Conservation Rule are attached and were filed June 2023. The purpose of the rule is to add 'conservation' as a use of public land, in addition to other uses defined by Congress in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, as amended, 2016): https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/AboutUs_LawsandRegs_FLPMA.pdf. By way of understanding the consequences of the recently adopted Conservation Rule, FLPMA was approved and passed by Congress. The Conservation Rule was NOT passed by COngress, nor did Congress have any say over the components of the rule. As described in the forward of FLPMA written in 2016 by former BLM Director Neil Kornze, " Our responsibilities are wide ranging. In addition to supporting the nation’s need for energy, minerals, timber, and grazing lands, we offer world-class recreational opportunities to millions of Americans who are passionate about hunting, fishing, hiking, paddling, and skiing." As opposed to this description of the BLM priorities, the elevation of restoration and conservation to the equivalency as mineral extraction and grazing defines a 'non-use'. It will also allow nonprofits and manage easements and essentially take over the management of areas they deem to be eligible for restoration. The guidelines for what is deemed conservation or restoration worthy are not defined.
This rule was created and specifically targeted oil and gas leases, grazing leases and other forms of mineral extraction on public land. This has been a critical talking point for environmental organizations for many years. They have accused large oil companies and agricultural interests of profiting off up-to-know inexpensive leases for use of public land. The rule was released in about a year since the draft was open for public comment, which is unheard of for rules that make large-scale changes of this type to the management of public land. It is clear that the adoption of this rule violates FLPMA, because it bypassed Congress. There is no doubt that these large interests in the oil/gas/grazing communities will challenge the rule in court and although there will be significant legal defenses of the new rule by environmental organizations, I believe that if a lawsuit is filed in certain courts in opposition to the rule, that it will receive a fair hearing and the rule would be . There is sufficient precedence in court rulings that Congress makes the laws that define the uses of federal agencies. We should see that happen fairly quickly. Although the rule doesn't directly target OHV recreation, it could very well harm OHV recreation. Since CORVA has standing because of the submission of substantive comments, the organization could join coalitions that are very likely to form to oppose the rule. These coalitions would include entities from the previously-mentioned industries. In order to file a lawsuit, the plaintiff has to prove harm either to its business or members (in the case of an organization). OHV recreation cannot yet show harm, but oil/gas/grazing interests can show harm from the passage and adoption of the conservation rule and therefore have sufficient reason to litigate. Joining a coalition with the interests would benefit CORVA and OHV recreation. There is also a strong possibility if the administration changes in the next election cycle that this rule would be quickly discarded.
Congress has already taken interest in this bill, https://www.eenews.net/articles/house-republicans-vow-to-fight-blms-public-lands-rule/, https://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415918, and last year Congressman Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the WEST Act that would prohibit the BLM from enacting the Conservation Rule: https://curtis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2082
In assessing the immediate consequences for OHV recreation in California, most of the BLM areas in California that host permitted OHV events are in areas, such as Stoddard Wells, Johnson Valley OHV Area, Jawbone Canyon, and Fort Sage, that are already designated OHV areas. In the DRECP, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern were already designated as part of the plan, which was signed in 2016. This rule could affect the ongoing WEMO lawsuit.
Forest Service
The proposed Rubicon Reroute of the section of the trail passing through the Tahoe National Forest has received a lot of attention and questions. As CORVA members of the Board of Directors heard last week during the Annual Meeting from the reroute coordinator, Joe Chavez, the reroute has been extensively analyzed and deemed necessary because of the deterioration of two areas on the existing trail. Many people ask if this will change the ability of Placer County from asserting RS 2477 rights on the portion of the trail that passes through the county, but this is not the case. What the county needs to do to assert their rights for travel on the Rubicon Trail, is file for an easement with the Tahoe National Forest, as El Dorado County did in about 2012. Contrary to popular belief, El Dorado County did not assert their RS 2477 rights to the portion of the Rubicon Trail, but rather petitioned the Forest Service for an easement and manages that portion of the trail through a Special Use Road Permit. CORVA was part of the easement process and the appeal process that led to the historic agreement by all appellants, including CBD and other anti-access groups, that led to the Rubicon Trail being open 24/7, with few exceptions.
The Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Collaborative held a meeting on April 17th, and the Grants Manager Jenn Grady of the OHV Trust Fund for the OHMVR Division gave a presentation about the grants, the history of the grants and stressed how no other recreation community grants money solely derived from it's own activity for use by federal, county and city entities to management off-road recreation on public land. She stressed how the OHMVR Division defines off-road travel, including travel by street-legal vehicles on dirt or native surface roads.
Depending on trail conditions, most forests have lifted their winter closures, or will be lifting them shortly. Some trails, like the Dusy-Ershim Trail or Barrett Lake Trail have further restrictions, and open when trail conditions are optimum for travel.
The Forest Service Pacific Southwest has released a 'Broader Scale Monitoring Strategy: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7c2e06183266496a9cc0be2b007b6732. The rule complies with criteria in the 2012 Forest Planning Rule: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-II/part-219/subpart-A/section-219.12. It enables interested parties to review the results of the monitoring in their favorite forests.
State Parks
Prairie City Road and Trail Management Plan (RTMP) has released the response to comments: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1324/files/PCSVRA%20RTMP%20Comments%20and%20Responses%20Combined.pdf. CORVA submitted substantive comments on the plan, which are attached. CORVA's comments were recognized and received appropriate responses. CORVA was largely supportive of the RTMP which provides for expansion opportunities for all forms of motorized recreation.
The OHMVR Commission met for a tour of Carnegie SVRA, symbolically in support of the Carnegie General Plan, and an upcoming vote to approve in the general plan which will take place in October. Originally, the vote was planned to take place next month, but the vote has been delayed because the General Plan was not yet ready for public release. With the change in dates for the release of the Carnegie General Plan, the upcoming OHMVR Commission meeting and tour on May 15/16 will take place at Oceano Dunes SVRA. Many people have requested the OHMVR Commission meet and tour at Oceano, and I plan to attend.
The red sticker season comes to an end at many of the SVRA's on April 30th. This is the last year that will have a red sticker season. Per the CARB changes in 2019, all non-emission compliant motorcycles model year 2021 and older will be treated as greensticker vehicles, and there will no longer be a red-season season. These bikes may receive either red or green stickers upcon renewal of their registration with DMV, until DMV uses up all their stock of redstickers. There have been some non-emission compliant dirt bikes model year 2022 and newer who have received greensticker registrations since the CARB changes. It is unknown how access to the SVRA's will be handled with these bikes - some of the employees may check to see if a 'C' or '3' is in the 8th position of the VIN and deny entry in compliance with the CARB ruling, other employees may not check.
Legislation
This is the most current report from the coalition lobbyist, Mark Smith and his staff in regards to the bills ORVLC (Off-Road Vehicle Legislative Coalition) is following: https://ct3raptor.capitoltrack.com/v1/results/7363B6F8-2428-481F-B0E2-032BA172583D/output/20906.out. THere are no significant changes to SB 708 (Jones), the motorcycle competition sticker bill that is being closely watched by the OHV community.
Please contact me with any questions!
Managing Director California Off-Road Vehicle Association Granat.amy@gmail.com
PROPOSED AGENDA
California Off-Road Vehicle Association
Board of Directors Annual Meeting, APR. 19-20, 2024
Visalia Marriott at The Convention Center, Visalia, CA
MEET n GREET, April 19th, 2024
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Welcome to CORVA’s Hospitality Reception, Mt. Whitney Room, 8th floor in the Visalia Marriott at The Convention Center, Visalia, CA..
Drop in and meet members of the CORVA Board of Directors and fellow CORVA members. Pizza for those who preregistered and paid on CORVA website, required. This is a BYOB event.
CORVA ANNUAL MEETING, April 20th, 2024
8:00am – 9:00am: Registration starts for members in the Marriott Ballroom, 1st Floor, & on Zoom.
If you plan to vote either in person or by Zoom you must register.
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86212839875?pwd=d01XYmJCV1FsSTRNMm9VWEZsVVlWdz09 Meeting ID: 862 1283 9875 Passcode: 879360
9:00am – 9:15am: President opens meeting, takes Roll Call and establishes quorum.
9:15am – 9:30am: Keynote Speaker: Director Armando Quintero: Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. (Zoom)
9:30am – 9:40am: Ted Cabral: President of the PWORA: Post Wildfire Off Road Alliance, (in person)
9:40am – 10:20am: Roger Salazar: Chair of the OHMVR Commission, (maybe in person), and Katie Metraux: OHV Access Project, (Zoom).
10:20am - 10:30am: BREAK
10:30am - 10:50am: Neil Hamada/BLM, (Zoom)
10:50am - 11:10am: Rich Klein: Board of Directors for ORMHOF, (in person).
11:10am - 11: 30am Kevin Woods: Sierra National Forest OHV/OSV manager, (in person).
11:30am - 11:50am: Recorded interview with Joe Chavez: USFS
11:50am - 12.00pm: President recesses meeting for lunch.
12:00 Noon: Box lunch for all prepaid members and guests.
1:15pm – 1:25pm: Presentation, Past President’s Award: Jim Woods.
1:25pm – 2:15pm: Board of Directors deliberation, 2023 CORVA Awards.
Business Items:
2:15pm – 3:00pm: Voting for CORVA Board of Directors positions.
VP Administration
VP Education
Treasurer
Nominations taken from the floor for all positions, candidates present qualifications, Q & A period, voting follows.
3:00-5:00: Business / Budget / Income vs. Expenses
5:00: Adjourn meeting.
6:00pm: Dinner at Sequoia Brewing Company Visalia, 124 W Main St, Visalia
Eat and drink with fellow CORVA members, and CORVA Board of Directors.
$45.00 a person, free drink ticket. Preregistration and payment on CORVA website required.
Next CORVA Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
According to the updated figures presented in the 30x30 website: https://www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/ca-nature, California now has conserved 24.41% towards the total goal of conserving 30% of the landmass in California. This is up almost 1% from the time the initiative began in 2020, and is attributed to the increase in conservation easements. What will be interesting to see in the Governor's May Revise budget, is how much money is allocated in the budget towards these efforts considering the predicted deficit of $58 billion, projected by the Legislative Analyst's Office: https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4850#:~:text=The%20state%20already%20faces%20a,weakness%20relative%20to%20those%20estimates. Many people are concerned with the 30x30 initiative, which CORVA is watching very closely. Reading the February 2024 newsletter: 2024 newsletter, the projects that are being highlighted are still within the category of conservation easements.
One of the biggest threats to OHV recreation lies in the creation and/or expansion of National Monuments in California. There are existing proposals to expand and/or create new National Monuments, and the new Resources Agency Deputy Secretary of Biodiversity and Habitat Meghan Hertel is promoting a number of these proposals. Today it was announced the US Supreme Court has rejected a pair of cases that would have called into question the ability of a sitting president to use the 1906 Antiquities Act to unilaterally create National Monuments through proclamation: https://www.eenews.net/articles/supreme-court-refuses-timber-industry-antiquities-act-fight/. Representatives of the logging industry were seeking a review of the Antiquities Act in an attempt to limit the scope of monument declarations. Logging industry advocates will now turn to Congress for assistance.
The next meeting of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force is scheduled for April 4th, with tours available on April 5. I will participate in Zoom on April 4th: https://wildfiretaskforce.org/southern-california-regional-meeting-2024/. The Treatment Dashboard is constantly changing and does show ongoing projects related to wildfire preparation: https://wildfiretaskforce.org/treatment-dashboard/
California State Parks
The next OHMVR Commission meeting is scheduled for mid-May with an OHMVR Commission tour of Carnegie SVRA, and an OHMVR Commission meeting held in a nearby area. This meeting will be in support of the proposed Carnegie General Plan. CORVA submitted substantive comments on the draft Carnegie General Plan, which are attached. The late July meeting of the OHMVR Commission will be held in the San Diego area, in support of the 3rd OHV Safety Summit. The last 2 meetings of the OHV Safety Summit were held in the Sacramento area, and this year the state wanted to encourage more people from Southern California to attend. The meeting is being planned as an OHMVR Commission Workshop July 31st, with a full OHMVR Commission meeting to be held on August 1st. These dates are subject to change until they are finalized and released to the public. There was a lot of pressure to hold a meeting of the OHMVR Commission at Oceano Dunes during the summer, but that meeting is now being tentatively scheduled for October 2024.
Three members of the OHMVR Commission have been reappointed by Governor Newsom - Kat Anderson, Tommy Randle and Roger Salazar: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/03/08/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-3-8-24/. Commissioner Diane Ross-Leech's term is also up for reappointment by the Speaker of the Assembly, but no information has yet been released to indicate that she has been reappointed.
The OHV Trust Fund Grant proposals are now live for public comment, until May 6, 2024. Please go to the following link: https://olga.ohv.parks.ca.gov/egrams_ohmvr/user/ReviewProjects.aspx to either read the public comments that have been submitted or to submit a public comment. We are waiting for the May Revise of Governor Newsom's budget to ensure that $30 million was restored to the grants fund. WHen the budget was initially released, the allocation for the OHV Trust Fund grants only totaled $1 million. But the OHMVR Division Grants department has taken applications for grants under the assumption that the total in the grants fund will be restored to $30 million.
California State Parks Safety Week started last Saturday on March 23rd, and continues through March 31st. Safety Week includes the ability to sign up for free training classes for dirt bikes, ATV's and SxS's. There is a new online version of the OHV Adventure Map:OHV Adventure Map which has extensive GIS capability to review OHV areas offered from state, federal, county and city agencies, including what types of vehicles are allowed on trails.
Carnegie SVRA - Tesla Rd access is still closed, the only access to Carnegie is through Corral Hollow Rd. A number of the trails are closed for maintenance, The Carnegie Advisory Team meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30pm by teams. Information is on the website: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172. Hollister Hills - The Renz and Adobe Ranches in the Lower Ranch and Hudner Ranch are closed due to wet weather.
For anyone curious about the section of the California Vehicle Code governing the use and registration of off-highway vehicles, it is easily accessible through: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26302
The upcoming meeting of the Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Collaborative has been scheduled as a hybrid meeting on April 17th, at the Moss Federal Building in downtown Sacramento. Zoom login information will also be distributed. A number of Region 5 decision-makers will be in attendance at this meeting and I will attend in person. Issues that will be discussed include data collection, and how the data is applied to recreation opportunities in Region 5 forests. The northern California forests with mandated wet weather closures are getting ready to lift their native surface road closures during the next month. As weather changes through April, please go to the forest website or call the District Ranger office to determine the extent of the road and trail closures.
Please see the latest bill tracker report for this week: ORVLC Bill Tracker. There are a number of bills the ORVLC lobbyist, Mark Smith has identified for the coalition to act upon or watch including:
SB 708 (Jones) : competition sticker bill
SB 903 (Skinner) : this bill concerns PFA's, otherwise known as 'forever chemicals'. This bill would take the prohibition of use of the chemicals into the manufacturing realm, and make it difficult to near impossible to manufacture everything from boats to off-road vehicles. The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, a division of the Motorcycle Industry Council is opposing this bill in conjunction with a coalition put together by the American Chemistry Council. There will be a coalition bill the ACC is putting together and seeking partners.
Important Dates
March 26, 2024: Recreate Responsibly Zoom Meeting
April 4/5 2024: California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force meeting Southern California
April 16, 2024: Carnegie Advisory Team Meeting
April 17, 2024: Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Collaborative with Forest Service Region 5, hybrid meeting
April 19, 2024: evening reception, CORVA Annual Meeting
April 20, 2024: CORVA Annual Meeting
April 21, 2024: rescheduled Carnegie Visitor Appreciation Day
CORVA 2024 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE
Dear CORVA Membership:
There are a few updates to the preliminary meeting notice:
( https://corva.org/CORVA-Action-Items/13328505 )
Registration is now active on the CORVA website EVENT section: https://corva.org/event-5645007
Rooms at the Marriott must be booked by Apr. 12th to get the discounted rate. That is the last date that the block of rooms that are being held for CORVA can be guaranteed.
The lunch options have been decided on. There is a choice of Box Lunches, California Turkey Wrap and Ham and Swiss Wrap, $25 each. They come with chips, whole fruit, cookie, and either soda or bottled water. Be sure to log into the website EVENT by Apr. 6 to pre-order any or all Fri. Meet & Greet Pizza, Sat. Lunch, Sat. Dinner.
The current list of Guest Speakers is:
Keynote Speaker: Armondo Quintero: director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Ted Cabral: President of the PWORA: Post Wildfire Off Road Alliance
Roger Salazar: Chair of the OHMVR Commission and Katie Metraux, OHV Access Project.
Neil Hamada: BLM
Rich Klein: Board of Director for ORMHOF
Kevin Woods: Sierra National Forest OHV/OSV manager
Interview with Joe Chavez: FS
VOTING FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In person and online voting will be available. Sign into the Zoom meeting by 2:15pm, the agenda item for board positions will start.
The ZOOM invitation, meeting agenda, hospitality room and meeting room locations, and voting instructions will be sent out a few days before the annual meeting.
Dear CORVA Membership,
Here is some preliminary information about the CORVA Annual Meeting. More details will be available as we finalize the plans.
The meeting will be held most of the day, Saturday April. 20, 2024. It will be at the Visalia Marriott Convention Center in Visalia. There will be a Meet and Greet Friday evening, April. 19, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm, in a hospitality suite, also in the Marriott. If you plan on staying at the Marriott, we have secured a discount room rate of $159.00 plus tax. When you book a room, be sure to let them know that you want the CORVA discounted price. Phone # 559-636-1111.
On Friday night, April 19; Pizza will be ordered for those members who pre-paid. This is a BYOB Meet and Greet. Please prepay $15.00 per person when you register for the Annual Meeting on the CORVA website.
On Saturday, April 20; The meeting will be in-person and available via Zoom.
Saturday morning, there will be voter registration, announcements, and guest speakers. We will take a lunch break and a lunch will be provided for those that prepay. Please prepay $25.00 per person when you register for the Annual Meeting.
Saturday afternoon, there will be various award presentations, nominations and voting for the Board of Directors positions of VP Administration, VP Education, and Treasurer. There will be a discussion of Business / Budget / Income vs. Expenses.
Saturday's meeting will adjourn at 5:00pm.
A dinner buffet is being arranged at Sequoia Brewing, starting at 6:00pm, a short walk from the hotel. We have selected the following items for buffet dinner:
Pesto Chicken, Burgundy Beef Medallions, Roasted Red Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Sequoia Side Salad, and Dinner Rolls.
Please prepay $45.00 per person when you register for the Annual Meeting. Alcoholic drinks not included.
Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Bruce Brazil, Northern Regional Director- Annual Meeting Chairman
CORVA Monthly Meeting, Feb. 26, 7:00PM
Natural Resources Agency
The 30x30 Initiative has a new Deputy Secretary of Biodiversity and Habitat who is tasked by the Secretary of Natural Resources with following through on the administration's goals for 30x30. Her name is Meghan Hertel, and previously she has held positions in different environmental groups including Audubon California. One of the first press releases as she starts her position is the announcement of conservation easements being obtained for a large cattle-ranching operation on the Central Coast: https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/california-central-coast-preserved-ranchland-18680819.php. This isn't an acquisition, nor will it change the operations of the ranch. Essentially, the owners of the ranch have sold their rights to develop or subdivide the land in perpetuity. There is a webinar to introduce Meghan Hertel on March 4th, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. For registration for this Zoom meeting go to: https://www.californianature.ca.gov/. I've had a meeting with Devin O'Dea, policy director for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, after an introduction by the ORVLC lobbyist Mark Smith. Devin is now a member of the 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee, and also works with Mark Smith. He understands the nexus between access for hunters and anglers and the work CORVA does to keep access open "For the People, and not From the People". Devin will keep us informed about what is going on behind the scenes, and if any of the actions coming from the Natural Resources Agency may negatively affect off-road recreation.
The Natural Resources Agency is supporting the expansion of 3 National Monuments, and the creation of new National Monuments. I see these efforts as one of the biggest threats against off-road recreational and street legal access throughout the state. There are a number of proposals that have already been introduced through federal legislation in the House of Representatives. Considering the current political climate, these bills are unlikely to pass. This article in the LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-12-24/editorial-expand-californias-national-monuments-its-mountains-and-deserts-are-important-resources discusses the active proposals and suggests that President Biden use the 1906 Antiquities Act to proclaim all the new monument proposals and expansions. Earlier this month, Ed Stovin invited me to participate in a Zoom meeting with a number of proponents of the Chuckwalla National Monument proposal. Ed has asked for the proposed boundaries of the monument to be altered to allow for the expansion of the Chuckwalla - Meccacopia OHV Area, which has been proposed for an expansion by the BLM: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/media-public-room-california-chuckwalla-meccacopia-main-ohv-routes.pdf. As I've reported previously, republicans in Congress have asked the Supreme Court to review the use of the 1906 Antiquities Act: https://www.eenews.net/articles/republicans-ask-supreme-court-to-review-antiquities-act/.
A week after the last Board of Directors Zoom meeting, the OHMVR Division held the OHMVR Commission Tour at King of the Hammers and the following day the OHMVR Commission Meeting in Hesperia. Thanks to Mike Mc and board members who attended KOH and gave rides to Director Quintero, Chief Deputy McGuirk and a number of the members of commission. A number of people mentioned how much they enjoyed their rides! I participated in the OHMVR Commission meeting by Zoom. Roger Salazar was elected Chair of the Commission, and Ed Patrovsky, currently the longest serving commissioner, was elected vice-chair. As usual, Oceano Dunes issues dominated the public comments. The next OHMVR Commission tour/meeting will be held on May 15/16 at Carnegie SVRA, where the OHMVR Commission will be asked to vote on the General Plan, which is of the commission's primary purposes. The subsequent OHMVR Commission meeting and tour is scheduled for July 31/August 1 and is rumored to be planned for Oceano Dunes, although that is still highly speculative.
Mike McGarity, Vinnie and I participated in a meeting with State Parks personnel and engaged in a frank and honest conversation about the difficulties this year in obtaining the permit for the Truckhaven Challenge. Enrique Arroyo, the District Superintendent and Greg Martin, the new Desert District Chief and Acting Coastal District Chief, which means Greg is responsible for the operations of 4 SVRA's, including Heber Dunes, Onyx Ranch, Ocotillo Wells and Hungry Valley. It is good we made this introduction now, because management of these SVRA's is critical. What this points out is how much the management of the SVRA's has been taken away from the OHMVR Division and instead lies within State Parks. There will be follow up meetings.
Attached please find the comments I filed on behalf of CORVA for the Prairie City Road and Trails Management Plan. The Carnegie Draft General Plan comments are due later this week. and can be found: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30807. I participated in a meeting with Carnegie personnel last week where we discussed various aspects of the plan. There's nothing controversial about this plan, and overall it expands access, moves Motormart, a CORVA Gold Level Business Sponsor, to a better location and adds additional camping areas.
Grants update: When the May Revise of the Governor's proposed budget is released, we hope to see $29 million restored to the OHV Grants Program. The grants are moving ahead with the understanding that those funds will be restored. Preliminary grant applications are due by March 4th, and public comment will start the following day. The OHV Grants will be open for public comment on March 5th, and be accepted until May 6th.
SVRA's: Carnegie: Tesla Road is closed to travel, and the only access to the park is through Corral Hollow Road. Hollister Hills: Clay Soil areas, including the Hudner Ranch and the Renz property are closed due to wet weather. HUngry Valley: Quail Canyon Special Event Area and Track continues to be closed due to the well failure, but money has been allocated through capital outlay for repairs, which will take a number of years to complete.
Please find attached the comments on the Northwest Forest Plan Revision Amendment Proposal that was filed earlier this month on behalf of CORVA. This includes 6 forests in Northern California. The next meeting for the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force is scheduled for April 4th and 5th in Southern California. I will monitor the meeting on April 4th by Zoom. Please find the latest Governor's update here: https://wildfiretaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WFR_February2024_GovUpdateRev.pdf. The Forest Service has awarded millions of dollars to a few forest landscapes around California for wildfire prevention, including the Stanislaus National Forest and the Plumas National Forest. The Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Collaborative has resumed operations, and I am on the Steering Committee. This collaborative addresses issues facing all the forests in California, please let me know any critical issues that may be occuring in our forests, and I will bring the issues up during a meeting. Most of the Northern California forests are still within their seasonal closure periods. Please check the websites or call the district ranger's office to determine access to your favorite roads and trails. I attended the public grants meeting for the Tahoe National Forest last week, to hear about the proposed grant requests.
BLM
The Central District of the BLM is holding a Resource Advisory Council Meeting on February 29th: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-central-california-district-host-resource-advisory-council-meeting-1. For those concerned about the reopening of the Clear Creek Management Area, that issue can be brought up during open public comment at 1:00pm. All the meetings for the different advisory councils in California can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/rac/california/california-desert-district
With the help of ORVLC lobbyist Mark Smith, we are monitoring new legislation that has been introduced to determine whether any bills that have been introduced by the due date of February 16th will affect OHV recreation. The BOD receives the update from the lobbyist every Monday. There are a number of e-bike bills that we are watching because there is still consideration in State Parks for redefining a number of e-bikes as motor vehicles.
SB 708: Competition M/C Bill is still alive. Brian Jones and MIC discuss their support for the bill: https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/01/article/senator-aims-to-fix-red-sticker-ohv-regs/
Important dates:
The next CORVA monthly meeting is Jan. 22, 2023, 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Due to the holiday season, the CORVA Nov and Dec monthly meetings will be combined on Dec. 18, 2023.
Download PDF
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy
