Wednesday, June 9, 2021

BLM PLANNING EFFORT TO ENHANCE OHV RECREATION IN SOUTHERN MONTEREY COUNTY - COMMENTS DUE JULY 6

 


QWR commends the BLM’s Central Coast Field Office for starting this planning process to enhance sustainable OHV recreation opportunities on federal lands in an effort to address the increased demand – in our post-COVID world – for managed motorized and non-motorized recreation. 

 

Many land agencies have reported an unprecedented rise in visitor days which creates a huge capacity challenge for line-officers, recreation staff, and law enforcement.  For example, large numbers of SxS enthusiasts are traveling from the LA area to northern CA recreation sites such as the BLM’s Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding and the FS’s Stonyford OHV Area.

 

OHV Routes at Williams Hill

Recently, the BLM was awarded a planning grant from the CA State Parks OHV Grant Program to improve the trail network and facilities at the Williams Hill OHV Area that is about 55 miles south of Salinas off of Highway 101.  QWR believes it is critical for OHVers who use - or might want to use - the Williams Hill site to weigh in with scoping comments that are due on July 6.

 

It is important to make specific comments on how to improve the current OHV program there.  For example, you may want them to plan for new connector trails, 4x4 challenge course, increase single-track opportunities, or develop new camping/staging areas.  You might also comment about this planning effort being important due to the increased demand throughout the state for recreation opportunity and to relieve overcrowding at other OHV areas due to COVID and past, current, or proposed land closures.

 

LINK TO BLM SCOPING DOCUCMENT AND INFO LINKS

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeking-public-input-williams-hill-ohv-trails-recreation-improvements

 

Please share with your riding networks to help land agencies address public demand for motorized access and other forms of recreation.

1 comment:

  1. Don, thanks for this information. For other OHV folks, please engage in this process. Dave Pickett

    ReplyDelete