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.
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
Please share with your riding networks to help land
agencies address public demand for motorized access and other forms of
recreation.
Don, thanks for this information. For other OHV folks, please engage in this process. Dave Pickett
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