Los Padres Seeks Public Comment on OHV Grant

A two-step application process is used by the State to allow public comment and feedback before final submittal. The preliminary application is due March 4, 2013. This will open a public review and comment period and will follow with final applications due May 6, 2012. The State is using an Internet-based “On-Line Grant Application” process as the means to apply for State funding.

The Los Padres National Forest is submitting two grant applications. The first grant includes projects for ground operations and the second grant is for law enforcement activities. 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 Jeff Bensen at (805) 961-5744.

Los Padres National Forest officials are also providing an opportunity for interested parties to discuss the grant applications and submit public comments. An OHV grant meeting will be held March 21, 2013, from 10:00 to 12:00 pm at the Los Padres Forest Supervisor’s Office located at 6755 Hollister Ave, Suite 150, Goleta, CA 93117.

The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Padres National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for more than 26 years, with funding assistance for well-managed OHV recreation on National Forest lands. In 2012, the Forest was successful in obtaining $357,364 in grant funds that were used to provide the public with world-class OHV recreation opportunities.