BLM seeking public input on OHV grant proposal

NEEDLES — The Bureau of Land Management is hosting several virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposal for submission to the California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grant applications currently are being prepared by BLM staff for the 2021 grant cycle.

“As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as part of its multiple-use mission,” said California Desert Manager Andrew Archuleta. “We welcome visitor input on these important grant funds, which will be used to support projects and activities of importance to the outdoor community.”

The OHMVR Division’s Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program bolsters well-managed off-highway vehicle recreation by providing financial assistance to cities, counties, districts, educational institutions, state agencies, federal agencies, federally recognized Native American Tribes and nonprofit entities.

The BLM applies for grants from the California Department of Parks and Recreation OHMVR Division each year to help fund and coordinate its OHV programs. The grants support OHV management activities such as visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and monitoring and maintenance on BLM-managed public lands throughout the state.

Except for El Centro, scoping meetings are scheduled for the first 45 minutes of each session; the stakeholder meeting will immediately follow. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to attend either session or both. The Zoom meeting schedule is as follows and participants are invited to join either by the Zoom virtual meeting platform or by phone using the dial-in information below:

Needles Field Office: Feb. 11 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., phone: 833-568-8864; Zoom ID: 161 270 5095/Passcode: 524063.

Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office: Feb. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m., phone 833-568-8864; Zoom ID: 161 829 0522/Passcode: 724142.

Barstow Field Office: Feb. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m., phone: 833-568-8864; Zoom ID: 160 161 0703/Passcode: 596221.

Ridgecrest Field Office: Feb. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., phone: 833-568-8864/ Zoom ID: 161 314 1240/Passcode: 261383.