UUSFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The Humboldt -Toiyabe National Forest gets a large quantity of OHV users and the unique terrain and the large size of the district make it difficult to cover. It is imperative that additional staff and resources be made available to adequately serve the off-road public. Our Sonora based 4X4 club, Mud Sweat and Gears, has recently adopted a trail in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is helping as much as we can to improve the off-road experience and protect resources in this part of California. Robert Easley - 3/10/17


March 29, 2017 Re: G16-02-04-S01 To the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation/Grants & Cooperative Agreements Program: The Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission (EDTF) would like to express its support of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for the Education & Safety Grant funding to continue operation of the Bridgeport Avalanche Center (BAC) services and programs. It is the Commission’s understanding that the grant would be used for the following valuable projects and programs that will: • Offer a minimum of three education public events, both class and field day sessions, for introduction to snowmobile avalanche awareness • Produce and distribute class materials and promotional flyers for the education events • Produce and distribute communication materials specific to the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) and safety message • Fund the avalanche forecaster and assistant positions • Cover costs of maintaining the BAC www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org website As you are likely aware, Mono County’s primary economic driver is tourism. However, in the winter months, visitation drops off visibly in northern Mono County by 75% or more. The EDTF Commission strives to increase winter tourism to the rural areas of Mono County by promoting winter sports activities, many of which take place in the high alpine backcountry terrain. The Bridgeport Avalanche Center is a critical component in attracting backcountry snowmobilers to the Bridgeport, Walker/Coleville/Topaz and Virginia Lakes area, as well as appealing to the growing alpine ski touring enthusiasts. The availability of accurate local avalanche information and education provides an all-important public safety service for both visitors and residents who are increasingly drawn to the snowy backcountry playground of the BWRA, Sawtooth Ridge, Sweetwaters, Virginia Lakes and more. Furthermore, avalanche and snow condition information generated by the BAC helps increase overall awareness of the vast winter recreational opportunity available in Northern Mono County which in turn drives new users seeking safe recreational snowmobiling opportunities. This increase in visibility to north county’s abundant winter recreational resources will ultimately help draw more tourists and increase revenues for local businesses, resulting in a move towards year-round sustainability for our local communities. In conclusion, we feel strongly that maintaining and continuing the Bridgeport Avalanche Center services and programs is a significant and critical benefit to the future of winter recreation in northern Mono County, particularly with respect to the draw of the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. The Mono County Tourism & Film Commission fully supports the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for funding. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jimmy Little Chair, Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission cc. Alicia Vennos, Mono County Economic Development Director cc. John Peters, Mono County Supervisor, District 4 - 3/31/17


March 31, 2017 Re: G16-02-04-S01 To the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation/Grants & Cooperative Agreements Program: I would like to express support of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for the Education & Safety Grant funding to continue operation of the Bridgeport Avalanche Center (BAC) services and programs. It is my understanding that the grant would be used for the following valuable projects and programs that will: • Offer a minimum of three education public events, both class and field day sessions, for introduction to snowmobile avalanche awareness • Produce and distribute class materials and promotional flyers for the education events • Produce and distribute communication materials specific to the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) and safety message • Fund the avalanche forecaster and assistant positions • Cover costs of maintaining the BAC www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org website As you are likely aware, Mono County’s primary economic driver is tourism. However, in the winter months, visitation drops off visibly in northern Mono County by 75% or more. The EDTF Commission strives to increase winter tourism to the rural areas of Mono County by promoting winter sports activities, many of which take place in the high alpine backcountry terrain. The Bridgeport Avalanche Center is a critical component in attracting backcountry snowmobilers to the Bridgeport, Walker/Coleville/Topaz and Virginia Lakes area, as well as appealing to the growing alpine ski touring enthusiasts. The availability of accurate local avalanche information and education provides an all-important public safety service for both visitors and residents who are increasingly drawn to the snowy backcountry playground of the BWRA, Sawtooth Ridge, Sweetwaters, Virginia Lakes and more. Furthermore, avalanche and snow condition information generated by the BAC helps increase overall awareness of the vast winter recreational opportunity available in Northern Mono County which in turn drives new users seeking safe recreational snowmobiling opportunities. This increase in visibility to north county’s abundant winter recreational resources will ultimately help draw more tourists and increase revenues for local businesses, resulting in a move towards year-round sustainability for our local communities. In conclusion, I feel strongly that maintaining and continuing the Bridgeport Avalanche Center services and programs is a significant and critical benefit to the future of winter recreation in northern Mono County, particularly with respect to the draw of the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. I fully support the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for funding. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Peters Mono County District 4 Supervisor - 3/31/17


For the last 5 years I have frequently snowmobiled and snowboarded in the BWRA. Knowing that there are Rangers present to assist in the management of the land and to aid if needed in an emergency lends a great deal of comfort to our trips into the backcountry during the winter months. My friends and I also greatly appreciate that there are local Avalanche forecasting practices taking place within the same mountains and valleys we use for recreation. Whenever I have encountered the Ranger or Avalanche forecaster they have been friendly, professional, and happy to offer knowledge about the current conditions of the area. I was also fortunate enough to participate in a Snowmobile Specific Avalanche Awareness Course provided by the Bridgeport Avalanche Center which improved our groups understanding of proper practices for decreasing avalanche risk and also how to most effectively search and find victims if an avalanche does occur. Forrest Schmidt - 3/31/17


The motorized recreation you can experience on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is rare & unmatched. A well-managed forest where cooperation amongst multiple user groups & agencies in a setting such as this should be treasured. With dwindling federal budgets & increasing backcountry motorized use, the strain on an already fiscally challenging operation is tightening. Having skilled rangers & avalanche personnel on the ground in a place like the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area is imperative, appreciated, & needs funding. The work that has been done to: maintain Wilderness integrity, document use, promote safety, & educate the public; has enriched this recreational environment. Since the conception of OSV programs, the need has exponentially grown for daily patrolling & avalanche awareness. Having the Bridgeport Avalanche Center as a resource for actively engaging the public on avalanche safety, has kept people informed & out of harms way. Several avalanche awareness classes have been facilitated, free to the public, to disseminate this knowledge. The ability to provide life-saving education such as this needs strong support because it is so valued by the community of users. Motorized recreation on the national forest system is growing in popularity & we need to manage it. Snowmobile Rangers are the answer to complementing this increased use. Just a momentary interaction with a professional & knowledgeable ranger can inspire safe & wise-use practices. Positive public contacts can help preserve resources, avoid user conflicts, & promote federal land management objectives. The reality is that budgets dictate how much of this work can be done, safely. I fully support OSV programs like the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area & Bridgeport Avalanche Center because it is the best way to manage such valuable resource responsibly. Ryan Lewthwaite - 4/3/17


As an avid snowmobiler, I frequently ride in the Bridgeport/Sonora district of the Eastern Sierras. I have a great respect for the staff that monitors the conditions and educates the public on avalanche awareness and safety. I urge you to fund this valuable program to continue the progress they have achieved in increasing awareness, education and improving public safety. Alex Rose - 4/3/17


I would like to express its support of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for the Education & Safety Grant funding to continue operation of the Bridgeport Avalanche Center (BAC) services and programs. It is my understanding that the grant would be used for the following valuable projects and programs that will: • Offer a minimum of three education public events, both class and field day sessions, for introduction to snowmobile avalanche awareness • Produce and distribute class materials and promotional flyers for the education events • Produce and distribute communication materials specific to the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) and safety message • Fund the avalanche forecaster and assistant positions • Cover costs of maintaining the BAC www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org website As you are likely aware, Mono County’s primary economic driver is tourism. However, in the winter months, visitation drops off visibly in northern Mono County by 75% or more. The EDTF Commission strives to increase winter tourism to the rural areas of Mono County by promoting winter sports activities, many of which take place in the high alpine backcountry terrain. The Bridgeport Avalanche Center is a critical component in attracting backcountry snowmobilers and skiers to the Bridgeport, Walker/Coleville/Topaz and Virginia Lakes area, as well as appealing to the growing alpine ski touring enthusiasts. The availability of accurate local avalanche information and education provides an all-important public safety service for both visitors and residents who are increasingly drawn to the snowy backcountry playground of the BWRA, Sawtooth Ridge, Sweetwaters, Virginia Lakes and more. Furthermore, avalanche and snow condition information generated by the BAC helps increase overall awareness of the vast winter recreational opportunity available in Northern Mono County which in turn drives new users seeking safe recreational snowmobiling opportunities. This increase in visibility to north county’s abundant winter recreational resources will ultimately help draw more tourists and increase revenues for local businesses, resulting in a move towards year-round sustainability for our local communities. In conclusion, we feel strongly that maintaining and continuing the Bridgeport Avalanche Center services and programs is a significant and critical benefit to the future of winter recreation in northern Mono County, particularly with respect to the draw of the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. I fully support the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest/Bridgeport Ranger District’s application for funding. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Barry Beck Bridgeport Recreationist - 4/3/17