2020/2021 Public Comments to Preliminary Applications

AGENCIES SUBMITTING PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS

Please click on an agency to view the public comments received for that agency's preliminary application. All agencies submitting preliminary applications are listed below and only those agencies shown in bold received public comments.

BLM FIELD OFFICES

Hi, I was looking over your grant applications and your projects seem fine. I did notice what could be an expensive oversight. When the grants program was updated a few years ago, the minimum restoration match requirement was reduced from 25% to 10%. Your restoration grant looks like it is being matched closer to 25%. While there is nothing wrong with matching higher, those extra dollars might be better spent managing OHV areas. Ed Stovin - 4/18/2021


Comments to OHMVR Division BLM 2021 Grant Applications Defenders of Wildlife and the Desert Tortoise Council - 5/4/2021


I would like to make sure there is money for maps of the various Adventure trails OHV zones. We are getting low on these. Is there any way we can get help with maintaining signage for the various routes , in this grant cycle. Thank you. Glenn Glenn Clark - 4/9/2021


We support this ground op grant with the Bishop BLM. I hope they make sure that they order enough maps of the Poleta area and the Tungsten/Buttermilk area as those two areas sees a lot of use. Maps work very well for education. Adventure Trail System of the Eastern Si - 4/9/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Janice Rhoades - 4/21/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


Hi, I have reviewed El Centro's grant applications and it looks like normal. This office has struggled with fewer staff than would be considered normal, so I feel for them managing so many people and so much land. In the past, I have found ISDRA restrooms without paper, so I would encourage you to keep up on that. It has been a couple years, so that may be fixed, but I want to say that few things are more frustrating than needing paper and not having any. I have heard reports of heavy handed law enforcement at the dunes and by Superstition Mt. I have also seen people out there who could for sure use some heavy handed enforcement. I encourage your LE to be respectful unless a good reason is found not to be. I wish the grant program had much more money for safety. El Centro's areas for sure need emergency medical and I hope this can be funded fully. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


I would love to see your e 2 video trail guides you are planning to make. Please let me know when they are available. Ed Stovin - 5/2/2021


Hi Palm Springs, I have looked over your grant applications and am wondering where the Planning and ground operations applications are? While law enforcement and restoration are good, they don't help recreational off-roaders very much. I would love to see some staging areas set up and maybe a new high intensity use area designated. In my opinion, you should give a little more to off-roaders in order to justify what you take from us here. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


Comments to OHMVR Division BLM 2021 Grant Applications Defenders of Wildlife and the Desert Tortoise Council - 5/4/2021


 

US FOREST SERVICE

 

Hi, I am looking at your application and most of it seems fine. I did notice an item for $35,000 for trail work at Wildomar. I know the area only has eight miles of trails, so if part of a trail needs some work, maybe you could send a staff out there with a shovel to fix it. Maybe rent a bobcat for a day or two if there is more dirt to push around. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


The Eldorado Forest is proposing a well balanced OHV program that both addresses providing quality OHV recreation opportunities while also protecting forest resources. Maintenance is an essential element of protecting resources while allowing for the recreational use. Good operating equipment and trained operators are a must to ensure good maintenance - these elements are critical. The Division is encouraged to fund equipment maintenance needs and fuel costs - without these the needed maintenance cannot be done. Providing quality information to users is also essential if users are to be expected to follow the rules. Funding of the maps, staffing and other measures for getting the needed information out to visitors is very important. The Eldorado has provided a broad range of high quality recreation opportunities for many years and should be fully funded to continue to provide this service. LESTER LUBETKIN - 3/16/2021


The study proposed in this project is essential if OHV users want to have these unique, high-elevation routes remain open. When dealing with T&E species, having high quality information is critical and it must be collected in a balanced, defensible manner. This study proposes to do just that, and should be funded to the requested amount. Additionally, the OHV Division (and OHV Recreationists) should expect the results of the study will be used to inform future OHV management, which could include certain restrictions or limitations to ensure protection of T&E or Sensitive species. LESTER LUBETKIN - 3/16/2021


As a local who stages at the Hope Valley SNO-Park multiple times each year, the need for additional trash and litter removal, bathroom cleaning, etc... is a gigantic need. Cleaning is needed daily on the weekend and holidays (at minimum). Also, as a regular user of the Mount Rose / Chickadee Ridge area, proper signage identifying OSV boundaries is badly needed. Signage is needed that says, "OSV Access Boundary" or something similar that non only notifies OSV users where they ARE allowed, but also communicates to non motorized users that OSV IS legal. Nonmotorized users in these areas regularly are verbally abusive to OSV users (to the point that I know of several examples of OSV users avoiding accessing from legal OSV areas in this region simply because they don't want to be verbally abused by the non motorized users in the area). Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I would like to assume most of it is due to lack of proper education on their part of where the OSV boundaries are. For example, since "The Meadow" is non-OSV, many of the non-motorized users are of the opinion that the other areas outside of The Meadow are also non-motorized...of which they are not correct. In addition to increased signage, kiosks with a QR code to download the free Avenza map showing OSV boundaries would also help OSV users respect boundaries, as well as help educated non-motorized users that they are accessing areas that are either motorized or are bordered with OSV nearby. All of this work is LARGELY needed and this grant needs to be supported in order to help make these things happen and improve the user experiences of motorized users. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


This year I was able to get out in the field with the Bridgeport Avalanche Center. It was both an educational and exciting time in the field. I got a first hand lesson on digging a snow pit and using the snow probe to test for the likely hood of an avalanche. I was taught the different types of avalanches and the slope degree were an avalanche is most likely to occur at. A lesson on beacon work was also provided. I have a passion for getting into backcountry skiing and look forward to reading the daily avalanche conditions. Shane M Demo - 4/5/2021


I volunteered with the Bridgeport Avalanche center and found them extremely professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to serving their community. What a great organization and resource for backcountry users! Brian Merewitz - 4/6/2021


Several cooperative agreements exist between the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Mono County to provide high quality, sustainable, and safe recreation opportunities in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Mono County supports the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Bridgeport Avalanche Center's application for funding from the State OHMVR Division to provide quality avalanche safety information and education for OHV users of the Bridgeport Ranger District. This program has been proven to be proactive and professional in its outreach and engagement with OHV/OSV users. Please consider the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's application for funding as an important and essential service for Eastern Sierra motorized users accessing the region's world-class OSV opportunities. - Mono County Sustainable Recreation Coordinator matthew paruolo - 4/7/2021


Under the list of partners I am concerned with the clout given to the Friends of the Inyo. With regard to OHV funds utilization. The grant description claims that they monitor and maintain OHV routes and continues to say that activities include brushing, raking, repairing and replacing route signs and OHV facility maintenance. That statement is false. Since I have been involved in OHV activities OHV grant funds were used to close several routes within the forest utilizing Friends of the Inyo. I have not seen them do any OHV improvements or maintenance on Forest lands. Friends of the Inyo is not an OHV friendly partner, their mission is quite the contrary to OHV activities. I think it is interesting that they are at the top of the list of partners identified for the purpose of utilizing OHV funds. The eastern Sierra 4x4 club and Advocates for Access to Public Lands and the Eastern Sierra Adventure trails have been working for years to promote OHV activities and access in the Eastern Sierra and the Inyo National Forest. We have been trying to partner with the Forest for several years but due to certain people in the staff being adversely opposed to motorized use of Forest lands, consequently we never were treated as partners. I bring up the past, because it seems even now this relationship has not improved, I have had hopes recently that, that would change. It seems like it is, but then I see in this grant that FOI is the preferred partner who does all of this OHV work when they are very anti OHV. I hope someday, I can quit bringing up the past. Maybe when the INF finally treats us like a partner. I am encouraged by some of the staff and their commitment to open access to all users, including OHV and 4x4 activities. Adventure trails is very committed to working with the Forest and the BLM to improve roads and trails within the lands that these agencies oversee. We are committed to education and preservation. We are committed to making a difference. One key tool for preservation is education. I am looking forward to some good things happening; I hope the forest is too. I want to see a strong road and trail system brought back to the INF. Thank you. Glenn Clark - 4/9/2021


We support this years grant with the Inyo National Forest. With their new staff we feel optimistic that we will finally get some OHV trails fixed and maintained. For years we see them putting in for grants and see nothing done. We hope that this year we can build on our relationship with them and be a partner on our public lands. Really hope that they put in for enough maps of the area. With the increase of visitors, we need that education component. We look forward to working with them. Adventure Trail System of the Eastern Si - 4/9/2021


This request is for the Inyo National Forest to revise their Grant Request to include/add an item not addressed in their current G21-02-05-G01 Grant Application. One of the major and popular areas of OHV opportunity in the South Zone of the Inyo National Forest is in Monache Meadows. This area is not only popular with the OHV community, but is visited by campers, fisherman, hunters and others using CA Green Sticker OHV vehicles. All of these activates are accessed through the Sequoia National Forest via the Monache Jeep Road, including the administrative duties of the Inyo NF required as part of their Monache Meadows management responsibilities. The Sequoia NF portion of the Monache Jeep Road (incorrectly identified by the SNF as 34E38) is 2.3 miles in length and becomes Inyo National Forest Road 20S03 at Snake Creek. The Sequoia NF portion of this road has no purpose other than to provide access into the Monache Meadow Area of the Inyo NF. The Management of the Sequoia National Forest, specifically the Kern River Ranger District, has taken it upon themselves not to maintain this traditional 4WD roadway into the Inyo National Forest. The Sequoia portion of the Monache Jeep Road can no longer support travel by USFS Type 3 Fire Engines (previously used by Sequoia, rescue, and Inyo, fire suppression) or other Emergency vehicles. It is requested that the Inyo National Forest revise their Grant Request (-G01), or add an additional Grant Request (-G02) to provide for the REPAIR and Maintenance of the SNF portion of the Monache Jeep Road. This request would be consistent with the Ground Operations, current and past, conducted by the Inyo NF on their portion of this essential motorway. Dion Salfen / Monache Associates - 5/2/2021


This Grant Request is somewhat puzzling. Other than Line Item 6.1 (Page 17) there is no reference to what activities will be performed in the South Zone of the Inyo, specifically Monache. Although generally supportive of this request, specific area operations are not described in detail so it is difficult to offer constructive comments. The Field Per Diem request (Page 17) is justified due to the remoteness of Monache. However, rather than “camping” it is suggested that the OHV Technicians utilize one of the two USFS owned cabins in Monache Meadow. In the past, the OHV Technicians commuted daily to the Blackrock RS in the Sequoia NF. This daily 3 hour round trip commute deleted from the time spent on their OHV duties in Monache. As a further comment, the Grant Request from the Inyo Law Enforcement (G21-02-39-L01) indicates Monache Meadow is an area of critical concern because of resource damage and “almost lawless” conditions. Although OHV Technicians are not FPO’s, their presents go a long way in mitigating these undesirable conditions. Additionally if the OHV Technicians schedule their off days mid week their presence on weekends would be extremely helpful. Dion Salfen - 5/2/2021


As a summer dirtbike user and winter OSV user who lives locally, I appreciate the efforts of this project to properly operate and maintain staging areas. We have seen an influx of OHV users year round in the recent year. I would like to provide input to item 10 specifically as it refers to the OSV map. I see a need for additional brochure holders at common OSV staging areas and trailheads. Doing so would help OSV users respect property boundaries and would help inform non-motorized users that they are entering a motorized access area, thereby decreasing conflict from uninformed non motorized users. I would also like to comment on the need to improve the OSV map. As someone who attempts to respect property boundaries when accessing the backcountry, including within the LTBMU and crossing into the surrounding National Forests, I find the map difficult to locate enough zoomed in detail on property boundaries. It would be helpful to have this map free on Avenza, included with topographical lines, in order to better identify exactly where the boundaries are in order to fully honor and respect the intent of the map. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


Hello, Please support and fund in full the current OHV grant funds requested by the Mendocino National Forest. The forest has a world class system of trails that need full funding for maintenance and operations. We recently worked with the Forest service on a volunteer project repairing a trail bridge that had been damaged by fire. Please approve these grant funds so trails can continue to be properly maintained. Regards-Ben Ellis Ben Ellis - 4/30/2021


I strongly support the Plumas National Forest ground operations application to CA OHV. In recent years there has been growing OHV use on the Plumas National Forest and these funds will allow the Plumas National Forest to maintain trails, keep routes open to users, groom snow trails and also address issues with increased OHV use such as trash, illegal trespassing. For example; signage can be so effective in keeping users on designated routes while protecting resources and without these CA OHV funds the Plumas NF would not be able to sign all the OHV routes effectively. Plumas National Forest has proven its ability to balance the needs and demands of the Forest within user groups, natural resources, and the changing climate. This project will allow the Plumas NF to continue this great work and keep public lands open. Mandy Beatty - 4/27/2021


Keeping the trails open and well maintained is bringing economic growth to our community. Alex Terry - 4/27/2021


The work on these trails is essential for our community's access to the forest. Alex Terry - 4/27/2021


In regards to the user report : "1) FS FY 2009: 10/2008-09/2009. San Bernardino National Forest Visitor Use Report, National Visitor UseMonitoring,Data collected FY 2009. Last updated December 2019. Data collected in 2019 was not specific to OHV activityso we have opted to use the 2009 data set." How is this ok? Data from 12 years ago?! This isn't even close to relevant. Give them a grant so they can get accurate numbers. In the last 5 years alone, green sticker registrations have had to climbed significantly with the popularity of Side by Sides. And fire danger? I live in the mountain communities and the amount of fires from overlanders, etc is ridiculous. "Total miles of routes available are 237. Verified most recent data.2) The San Bernardino National Forest 2018 Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifies routes available & ridingareas open to vehicle use, including OHV use. 175 miles of maintenance level 2 roads and 62 miles ofOHV trails provide a total of 237 miles of OHV routes." We need recent numbers (not from 2009) to show that 62 miles of OHV trails is not ok. I am tired of avoiding head on collisions every weekend we ride out there. It is over crowded and there are not enough green sticker trails. Nicole Beale - 3/31/2021


1) There have been problems over the past several years where the Sequoia Kern River District (grantee) trail crew funded by OHV grants has changed single track to road width or changed the character of single track trails by sanitizing and eliminating much sought after challenge sections. This is not appropriate as well as being a violation of Forest Service regulations and trail standards. The grantee needs to provide assurance that they will not use these OHV grant funds to change the character of primitive single track trails by removing challenge sections or changing single track to road width or sanitizing. In large part this problem has been caused due to the Sequoia Kern River District (grantee) hiring more and more walk in trail crews to work on motorized trails. Walk in crews can only feasibly work on the first mile or two of trails. This has led to over maintaining or sanitizing the beginning of trails. The majority of trails are more than a few miles long and can only really be effectively maintained using dirt bikes. Even if walk in crews were sent out on trail project more than a few miles in, this would not be cost effective due to the amount of time wasted walking in and out each day. IT also means walk in crews are useless for clearing downed trees which are spread along the entire length of trails in some cases miles apart. To avoid over maintaining or changing the character of single track trails and to be cost effective the Sequoia grant should specify that the KR OHV permanent and temporary trail crew GS-4 and Gs-3 and GS-5 and GS-05 will be certified for and capable of expert dirt bike riding ability. (Line Items 13, 14, 15, 16, 25 29) 2) Assistant recreation officer Bob Frenes GS-07 is fully dirt bike capable, however the same requirement of being dirt bike capable should be listed for this line item to ensure that if personnel are changed that the officer continues to be dirt bike capable in order to be able to perform needed remote trail work and to perform all work far more efficiently than by walking in. (Line item 12) 3) Utilization of Partnerships - Q 5. To my knowledge Southern Sierra Fat Tire has not done any volunteer project work for many years 4) The Sequoia grant includes numerous 100 day long term use of 4x4 trucks totaling 594 days of truck use at a value of over $124,000 for all the districts (shown below). The grantee has listed the value of this long term vehicle usage at the $209 daily rate from Untied Rental. This is not an appropriate market rate value for long term use. The grantee should base the long term vehicle value at the monthly rental rate of 1 ton 4x4 trucks which is less than $50 a day for Untied Rental. These are Forest Service owned vehicles and it is utterly ridiculous to value them at a daily rental rate of $209 when they could be rented for the 100 day period at $50 market rate. It would not be a proper use of OHV Funds to compensate the grantee for long term $50 a day use of vehicles at the much higher daily rate of $209 a day. The grantee should change the value of all long term vehicle use to the United Rental monthly rate which is less than $50 a day. This would change the value of the 594 days of long term vehicle use to a value of $29,700 instead of over $124,000 for this one grant. 5) I also urge the OHMVR staff to look into this practice of over valuing long term vehicle and other use at far more costly daily rental rates in every Forest Service grant. 16. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 3717 Use Rate 96 .0000 209.000 DAY 20,064.00 Notes : Kern River - Daily Use Fee for 1 ton Black Rock OHV 8. Equipment Use Expenses-HL Rec Vehilce Use Fee 40.0000 209.000 DAY 8,360.00 (0572) Notes : Vehicle# 0572. This vehicle is used by the OHV staff to transport equipment and daily operations. 2016 Ford F-350 dually utility bed 4x4 . This vehicle is part Forest Service Fleet. Is used for OHV work, but was not purchased with grant funds . (price from United Rental 11\/ebRate $209 Day) 2. Equipment Use Expenses-HL OHV Vehicle Use Fee 100.0000 209.000 DAY 20,900.00 0582 Notes: The primary vehicle used for any OHV needs. 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4, Forest Service Fleet.(0582)(price !Tom United Rental Web Rate $209 Daily) 8. Equipment Use Expenses-HL Rec Vehilce Use Fee 40.0000 209.000 DAY 8,360.00 (0572) Notes : Vehicle# 0572. This vehicle is used by the OHV staff to transport equipment and daily operations. 2016 Ford F-350 dually utility bed 4x4 . This vehicle is part Forest Service Fleet. Is used for OHV work, but was not purchased with grant funds . (price from United Rental 11\/ebRate $209 Day) 18. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 2735 Use Rate 96.0000 209.000 DAY 20,064.00 Notes: Kern River - Daily Use Fee for 3/4 ton Piute Trail Crew vehicle purchased with Forest Service funds . Fee based on United Rental, webrate $ 209. 20. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 1895 Use Rate 96.0000 209.000 DAY 20,064.00 Notes: Kern River - Daily Use Fee for 1 ton OHV Technician vehicle purchased with Forest Service funds to perform maintenance/ground operations activities within the OHV/OSV operations areas. Fee based on United Rental webrate $209 26. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 4568 Use Rate 96 .0000 209.000 DAY 20,064.00 Notes : Kern River- Daily Use Fee for 3/4 ton OHV Technician vehicle purchased with Forest Service funds to perform maintenance/ground operations activities within the OHV/OSV operations areas. Fee based on United Rental webrate $209. 28. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 2117 Use Rate 96 .0000 209.000 DAY 20,064.00 Notes : Kern River- Daily Use Fee for 1 ton OHV Technician vehicle purchased with Forest Service funds to perform maintenance/ground operations activities within the OHV/OSV operations areas. Fee based on United Rental webrate $209.00 30. Equipment Use Expenses-KR 0578 Use Rate 30.0000 209.000 DAY 6,270.00 Notes : Kern River - Daily Use Fee for 1 ton OHV Technician vehicle purchased with Forest Service funds to perform maintenance/ground operations activities within the OHV/OSV operations areas. Fee based on United Rental webrate $209.00 3. Equipment Use Expenses-HL 16ft Equipment Trailer Use 30 .0000 64.000 DAY 1,920.00 Fee Notes: 16' equipment trailer is use by OHV technician to transport material and OHV equipment to work sites. Trailer was purchased with Forest Service funds . Daily use rate determined through comparison of local rental rates. (United Rentals) Micheal Graves - 4/30/2021


The amount of this Grant Request, $1`million dollars, is astonishing. It would appear that the Sequoia is trying to make up for the past lack of effort not accomplished on previous Grants, specifically as it applies to the Kern River RD. A case in point, The Monache Jeep Road (incorrectly designated 34E38). The Monache Jeep Road is a 4WD road open to CA OHV Green Sticker Vehicles and is the only road leading into the adjacent Inyo National Forest. This road is shared with Hunters, Fisherman, Campers, Cattle Permitees Private Property Owners AND the Inyo National Forest as it is the sole access to the Monache portion of THEIR (Inyo) Forest. Under the current management of the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest the maintenance of this critical road has been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that a Type 3 Fire Truck can no longer navigate this road. The condition in some places is so bad that in 2020 a USFS vehicle broke down on the “Big Hill” and was left abandoned in the middle of the road for 3 days until it could be towed out. As a property owner I must use this road to gain access my property and as careful as I drive I have sustained vehicle damage as the result of the Sequoias’ lack of road maintenance. I have been fortunate in obtaining Fire Insurance on my structures, however, the CA Insurance Services Office (ISO) just realized a Type 3 Fire Truck can no longer access Monache and raised my annual rates 76%. It is requested the Sequoia revise this Grant Request to provide Grant Funding for returning the Monache Jeep Road to its’ HISTORICAL conditions so that passage of a USFS Type 3 Fire Engine is possible as well as other essential Emergency vehicles. Dion Salfen - 5/2/2021


As a local who is an OHV user in the summer and OSV user in the winter, efforts identified at Boca/Stampede/Prosser have my full support. For the 06 area, additional education, signage, maps, etc... of what is legal for OHV in the summer and OSV in the winter is definitely a need, including improved OSV staging in the winter. This project has my support and the CA OSV is encouraged to direct a large increase in percentage of the overall funding toward the High Sierra region here. As this project describes, the population size of the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and San Jose areas that access this region for their outdoor recreation, is quite large and heavily used. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


As a summer OHV and winter OSV user who lives locally, I have personally witnessed the GIGANTIC need for this 300 vehicle paved trailhead facility at Donner Summit. If you spend one weekend day in the winter at the nearby SnoPark, you will leave 100% convinced of the absolute essential need for this project. It is nice to see that our local Forest Service leadership now has the vision and understanding of the needs of the OHV and OSV communities so that we can properly and safely access our public lands. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


As a new dirt bike rider in 2020 at the age of 49, I am pleased to be able to access our public lands using OHV (also began OSV in 2019). I am a local resident and have personally observed and experienced the needs for connectivity trails, developed staging areas with toilets, map kiosks, and signage, and route signage in the area around Boca Reservoir, Verdi, and Prosser. I am particularly please to see that these efforts are in alignment with the connectivity work from Sierra Buttes in helping create a larger connectivity project for OHV in the High Sierra. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


As an active OHV participant, we recognize the increased use of OHV out of the town of Washington. Our local club has worked closely with the residents of the town as well as the campground owner to educate and hold users accountable for respectable behavior. We truly appreciate the recent visibility and involvement of law enforcement in the area, educating folks on proper etiquette while traveling these two roads. Hopefully we can continue to use these two access points respectfully, while an alternate solution is reached. Neither of these roads would fair well with dozens of trucks and trailers traveling 8-10 miles one way to stage. Thank you for your support. Craig Bommarito - 4/26/2021


 

US FOREST SERVICE PATROL DISTRICTS

In general, the Property Owners of Monache support the Inyo NF LE Grant Request. First there is an omission/error on pages 2-4. State Senate Dist 18 is not checked, Congressional Dist 23 is not checked and Tulare County is not checked. With respect to ITEM 1 Proposed Project: It is noted that there has been an increase in resource damage, in the Monache Meadows area and that the “lack of certified law enforcement presence on much of the Forest OHV system resulted in an almost ‘lawless’ condition in some areas.” Based on our observations this is an understatement of the conditions that occurred in Monache during 2020. From OHV driving/racing in the river bed to driving to unauthorized camp sites it truly was the “rule of the land”. To some extent the Inyo has only themselves to blame. Despite past Grant Requests and Approvals, there has not been an LE/LEO presents in Monache (Inyo South) for several years. Despite this, Items 2 -4 do not address how the Inyo will address the South Zone issues, specifically the Monache Meadow portion of their Forest. It is requested that these sections be rewritten to specifically address the issues as detailed in Item 1 and how they will be addressed. It is further requested that the Inyo update the Program Expenses, Line Items 1.-3 (pg 7 & 8) to be more specific as to where in their Forest these Grant funds will be spent. Also, as written, it would appear that the requested Grant is for Overtime and Holiday Pay only. Why not request funds to support some portion of “full time” LEO OHV support? Dion Salfen - 5/2/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Lassen/Modoc National Forest Patrol for the purchase of 2 snowmobiles and a Polaris RZR. Our residents and visitors frequent the Lassen National Forest on OHV and snowmobiles, and the area experiences a high volume of winter sports enthusiasts and snowmobilers. Patrols for safety of the public is very important along those snowmobile corridors, OHV roads and parking areas. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Lassen/Modoc National Forest Patrol for the purchase of 2 snowmobiles and a Polaris RZR. Our residents and visitors frequent the Lassen National Forest on OHV and snowmobiles, and the area experiences a high volume of winter sports enthusiasts and snowmobilers. Patrols for safety of the public is very important along those snowmobile corridors, OHV roads and parking areas. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


 

CITIES

I was looking over your LE grant application and saw "The City of Hesperia Police Department provides police patrol services to the incorporated and unincorporated area of the city." I'm wondering how and why you are providing services to unincorporated areas? I thought your area ends at city limits. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


 

COUNTIES

 

I am very supportive of this grant. I suggest the Sheriff's Office work with the Federal Wildlife Officers in the county as well as I know they are also enforcing OHV laws. Chris Steinbis - 3/3/2021


Sorry, but I cannot support the BCSO grant unless the BCSO starts actually enforcing OHV laws! For too long the BCSO has used the grant to fund overtime shifts where deputies patrol the OHV areas and do no actual enforcement! Simply "waving the flag" and waving at OHV riders is all they do. BCSO says they receive complaints about OHV violations, well how many citations does the agency actually issue?? Chris Steinbis - 3/3/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Butte County Sheriff for increases to patrol staff, signage, safety gear, maintenance and the purchase of a snowmobile replacing a 2001 model that is unreliable. The Jonesville/Colby area experiences a high volume of winter sports enthusiasts and snowmobilers, and patrols for safety of the public is very important along those snowmobile corridors and parking areas. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


I have been reviewing grants for about 15 years and this is easily the best grant application I have ever seen. I am all in for this project and will be glad to help any way I can. Please fully fund this grant application and I truly hope that in the future we will see applications for the construction of a real off-road park in San Diego. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


We really need the continued support of our Acton OHV Sheriffs unit. We in rural areas deal with illegal OHV use which puts us at additional risk for wildfires, equine injuries, trespass, habitat destruction and noise. We live here to enjoy the peaceful, rural lifestyle and need this team as regular patrol vehicles are insufficient. Colin & Karen O’Reilly - 3/2/2021


Hello I was reading in the valley press today about Grants & Cooperative Agreement Program to have 1 sergeant & nine deputies to enforce illegal off road riding. As an older motorcycle rider I do not think there is that big of a problem with illegal off road riding. It seems like the money could be better spent in so many other ways. Ask yourself is this the best use of officers going after nuisance issues. If people are riding around houses it is most likely a young kid. Swinging a patrol car over seems like a better less costly approach then devoting a 10 person unit? Grants are a gift you do not have to pay back but somebody like a tax payer is paying for it. Have you ever given the thought of opening up some riding land or access land closer than Cal City or El Mirage so local people can go out for a few hours and not have to devote a weekend or a whole day. There was talk about the hills of Little Rock OHV area years ago but for some reason that never happened. Maybe spend money to devote a legal route over to Texas canyon, El Mirage from the AV? Cal City has trails that legally go into town. If the issue is about destroying the environment than I would question why for so many years west of Lancaster where there are no house they patrolled the hills. Now the landscape is now littered with solar panels and windmills. Thank you for taking my input. Tom Thomas Miller - 3/3/2021


I am against this grant for the following reasons. Most of the area around Los Angeles county is open public land. This crew is enforcing drug users, dumpers and people illegally hanging out in open areas. They even listed it in their application. The statistics they list is four years old. They can’t even provide up to date information. The ohv money is being used for policing of illegal activities other than ohv. Little Rock dam was apparently closed because of an endangered toad. It has been 5 years and it hasn’t been close to being revitalized because of health and safety of the dam from the water district not the toad. If you closed all the public recreation spots then it makes it hard to keep people from illegally riding. We need to spend grants on renewing rowher flats ohv and Hungry valley svra. The two local riding areas. Little Rock damn is never going to be an ohv area again I believe, so we need to move our focus. We need to attract families to our other resources. After all it is the hard working families teaching their kids how to ride an atv that just ride in the desert to have a safe spot. This application shows that the use of the money is probably for enforcement of criminals in the desert that are squatting, dumping, and illegally shooting. A short info about me. I grew up and lived here my whole life. I am a big supporter of legal ohv use. Matthew Gorman. Matthew Gorman - 3/3/2021


Folks, I read about your grant application to restore AV OHV patrols in the AV Press. I am a 40 year resident of Palmdale and live near the western hills and aqua duct. I hike the local hills several times a week to enjoy the scenery, peace and quiet and to get much needed exercise. Many other people enjoy these hills either on foot or on bicycles. Families, kids, cross country runners all enjoy this area. In years past I have run into deputies on motorcycles patrolling the areas around the hills and aqua duct. I talked with them on several occasions about issues in the hills with the most pressing issue being illegal use of motorcycles and quads on the trails and aqua duct. These people run along at high speed dodging the hikers and bikers not caring for the safety of all involved. I have appreciated the sheriffs deputy patrols as they seem to be able to keep the trails safer from the high speed traffic and enforce the laws. I strongly encourage the resumption of these patrols as the problems have magnified since the patrols have stopped. Please take all necessary steps to return the AV OHV team to these hills so residents can continue to enjoy them without fear of being run over. Ronald Tucker Palmdale Ronald Tucker - 3/4/2021


To Whom it May Concern: I'm writing in support of the Antelope Valley OHV team (Palmdale Sheriff Station) grant application through the California State Parks and Recreation Division. As a Juniper Hills resident, I wish to see more policing and enforcement of the laws and regulations meant to protect our beautiful--and delicate--desert ecosystem. Too many people are breaking the laws and damaging our environment unchecked; it's like the unregulated Wild West. Now more than ever, we need to protect our fragile hills to allow nature to recover from the Bobcat Fire. The more resources (i.e., funding) toward that aim, the better. Thank you. Kirsten Rosenberg Juniper Hills Kirsten Rosenberg - 3/4/2021


Modoc County Deputies need to actually enforce OHV laws! Tickets need to be written! Why not bring in extra BLM, Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Officers to do saturation patrols?? Chris Steinbis - 3/3/2021


I am commenting as a 20 year resident of Mono County. My husband has lived here since the mid-1980s, and is in fact retired local law enforcement. My comments will pertain mainly to the Mono Basin where I live (and therefore have more awareness of where the rubber hits the road), but some comments will certainly carry over to other parts of the County.?? We are at a tipping point: the Mono Basin could turn into a major OHV tourist destination or not. There will be many factors that influence this outcome; in my humble opinion, law enforcement will be the primary factor. Education about what is in fact legal and illegal will help, but without enforcement education only goes so far. I am attaching an article about a recent illegal 5000 person OHV gathering in the Tonto National Forest: https://www.adventure-journal.com/2021/04/5000-off-road-partiers-unleash-havoc-on-arizona-national-forest/. Yes, this is an extreme example, but even something 1/10th this scale would be damaging to the fragile Mono Basin and its characteristics of pristineness and quiet. This event was organized on Facebook. Social Media is precisely why we are likely on the verge of an increasing influx of OHV tourism. The locals have already seen a major uptick, preceding, but certainly exacerbated by COVID restrictions. Due to lack of information (maps, signage), it is very difficult for folks who want to ride legally to know which roads are legal. In a recent meeting with Sheriff Braun, she confirmed what many of us already knew: County maintained roads are illegal for non-street-legal vehicles. We have two categories of OHV tourists: those who would obey the law were they aware of it, and those who would not. To be clear that I am not singling out the OHV users as a group, I would say the same of hikers, campers, and mountain bikers; this grant is about OHVers, so I will be only referring to them as a users group. For the former category, it is virtually impossible to ascertain what roads are legal, especially on the County maintained roads that cross BLM land (INF has a decent map). For the latter category — those who would ride places that are it in fact illegal, the only way to stop them is for word to get out that the law is enforced. Social media can go both ways and if enough illegal riders are talked to or cited, the word will spread within the user group. ?I am thrilled to see the following in the grant application: “The Deputies are specifically focusing on violations of the 38000 section of the Vehicle Code. Due to the high rate of non-resident visitors, the Deputies also use the citizen contacts as a time to educate the non-resident visitors about California’s OHV Rules and Regulations. Most of the non-resident visitors are unaware of registration requirements and wilderness boundaries.” I hope the result of this grant will be that Mono County gets a reputation among the users groups (social media and simply word of mouth) 1) as a place where the law is enforced and 2) a place where there is enough information that law abiding is easy rather than difficult.??Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Margaret Verba - 4/15/2021


Friends, First I want to thank you for offering this forum for public comments. I have lived in the Eastern Sierra for 25 years: 15 of those in the Mono Basin. We have seen a lot of changes over the years........some good and some not so good. As an outdoor enthusiast and steward of our environment one concern of primary importance at this time is illegal OHV activity in our area. Specifically, In Mono City (on paved county roads as well as adjoining closed dirt roads), in Lundy Canyon (on the paved county road, on the dirt road to the trail-head, and in the campground), and in the Mono Basin / Bodie Hills in general. I believe most OHV folks are following the rules; however, there is clearly a growing number of folks who are not. In fact, most warm evenings in Mono City these days we have non-street-legal ATV's and motorcycles zipping up and down the streets. Often these folks are exceeding safe and legal speeds, they are not wearing helmets, and often under age kids are piloting these vehicles. From time to time, they even ride through people's yards and property. This situation is currently a free-for-all.........never have we seen law enforcement deal with this either through education or citations. In Lundy canyon, we clearly have a growing number of folks who camp with their off road vehicles in tow. We have had kids racing quads in the campground (friends that dealt with this will "never camp there again"). We have a neighbor who was nearly run down by a 4 passenger OHV on the dirt road to the trail-head (the vehicle overturned into one of the beaver ponds feet from these folks). We regularly see folks riding non-street-legal ATV's on the county paved road up Lundy. There are no signs, we have never seen any contact from law enforcement. We desperately need both in this area. As I walk and bicycle in the Mono Basin / Bodie Hills regularly I typically find myself repairing damage from OHV's and taking photos as evidence. New roads and illegal tracks abound. There are almost no signs around to educate or inform folks as to rules and legal routes. We never see any form of law enforcement out and about (e.g. Mono Co. Sheriff, BLM, or Forest Service). It's a free for all out there. A lot of us have seen the OHV damage in the Mojave Desert (e.g. Jaw-Bone Canyon). The damage around Mammoth is unreal (many roads are so badly damaged one can't even walk in the deep powdery dirt). Mono City, Lundy Canyon, and the Mono Basin are starting to get hammered. Let's put our heads together and work as a team to protect our resources for sustainable multi-use recreation. Thank you for your time and thoughts, Respectfully, Jim Tabb Jim Tabb - 4/19/2021


I have owned a home at 508 Cottonwood Canyon Road in Lee Vining -- the "back road to Bodie" on the north side of Mono Lake -- since 2005. Usage and presence of ATVs and ORVs have exploded in the Mono Basin in the last years, and they are intrinsically a loud and destructive presence in whatever environment they operate in. I cannot state strongly enough my support for this Sheriff's Department Enforcement grant -- please please please let's get these riders riding LEGALLY, and work very hard to clarify information -- maps, websites, social media, as to what is legal for off-road vehicles to ride on and what is not. County-maintained roads are ILLEGAL, and there are many of them that are dirt, and counter-intutively to ORV riders they cannot be ridden on. There is lack of clarity about this, as well as lack of enforcement. It needs to be made clear to the ORV community that riding in the Mono Basin is a privilege that must be respected. We are NOT Nevada! Mike Light - 4/28/2021


I own a home on Cottonwood Canyon Rd. I have noticed an increase in ATV riders in our neighborhood in the last few years on our roads. They ride along the pole line roads which traverse our private property at high speed and create a lot of dust and noise and disrupt the habitat and native species as well as increase risk of wildfires! I am thrilled to see this grant money possibly being used to stop illegal riding. We really need some law enforcement monies directed towards this! My guess is sometimes these folks aren't aware they are riding illegally and disturbing people! We need more sheriff surveillance and ticketing as well as signs letting them know where they can and can't go. Thank you! Ruth Garland : Ruth Garland - 4/29/2021


Our property has been in the family for three generations. We have seen a steady increase of off-road vehicles on Dobe Meadows Road just over the past two years. Traffic has increased three fold, and is only going to get worse. The sheriff in a recent zoom meeting stated that the sales of off-road vehicles has toppled out of control and is difficult to purchase one due to their popularity. The sheriff also stated that it is illegal to ride one of these vehicles without a California license plate and a registration on a county maintained road. She also happened to mention that she has not been enforcing the law. We understand that the sheriff’s department is understaffed and probably doesn’t want to give a neighbor a ticket, but the law clearly states that it’s illegal to ride any unlicensed vehicle on a county maintained road. We would like to see more funding for signs, restricting the use of non registered vehicles. Also in increasing of patrolling and issuing of citations. We are very concerned of wildfires caused by the increase of reckless people driving illegally on our roads. These vehicles cause extreme damage to the roads, making them almost impassable. Not to mention the destruction to wildlife and vegetation along the road. Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns. We look forward to hearing back from you. Joe and Annie Moore. Joseph Moore - 5/2/2021


I have been visiting the Mono Basin and Adobe Valley and environs four or five times a year since 2015. I am an avid off-roader (4WD truck) who stays on signed USFS and BLM roads, and adheres to Leave No Trace edicts. Over the past couple years, however, I’ve witnessed many OHV, ATV and 4WD users who do not follow county and state laws and ignore posted signs. The increasing amounts of noise, dust, and resource damage resulting from these infractions are distressing. It’s not just a case of an influx of new OHV/ATV owners who are unaware of laws regarding their use, or long-time drivers who refuse to adhere to the laws. It’s also a matter of a lack of signage, as well as personnel shortages resulting in a lack of enforcement. This grant will be invaluable in working to solve some of the problems caused by OHV/ATV drivers who are unaware of relevant laws, or unwilling to follow these regulations. It has my full support. As a long-time 4WD driver on BLM and USFS roads, I hope it results in increased education, awareness, and enforcement in Mono County. Thank you. Paul Ashby - 5/2/2021


Napa County Sheriff’s Request For Funds 2021 With a distance of approximately 70 miles between the KRA and BLM’s Ukiah field office, the question of on-site law enforcement becomes all the more important. Realizing that the BLM has inadequate law enforcement capabilities related to the KRA, the coverage provided to the KRA by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department OHV Team is central to maintaining law and order in this remote area. Their overall positive effect on the KRA, and OHV use in particular, are two of the best things to happen to this remote area of Napa and Lake counties for an extended period of time. As a long time property owner on Devil’s Head Road, I strongly support the Napa County Sheriff’s Department’s 2021 application for grant funds from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division, in the amount of $72,624 dated 2/22/21. Joseph Erasmy Devil’s Head Road Napa County Joseph Erasmy - 5/2/2021


I do not agree with this grant application by the Nevada County Sherriff's Department. The OHV community is the only user group that is subject to an extra tax, also known as the green sticker fund, in order to enjoy OHV recreation. This money is supposed to be used to build and improve California State OHV parks, facilities and recreation areas. As it stands right now the State has multiple OHV projects on "Hold" due to, among other excuses, lack of funding, lack of qualified personnel, and or lack of the proper equipment needed to perform the various pending improvements needed. There has been a progressive closing of legal OHV areas in the past. This has forced more and more OHV users to be restricted to riding in less legal riding area. This creates over use of any and all legal OHV riding areas throughout the state. Instead of funneling funds away from the "Green Sticker" fund for law enforcement on non state OHV legal riding areas, this money would be put to better use to procure more properties for OHV use, revive multiple stalled projects to bring them through to fruition and properly maintain the existing trail systems for continued sustainable use. If all of the State OHV areas are properly funded, staffed and maintained there will be reduced desire to ride in non state OHV areas thereby negating the need for county law enforcement. Let BLM or the National Forest service or Nevada County fund the Sherriff's office for law enforcement, not the OHV fund. Thank you. John Pellizzer - 3/12/2021


The work that the Stewardship does to build and maintain trails in the Quincy areas directly affects the vivacity and economy of Plumas County. The Mt. Hough trail system is a great example of a valuable recreational asset on our forest. It offers an incredible opportunity for participants to explore the outdoors and build deeper connections to the environment. SBTS’ has a long history and legacy of safely leading volunteers on their projects. This not only gets the community involved, but it also builds stewards and investment in public lands. The efforts of the Stewardship and its volunteers have a direct, positive effect on our community. Please continue to support them in their vision of preserving responsible access to our area. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Saylor Flett -- Saylor Flett Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program Coordinator Feather River College 570 Golden Eagle Ave. Quincy, Ca 95971 sflett@frc.edu | www.frc.edu/ORL | www.saylorflett.com p: 530.283.0202 Ext.216 | f: 530.283.3757 Saylor Flett - 4/22/2021


The work that the Stewardship does to build and maintain trails in the Quincy areas directly affects the vivacity and economy of Plumas County. The Mt. Hough trail system is a great example of a valuable recreational asset on our forest. It offers an incredible opportunity for participants to explore the outdoors and build deeper connections to the environment. SBTS’ has a long history and legacy of safely leading volunteers on their projects. This not only gets the community involved, but it also builds stewards and investment in public lands. The efforts of the Stewardship and its volunteers have a direct, positive effect on our community. Please continue to support them in their vision of preserving responsible access to our area. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Saylor Flett -- Saylor Flett Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program Coordinator Feather River College 570 Golden Eagle Ave. Quincy, Ca 95971 sflett@frc.edu | www.frc.edu/ORL | www.saylorflett.com p: 530.283.0202 Ext.216 | f: 530.283.3757 Saylor Flett - 4/22/2021


I firmly believe that these grants do much more for the community then many realize. These trail systems do so much for myself and other family's in the community. These trails are a sense of community for lots of us. This is where we spend out free time doing what we love and making new friends while doing so. These trails are a vital piece of or area allowing people of all ages and skills level to get out of the house and exercise while many don't even realize they are doing so! On top of creating beautiful memory's these trail systems create many employment and revenue opportunity's for local members of the community while driving in money to help maintain these parks and trails systems. We hope you can realize the importance of these trail systems and bike parks in our community's and take the opportunity to continue to grow the sport in our area ! Brighton Irons - 4/22/2021


I firmly believe that these grants do much more for the community then many realize. These trail systems do so much for myself and other family's in the community. These trails are a sense of community for lots of us. This is where we spend out free time doing what we love and making new friends while doing so. These trails are a vital piece of or area allowing people of all ages and skills level to get out of the house and exercise while many don't even realize they are doing so! On top of creating beautiful memory's these trail systems create many employment and revenue opportunity's for local members of the community while driving in money to help maintain these parks and trails systems. We hope you can realize the importance of these trail systems and bike parks in our community's and take the opportunity to continue to grow the sport in our area ! Brighton Irons - 4/22/2021


Expanding the trail will be a great addition as a long-time visitor I can ride my bike further. michael d schocket - 4/22/2021


To whom it may concern: I am writing in support of Plumas County receiving this grant to continue their important work that creates and sustains outdoor recreation, creates local employment opportunities, creates sustainable trail systems, keeps trails open and protects the watershed. Please approve this grant for Plumas County. Martin Scheel Martin Scheel - 4/22/2021


To whom it may concern: I am writing in support of Plumas County receiving this grant to continue their important work that creates and sustains outdoor recreation, creates local employment opportunities, creates sustainable trail systems, keeps trails open and protects the watershed. Please approve this grant for Plumas County. Martin Scheel Martin Scheel - 4/22/2021


Please, please support the growth of the Mt. Hough Trail system in Plumas County. Beyond an amazing recreational feature that provides a plethora of outdoor recreation, the trail system is vital to our struggling economy. I see firsthand people from out of the area frequent the Mt. Hough downhill each weekend in the summer, and those people bring their dollars with them. They frequent restaurants, gas stations, etc. and help our local economy. Expanding this trail system will make Mt. Hough in Plumas County even more of a tourism hub and help our county financially. Developing the trails through the trail stewardship also means we end up with sustainable trails that protect our watersheds. That is certainly more valuable then people creating their own trails. Please support Plumas County by contributing funds so that we can support local employment opportunities through trail building and continue to revitalize our economy through recreation tourism. Kyle D Stone - 4/23/2021


lower elevation trails will be a great benefit to Quincy. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship will build trails for all to use and enhance the usability of the forest. chris atkinson - 4/26/2021


Trails bring people and dollars into the area. The Stewardship is world class and build durable, long lasting trails. More trials will spread people out in the forest and helps keep the nature nature. This will be a great use of funding. Quincy need tourist dollars and outdoor rec is the best way to get people into the area. chris atkinson - 4/26/2021


Please consider approving these grants They will create local jobs and promote outdoor activities. It will help local business income. Many trails are currently overcrowded and need maintenance. Increased Recreation opportunities are needed for the increasing populations. Johnnie R Smith - 4/26/2021


As a business owner in Sierra County, I believe trails are an essential component to a healthy regional economy. Expanding the system and giving locals and recreation tourists new and exciting adventures is a great catalyst for sustainable economic growth. As a board member for the SBTS, I am grateful for the private-public partnership that makes these projects work. I am in full support of this grant. Jesse Passafiume - 4/27/2021


As a business owner in Sierra County, our region's trail systems are one of our most important assets. For recreation tourism and the associated jobs, it creates these grants are essential in our region. As a board member for the SBTS, I am grateful for the public and private partnership between Plumas County and SBTS and believe we are making a difference in the community. Jesse Passafiume - 4/27/2021


I'm extremely excited about the Development project proposed for the Mt Hough trail system. A lot of hard work has gone into this project to get it to Shovel Ready status. The cooperation between Plumas County, Plumas National Forest, and the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship sets a fine example of multi agency cooperation that we should all be proud of. The project enjoys widespread support of a diverse user group community and I know many who are looking forward to volunteering to help make these grant funds go farther. This trail system will connect several small communities and provide economic benefits that go beyond just the recreational experience. Working together, the County, Forest Service and SBTS have a long track record of success in Plumas County and approving this grant will represent a sound investment of OHV funds. Thank You Ron Heard - 4/27/2021


I'd like to add my support of the Ground Operations project proposed by Plumas County. This project represents a fine example of the cooperation between the County, the United States Forest Service and the local non profit the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) to enhance the local trail system. Working as a team, this group has a strong track record of completing similar projects in the area in a timely and professional manner. The proposed project enjoys widespread support from a diverse community of user groups and is exactly the type of project that should be funded. Thank You Ron Heard - 4/27/2021


Please support this important project Rob Shanks - 4/29/2021


Please support the mountain bike trail development in Plumas County. Mountain bike trails are one of the primary reasons I visit Plumas County year after year. Thank you! David Estes - 4/29/2021


Excellent projects run by an organized and thoughtful group of individuals. Maintaining, and expanding multiuse trail systems, bringing sustainable recreation commerce to the surrounding areas. cody leuck - 4/29/2021


Excellent projects run by an organized and thoughtful group of individuals. Maintaining, and expanding multiuse trail systems, bringing sustainable recreation commerce to the surrounding areas. cody leuck - 4/29/2021


I endorse the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's request to fund 37 miles of singletrack on Mount Hough. Plumas County could use the tourism it would create. SBTS wants it to be motorcycle-accessible. I'm not sure how I feel about that—I am fine with motorcycling in principle, but it sure is noisy and it can tear up rails—but I would welcome mountain biking access on it. Maybe allow motorcycle access on certain days of the week but not all of them? Ted Stroll - 4/29/2021


I very often and regularly use Mount Hough trail system.Hiking bicycle and motorcycle use all three.I also appreciate what the stewardship does and make donations to help them out because the people are easy to get behind.I feel very lucky there here making engineered trails for erosion control and still have good land use. Ron Dingel - 4/29/2021


I support the work Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship does. They continue to develop trails that help build the economic opportunities that mountain communities lack -mickey Mickey Fimbres - 4/29/2021


I support the work Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship does. They continue to develop trails that help build the economic opportunities that mountain communities lack -mickey Mickey Fimbres - 4/29/2021


As a Taylorsville resident I am so excited and supportive of the Mt. Hough trail. The construction builds skills for youth and keeps jobs in the county. The tourism dollars will greatly impact Youngs Market (where I work) and create more opportunities for expansion. Most importantly it will provide needed local access to the beauty that we live in. I am in full support if this project. Kjesten Essue - 4/29/2021


They are creating and improving so many recreation opportunities for visitors and locals. I've come up from the Bay Area many times with groups of friends just to ride the bike trails that have been implemented here. After hitting the trails, we'll go spend some time in Quincy, Graeagle, and Portola for food and to support the communities up there. All the work that's been done on the trails up there is really fantastic and makes it worth the long drive up. Eric Cumalander - 4/29/2021


I truly love Plumas County and all it has to offer, so i hope the state can continue to support its maintenance and development! Jenny Hatfield - 4/29/2021


Mt. Hough is one of my favorite areas in Plumas County, and I hope the state continues to support its development for recreational use! Jenny Hatfield - 4/29/2021


Hi, I want to say how important the motorcycle trail system is to me and my buddies to ride. Every year we look forward to coming up to Plumas County spending a few nights in hotels and at the local restaurants and of course riding the trails. I enjoy sharing this with my children as well and look forward to them sharing this with their children. So please build more motorcycle trails around Plumas County. thank you. David Linstrom - 4/29/2021


I support expanding trails around Blue Nose/Onion Valley area off Laporte road for mountain bikes and other use cases. Kevin Lin - 4/29/2021


I support the construction of 37 new miles of motorized multi-use single track on Mt. Hough. Kevin Lin - 4/29/2021


To Whom it May Concern: Please support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship maintaence and trail building for the Downieville and Quincy area trail systems. These systems are a vital recreational and economic recreational asset for both trail users and for the local gateway communities. As you know, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship team has proven to be a reliable partner for building and maintaining trails in the 'Lost Sierra'. Please continue to support the valuable work that they do for our regional trail system. Steve Stewart Steve Stewart - 4/29/2021


To Whom it May Concern: Please support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship maintaence and trail building for the Downieville and Quincy area trail systems. These systems are a vital recreational and economic recreational asset for both trail users and for the local gateway communities. As you know, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship team has proven to be a reliable partner for building and maintaining trails in the 'Lost Sierra'. Please continue to support the valuable work that they do for our regional trail system. Steve Stewart Steve Stewart - 4/29/2021


I want to show my support for the building and maintenance of multi-use trails on Mt. Hough. The system there is amazing, I travel there several times per year with friends to ride bicycles and e-bikes and would love to see the network expanding. Thanks Joe Graney - 4/29/2021


Trail-based recreation in Plumas County are the primary draws that bring me up to the area, specifically those built and maintained by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. In addition to incredible recreation I enjoy knowing that support of the SBTS supports local employment to generate infrastructure that will be enjoyed for generations. I'm incredibly excited for the possibility of 37 new miles of multi-use singletrack on Mt. Hough!!! Benjamin Knox - 4/30/2021


I am writing to support the continued maintenance of these trails in and around Quincy. These trails bring many to the area where they can appreciate the outdoors and contribute to the economy in the area. Keeping these trails maintained and improving them is key to keeping this location as a great place to ride. Thank you, Joe Joe Kidd - 4/30/2021


I am writing to support the development of this trail. The current trail on Mt. Hough is a great addition to the Quincy area and has brought many people into the community to enjoy it and support the local community. Adding additional trail will help Quincy attract more riders who will bring more support to the community and enjoy recreating there. Thank you, Joe Joe Kidd - 4/30/2021


I'm writing in support of the project to execute phase 2 of the Mount Hough Trail System. I'm a part-time Quincy resident, volunteer with the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. The trails bring me and friends to ride mountain bikes in the area, creating recreational and economic opportunities in town. Thanks for keeping trails open, safe and sustainable. Ginger Jui - 4/30/2021


I'm writing in support of the project to execute phase 2 of the Mount Hough Trail System, including expanding it to include trails around Blue Nose/Onion Valley. I'm a part-time Quincy resident and the trails bring me and friends to ride mountain bikes in the area, creating recreational and economic opportunities in town. Thanks for keeping trails open, safe and sustainable. Ginger Jui - 4/30/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has brought so much to the communities they work in. I've volunteered and participated at events for them several times and they are an amazing organization. They provide recreation to locals and visitors, create jobs locally, build quality trails, and help protect the forests they work in. As a visitor to these areas, SBTS helps me to see the importance of these communities and helps me to understand and care better these communities I would otherwise not know. Katie Goad - 4/30/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has brought so much to the communities they work in. I've volunteered and participated at events for them several times and they are an amazing organization. They provide recreation to locals and visitors, create jobs locally, build quality trails, and help protect the forests they work in. As a visitor to these areas, SBTS helps me to see the importance of these communities and helps me to understand and care better these communities I would otherwise not know. Katie Goad - 4/30/2021


Grant money for this project will go a long way to bring recreation dollars into Plumas County and create jobs of all types. There's plenty of gold left in this area, it just comes in the form of multi-use trails and results in fun, fitness and friendship. Brian Kennedy - 4/30/2021


Hi, My family and friends have been vacationing in this area for over 20 years. In that time things have changed a lot, for the better. I'm a mountain biker and the trails have improved during the time I've been visiting. Also the local economy seems to be doing much better with all the trail users now visiting. Please continue to support trails use in Plumas County. Thank you Berkeley White - 4/30/2021


The Downieville and Quincy trails are extremely important to me, and I enjoy them multiple times a year. It's critical to keep these open for public use for everyone to enjoy. They also provide critically positive economic impact in two struggling California counties. Thanks! -Grant grant lacey - 4/30/2021


The Downieville and Quincy trails are extremely important to me, and I enjoy them multiple times a year. It's critical to keep these open for public use for everyone to enjoy. They also provide critically positive economic impact in two struggling California counties. Thanks! -Grant Grant Lacey - 4/30/2021


I live in Grass Valley, and love coming up to Downieville, Plumas and the Lost Sierra for mountain biking. EVERY improvement to the trails infrastructure there encourages me to come up and spend more time and money in the area. I am really excited about trying the trails on Mt. Hough for the first time, and I heartily endorse the work and dedication of SBTS in building them. I encourage supporting them in their work to create and improve area trails for all types of recreation. Sincerely, Will Bissell Will Bissell - 4/30/2021


Trail-based recreation in Plumas County are the primary draws that bring me up to the area, specifically those built and maintained by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. In addition to incredible recreation I enjoy knowing that support of the SBTS supports local employment to generate infrastructure that will be enjoyed for generations. Benjamin Knox - 4/30/2021


comment Name - 5/1/2021


I travel to the Quincy area several times per year (from Grass Valley) specifically because of this trail network. It's expansion and continued maintenance and improvement are a great use of funds. I urge you to fund this work. Aaron Zueck - 5/1/2021


The Plumas County trails are are a great resource for the public, from mountain bikers to hikers. I would like to see these trails kept open and expanded for the public to use. These trails also provide critically positive economic impact. Thanks, Joel Wilson Joel Wilson - 5/1/2021


The Plumas County trails are are a great resource for the public, from mountain bikers to hikers. I would like to see these trails kept open and expanded for the public to use. These trails also provide critically positive economic impact. Thanks, Joel Wilson Joel Wilson - 5/1/2021


I travel to the Quincy area several times per year (from Grass Valley) specifically because of this trail network. It's expansion and continued maintenance and improvement are a great use of funds. I urge you to fund this work. Aaron Zueck - 5/1/2021


SBTS has a proven track record of taking great care of the land and the trails. These trails are fantastic resources for people like myself and my family who like to get out and bike and hike in nature. As an economic engine, SBTS has revitalized the outdoor economy in both Sierra and Plumas counties. They employ teens and adults at prevailing wages and in a healthy work environment. Please support them in continuing the fabulous work they do. Their work is a big part of why I live here and why others come to these areas to both live and recreate. Jennifer - 5/1/2021


Expanding the trails in the Mt. Hough area will provide additional outdoor recreation opportunities for both residents of the area and those who come from elsewhere in Plumas County and the neighboring counties. Because it is lower than, say, the trails in Lakes Basin, Mt. Hough trails can be utilized all year long. More trails in this area give greater access to recreation to more people, which helps to stimulate the local economy. These forests are vast and getting people of all ages out into them is good for individual health as well as the community's health. Please support this project. Jennifer - 5/1/2021


If it were not for all the fantastic trail work done by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship I would not be a regular visitor in this region of my lovely home state. Please support their grant requests and one end result will be that I and my friends will visit more regularly and stay longer and support the local economies. Jackson Ratcliffe - 5/1/2021


If it were not for all the fantastic trail work done by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship I would not be a regular visitor in this region of my lovely home state. Please support their grant requests and one end result will be that I and my friends will visit more regularly and stay longer and support the local economies. Jackson Ratcliffe - 5/1/2021


Howdy - Plumas County is one of the more spectacular places I've ever been. I cannot wait until there is more infrastructure to support more outdoor recreation. The trails, the views, and the local hospitality are overwhelmingly positive. I love visiting, but I wish there were a few more options for food/accommodations. Please support trail building efforts, as it will lead to a meaningful and measurable impact on the local economy. Steven Keyes - 5/1/2021


More trails = more job opportunities! Steven Keyes - 5/1/2021


SBTS does an amazing job of building trails, protecting the watershed, providing economic opportunity and activities for youth in Plumas County and the surrounding areas. William OBrien - 5/2/2021


SBTS provides responsible trail building, education, watershed protection and economic opportunity for Plumas county and surrounding areas. William OBrien - 5/2/2021


I am looking forward to more recreation on the trails in the Mount Hough area. Well maintained trails are more safe and more fun. I also look forward to any future trail system expansion. I often venture there with family and friends, normally 4 or 5 people. Thank you. Adam Nuyens Adam Nuyens - 5/2/2021


I am looking forward to trail system expansion in the Mount Hough area. More miles of trail offers a better attraction for visitors to the area. I often venture there with family and friends; normally 4 or 5 people. Thank you. Adam Nuyens Adam Nuyens - 5/2/2021


Hello, I'm writing to support Plumas County and the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship grant request. I'm a participant in many of their yearly activities in the Lost Sierra region and user of the trails they create and maintain. They do amazing work creating recreation for users in the region and employment for the local community, and have earned the respect of both. Please help support their transformative endeavors. Outdoor enthusiast and local workers will all deeply appreciate it. Best regards, Paul Perkins Paul Perkins - 5/2/2021


Hello, I'm writing to support Plumas County and the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship grant request. I'm a participant in many of their yearly activities in the Lost Sierra region and user of the trails they create and maintain. They do amazing work creating recreation for users in the region and employment for the local community, and have earned the respect of both. Please help support their transformative endeavors. Outdoor enthusiast and local workers will all deeply appreciate it. Best regards, Paul Perkins Paul Perkins - 5/2/2021


I strongly support support funding for Plumas County Ground Operations. This is an emerging recreation area and funding will allow for expansion of economic development and recreation opportunities. Marcus Alexander - 5/2/2021


I strongly support this Plumas County Development grant. This area has great potential and being able to access more terrain would be extremely valuable in increasing the economic development and recreation opportunities. I look forward to riding these trails in the future! Marcus Alexander - 5/2/2021


I strongly urge your support for this project! Sustainable trails are a great asset in Plumas County! Sophie Castleton - 5/2/2021


Expanding the trail network in Plumas County with 37 miles of new trails on Mt. Hough will utilize the already-popular Hough trails to create more options for recreators, and provide a positive economic impact to the surrounding rural communities. I strongly urge your support for this grant proposal! Sophie Castleton - 5/2/2021


This organization helps maintain good trails in the area using local labor and contributing to the local economy. Tim - 5/2/2021


This organization helps maintain good trails in the area using local labor and contributing to the local economy. Tim - 5/2/2021


This is an important project for economic development through building a trail system that promotes sustainable recreational activity. Prashant Singh - 5/2/2021


I live part time in Sierra County and help run a Sierra County business in Downieville. Trails and recreation are the lifeblood of the Lost Sierra, and the work SBTS does is absolutely vital to the maintained viability of the region both economically and as a source of pride and heritage. The work SBTS has done on Mount Hough over the last 10 years is transforming the town into a destination for outdoor-oriented families and visitors. Keeping trails open and maintained is creating local jobs while bringing more visitors to Plumas and Sierra County, and the work SBTS does is world class. We are fortunate to have SBTS and some of the best trails in North America, engineered to maximize user enjoyment while protecting sensitive habitat. We are also fortunate to have such a progressive and open minded partner with the Plumas National Forest. Thank you for your continued support of SBTS and the Lost Sierra region. Kurt Gensheimer - 5/2/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Plumas County Sheriff for patrol staff and supplies. We agree that experienced snowmobile riders are necessary for safe patrolling, and the high volume of snowmobile riders and winter sports enthusiasts, including many from Butte County, merit regular patrols for safety and monitoring for abuse of the area. The Plumas County Sheriff also patrols OHV areas frequented by our residents, which we support and consider necessary. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Plumas County Sheriff for increases to patrol staff, and supplies. Our residents and visitors frequent areas of the National Forests patrolled by the Plumas County Sheriff's Department, and we agree that their snowmobile patrols require experienced riders and frequent patrols to protect public safety and curb abuses. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


MORONGO BASIN STATION We are so grateful for the progress made against OHV abuses in our community. Morongo Valley has an exceptional relationship with the Morongo Basin Station. Continued patrols, which are frequent and dedicated to OHV activity, are essential to maintaining recently hard-won progress. Sharon Dove - 3/3/2021


Morongo Valley has benefited greatly from the increased enforcement that has significantly reduced illegal OHV activity in our community by the San Bernadino Sheriff's Department. This grant is crucial to the continued enforcement going forward and I am so grateful to the Sheriff's Department for their committment to increased patrols in this effort. Please accept my support for this grant to the San Bernadino Sheriff's Department. Susan Lefevre - 3/3/2021


Thank you Santa Clara County Parks for funding these educational opportunities. I really appreciate that we can still get classes when we go to the parks and talk to the Rangers, even though COVID means we can't gather for bigger classes. When looking at your application, I noticed that the role of the kiosk attendant is really limited. From my visits to Metcalf, the person in the kiosk seems to do more than just what is listed here. Please consider broadening this role to include more of what they do. Clayton Ayers - 4/28/2021


I'm really excited about this grant! Thanks to Santa Clara County Parks for supporting OHV riding in the area. I took a brief look and was surprised by some of the equipment rental rates. In my experience, skid steers go for a lot more than just $1100. Santa Clara County Parks department should double check those numbers and ask for more. Clayton Ayers - 4/28/2021


I would like to support Yolo County Sheriff's Office application for funding the outstanding efforts of the Sheriff's recreational OHM program. As a resident of Yolo County I have observed the Sheriff's efforts to not just enforce laws, but most importantly, to educate the public on responsible off road activities. Deputies share the Sheriff's enthusiasm for helping residence enjoy the outstanding off road activities that Yolo County offers. To aid the agency in effective public education and enforcement, the requested funds would be very well spent. James Hanney - 4/22/2021


 

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Butte County Sheriff for increases to patrol staff, signage, safety gear, maintenance and the purchase of a snowmobile replacing a 2001 model that is unreliable. The Jonesville/Colby area experiences a high volume of winter sports enthusiasts and snowmobilers, and patrols for safety of the public is very important along those snowmobile corridors and parking areas. The Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee supports the grant request of the Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue for purchase of a snowmobile, a Polaris Ranger, GPS units, medical and beacon kits and helmets. This non-profit organization is not funded by the Sheriff's Department and is dependent on grants and donations. Reliable off-road equipment is necessary for their search and rescue program, which has successfully operated in Butte County for many years and is a very valued service. As supporting information, the Committee meets monthly and solicits public comments on OHV grants at publicly noticed meetings. Peggy Moak-Butte Cty Fed-State Coord Com - 3/17/2021


Nonprofits like CCTRA can do much more than agency staff with a given amount of money. I hope these grants can be fully funded to keep us riding in Los Padres NF. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


This is the kind of project that the grant program was setup to fund. I wish you the best and hope to never need you "out there". Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


I am in support of the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center receiving this grant, and their intended plans for the funds. It will be instrumental in the center's season and the community. Brooke Maushund - 3/13/2021


The ESAC provides a valuable resource to backcountry users of all types (including OHV users) in a large area of California. This area is accessed by locals as well as Californians who travel from larger population centers in Southern California to recreate. The resource provided by ESAC go far beyond just providing a daily avalanche forecast (which by itself is vital to the safety of all backcountry users). This year I attended one of their virtual educational webinars. I have taken a 24 hour avalanche educational course and the one hour webinar was a great refresher. I have pointed several newer backcountry users to the ESAC free one hour educational event as a great place to start learning about the tools that will keep them alive while recreating in California's backcountry. I strongly encourage you to continue to provide this grant as it will greatly benefit OHV and other backcountry users in California. Cory Cory Nelson - 3/16/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center provides an invaluable resource to our community. Their good work helps educate and inform. Their work undoubtedly saves lives and likely reduces the number of rescues that otherwise could occur if people were not informed about conditions and educated on how understand them. It's very necessary that their work is able to continue. Thank you. Sean Bradley - 3/20/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center provides an invaluable resource to our community. Their good work helps educate and inform. Their work undoubtedly saves lives and likely reduces the number of rescues that otherwise could occur if people were not informed about conditions and educated on how understand them. It's very necessary that their work is able to continue. Thank you. Sean Bradley - 3/20/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is a pivotal piece in the role of wintertime public safety. With the large rise of folks heading into the backcountry, it is more imperative than ever that the agency receives adequate funding to keep and grow it's professional forecasting staff, learning and education programs, and more. Though the community steps in in a large way each winter monetarily, grants like these are the lynchpin to a successful and safe season and benefits a wide range of people and activities, including public safety resources and rescue organizations. Mitchell Quiring - 3/27/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center provides life saving resources for people who recreate in the backcountry. This grant will help fund ESAC to educate people on how to use and apply those resources and stay safe. Also, the grant will allow the classes and forecasts to remain free so costs of an education won’t be a possible deterrent. As someone who doesn’t make a lot of money, I rely on the free services that ESAC provides that allows me to continue learning about Avalanche safety. I hope they receive the necessary funding to continue to provide that free service. Thank you. Gregory Rosselli - 3/28/2021


I use the Central Sierra Avalanche Center commonly during the winter season, and the Eastern Sierra Center provides similar enhancements of safety and promulgations of current information. The avalanche hazard in the eastern Sierra Nevada is greater than in the Central (greater Tahoe area) Sierra because of the steeper slopes and much greater relief. The risk may be lower because of fewer users, but it's still considerable. Having a reliable place to check daily observations and forecasts is extremely useful, particularly as backcountry use expands in winter and spring. A great aspect is the open forum for observations. A wholly government site would not be allowed to post near-real-time observations from backcountry users, but semi-volunteer sites, like the Central and Eastern Sierra Avalanche Centers can. Public users know where they go and are motivated to share their observations. These observations help users to decide when to go into the backcountry and where, and these save the California government money by reducing search, rescue, and recovery expenses. Funding the Eastern Sierra Center's modest grant proposal would be tax money well spent. Tom Sisson - 4/7/2021


I was already an avid backcountry user, but I have only recreated in the backcountry more with the pandemic. I have also seen more and more friends get into skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the backcountry. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center has been an invaluable resource in keeping myself and others safe this season and season's past. They put in so much work to produce a reliable avalanche forecast every day, and have been expanding their programming to offer more resources for the community. I'd love for them to have the funding to expand even further, keeping people safe in the Eastern Sierra, preventing further need for search and rescue resources and bringing more tourism to the Eastern Sierra. Ayelet Bitton - 4/8/2021


As an outdoor enthusiast who regularly spends time in the Eastern Sierra, I am very grateful for the work done by ESAC to both monitor avalanche hazards and educate the public. I feel the grant would go a long ways in educating the public about hazards but also encouraging safe recreation in the area. Andrew Schluter - 4/13/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) provides an invaluable public safety and educational resource to the community of winter backcountry enthusiasts in our area, both local and visiting users. In the avalanche community, the outreach to the motorized community has lagged behind the growth of the user group. It is that disconnect that has led to so many motorized avalanche accidents and fatalities over the years. It is admirable and essential that ESAC continue to grow its outreach to the motorized community. The additional funding from this OHV grant would be tremendously helpful and could help save lives. Christopher Older - 4/13/2021


As an Eastern Sierra backcountry user, the daily avalanche forecasts provided by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center are a critical component to safe recreation. Without these forecasts there is substantial risk of injury or even death when traveling in the backcountry. This is an extremely valuable service that should be approved without hesitation. Regards, Chris Chris Kalima - 4/20/2021


Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is an essential resource for winter backcountry travel. Their websites not only provides the avalanche forecast, but past and future weather reports/forecasts, and snow conditions from community members and staff. Their social media presence offers short educational videos about what people are seeing out in the backcountry, and tips about how to remain safe. These are resources I look at every day during the winter months. Their commitment to providing an essential resource for a very large region is very appreciated by myself and all of my backcountry partners. I would like to see their reach grow, to educate a larger community about staying safe in the Sierras in the winter. Corinne DeOrsay - 4/21/2021


I’m writing in support of the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and the resources they provide to the winter outdoor recreation community in the eastern Sierra. I recreate in avalanche terrain covered by ESAC frequently in the winter and I rely on ESAC’s resources and trust their experience and the information they provide. The forecasts, online resources, and outreach events are all incredibly useful in helping me make the right choices to recreate safely in the mountains in the winter. I’d really like to see ESAC obtain funding they need to continue to provide these resources to the community. Alyssa Arnold - 4/21/2021


I would really be interested in more snowmachine travel access, and education on the east side of the sierra. There is a lot of terrain that would be great to get out into but due to its potentially unsafe slopes goes relatively untraveled as a result. George Baker - 4/21/2021


I am a regular backcountry winter recreationalist and rely on ESAC's forecasts for information to make sound backcountry travel decisions. ESAC's forecasts cover a very large area with diverse users, including snowmobilers. I would like to see them receive more funding to continue their ability to provide daily forecasts and free public snow safety education events. They do a great job! Alaina Robertson - 4/21/2021


Please support the OHV programs at the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center to help educate the OHV users in the are and increase backcountry safety! Leonardo Franchi - 4/21/2021


I am a recreational backcountry skier in the Eastern Sierra. Based out of Mammoth, I rely on the ESAC forecasts anytime I venture out. The reports are detailed, user friendly, and provide great safety information. This season in particular, the snow pack was pretty unstable and more hazardous than usual. ESAC reports kept me updated on the snow stability so I could make well-informed decisions and mitigate risk. I like that ESAC covers a wide area of the Sierra mountains and I encourage continued funding to support this public service. In the next year, I would like to see ESAC offer more educational seminars; the ones this year particularly by Steve Mace were awesome. Lauren Peritz - 4/21/2021


ESAC provide invaluable information and education opportunities to the community Conrad Wang - 4/21/2021


Hello -- as a citizen of Inyo County and a public land advocate, I heartily endorse this grant proposal. OHV use needs to be monitored and regulated in this county. This grant will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all public land users. Thank you for funding this proposal. Jan Rhoades - 4/21/2021


Eastern Sierra avalanche center saves lives! It's a resource I look up daily in the winter and they do a great job. MICHAEL OLSON - 4/21/2021


I believe that a grant to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center would benefit our local avalanche forecasters and their ability to access more terrain, which would improve the quality of the forecast and contribute to more public safety. Ryan Huetter - 4/22/2021


The community here in the eastern Sierra deeply depends on the ESAC avalanche bulletin every winter. It's absolutely necessary for the safety of all backcountry users to have access to these bulletins! Michael O'Connor - 4/22/2021


ESAC is an invaluable resource that directly impacts the safety of all backcountry users in the eastern Sierra in the winter time. The community depends on there daily bulletins and their educational outreach! Michael O'Connor - 4/22/2021


I encourage you to provide a grant to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. They provide up to date information of snow conditions and weather in the Eastern Sierra which is crucial for outdoor recreationalist safety. Without their snow and weather conditions reports and forecasts deciding whether to go or not go and where to go would be guess and go with potentially disastrous consequences. They also provide training classes for outdoor recreationalists so that they can evaluate conditions and make rational decisions while recreating. David Erskine - 4/26/2021


The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center does such amazing work in our community educating and providing imperative safety information to the OHV community and beyond. I fully support their application! Erin Thacher - 5/1/2021


As a OHV user and resident of the Eastern Sierra, I strongly support this grant proposal for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC). As the popularity of OHV recreation in ESAC's forecast area increases, avalanche education for the users of the area has a huge impact on everyone's safety and enjoyment. Traditional avalanche education opportunities such as AAIRE courses have significant barriers due to cost and time investment, whereas ESAC's proposed educational events will be accessible to almost all OHV users. I believe that this grant money will be very well spent on ESAC's educational expenses, and will have significant positive impacts on safe and fun winter recreation in the Eastern Sierra. Ben Kahn - 5/1/2021


I fully support the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center’s application. They keep thousands if not more backcountry travelers safe and alive each year!! Evan Williams - 5/1/2021


Hello, I am writing in support of this grant application. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center does very important work in our community. I know that OHV use in the backcountry is growing and this is a group of people who have traditionally not been targeted for Avalanche education but also need to know how to conduct themselves safely out there. These funds are greatly needed to support an integral service to all winter backcountry users. Sincerely, Jessica Haist, Mammoth Lakes, CA Jessica Haist - 5/2/2021


I fully support Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center receiving this grant. They provide an excellent and sometimes life saving service to both the OHV (snowmobile) community and the winter recreation community as a whole in the Eastern Sierra. Sam Worman - 5/3/2021


As a Supervisor of Ski Patrol at June Mountain Ski Area, as well as an avid backcountry skier, I find the information that Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) provides to be extremely valuable and of high quality. During the winter months they do daily avalanche forecasts for a large portion of the central Sierra Nevada, which provides information for hundreds or thousands of skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, hikers, etc. over the course of the season. The information they provide is also helpful for me in a professional setting, as I can look at the forecast they provide as well as reports from the community and use that information to help guide my avalanche mitigation efforts. Regards, Shane Wakefield Supervisor June Mountain Ski Patrol Shane Wakefield - 5/3/2021


As a Supervisor of Ski Patrol at June Mountain Ski Area, as well as an avid backcountry skier, I find the information that Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) provides to be extremely valuable and of high quality. During the winter months they do daily avalanche forecasts for a large portion of the central Sierra Nevada, which provides information for hundreds or thousands of skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, hikers, etc. over the course of the season. The information they provide is also helpful for me in a professional setting, as I can look at the forecast they provide as well as reports from the community and use that information to help guide my avalanche mitigation efforts. Regards, Shane Wakefield Supervisor June Mountain Ski Patrol Shane Wakefield - 5/3/2021


Keep up the good work Randy and friends. Hope to see you out there at a cleanup or? Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


As a mother of 4 children, I Desarae Walling would like to see designated funding for safety, on and off the Public Lands; pertaining to onsite persons for safety guidance, knowledge, along with safety course requirements, for manufacturers and purchasers of All recreational OHV’s i.e: Side-by-Sides, etc, etc, etc.... I feel there are too many new riders with less and less ridding etiquette. Going directly to the manufacturers with data showing the increase in injuries since the rise of lease to own options. Per the Kern County Sheriff’s “ there’s ALOT of debt at campsite” which proves the need for safety education. Regards, Desarae Walling. Desarae Walling - 3/27/2021


Keep up the good work out there! This reminds me that I should update my map app I got from you with the Dingle Act and WEMO info. Ed Stovin - 5/1/2021


We support this grant for Inyo County Search & Rescue. We have seen a huge increase of visitors in our area and seem to be new to Off Roading on OHV trails. These visitors get themselves in trouble. We feel with better maintenance of the OHV trail system on both Forest Service and BLM public lands the amount of Search and Rescue calls will greatly go done and we can focus more on education. Until then we need this service. This group of volunteers works very hard in the worst conditions. Adventure Trail System of the Eastern Si - 4/9/2021


Since their creation, the Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers has become a collaborative force for positive OSV culture in the High Sierra through their partnerships with all three National Forest/Units (including multiple ranger districts) and the Sierra Avalanche Safety. This application clearly demonstrates the positive culture, etiquette, and safety that they are providing that nicely supplements, without supplanting, the efforts of the other entities. Especially with the increased OSV usage from out of area visitors due to Covid, investing OHV/OSV funds in this highly used region is a necessary and wise decision by CA OHV. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


I'm please to see that the Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers is focusing their efforts on Education and Safety in ways that fill current gaps and needs in this highly accessed region in the High Sierra. I'm pleased to see that they are collaborating closely with the three National Forests/Units, across multiple districts, and the Sierra Avalanche Safety to align efforts (without supplanting or duplicating). I personally have seen many users this winter alone who are not prepared with the training, the gear, the riding ability to safety escape very dangerous situations. or the practice using their skills and gear. This season alone has see too many tragedies in the backcountry. I am pleased that this grant will make a dent for next season in mitigating them. Todd M. Wold, Ed.D. - 3/24/2021


As a pretty new snowmobiler, LTS has been key. It's hard to navigate all the land and maps accurately and they have helped to make sure new entrants to the sport are safe and legal. They also did some great work helping match riders and build safety skills so that we have fewer rescues in the mountains. Really happy they were there to help me sled more this year. sean j Regan - 3/26/2021


Thanks to Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers for hosting the meetups. I feel much better knowing my husband is going out with other riders vs. going solo. Building the community up keeps us all safer. I'm looking fwd to practicing with my beacon tomorrow at the Blue Lakes meetup and riding with everyone. Caroline Hofeller - 3/26/2021


I was really happy when my husband signed up for his level-1 with SAC. He's always in the snow but never went deep on avalanche training. Thanks for running it! Caroline Regan - 3/26/2021


Wow- I was lucky enough to get into the moto level 1 class with Duncan Lee and Max W. from SAC. As someone with young kids I want to be safer in BC and that class really helped. I've had 3 friends die in avalanches, 2 in CO and 1 at Squaw SAC's free offering that was also close to home (Truckee) finally got me to make the time. I met some new riding partners, learned about the Terrain at LTS and came out better prepared if something happens and more likely to avoid a situation in the first place. sean j Regan - 3/26/2021


This is an excellent educational program that is providing information to first responders and the general public to educate and save lives on a daily basis. Chad Anson - 3/29/2021


The Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC) is an invaluable resource for the the Lake Tahoe area as well as areas surrounding the lake. From their daily avalanche forecast, to the educational resources that can be found on their web site as well as the OVH avalanche education programs provided for free due to grants. Without this resource there is no doubt in my mind that we would have lost a lot more people this year due to avalanches. Especially with social distancing pushing more people into the backcountry. The Sierra Avalanche Center has taken my avalanche education to a whole new level over the last two years. Last year was the first year I realized that SAC provided free motorized, I could not believe this was real until I was doing my level 1 with Duncan Lee. The daily flow that is taught by SAC is an amazing tool that allows one to travel in the backcountry with a full avalanche safety plan without being the main focus of a ride. It is a tool I now use on all backcountry rides. This year I was able to really expand my knowledge of avalanche safety with SAC by taking a level 2 motorized and avalanche rescue course. The rescue course was a great refresher course and warm up to the level 2. The knowledge i obtained from the level 2 will forever be used to keep me and my group safer in the backcountry saving mine or others lives in the future. I believe that everybody that wants to experience the backcountry in the winter may you be on foot or motorized needs some avalanche education and SAC is best resource for this education. SAC saves countless lives ever year one of them is mine. What Travis Feist and Duncan Lee with SAC have done for the snowmobiling community is one of a kind. These heros are legendary in community for the knowledge they pass on that truly safes lives. Thank you, Ovila Juneau Ovila Albert Juneau IV - 3/29/2021


I personally benefited a great deal from the motorized avalanche course this winter. I will, as a result of this training, be able to educate my wife and children of the fundamentals of avalanche safety. The skillset acquired and experience obtained are invaluable. Being able to apply the information from the course in the field was immensely helpful. I highly recommend the course. I only wish there was more availability so I could have taken the course sooner. Travis Feist and Andrew Irvin, our course instructors, are two very dedicated & knowledgeable individuals. I truly enjoyed learning from them. Richard Law - 3/29/2021


The Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC) is an invaluable asset to local and surrounding areas. Every year winter sports grow and the public is reaching further and further into the backcountry. The training and education the SAC provides saves lives. The information they provide is relevant, up to date, and detailed. It is delivered by consummate professionals that care greatly for public safety and the growth and development of winter spots. As an avalanche professional myself, I send my staff to get trained at SAC. There are often students from many other states in attendance. SAC's courses generate much revenue for local businesses. I highly encourage the board to award the full amount requested by SAC. Their product speaks to winter recreationalist of all backgrounds. This winter America experienced it highest number of avalanche incidents in decades. Proof that this training and education is much needed. As a California tax payer, avalanche professional, and winter recreationalist, it is with high confidence I say that SAC gives the public what they need and deserve, and I hope the board continues to see the great value of this asset. Thank you, Adrian Hunter Recreation OHV / OSV Manager Bridgeport Avalanche Center Director U.S. Forest Service Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Bridgeport Ranger District Adrian Hunter - 3/30/2021


The Sierra Avalanche Center provides an invaluable asset to the Truckee Tahoe community and beyond, through their daily forecasts and motorized avalanche safety courses. As user numbers continue to grow, it is more important now than ever to increase backcountry awareness and these avalanche bulletins and safety courses that are free to the public have potential to reach a large number of people. Please continue to support this great program. Thank you, Kevin Starr Kevin Starr - 3/30/2021


Sierra Trails mission to improve access on our trails is highly needed. We are fortunate enough to have such an important organization in our state that actually cares for our trails creating access for all disabilities and riding styles. Not just for riding but access to ALL. The funds to improve our trail networks go a VERY long way. Trail maintenance is a full-time job and Sierra trails needs all the support they can get, they are our true hero’s and stewards of the land ensuring that erosion doesn’t take place and education to the tens of thousands of people who enjoy our trails every year is communicated. Bike Rider App - 4/22/2021


I ride my bike on the trails in the Downieville and Mt Hough area 4-5 times a month from April to October every year. I want to see these trails be logged out, have the drainage improved, and have more trails built that are open and maintained for mountain biking. Thank you. Kate Sage - 4/22/2021


The work that the Stewardship does to build and maintain trails in the Downieville areas directly affects the vivacity and economy of Plumas County. Downieville is a great example of a valuable recreational asset on our forest. It offers an incredible opportunity for participants to explore the outdoors and build deeper connections to the environment. SBTS’ has a long history and legacy of safely leading volunteers on their projects. This not only gets the community involved, but it also builds stewards and investment in public lands. The efforts of the Stewardship and its volunteers have a direct, positive effect on our community. Please continue to support them in their vision of preserving responsible access to our area. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Saylor Flett -- Saylor Flett Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program Coordinator Feather River College 570 Golden Eagle Ave. Quincy, Ca 95971 sflett@frc.edu | www.frc.edu/ORL | www.saylorflett.com p: 530.283.0202 Ext.216 | f: 530.283.3757 Saylor Flett - 4/22/2021


I firmly believe that bringing and maintaining a trail system in our community will provide more opportunity for people of all ages to get out and enjoy the outdoors on there bicycle. Not only does this get family's out of the house to get exercise but also creates a sense of community and brining people together while driving out of town revenue to the city while creating and maintaining jobs for member of the community. I think bringing a trail system and or bike park would be a great addition to our area and would generate lots of health, happiness and opportunity Brighton Irons - 4/22/2021


To whom it may concern: I am writing in support of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship receiving this grant to continue their important work that creates and sustains outdoor recreation, creates local employment opportunities, creates sustainable trail systems, keeps trails open and protects the watershed. Please approve this grant for the Sierra buttes Trail Stewardship. Martin Scheel Martin Scheel - 4/22/2021


To whom it may concern: I am writing in support of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship receiving this grant to continue their important work that creates and sustains outdoor recreation, creates local employment opportunities, creates sustainable trail systems, keeps trails open and protects the watershed. Please approve this grant for the Sierra buttes Trail Stewardship. Martin Scheel Martin Scheel - 4/22/2021


As a decades-old visitor to Elwell lodge and the lakes basin area, it would be beneficial to have a trail system linking communities but not too difficult for all to enjoy especially mt. bikers but have a blue ability level, not a diamond. level michael d schocket - 4/22/2021


Please make these grants happen. I visit and stay in Downieville every summer to ride the trails. I support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Jed S Ritchey - 4/23/2021


Trails bring people and dollars into the area. The Stewardship is world class and build durable, long lasting trails. More trials will spread people out in the forest and helps keep the nature nature. This will be a great use of funding. chris atkinson - 4/26/2021


Please consider approving these grants for the following reasons. 1 Recreation opportunities 2 Creates local jobs 3 Benefits local business and income 4 Many existing trails are getting overused and we need more access to lessen the burden on all trails Johnnie R Smith - 4/26/2021


I’ve been riding dirtbikes for 20 years and the Downieville trail system has been, hands down, one of my favorite areas to ride. As an avid rider and racer, the upkeep on these trails is important not only to myself but to my family of riders and my kids whom I intend to bring to this area to ride and enjoy in the future. I appreciate the work that is willing to be done to maintain this area for locals and visitors alike. I also respect the variability these trail systems have for multiple uses from hiking to mountain biking to off-road riding. Trail maintenance is of the utmost importance not only for those that use them, but for the environment in which they reside. Trail upkeep here is critical and beneficial in protecting the watershed as well. The work that has already been done in surround areas is astounding and I hope that this group is able to continue to work their magic on these amazing trails I grew up on, so that future generations are able to enjoy the magnificence of the area as I did. Heather Salaices - 4/27/2021


It is necessary to maintain these existing trails- preserving their appeal, safety, and all of the hard work that went into them already. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is one of the most impressive groups I've seen, they will certainly put the funds to good use and benefit numerous communities. Carrie Adams - 4/27/2021


The multi-use trails connecting Graeagle, Bassetts, Sierra City, Downieville, and Johnsville to the Sierra Buttes were the very first trails I visited in California. The rugged landscape, steeped in American history, with its deep canyons, crystal clear blue water, holds a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful for the experiences I'm able to have in this corner of the world thanks to a small group of dedicated individuals (SBTS). The lessons we've taught our children, the friends we've made, and explorations we've had wouldn't have been possible without the impressive multi-use trail system. The years of Peak-bagging, climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, camping and motoing have given us memories to last longer than a lifetime. The adventures we've had in the Lost Sierra have taught us about life and helped us raise our children to be strong, independent, capable humans. Helping build and maintain multi-use trails provides incredible perspective on the work that goes into operating a sustainable trail system, which wouldn't be possible without OHV funds. No matter how many times during the years we visit these wonderfully vibrant communities, we never grow tired of seeing lines at our favorite places, knowing we are helping to keep these communities thriving. The Bakery in Blairsden has the best sticky buns! Fueling up at Bassetts Station and eating a greasy breakfast sandwich. Eating a Burger at Two Rivers Cafe in Downieville. Stopping by the Co-op for groceries in Quincy before camping at Snake Lake. All of these places have become a part of what we do, it's our life, thanks to the multi-use trail system. I want my OHV funds to be used in my community. Thank you. Darcy Johnson - 4/27/2021


As a business owner in the Lost Sierra, I realize that trails are essential to the current and future success of the county. From recreation tourism to the jobs directly and indirectly created by this funding, it is a win. As a board member for the SBTS, I appreciate the work the team does to build and maintain trails that will outlast all of us. Jesse Passafiume - 4/27/2021


As a business owner in Sierra County, properly maintaining our trail system must be a top priority. As a tool for recreation and exploration, the trails in Downieville are essential to the success of the area. As a board member of SBTS, I am grateful for the work the team does and support the ongoing work in Sierra County. Jesse Passafiume - 4/27/2021


I'd like to voice my strong support for the Downieville Trail System Ground Operations project proposed by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS). This proposed project represents a sound investment of OHV funds that will enhance this beautiful areas multi use trail system. The SBTS has a long history of providing professional quality maintenance for this trail system and they have a strong track record of completing projects with results that are high quality and completed in a timely manner. I urge you to support this project. Thank You Ron Heard - 4/27/2021


The Downieville trail and its maintanance system is important for a healthier life style and outdoor recreation. It bring in economic value to the communities. The vast trail system helps disperse the user population reducing congestion and conflict. Having designated trails that are maintained reduces rogue trail building and usage. In addition, the trail systems create local employment opportunities. Mark Fitzsimmons - 4/29/2021


The Downieville trail and its maintanance system is important for a healthier life style and outdoor recreation. It bring in economic value to the communities. The vast trail system helps disperse the user population reducing congestion and conflict. Having designated trails that are maintained reduces rogue trail building and usage. In addition, the trail systems create local employment opportunities. Mark Fitzsimmons - 4/29/2021


My family is moving to Downieville in 1 month. A large part of the reason for moving is the trail system. SBTS has worked magic in maintaining existing trails and developing new ones. This grant will allow them to continue their wonderful work on the trail system that I will soon call my home trails. Jeff Sperry - 4/29/2021


Over the pandemic year, the importance of our trails and outdoor recreation spaces become ever more apparent. Not only are they critical for the mental and physical wellness of our communities, but outdoor activities proved to be one of the only economic saviours in many areas. As we come out of this time, let us continue to improve the access and upkeep to these vital spaces. Trail upkeep will also help keep us all safer as well heading into another fire season. Improving Fir Cap and Downie River trails for multiple users provides benefits now and into the future. Preserving, improving and enjoying our natural environment is a critical area California should lead in, and SBTS projects have set the standard again and again, connecting communities while keeping a deep reverence for the land. Christie Pearson - 4/29/2021


The system of trails listed in the proposal have long been neglected by the U.S. Forest Service, allegedly because they don't get funding. Some of these trails have already been restored by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, but they need maintenance. Other trails listed will need major work. SBTS has proven they are capable of heavy duty rehabilitation projects. The trails that have been restored receive a lot of use by hikers and mountain bikers. Surely there is a positive impact on the local economy. I urge you to approve the grant application from SBTS Dennis Clemens - 4/29/2021


I come as a local to the region, growing up just North of Truckee. I have spent my career attaining advanced degrees in the natural sciences, working with the NPS and The Nature Conservancy in conservation surrounding ranching on public lands. In all this time, the work that Sierra Buttes TS has done to better our community by instilling the value of natural landscapes and history in visitors and locals alike is worth Gregs weight in gold. I strongly advocate for the allocation of grant funds to go towards Downieville ground operations for SBTS to continue the legacy they have created in partnership with Federal and local land managing agencies. Dillon Osleger - 4/29/2021


I'm very excited to return to the Lost Sierra after missing visiting in 2020 due to the pandemic. The work SBTS does to build and maintain the trails in the region is amazing and is absolutely vital. The do amazing work turning meagre funds into and outstanding outdoor experience in beautiful part of the state and fully deserves the OHMVR grant. Colin A Duwe - 4/29/2021


Excellent projects run by an organized and thoughtful group of individuals. Maintaining, and expanding multiuse trail systems, bringing sustainable recreation commerce to the surrounding areas. cody leuck - 4/29/2021


Excellent projects run by an organized and thoughtful group of individuals. Maintaining, and expanding multiuse trail systems, bringing sustainable recreation commerce to the surrounding areas. cody leuck - 4/29/2021


To Whom it May Concern: Please support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship maintaence and trail building for the Downieville and Quincy area trail systems. These systems are a vital recreational and economic recreational asset for both trail users and for the local gateway communities. As you know, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship team has proven to be a reliable partner for building and maintaining trails in the 'Lost Sierra'. Please continue to support the valuable work that they do for our regional trail system. Steve Stewart Steve Stewart - 4/29/2021


I am writing in SUPPORT of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and it's amazing projects that support Downieville CA resideces and Businesses. I am a local for 55 years and a Business Owner for 37 years here in Downieville. The SBTS is doing amazing Trail work to open up our area with a concious use and Stewardship of the area and its pristine beauty for ALL people. Local and Tourist. Thank you for supporting their vision of connecting communities and keeping nature in tact with concious Stewardship so it can be enjoyed for many generations. Kathy Fischer - 4/29/2021


I own a home and regularly recreate in Downieville - riding motorcycles, bicycles and jeeping in the area. I wholly support the continued maintenance of the trail system in this area. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's work last year on the Empire Creek, Sunshine trail were greatly appreciated. And the work this Spring on N. Yuba, Halls Ranch and Fiddle Creek left those trails in the best condition they've been in for a long time. Thanks for keeping this amazing trail network maintained. Joe Graney - 4/29/2021


My family supports multi-use trail expansions in the Sierra Buttes, Downieville,and Mt. Hough areas. Please create and maintain trails for mountain bike access, OHV+ mountain bikes too. All user groups can share these beautiful trails and support the local economy. My family appreciates everyone's hard work to provide access to our forests. Sincerely, the Morse family Morse Family - 4/29/2021


I have been visiting and enjoying he downieville and lakes region since 1993. I am a avid and conscientious off road motorcycle and mountain bike rider. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and the various land managers we now have a world class sustainable trail system. The results of these efforts have had a very positive economic impact on the region both from a local employment and tourist dollars standpoint. Without the continued support of public grant money both these great achievements are at risk. I hope everyone involved can keep doing this great work! jack redwoods - 4/29/2021


The bike trails that have been created and improved in the Downieville area are fantastic and make for a great visit over a long weekend. I'll come up from the Bay Area every few weeks through the summer to hit the trails, then grab food and fish the North Yuba. Downieville's my favorite destination in the summer, and it all started with the amazing bike trail system in the area. Eric Cumalander - 4/29/2021


Funding greatly needed to improve conditions Jeremy paparella - 4/29/2021


Hi, I want to say how important the Downieville trail system is to me and my buddies to ride. Every year we look forward to coming up to Downieville spending a few nights in hotels in at the local restaurants and of course riding the trails. I look forward to sharing this with my children and have them share this with their children. So please support the trail system around Downieville. thank you. David Linstrom - 4/29/2021


Hi, I want to say how important the Downieville trail system is to me and my buddies to ride. Every year we look forward to coming up to Downieville spending a few nights in hotels in at the local restaurants and of course riding the trails. I look forward to sharing this with my children and have them share this with their children. So please support the trail system around Downieville. thank you. David Linstrom - 4/29/2021


Hi, I want to say how important the Downieville trail system is to me and my buddies to ride. Every year we look forward to coming up to Downieville spending a few nights in hotels in at the local restaurants and of course riding the trails. I look forward to sharing this with my children and have them share this with their children. So please support the trail system around Downieville. thank you. David Linstrom - 4/29/2021


I enthusiastically support the work of SBTS. Please consider supporting them as well. Thanks Ed Kurzenski - 4/29/2021


Please support the excellent work being done by the SBTS. They provide a great benefit to the recreational users as well as the communities adjacent to their areas. Thank you Ed Kurzenski - 4/29/2021


the SBTS provides some of the best recreation opportunities in CA with some world class trailbuilding and maintenance. I'd love to see them continue their great work. Kevin Lin - 4/29/2021


My family supports multi-use trail expansions in the Sierra Buttes, Downieville,and Mt. Hough areas. Please create and maintain trails for mountain bike access, OHV+ mountain bikes too. All user groups can share these beautiful trails and support the local economy. My family appreciates everyone's hard work to provide access to our forests. Sincerely, the Morse family Morse Family - 4/29/2021


These people do amazing work to support and develop this trail system. Please continue to support their amazing work which benefits everyone. Michael Lee - 4/29/2021


Please fund Sierra Buttes TRail Stewardship. they have an amazing mission and create local employment and local economy as well as creates sustainable trails. Thanks. Aimee Aimee McConneloug - 4/29/2021


I truly love exploring the Downieville and Quincy trail systems, and I hope the state can keep them open for public use! They also help support the local town from an economic standpoint as many people travel to enjoy these areas. Thank you! Jenny Hatfield - 4/29/2021


Creates local employment and sustainable trails and economy. Aimee McConneloug - 4/29/2021


I endorse the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's request to include the Fir Cap and Downie River trails. Thank you. Ted Stroll - 4/29/2021


The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship makes and maintains amazing, sustainable trails. To experience the natural beauty of the area while mountain biking is the best form of recreation. I grew up in Sierra City and my family still lives there. Building more trails accessible from Sierra City would support our rural community in terms of economics and natural resource preservation. Please support SBTS and the work they do! Emily Ellsmore - 4/29/2021


Time spent on Downieville and Quincy trails helps me to rejuvenate and center. Being in the wilderness and enjoying the forest is a prescription for a joyful life. In this world where there is too much one can get sucked into on-line, nature is the presence that will help us heal. Brittany Yelland - 4/29/2021


The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is exactly the sort of organization to both protect and enhance outdoor activity in Northern California. Downieville and surrounding areas have become a global destination because of their work in the mountains. It would be one of the most amazing things to support the big picture plans they have in mind, please support them and their leadership in the Lost Sierras! Jeff Scheneman - 4/29/2021


The downieville trail system is an integral part of the Lost Sierra because of SBTS. Without them the trail system wouldn’t flow with the various users; mtb, moto, 4x4, hiking, etc. Zac Myers - 4/29/2021


Had a great time helping out with the the mills peak trail. SBTS is an awesome part of the Sierra. Zac Myers - 4/29/2021


The Downieville area and system of trails are huge source or enjoyment for me and my wife. We live in Oakland CA, and come as often as we can in the snow free months to ride our mountain bikes. We stay at the hotels, and B&Bs, eat at the restaurants, and buy supplies at the bikes shops and stores. The trails around Downieville are a great economic engine, and a model for other rural communities to follow -mickey Mickey Fimbres - 4/29/2021


These trails are a fantastic community resource... a great way to improve health and wellness. Also, mountain bikers improve the economic situation in this region. Jason Shehab - 4/29/2021


We would love to see more multi use motorized trails in the Sierra Buttes area. This helps support the local and active community. Michael Madsen - 4/29/2021


I would just like to take a second a day how much I support what these guys are doing. Access to these areas of the sierras is limited. Revitalizing and blazing these trails will provide economic benefit to the area and allow citizens better access to some of the most beautiful areas in California. As a veteran reserve military member citizen and outdoor enthusiast I fully support their organization. Kenneth Greenwell - 4/29/2021


Hello, Please fund this project, Its awesome! It creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, local employment, sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance, AND keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed! Plus its tons of un! Thank You Nate Nate Herse - 4/29/2021


Love this organization and work work they perform improving the Downieville Trail System! Craig Anderson - 4/29/2021


This area is so beautiful and having access that protects the area while allowing people to enjoy brings me so much joy! Please continue to support these endeavors! Ryan McCarty - 4/29/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship grants access to one of the most beautiful locations in the country and does so selflessly, to greatly benefit the many visitors these mountains see. I have been mountain biking and racing in this area for years and always admire the hard work (I know) that goes into these trials and access roads. With the help of private donations and especially CA grants, SBTS can continue to provide the great service they do to the many who benefit. Taylor Durand - 4/29/2021


The Lost Sierra trails around Downieville are very important to me, as they are some of the best places and ways to experience the outdoors in Northern California. Recreation and tourism is a very important source of revenue and employment for many of these small, remote towns, and the trails that have been built near them encourage visitors like myself to spend time enjoying them, while financially supporting the communities. Thank you, -Chris Holmes Sebastopol, CA Chris Holmes - 4/29/2021


Love the downieville trail system! Matt Huntington - 4/29/2021


Please support SBTS on this important effort Rob Shanks - 4/29/2021


I have been enjoying the Sierra Buttes area for a couple of decades now. Supporting groups like this is integral to local economies, local environment and to allow responsible use of the outdoors. I am forever grateful for the work these groups do. Thank you Dave Nicholson - 4/30/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done such a wonderful job building, connecting, and developing these amazing trail systems. These amazing towns, which have been forgotten by many since gold rush, until SBTS provided a reason to return. We love the work SBTS is doing and the jobs and community feel they are providing to these mountain towns we love. Lauren Kress - 4/30/2021


I live in Grass Valley, and love coming up to Downieville, Plumas and the Lost Sierra for mountain biking. EVERY improvement to the trails infrastructure there encourages me to come up and spend more time and money in the area. I heartily endorse the work and dedication of SBTS, and encourage supporting them in their work to create and improve area trails for all types of recreation. Sincerely, Will Bissell Will Bissell - 4/30/2021


We need your help to keep this treasure open to all that want to take advantage of the great out doors. As an avid Mt Biker this is one of my favorite areas to ride and support the local community that is dependent on our local dollars Dana Mesarchik - 4/30/2021


Love the new Trails. Please keep them coming! Gerrit Wesseling - 4/30/2021


Thanks for the consideration on this grant. Trails for public use is a great thing. Kevin Michael Parker - 4/30/2021


The Downieville and Quincy trails are extremely important to me, and I use them multiple times a year. It's important to keep these trails open for the public to use and enjoy. These trails also provide critically positive economic impact in two struggling California counties. grant lacey - 4/30/2021


I support the vital and necessary trail maintenance work proposed in this grant application. The economic benefits to the local communities are essential to the health and survival of our rural towns, and especially so as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the proposed work addresses important environmental concerns, including brush and debris clearance that will help mitigate wildfire concerns. The work benefits a highly diverse range of trail users, providing needed access into the historic back-country encompasses by the Downieville trail system. Chad Frost - 4/30/2021


Really appreciate the work this group does. Our family and friends get a ton of benefit from it. We hope they can continue to do their good work! Thank you, Ben Ben Weiner - 4/30/2021


I highly support these grants! Great utility for cost spent. Jim Norris - 4/30/2021


Hi, My family and friends have been vacationing in this area for over 20 years. In that time things have changed a lot, for the better. I'm a mountain biker and the trails have improved during the time I've been visiting. Also the local economy seems to be doing much better with all the trail users now visiting. Please continue to support trails use in the Downieville area! Thank you Berkeley White - 4/30/2021


As a long time OHV user and Mountain biker I have been able to enjoy the trail systems throughout California and encourage you to continue t provide the grants for the work that is being done to preserve and improve the trail systems. This also helps support the local economies which is vital for these areas. Regards, Rich Mathers Richard Mathers - 4/30/2021


Grant money for this project will go a long way to bring recreation dollars into Downieville and create jobs of all types. There's plenty of gold left in this area, it just comes in the form of multi-use trails and results in fun, fitness and friendship. Brian Kennedy - 4/30/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done such a wonderful job building, connecting, and developing these amazing trail systems. These amazing towns, which have been forgotten by many since gold rush, until SBTS provided a reason to return. We love the work SBTS is doing and the jobs and community feel they are providing to these mountain towns we love. Downieville holds a special place in my heart and I wish to share it with others via the trails. Oh and of course a good meal in town after. Lauren Kress - 4/30/2021


This trail system is a wonderful asset to Sierra county offering multiple use enjoyment to many visitors to the area. I have been using the Downieville trail system for 10 years and am impressed with how the SBTS has maintained and improved the trails over the years. The work that SBTS does to the trails keeps them known to mountain bikers nation wide, bringing in much needed revenue to the surrounding small towns. Elliott Hughes - 4/30/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has brought so much to the communities they work in. I've volunteered and participated at events for them several times and they are an amazing organization. They provide recreation to locals and visitors, create jobs locally, build quality trails, and help protect the forests they work in. As a visitor to these areas, SBTS helps me to see the importance of these communities and helps me to understand and care better these communities I would otherwise not know. Katie Goad - 4/30/2021


I support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's efforts to improve and expand mountain biking in the Downieville/Plumas Co area. This is an underutilized area which can really benefit economically from increased, environmentally gentle usage. The area is a real gem in the state and everyone can benefit from increased trail usage. Charles Branch - 4/30/2021


I fully support all of the efforts that Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done thus far and is planning to do in the future. Their initiatives positively impact the lives of local communities and people from around the world alike. They are a shining example of cooperation and shared, responsible use of our outdoor resources, and they deserve/need all of the support possible. Marcus G Granberry - 4/30/2021


Please consider continuing to support the work that Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is doing. As a Motorized user the Downieville trail system is some of the best and most enjoyable trails in the country. SBTS does the best work not only on the trails but also to provide an extremely balanced relationship between different user groups. Thank you! -Chris Bartkowski Chris Bartkowski - 4/30/2021


Just wanting to write in support of the above organization and to voice my support for the noted grants. The Sierra Buttes Stewardship does amazing work keeping trails open and accessible for all types of trail users and as someone who enjoys spending time and frequenting trails that the organization helps keep open, clear and navigable I fully support grants to keep and expand their operations - specifically with regards to expand fir top and downie river trails. Thanks for taking the time to read this message. Justin - 4/30/2021


I love what Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is doing to connect the towns in this area. This connection will bring tourists like me to spend time in each town as my wife and I ride our emtn bikes on the wonderful trails these folks build. With all the negative happenings of late, these trails and small towns offer a glimpse into the past and contribute to our future by allowing access to places heretofore hidden and inaccessable. Please seriously consider their request for a grant to continue their great work. Generations from now, you'll still be receiving praise for having done so. Will Hesch - 4/30/2021


I think the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is doing great work and want to see the projects supported and fully funded for all who enjoy our public lands. Dale McKenzie - 4/30/2021


I fully support this project and want to see the grant approved. Thank You Dale McKenzie - 4/30/2021


I am writing to support this work. This trail system is great for the community and for all the folks who come into the community to use the trails on mountain bikes and dirt bikes, among others. The trails bring money into the community and provide awesome recreation for those who use them. Sierra Buttes work in this area has been spectacular over the years and should be continued with the help of this program. Thank you, Joe Joe Kidd - 4/30/2021


The Downieville Trail systems maintained by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship are a primary draw of mine to Sierra County. Knowing that financial support of this agency, through grants and personal donations, support local employment for generating sustainable recreation to be enjoyed for generations is very appealing to me. Benjamin Knox - 4/30/2021


I have been enjoying the Sierra Buttes area for a couple of decades now. Supporting groups like this is integral to local economies, local environment and to allow responsible use of the outdoors. I am forever grateful for the work these groups do. Thank you Dave Nicholson - 4/30/2021


Outdoor recreation by way of trail systems is not only good for mental health, but also for the local economy. The potential for local business growth is, frankly, unlimited. The more welcoming local towns surrounding the trail systems are, the more people will want to visit them, and spend money with locals. Steven Keyes - 5/1/2021


To the Grant Committee: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship encourages irresponsible use and destroys cultural resources. Before giving any more money to this organization, please understand that they do not encourage multi-use trails, but by rebuilding trails to encourage "flow" riding, encourage fast riding by bike riders, making the trails dangerous for hikers and equestrians, and causing poor drainage of trails increasing damage to watersheds. Trails built for "flow riding" around corners create poor footing for hikers and horses due to their trench like profile. that same trench profile leads to poor drainage and watershed impacts. SBTS has a history of damaging or destroying cultural (archaeological) resources. They destroyed the historic mining trail over Mt. Elwell and substituted a amusement park ride for bikes which is no longer safe for horses due to the speeds bike riders ride at downhill. SBTS members have illegally built trails and bridges in unapproved locations on the Plumas NF. SBTS website clearly shows that their priority is to create trails that allow fast riding. Their website does not address responsible speeds for riders and in fact encourages unsafe speeds. I have had bikes come within 10 feet before braking because they did not see me sitting on a 14 hand donkey - this is too fast and is too common. Please watch their videos, and think how you would feel if you were on foot or horseback and had one of the riders in the video approach you at a corner. What if you were deaf or had a small child with you? Trails built for "flow" riding become at best jarring and stressful, and at worst life threatening. Bike collisions are becoming more common, only mitigated by others jumping out of the way at the last second. By encouraging this behavior with trail design, website and videos, SBTS shows their irresponsible behavior. I would rather have a poorly maintained historic trail, at least I would have a chance of a peaceful hike. Also, I would like to see an audit of the grant funds expended to date, as some of the work and salaries expended appear to be questionable. Please do not fund this group until they become more responsible for their and their members actions. thank you, Rachel M. Condon, Calpine CA Rachel Maria Condon - 5/1/2021


To the Grant Committee: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship encourages irresponsible use and destroys cultural resources. Before giving any more money to this organization, please understand that they do not encourage multi-use trails, but by rebuilding trails to encourage "flow" riding, encourage fast riding by bike riders, making the trails dangerous for hikers and equestrians, and causing poor drainage of trails increasing damage to watersheds. Trails built for "flow riding" around corners create poor footing for hikers and horses due to their trench like profile. that same trench profile leads to poor drainage and watershed impacts. SBTS has a history of damaging or destroying cultural (archaeological) resources. They destroyed the historic mining trail over Mt. Elwell and substituted a amusement park ride for bikes which is no longer safe for horses due to the speeds bike riders ride at downhill. SBTS members have illegally built trails and bridges in unapproved locations on the Plumas NF. SBTS website clearly shows that their priority is to create trails that allow fast riding. Their website does not address responsible speeds for riders and in fact encourages unsafe speeds. I have had bikes come within 10 feet before braking because they did not see me sitting on a 14 hand donkey - this is too fast and is too common. Please watch their videos, and think how you would feel if you were on foot or horseback and had one of the riders in the video approach you at a corner. What if you were deaf or had a small child with you? Trails built for "flow" riding become at best jarring and stressful, and at worst life threatening. Bike collisions are becoming more common, only mitigated by others jumping out of the way at the last second. By encouraging this behavior with trail design, website and videos, SBTS shows their irresponsible behavior. I would rather have a poorly maintained historic trail, at least I would have a chance of a peaceful hike. Also, I would like to see an audit of the grant funds expended to date, as some of the work and salaries expended appear to be questionable. Please do not fund this group until they become more responsible for their and their members actions. thank you, Rachel M. Condon, Calpine CA Rachel Maria Condon - 5/1/2021


If it were not for all the fantastic trail work done by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship I would not be a regular visitor in this region of my lovely home state. Please support their grant requests and one end result will be that I and my friends will visit more regularly and stay longer and support the local econonmies. Jackson Ratcliffe - 5/1/2021


Trails are really important to the economy. They do a wonderful job of keeping the trails clear and usable. This area has become a destination for recreation,. laurie stevenson - 5/1/2021


This group needs help to Create sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance from the state and provide important economic stimulation in this region. We look forward to enjoying the connective outdoor and community experience created by this program. Thank you for considering, Philip Kirst Philip Kirst - 5/1/2021


SBTS has a proven track record of taking great care of the land and the trails. These trails are fantastic resources for people like myself and my family who like to get out and bike and hike in nature. As an economic engine, SBTS has revitalized the outdoor economy in both Sierra and Plumas counties. They employ teens and adults at prevailing wages and in a healthy work environment. Please support them in continuing the fabulous work they do. Their work is a big part of why I live here and why others come to these areas to both live and recreate. Jennifer - 5/1/2021


The Downieville trails are are a great resource for the public, from mountain bikers to hikers. I would like to see these trails kept open and expanded for the public to use. These trails also provide critically positive economic impact. Thanks, Joel Wilson Joel Wilson - 5/1/2021


Please support our trails! Eve Nyrhinen - 5/1/2021


Hi, I am writing to voice my support for the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. I have been visiting the Lakes area for 20 years and it's an amazing place for mountain biking, motorbikes, hiking, camping, etc. I now live in Oregon, but still travel to Downieville and Graegle and Quincy to ride my bike and stay either in town or at one of the lakes campsites. A grant would be a huge shot in the arm for the communities in the lakes district. It could be used to increase the trail system and make it more accessible for all user types and abilities. And the communities around the trails would benefit from the cash that recreation vacations bring with them. These communities are struggling with less than usual traffic because of Covid (especially because they had to cancel the gravel races which is a big income earner), anything to boost their economies would be fantastic. Thanks for listening. Sam Woodward Samantha Woodward - 5/1/2021


This trail network is fantastic and it is all thanks to SBTS. Please fund their continued maintenance and improvement of this area. I take many trips to the Downieville area (from Grass Valley) each year, specifically for these trails. Aaron Zueck - 5/1/2021


Hi I would like to express my desire for this grant to be approved. I have visited this area for over 25 years both motorized and pedaling mountain bikes. It is a wonderfull area that has many oppertunities to enjoy the open and wild spaces. Thx Eric Eric Von Urff - 5/2/2021


SBTS does a great job of protecting the local watershed and providing outdoor activities and economic opportunities for the Downieville area. William OBrien - 5/2/2021


I am looking forward to more recreation on the trails in the Downieville area. Well maintained trails are more safe and more fun. I also look forward to any future trail system expansion. I often venture there with family and friends, normally 4 or 5 people. Thank you. Adam Nuyens Adam Nuyens - 5/2/2021


Im writing to tell you what the Downieville trail system means to me. When I first moved to California in 2009, Downieville was one of the first places I rode in CA. The riding there was amazing, and have made many lasting friendships through the riding I have done there. As Ive gotten older Ive gotten into riding dirt bikes also, and Downieville has also been one of my favorite spots to come ride, it always provides me new challenges. I now live in the Tahoe region, and despite all the excellent riding here I still take the time to go to the Downieville region multiple times every year and stop by the local shops. The number of people that travel to the region every year for the mountain biking is incredible. Keeping these trails going and improving them is a necessity to the community. Peter Spencer - 5/2/2021


This grant is most important to us as we’ve been mountain bike riding these forests for 10 + years. We appreciate all the work put into maintaining and build these trails. We hope this will continue to be one of the best mountain biking locations in the country. Corey Bolton - 5/2/2021


Hello, I'm writing to support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship grant request. I'm a participant in many of their yearly activities in the Lost Sierra region and user of the trails they create and maintain. They do amazing work creating recreation for users in the region and employment for the local community, and have earned the respect of both. Please help support their transformative endeavors. Outdoor enthusiast and local workers will all deeply appreciate it. Paul Perkins - 5/2/2021


Hello, I'm writing to support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship grant request. I'm a participant in many of their yearly activities in the Lost Sierra region and user of the trails they create and maintain. They do amazing work creating recreation for users in the region and employment for the local community, and have earned the respect of both. Please help support their transformative endeavors. Outdoor enthusiast and local workers will all deeply appreciate it. Best regards, Paul Perkins Paul Perkins - 5/2/2021


I strongly support funding for the SBTS. Their work in Downieville opens up unique recreational opportunities that would not be available otherwise. Funding them will allow this to continue and to further enhance economic development in the region. Marcus Alexander - 5/2/2021


After a year stuck at home, it is really easy to get lost thinking about a trip to Downieville to enjoy the trails on my bike, dirtbike, or in our 4x4 truck with the rooftop tent. These days it will be more in the truck as we take our new baby up to share in the places we love so much. We are particularly impressed with the way that Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship manages their projects to create sustainable trail systems and local employment opportunities. We hope that they will get the financial support that they need to support the good work they are doing! Thanks. Andrea Turner - 5/3/2021


Voicing my support of the Sierra Buttes Trail stewardships and all the good they do for the trails and stewardship of the Sierra Buttes/Downieville trail network. I go every single year to enjoy the outdoors and it wouldn't be possible without the help of the Trail Stewardship. From mountain biking to hiking to swimming - keeping these trails open and maintained for use is money well spent. As we know, maintaining an existing infrastructure is much more sustainable and cost effective than letting it fade to be repaired at some later time. And - with appropriate trail design the environmental impacts (erosion) can be considered and engineered for. SBTS is a group of interested individuals who want to see this effort continue! Lastly - it brings us an our crew into town for the weekend - enjoying the local shops and restaurants, providing some employment for the town. We have so much fun!!! Please continue funding! Zac Dillow - 5/3/2021


Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is a wonderful organization. I would love to see their project funded as every event, trail system, etc. which they have worked on and I have had the opportunity to experience has been amazing. Ari Garabedian - 5/3/2021


This organization helps maintain good trails in the area using local labor and contributing to the local economy. Tim - 5/3/2021


This is an important project for economic development through building a trail system that promotes sustainable recreational activity. Prashant Singh - 5/3/2021


I live part time in Sierra County and help run a Sierra County business in Downieville. Trails and recreation are the lifeblood of this small mountain community, and the work SBTS does is absolutely vital to the maintained viability of the local community both economically and as a source of pride and heritage. Keeping trails open and maintained are creating local jobs while bringing more visitors to town, and the work SBTS does is world class. We are fortunate to have SBTS and some of the best trails in North America, engineered to maximize user enjoyment while protecting sensitive habitat. We are also fortunate to have such a progressive and open minded partner with the Tahoe National Forest. Thank you for your continued support of SBTS and the local community. Kurt Gensheimer - 5/3/2021


Please fund Sierra Buttes Trail Stewarship, so they in turn can provide local employment. They have a proven track record of building sustainable multi use trails, and I support them with donations, and would also like our tax funds to support the trail building. Douglas Tiner - 5/3/2021


Upkeeping these trails in Downieville ensures that trails remain a sustainable recreation option for locals and visitors alike! Trails like this provide a boost to the local economy, which needs to bounce back after COVID-19 Sophie Castleton - 5/3/2021


 

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