Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Inc.

Please deny the contract request in the amount of $329,000. This has nothing to do with promoting OHV use. Further grant requests should be considered after submitting their findings from monitoring the fence, only. William Lithgow – 3/17/16

Please deny this request. A successful OHV education program would have a direct and immediate affect on a grant request for habitat restoration. The agency's grant request for habitat restoration is in excess of $300,000 which includes the installation and monitoring of a fence. Their grant request for education and responsible recreation should be considered after the agency provides findings from their monitoring their fence. Then, the agency can submit a grant request for an education program specifically tailored to why a fence is necessary. William Lithgow – 3/17/16

I have reviewed this habitat restoration grant application by the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee (DTPC). I strongly support this grant application and urge that it be approved and fully funded. The DTPC is a highly respected and effective group with an impressive list of accomplishments. Off-road vehicle recreation in the Mojave desert, including proximate to the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area, has caused significant direct, indirect, and cumulative adverse habitat impacts. Approving this grant would help to compensate for or mitigate those impacts. Thank you very much for considering my comments. Richard Spotts – 3/23/16

I have reviewed this OHV environmental education and responsible recreation grant application by the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee (DTPC). I strongly support this application and urge that it be approved and fully funded. The DTPC is a highly respected and effective group with an impressive list of accomplishments. If approved, the DTPC would use this grant to implement an important and effective program of environment education that would help to encourage responsible recreation. This positive education is necessary to reduce adverse recreational impacts on Mojave desert tortoises and other wildlife species and public resources, as well as to reduce potential conflicts or animosity among public users. Thank you very much for considering my comments. Richard Spotts – 3/23/16

I strongly support this grant application because it directly funds the restoration of protected habitats for sensitive wildlife species. The project will also install protective barriers to prevent unauthorized (intentional and unintentional) trespass from adjacent OHV routes. Behzad Mohebbi – 3/26/16

I had a wonderful visit to the Desert Tortoise Preserve yesterday. I am writing in support of the DTPC's grant proposal to restore habitat, remove trash, revegetate, and educate OHV users. The Preserve is precariously situated near heavy OHV use, as we witnessed in our drive through the California City outskirts. Thank you, Emilie Strauss – 3/24/16

I'm writing to you in support for the grant requested by the Desert Tortoise Preserve. After visiting earlier this month, I noticed that the area around the preserve has been severely impacted by ORV use and any tortoise wandering beyond the boundaries of the Preserve would risk harm or stolen. Education, trash removal and restoration as described in the grant is needed for this wonderful California City public asset. Regards, Lynne Buckner – 3/24/16

I recently visited the tortoise reserve in California City for the first time. I was very impressed with the area as well as the naturalist who was working at the preserve. I understand that there are two grant proposals in the works to assist with the preservation of the desert tortoise and I would like to lend my wholehearted support to these important initiatives.

One of the things I found most shocking was the amount of land currently being used for off road vehicle recreation. It was more than evident that those areas which appear to extend for many miles are totally degraded and mostly devoid of vegetation, which in turn drastically reduces foraging and protective cover area for all desert dwellers, not only the desert tortoise. In fact, it appeared there was next to no life in many square miles of land surrounding the desert tortoise preserve. It is truly unacceptable that such a small population of people can threaten the existence of one species of animal through their ignorance and lack of sensitivity to the environment.

These animals are in deep trouble and have graced the planet for nearly 50 million years. They are wonderful animals that deserve preservation. Fragmentation and degradation of land as well as habitat loss have had a severe impact on these animals.

The more land we can provide for these animals, the better chance they have at survival. Along with the proposal to curb illegal off road vehicle use, I believe the proposal to initiate an education program that will help those who are unfamiliar with these animals and their amazing life history is vital to helping maintain tortoise populations. I wholeheartedly lend my support to both proposals and believe we must make every effort possible to preserve the desert tortoise. Susan Schalbe – 3/30/16

OHV funds should be used for the advancement of OHV opportunities not the restoration of tortoise habitat. These fund were created and paid for by OHV enthusiast and should be used for the development of OHV roads and trail systems. I would like to recommend that the division not fund this project. Mike Wubbels – 4/1/16

I think that this application is asking for OHV monies purely to promote their own agenda.I also fail to see how fencing would benefit OHV or the Desert Torotise. Chris Gallop – 4/2/16

To quote the this grant application; "In 20 015, an estimated 22% of visitors arriving on OHVs spent 10 minutes or less at the DTRNA." I feel this grant is not worthy of OHV taxpayer monies. Chris Gallop – 4/2/16