2023 Public Comments to Preliminary Applications

I am in support of OHV grants for the Angeles National Forest ! jonar rodrigo - 3/9/2023

Dear California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program, On behalf of the non-profit Friends of the Dunes and our more than 1,000 members and supporters who care deeply for the Humboldt County community and environment, I am writing to express strong support for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office's (HCSO) 2023 application to your grant program. As a coastal dune landowner and conservation partner, Friends of the Dunes works to ensure appropriate public access to the coastal dunes of the Humboldt Bay region and provide free educational programs to the community, including to thousands of K-12 students every year. The HCSO, since it has been funded by this grant, has been an instrumental partner in ensuring safe and appropriate access to Humboldt's beaches and dunes for literally thousands of people, including every single K-12 student who visits the dunes on an educational field trip. Under this grant, the HCSO runs a comprehensive, community-based program that engages all stakeholders, educates the community, and provides clear direction about which areas OHVs are allowed and are not allowed (we have both kinds of areas here in Humboldt Bay). The OHV Patrol Deputy for HCSO whose position is supported by this grant does an outstanding job of working with private and public landowners of the coastal dunes-- and with recreationists of all backgrounds-- to solve problems, avoid disputes, build a safe and inclusive community, enforce laws when necessary, and ensure safe and appropriate access for everyone, all while protecting the natural and cultural resources of this remarkable place. We deeply appreciate the investment you have made so far in Humboldt County through this grant program, and we urge you to fully fund the 2023 HCSO grant application to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program. Thank you for your consideration of these comments, and thank you for your thoughtful consideration of full funding for the 2023 HCSO grant application. Sincerely, Mike Cipra Executive Director Friends of the Dunes Mike Cipra - 3/7/2023

I feel that the ohv patrol has been detrimental to samoa and the Peninsula, the fire district has worked hand and hand with the deputies in many occasions including removing abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping and illegal burns on the beaches, I feel that if this program were to go away things would go back to the way they were and that's unacceptable. The presence of law enforcement also deters any that want to commit crime. I hope that this helps in your decision. Troy smith - 3/8/2023

Greetings, I'm a fifth generation Humboldt Resident, My family is the oldest family still living and working on the Samoa Peninsula. I am on the Board of the Samoa Peninsula Service District that operates the Samoa Peninsula Fire District. We respond to all beach, wildland fires, accidents, OHV accidents, environmental issues, trespassing, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, search and recuse issues. We work closely, and very much appreciate and NEED, the Humboldt County Sheriff Department's OHV program. The work they do on education, enforcement, and their patrols have made a significant improvement to our peninsula. We all are working on saving the protected dunes for our abundant wildlife, water rising, tsunami protection and keeping the area safe and clean for all to enjoy. The amount of recreational use we are getting on the peninsula is increasing each year and with the large proposed industrial development coming we need OHV program. I fully support and encourage this grant. Leroy Zerlang Samoa Peninsula Community Service District, Board Member Humboldt Harbor Safety Committee, Chairman Business owner, Resident Samoa Peninsula Leroy Zerlang - 3/8/2023

As a business owner and resident of Humboldt County, on the Samoa peninsula specifically, I am submitting this comment in favor of G23-03-11-L01. It is an unfortunate fact of life in these times that many individuals have little or no respect for public property. In this case, it would be the beaches and wooded areas of the Samoa peninsula. Hardly a day goes by when there is not a pile of trash, abandoned vehicle or RV somewhere along New navy Base Road. This occurs in spite of signage, k-rails blocking access and volunteer fire department and citizen patrols monitoring public areas. Approval of the requested grant, would maintain the presence of an HCSO deputy assigned to patrol and respond to incidents on the peninsula, which is absolutely necessary to keep the situation well in hand. Otherwise, we will end up with squatters, trash, abandoned vehicles, and increased crime and vandalism, which is partially attributed to a low income housing project out here that was recently completed. With spring upon us, the transient RV community will be taking station on the beaches here, soon. Approval of this grant will help alleviate the situation with a law enforcement presence. Unless one actually views it, the amount of trash generated by these humans is unbelievable; especially in the short amount of time it takes to accumulate. This is not only an eyesore, but the cost to remove it and abandoned vehicles becomes significant; and for the most part should not have to happen. Please consider approving this grant. Those of us who live and work on the Samoa Peninsula will be grateful for this. Thank you for taking the time to read this comment. Luke Lucariello Alpha Diving Industries Finnetown, California Luke Lucariello - 3/10/2023

My name is Lynda Stockton. I am the Stranding Co-Ordinator for the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center. We cover the coastline from the Oregon border to Shelter Cove. I have been the coordinator for over 15 years. During that time I have seen our beaches go from great, when we had what I call the "Beach Sheriff ", (Charlie Lamb) to the wild, wild west with no patrol. During the wild, wild west, I feared for myself, the volunteers with our organization and the marine mammals we responded to for rescue. I would sometimes get harassed by 4x4 people, fishermen, or just beach goers in general. We now have the "Beach Sheriff" (Raleigh Willoughby) and it has been a life savor, not only for our well being, but the well being for all other beach goers, their families and the marine mammals alike. There have been times where I utilize the Sheriff's service to help rescue very sick and endangered seals and sea lions, cutting the rescue time in half, saving their lives. I know what it's like to not have them out there. Please keep this going as I feel it is a vital part of keeping the beauty, people, and marine mammals safe in Humboldt county. Lynda Stockton Stranding Co-Ordinator Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 707-951-4722 Lynda Stockton - 3/12/2023

Please continue to fund OHV Patrol Deputy and his associated program. They are integral on responding to issues on local beaches and keeping the public safe especially on long stretches of beach where access is limited. If there was a medical emergency, I do not know how else emergency personnel would be able to reach them without this program. I have also seen many high speed OHV violations on several of our local beaches, endangering public users and wildlife. Continuing to fund this program will help enforce these violators and hopefully make our beaches safer to recreate in the future. David - 3/16/2023

As the Deputy Refuge Manager for Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, please consider the following comments in support of continued OHV grant funding for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge consists of several management units, including our Lanphere and Ma-le’l dunes units. These are remote coastal habitats, supporting federally endangered plant species unique to this area. These rare habitats, and their associated species, are sensitive to disturbance, especially human trampling and OHV use. Due to budgetary constraints, the Refuge does not have on-site law enforcement presence. We therefore rely upon important partnerships with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, and private conservation originations. Recently, trespass ORV use occurred on both our Lanphere and Ma-le’l dunes units. Extensive tire tracks were documented through habitat for the critically endangered Humboldt Bay Wallflower. In this case, visitors observed individuals illegally driving on the Refuge and portions of the adjacent beach closed to ORV use. The incident was reported to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Raleigh Willoughby happened to be in the area and promptly responded, citing the offending individuals. Due to the remoteness of this area, it is very challenging to catch individuals trespassing on the Refuge and adjacent lands. Without the support of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, there is little doubt that the offending individuals would have gotten away, with likely trespass occurrences in the future. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and our adjacent partnering land management organizations and agencies are tremendously grateful for the support of Deputy Raleigh Willoughby and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office! Continued OHV grant funding is an important component of habitat protection and public safety in Humboldt County. Jason Storlie - 3/16/2023

I am a resident of Fairhaven, Ca. It’s only a few minutes drive from Samoa OHV and recreation area. I use this resource multiple times a week to fish, surf, walk dogs, and OHV my quad runner. It is very important to have enforcement and a law presence in this area. It keeps people in check and the safety up. I’ve only had good experiences with the law enforcement out here. Please keep the funding for this area, we have very little resources and enforcement already and it would be a tragedy. John Nicolini - 3/18/2023

I Patrick J Buxton am a tax paying citizen of LA county. I know plenty of people including kids that ride/operate ohv vehicles on back roads, where it is in no way harming anything or anyone. I am against funding taxpayers money into ohv sheriffs dual sport motorcycles. If they were used to catch truly illegal activities I might support the grant although that is not the case. Seems that when a sheriff is on the same trail it is legal and when a kid enjoying a trail near their home is given a citation for doing so that is purely wrong? I believe that if the ohv vehicle is registered and not trespassing there should be no problem. Thank you for your time and consideration, -Patrick Buxton Patrick buxton - 3/6/2023

I Patrick J Buxton am a tax paying citizen of LA county. I know plenty of people including kids that ride/operate ohv vehicles on back roads, where it is in no way harming anything or anyone. I am against funding taxpayers money into ohv sheriffs dual sport motorcycles. If they were used to catch truly illegal activities I might support the grant although that is not the case. Seems that when a sheriff is on the same trail it is legal and when a kid enjoying a trail near their home is given a citation for doing so that is purely wrong? I believe that if the ohv vehicle is registered and not trespassing there should be no problem. Thank you for your time and consideration, -Patrick Buxton Patrick Buxton - 3/6/2023

I Patrick J Buxton am a tax paying citizen of LA county. I know plenty of people including kids that ride/operate ohv vehicles on back roads, where it is in no way harming anything or anyone. I am against funding taxpayers money into ohv sheriffs dual sport motorcycles. If they were used to catch truly illegal activities I might support the grant although that is not the case. Seems that when a sheriff is on the same trail it is legal and when a kid enjoying a trail near their home is given a citation for doing so that is purely wrong? I believe that if the ohv vehicle is registered and not trespassing there should be no problem. Thank you for your time and consideration, -Patrick Buxton Patrick Buxton - 3/6/2023

I strongly support this grant for resources to fund our OHV law enforcement. Our area (Acton CA) has inadequate resources to enforce illegal OHV trespassing on our private property and surrounding land. The illegal and dangerous actions of irresponsible and lawless OHV riders put our safety and property at risk. Thank You, Karen O’Reilly Karen O’Reilly - 3/6/2023

This letter is to support continued and increased grant funding of the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Department Off Road team. I have been extensively involved in our area (Haskell Canyon between Bouquet Canyon and Copper Hill) regarding prevention of trespassing on the LADWP land and private land near our 121 unit Condo development. These areas are largely unmonitored. Not too long ago a man was found deceased in the culvert behind Albertsons Market. Prior to that one of the owners in our development saw a light shining in the LADWP land (at night) went to investigate, and found a man who said he was sleeping there. The body found in the culvert may have been him. In addition, the last thing we need is a homeless person starting a fire to keep warm. The entire city will go up in flames. We had a group of competitive dirt bike riders rake out a track on the LADWP land and the Off Road team was instrumental in chasing down the offenders and speaking with their parents. In addition, on private land leading into the local SRA, trespassers have been getting into the brushy area through a fence that is in disrepair. Code enforcement is helping us work with the owner to replace the fence. We need increased monitoring of these areas near us to protect both life and property and to prevent a wildfire. We appeal to you to increase the number of Sheriff's assigned to this team and increase funding for appropriate off road vehicles. This is one of the best ways to utilize public monies I have heard of in many years and support them without reservation. Thank you very much for your consideration, Randye Kay PhD, MPA Randye Kay - 3/7/2023

Education programs are essential to informing the public of their rights, and allowing others to understand that people need access to the trails on their pubic lands. Les Roberts - 3/9/2023

The LA Sherriff Dept. task force has been so helpful in making the equestrian trails safe for horses and people like hikers, bike riders. Prior to contacting the Sherriff’s Dept. each day more than half a dozen dirt bike riders were speeding on the trails, making jumps, and traveling at speeds that made it imposible to avoid their presence. The team of deputies has been working with our barn, and others to keep the trails that are not for motorized vehicles safe for those of us who are allowed to use the trails. Since I called the Sherriff’s Dept., the deputies patrolling the area has decreased the number of vehicles. Their continued presence is the only thing maintaining the balance. Because of this program, I feel safer. My horse is safer. My friends are safer. Please continue to fund this important element of law enforcement. Ginger DeValue - 3/19/2023

I really appreciate the work that the sheriff department has been doing in patrolling the trails and hills around the San Francisquito Open Space. I hike and bike in the area and my wife and her friends ride horses on these trails. Thier patrols have made the trails much safer and allowed us to use them without worry of being pushed off of the trails by the motorized vehicles that are not permitted in the area. Michael DeValue - 3/19/2023

As a resident of Plumas County, I support the Plumas County Search and Rescue team financially with a small annual donation. I'm always especially grateful for their response to people who aren't prepared for our county's natural hazards, but they are equally important to us mountain residents. Being able to purchase two snowmobiles and a trailer will allow this group to continue saving lives and keeping Plumas County a great place to visit and to live. Please consider this grant application favorably! Thank you, Marty Walters Quincy, California Martha Walters - 3/7/2023

I support this grant because it creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, creates local employment, creates sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance and keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed. It also brings local revenue to local rural communities in need. Stephen Scheer - 3/8/2023

I support this grant because it creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, creates local employment, creates sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance and keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed. It also brings local revenue to local rural communities in need. Stephen Scheer - 3/8/2023

I've recently moved back to California from the East Coast and I must say the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is one of those organizations I'm proud to support. From creating some of the best trails in northern California, helping mountain communities thrive, and creating trails that are sustainably managed. They truly are making a difference. I first learned about the trails they've create back in the early 2000s when I was a college student at Chico State. To this day, I still frequent the trails on various bicycles and motorcycles. Having access to both makes these trails special and magical. Please! Please! Please, think of the SBTS and leverage their abilities to better California's trails. They are a huge resource! Kyle Edwards - 3/8/2023

I support this grant as a moto, mt biker and hiker. This is good for our families and is a needed recreational program. Alan Walls - 3/8/2023

The trails are a critical resource for Californians that enjoy recreating in the forest. As someone who sits behind a desk all day in the suburbs, I daydream of the fresh air and time with my friends as a way to enjoy adventure and experience what CA has to offer. These small communities rely on visitors to come and experience and experience what the area has to offer as help support the local small businesses and employment for locals. One thing I specifically admire about the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship/Plumas County is their mission to create sustainable trails that offer a wonderful experience but also help maintain a healthy forest. The trail system and the people that support it are all looking out for the best interest in having a resource that will last for generations. I highly encourage these grants to be approved as we really look forward to coming back, making memories and enjoying a meal and spending my personal funds to support these small communities. Thank you, Keith Collins Keith Collins - 3/8/2023

Please approve these very reasonable costs in order to help maintain the Preserve! Thank you, Marty Reed marty reed - 3/8/2023

Please approve this grant! Thank you, Marty Reed marty reed - 3/8/2023

This program must be funded, as single track trails open for motorized use are critical, as the stewards of these trails do great work in maintaining them and people like myself enjoy the opportunity to ride the trails safely. This program serves everyone, and there must be trails where motorized vehicles can have access, or else, we have dangerous crowding where it isn't necessary. Les Roberts - 3/9/2023

Please support the OHV grant for Plumas county for Ground Operations. This grant will help keep our trails in top notch shape for our ever-growing number of visiting recreators, as well as our locals that use the trails consistently. Maintaining the trails continually will keep a sustainable trail system, employ local citizens, and protect our watersheds. Our trails are the future of our region, and we need this support. I love these trails personally, and they are so important to my lifestyle, health, and my family. Kyle Stone - 3/9/2023

As an active outdoors person in Plumas County, I fully support the Plumas County Search and Rescue Team purchasing two new snowmobiles and a trailer for the local team to utilize. This will allow the SAR Team to expand their Winter Patrols in high-use areas, and improve their response times and SAR capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. -Cynthia Lusk Cynthia Lusk - 3/9/2023

I am in support of Plumas County’s annual Ground Operations grant Kevin C Sevier - 3/9/2023

I'm writing as a supporter of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's (SBTS) partnership with the Plumas National Forest to maintain over 70 miles of motorized and multi-use trails in Plumas County. Quincy and Downieville are my family's favorite destination for dirt bike recreation. We have been coming to the area for over 10 years and it's truly a special area for us. The SBTS does a remarkable job keeping the trails maintained, safe in an environmentally responsible manner. There are clear tactics they use to lessen the environmental impact from and protect watersheds. Please consider this as one of many voices in favor of supporting the SBTS and Plumas National Forest as a recipient of OHV grants. Thank you! Lars Pave - 3/13/2023

whatever we use this 2023 grant monies for we for sure need to put some checks & balances in place as to not allow the forest service to randomly COMPLETELY close the San Bernardino National Forest roads & trails for long periods of time 'for our safety'... I understand the 1st 2 week closure this year due to heavy snow but... the latest closure (one day after the last one expired) is now in effect through June 30th 20233... June due to snow! by June 30th it will be 100 degrees in Big Bear, this is complete overstepping of the rules to close every FS road and trail until June due to snow I have lived in Riverside county for 30+ years and travel to the Mammoth area a few times a year to snowmobile, we finally get enough snow in the San Bernardino mountains to safely snowmobile and the trails/roads are all closed until June due to too much snow!! jack szanto - 3/20/2023

whatever we use this 2023 grant monies for we for sure need to put some checks & balances in place as to not allow the forest service to randomly COMPLETELY close the San Bernardino National Forest roads & trails for long periods of time 'for our safety'... I understand the 1st 2 week closure this year due to heavy snow but... the latest closure (one day after the last one expired) is now in effect through June 30th 20233... June due to snow! by June 30th it will be 100 degrees in Big Bear, this is complete overstepping of the rules to close every FS road and trail until June due to snow I have lived in Riverside county for 30+ years and travel to the Mammoth area a few times a year to snowmobile, we finally get enough snow in the San Bernardino mountains to safely snowmobile and the trails/roads are all closed until June due to too much snow!! jack szanto - 3/20/2023

Please approve this grant! Thank you, Marty Reed marty reed - 3/8/2023

Please approve these very reasonable costs in order to help maintain the Preserve! Thank you, Marty Reed marty reed - 3/8/2023

ESAC needs more resources and getting this grant helps with that! It would be super helpful for them to have access to snowmobiles as well if that's possible. The lead forecaster was able to help SCE by using one of our personal ones today at the Poole Plant. Thanks! Molly Massena - 3/8/2023

I am writing in support of this grant. Winter OHV users in the area benefit greatly from local, reliable avalanche information. Please fund this grant as a priority for public safety in the Eastern Sierra. Aaron Storey - 3/10/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is one of the biggest most influential resources for backcountry users here in the Eastern Sierra. Increasing their funding will directly benefit the community here as well as help grow and educate new users to the area. Specifically users of mechanized snow machines. The OHV user group will and has been growing over the last several years and educating this group via the ESAC presence will greatly increase the value this user group brings to the area. It's safe to say that if ESAC receives more funding from the OHV, it will direcly benefit the OHV user group. Thanks for your time to read this comment. Michael O'Connor - 3/12/2023

As a member of the east side snowmobile community, I would like to extend a recommendation for Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center to receive funding. ESAC does well approaching the ski and snowboard community, but could use more funding to reach the snowmobile community. There is plenty of terrain for both communities on the east side of the Sierra and I hope ESAC can go a long way to provide services for both. Thank you, Geoff Unger Geoff Unger - 3/12/2023

I encourage support of the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. ESAC plays a critical role in avalanche monitoring, awareness and education--all vital for the safety of those pursuing OHV and other forms of outdoor recreation in the mountains. ESAC staffing, equipment, and ability to fulfill its mission depend on financial support. Trish Mace - 3/13/2023

ESAC provides a crucial service to those of us who recreate in the Eastern Sierra. I review the forecasts daily to plan my outings. The detailed reports allow me to safely travel in avalanche terrain and mitigate hazards. I have also attended the educational outreach sessions, which have provided valuable information about this unusually high snowfall year. The ESAC director and lead forecaster Steve Mace is taking the center in a great direction and I enthusiastically support the continued funding of this public good. Lauren Peritz - 3/13/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is a huge benefit to the Eastside communities in terms of information and education for all user groups, but especially the OHV user group that is growing every year. Please continue their funding. Thank you. Trish Matheny - 3/13/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is one of the biggest most influential resources for backcountry users here in the Eastern Sierra. Increasing their funding will directly benefit the community here as well as help grow and educate new users in the area. Specifically users of mechanized snow machines. The OHV user group will and has been growing over the last several years and educating this group via the ESAC presence will greatly increase the value this user group brings to the area. It's safe to say that if ESAC receives more funding from the OHV, it will directly benefit the OHV user group. Thanks for taking the time to read this comment Astrid Thomas - 3/13/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is one of the largest and most influential resources for backcountry users in the Eastern Sierra. In my backcountry experiences near Mammoth and Bishop, the ESAC forecasts were essential for ensuring a safely planned outing. Increasing ESAC' funding will directly benefit the Eastern Sierra community as well as help grow and educate new users in area, including snowmobilers. The OHV user group has been growing over the last several years and are expected to continue to do so, and therefore educating this group via the ESAC presence will greatly increase the safety and experiences for all backcountry users. Thank you for taking the time to consider this comment and for supporting.the funding for Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. Rebecca Hall - 3/13/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is the most important and utilized resource for backcountry wilderness snow users on the Eastern Slope. With Snowpocalypse 2023 upon us, this resource has shown its usefulness more than ever before, with daily reporting, information sharing, and prevention of countless accidents through dispersal of important forecast information. Increasing ESAC funding will directly benefit the community and educate new recreation users in the area. This is especially important as the number of users continues to grow; especially users of mechanized snow machines. The OHV user group has been growing and will continue to grow and educating this group via the ESAC presence will greatly increase the value this user group brings to the area. This grant will save lives and help keep users out of trouble by keeping them informed of life saving information. Without the support of this grant, many resources will be wasted rescuing hapless snow users who have made bad decisions without proper information. Please support this grant for ESAC. Thank you! Jonathan Blum - 3/13/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is one of the biggest most influential resources for backcountry users here in the Eastern Sierra. Increasing their funding will directly benefit the community here as well as help grow and educate new users in the area. Specifically users of mechanized snow machines. The OHV user group will and has been growing over the last several years and educating this group via the ESAC presence will greatly increase the value this user group brings to the area. It's safe to say that if ESAC receives more funding from the OHV, it will directly benefit the OHV user group. Thanks for taking the time to read this comment. Danny Ozment - 3/13/2023

Hello, I would like to voice my support of ESAC receiving a grant through the CA OHV program. ESAC provides invaluable services to the backcountry skiing as well as snowmobiling and OHV communities. This grant would further help ESAC provide outreach and education to a broad range of users, and to continue to provide products that help recreation users make safe and informed decisions. Ryan Huetter Ryan Huetter - 3/13/2023

ESAC provides valuable information for backcountry travel that I consult everyday to make decisions to stay safe while using our public lands. They have very detailed forecasts that can help make decisions on safe terrain choices for backcountry travel via OHV. With their valuable outreach, they are helping to educate the population to keep them safe and make safe decisions that help keep our first responders free for other emergencies and more importantly. help everyone get home safe after their recreation activities. I think it would be of great value to keep funding their operations as winter backcountry recreation continues to increase in popularity. George Baker - 3/14/2023

as an avid backcountry user I am writing in strong support of this grant proposal for all the reasons so well stated in the application. User numbers are increasing faster than the awareness of the hazards. Continuous monitoring is essential due to the continually fluctuating avalanche hazard. There is a dedicated staff in place that just needs more resources, especially funding, to increase it's ability to serve the community and save lives. Thank you. -cm Charles E Mace - 3/15/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center provides services and education — daily avalanche forecasting, avalanche education events, community outreach — that make a huge difference not only for the safety of backcountry skiers and riders, but also for the general public. Especially during historically large snow years like 2022-23, the general public in the huge forecasting zone for ESAC utilize these forecasts and education events not only for recreation, but for day to day safety. The small team at ESAC works tirelessly to provide these services and also puts in work on the ground trying to fundraise as much for themselves as they can. This grant is vital not only to the operation of the center, but to the many rural communities of the Eastern Sierra that ESAC serves. Brooke Maushund - 3/19/2023

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is a critical resource in protecting the lives and property of residents and visitors alike, and their value has been demonstrated abundantly this year. They need additional funding to do their job--it's as simple as that. Not having sufficient funding can be catastrophic, not to mention lead to legal jeopardy that would cost substantially more than an increase in finding, Further, the economy of the area depends on services such as these. Jennifer Wolcott Jennifer Wolcott - 3/20/2023

As a resident of Plumas County, I support the Plumas County Search and Rescue team financially with a small annual donation. I'm always especially grateful for their response to people who aren't prepared for our county's natural hazards, but they are equally important to us mountain residents. Being able to purchase two snowmobiles and a trailer will allow this group to continue saving lives and keeping Plumas County a great place to visit and to live. Please consider this grant application favorably! Thank you, Marty Walters Quincy, California Martha Walters - 3/7/2023

i would like to see a better staging area and more detailed signs as to directions. RHIO NELSON - 3/8/2023

our club is active in helping maintain the existing trail system We come up from The Chico area a few times a year bringing our dollars to spend in the local community that the trails are located near RHIO NELSON - 3/8/2023

I have been active with this organization and have helped maintain the existing trail system. this is a great area for recreation Our club that helps out brings in a lot of dollars to the local economy each year as we visit the area that the trail work is bein done. RHIO NELSON - 3/8/2023

I look forward to a great experience for both non-motorized and motorized users. There is such a huge opportunity to create an outdoor experience unlike anything in the country. Access to food and supplies for hikers and cyclists and fuel for motorcycles will make the development of the connected communities trails one of those unique win-wins! Chris King - 3/8/2023

I support this grant because it creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, creates local employment, creates sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance and keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed. It also brings local revenue to local rural communities in need. Stephen Scheer - 3/8/2023

I support this grant because it creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, creates local employment, creates sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance and keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed. It also brings local revenue to local rural communities in need. Stephen Scheer - 3/8/2023

I support this grant because it creates recreation opportunities for visitors and locals, creates local employment, creates sustainable trail systems that require less maintenance and keeps trails open and safe while protecting watershed. It also brings local revenue to local rural communities in need. Thank You. Stephen Scheer - 3/8/2023

I support the activities involving Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship because their work provides a positive impact on our economy with increased visitors and employment. It's all good. Shelley Hunter - 3/8/2023

I support the activities involving Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship because their work provides a positive impact on our economy with increased visitors and employment. It's all good. Shelley Hunter - 3/8/2023

I've been to a few of the trail days where we help the SBTS maintain trails. The last one I was at brought many more "moto" people from Nevada County to learn from the SBTS. I never thought of it before, but the SBTS is becoming a place to learn how to maintain trails properly. If anything, leverage their ability to reach out to other organizations to learn how to sustainably maintain trails. They are a great organization. Kyle Edwards - 3/8/2023

I've recently moved back to California from the East Coast and I must say the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is one of those organizations I'm proud to support. From creating some of the best trails in northern California, helping mountain communities thrive, and creating trails that are sustainably managed. They truly are making a difference. I first learned about the trails they've create back in the early 2000s when I was a college student at Chico State. To this day, I still frequent the trails on various bicycles and motorcycles. Having access to both makes these trails special and magical. Please! Please! Please, think of the SBTS and leverage their abilities to better California's trails. They are a huge resource! Kyle Edwards - 3/8/2023

We need this! Ryan McCasland - 3/8/2023

I support this grant, it helps the public be better stewards of the lane, creates recreational opportunities and good for many user groups. Alan Walls - 3/8/2023

I support this grant as a user of moto, mt bike and hiking. These help create recreational opportunities for our families name - 3/8/2023

comment Alan Walls - 3/8/2023

The Downieville and Quincy trails are a critical resource for Californians that enjoy recreating in the forest. As someone who sits behind a desk all day in the suburbs, I daydream of the fresh air and time with my friends as a way to enjoy adventure and experience what CA has to offer. These small communities rely on visitors to come and experience and experience what the area has to offer as help support the local small businesses and employment for locals. One thing I specifically admire about the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is their mission to create sustainable trails that offer a wonderful experience but also help maintain a healthy forest. The trail system and the people that support it are all looking out for the best interest in having a resource that will last for generations. I highly encourage these grants to be approved as we really look forward to coming back, making memories and enjoying a meal and spending my personal funds to support these small communities. Thank you, Keith Collins Keith Collins - 3/8/2023

It is essential this program be funded, allowing continued access for all who wish to use the trails. Everyone benefits from good trail maintenance. Les Roberts - 3/9/2023

I approve any work that provides more access for motorized recreation. Garrett Morrow - 3/9/2023

I support any work that is done to promote the access of motorized recreation. Garrett Morrow - 3/9/2023

I support work being done to promote accessible motorized recreation. Garrett Morrow - 3/9/2023

I am in support of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s annual Ground Operations grant. Kevin C Sevier - 3/9/2023

I am in support of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is applying for funding to support more educational outreach on safe and responsible OHV use. Kevin C Sevier - 3/9/2023

Please support the OHV grant for Downieville Ground Operations. These trails are world famous and get SO MUCH use. Recreators from all around the country come to Downieville to use the trails, and this is very vital to the local economies. And don't forget about the locals who love the trails in their backyard. Maintaining the trails continually will keep a sustainable trail system, employ local citizens, and protect our watersheds. Our trails are the future of our region, and we need this support. I love these trails personally, and they are so important to my lifestyle, health, and my family. Kyle Stone - 3/9/2023

Please fund this important work. Dirk Kessler - 3/13/2023

Please find this comment in support of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) as a recipient of OHV grants for Education & Safety. My family has been visiting and trail riding in the Quincy & Downieville areas for over a decade and it's our favorite destination. We are Bay Area residents and specifically choose coming up there specifically for the wonderful trails and beautiful forests. The SBTS have fostered a wonderful trail network for hikers and bikers to enjoy the area safely and responsibly. It's a model that fosters courteous trail sharing, environmental protection and safety, andI hope will be replicated in many other areas. This grant will further their work to install much-needed signage, maps and environmental education. Thank you, Lars Pave Lars Pave - 3/13/2023

Please find this comment in support of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) as a recipient of OHV grants for Education & Safety. My family has been visiting and trail riding in the Quincy & Downieville areas for over a decade and it's our favorite destination. We are Bay Area residents and specifically choose coming up there specifically for the wonderful trails and beautiful forests. The SBTS have fostered a wonderful trail network for hikers and bikers to enjoy the area safely and responsibly. It's a model that fosters courteous trail sharing, environmental protection and safety, andI hope will be replicated in many other areas. This grant will further their work to install much-needed signage, maps and environmental education. Thank you, Lars Pave Lars Pave - 3/13/2023

Please support SBTS in awarding the Education & Safety Grant. This will help educate trail users in our region on proper trail etiquette, Moto safety, etc. The more educated our trail users are, the better our trails will be utilized and the safer the system will be. We could really benefit from enhanced signage and education initiatives to keep people on the trails in a responsible manner and better maintain the health of our forest overall! Kyle Stone - 3/16/2023