2026 Public Comments to Preliminary Applications

California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Sacramento, California Re: Letter of Support – City of Needles Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Staging Area Project Dear California State Parks OHV Division: On behalf of Colorado River Medical Center, I am pleased to provide this letter of strong support for the City of Needles’ application to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division for development of an Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Staging Area. As the sole acute care hospital serving Needles and the surrounding tri-state region, Colorado River Medical Center understands both the recreational value and the public safety responsibilities associated with OHV use in our community. Needles is uniquely positioned as a gateway to significant off-highway recreation areas that attract visitors from across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Establishing a designated, well-planned staging area will promote safer access, better organization of riders and equipment, and improved emergency response coordination. From a healthcare and public safety perspective, a formal staging area provides several important benefits: Improved Safety Infrastructure: Designated access points, clear signage, and organized parking reduce confusion and lower the risk of preventable injuries. Emergency Access and Coordination: A centralized staging location enhances response times for EMS and public safety agencies, including coordination with our emergency department. Community Health and Economic Stability: Outdoor recreation supports physical activity, tourism, and economic vitality—factors that contribute positively to community well-being and local healthcare sustainability. Education and Injury Prevention: The project creates opportunities for safety education, responsible riding outreach, and collaboration between the City, public safety agencies, and healthcare providers. Colorado River Medical Center supports investments that strengthen both the economic foundation and public safety infrastructure of our community. The proposed OHV staging area aligns with those goals and reflects thoughtful planning by the City of Needles to balance recreation, safety, and community health. We respectfully urge the California State Parks OHMVR Division to give favorable consideration to this grant application. This project represents a meaningful investment in safe recreation, regional tourism, and the long-term vitality of Needles. Bing Lum - 3/3/2026

As a resident who resides in the area of the proposed project, I am in full support of the project scope as prepared by the City of Needles. The existing parking lot is often utilized for OHV, which causes a lot of dirt in the neighbor. The pavement of the parking area is a significant improvement to the existing parking lot. The proposed project includes basic amenities like a restroom and trash disposal. I would only recommend that the City consider adding a picnic table or bench area for residents/visitors to utilize near the Kiosk area to learn more about the approved OHMV trails. Also, the Kiosk should include emergency response contact information, such as 911 and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number. Kathy Rockwood - 3/3/2026

Needles CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle grant is important to helping us establish our area for off road enthusiasts to make us their destination for off road fun. The site should also include a few picnic tables to provide Visitors a place to enjoy our desert. Our location in the Mojave Desert offers views of the surrounding hills and trails to the Colorado River. We are fortunate to be located on RT66 and Interstate 40 for an economic factor for our City. The center will give Needles an edge to attract Families to visit us and enjoy our area. Mayor Janet Jernigan - 3/3/2026

I think this is a terrific idea, which could influence spending within the city and increase revenue for local businesses. My concerns are liability based on the city’s part. Suggest posting signs that inform the public that the parking area is at their own risk, that any damages or loss of property are not the responsibility of the City of Needles. Also warning signs that establish warnings that trail riding or hiking is a possibly dangerous activity that is taken at your own risk. Adding a covered or uncovered picnic table type area would be a good addition. Considerations should also be made for the added expense of maintaining this area. Thomas Torrance - 3/4/2026

Public Comment – Support for Palmdale Station OHV Enforcement Grant I am a resident of the Four Points area within the Palmdale Station jurisdiction and I strongly support the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department application for OHV enforcement funding. As outlined in the application, all surrounding areas to Palmdale are private property and OHV operation is not legal in these areas. Despite this, illegal operation of side-by-sides, quads, and motorcycles on public roads, private property, and within equestrian communities has become a recurring issue. Significant portions of the Palmdale Station patrol area include equestrian neighborhoods. In these areas, unlawful OHV activity presents not only a quality-of-life issue but also a genuine public safety concern. Horses are easily spooked by high-speed OHV traffic, placing riders, children, pedestrians, motorists, and operators at risk of serious injury. The application accurately notes the size and complexity of the patrol area—approximately 800 square miles —with limited personnel dedicated specifically to OHV enforcement. In practice, this means enforcement presence is often intermittent in high-use areas where activity tends to concentrate during weekends and holidays. Based on firsthand observation, unlawful OHV use in certain communities is frequently carried out by repeat operators using the same machines and staging from predictable areas. Targeted, well-timed enforcement operations have the potential to significantly deter this behavior when resources are available. Additional funding that supports increased patrol frequency during peak usage periods, improved coordination with partner agencies, and continued public education efforts would directly benefit residents, protect private property, reduce conflict between motorized and non-motorized users, and mitigate environmental damage. I support this grant request and encourage consideration of expanded or sustained funding to address the scope and recurrence of illegal OHV activity within the Palmdale Station jurisdiction. Respectfully, Steven J. Hull Four Points Area Resident - 3/3/2026

The cost estimate appears to have omitted project costs for field work such as vehicle use/rental to provide access and transportation for required field work activities. Suggest updating the cost estimate to reflect this cost. Steve Cowdrey - 3/3/2026

I am pleased to offer wholehearted support for the Napa County Sheriff's Office application for OHV funds for a new side by side vehicle, equipment, and staff time to support their law enforcement work in the Knoxville OHV area. As one of the managers of the UC Davis McLaughlin Reserve, I have lived and worked in close proximity to he OHV area for 23 years.. During that time Knoxville has transformed from a lawless and vandalism-prone region to a clean and well-managed area for OHV recreation, that also is used by hikers, bicyclists, and academic researchers. This transformation has happened thanks to the consistent efforts of the NCSO and the BLM, but especially to the elevated law enforcement presence made possible by OHV grants. I won't reiterate what is already written in the grant application. It gives an accurate account of the positive effects the NCSO OHV program has had on public safety in the greater Knoxville region. With the recent explosion in popularity and development of side by side OHVs, it makes sense that the NCSO should switch from motorcycles to this safer type of vehicle. Paul Aigner - 3/5/2026

I encourage the OHMV program to support the Napa County Sheriff's Office's application to fund equipment needed to patrol and enforce safety in the Knoxville Recreation area (KRA). I am the resident director of the University of California's McLaughlin Natural Reserve, living and working onsite amidst the Knoxville Recreation Area. The KRA is a relatively remote area providing fantastic opportunities for the public to explore, enjoy, and understand California's wild lands, and is adjacent to the UC McLaughlin Reserve, which functions as an "outdoor laboratory" for University-level research and instruction. Unfortunately, historically the public lands in this area have also attracted members of the public who seek remote areas to conduct illegal and/or reckless activities, which can threaten the safety of the recreating public and people working on the Reserve, and damage University lands and infrastructure. I fully support the work done by the deputies from the Napa County Sheriff's department to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the KRA region. Prior to the NCS deputies increased activities in the area, the region had a reputation for being the lawless "wild west", a condition which increased patrolling by NCS office has greatly ameliorated, but a condition with is constantly changing as off-road vehicles and illegal/reckless interests evolve. A challenge faced by law enforcement is how to safely and effectively patrol the areas which the ill intended or law-unabiding public access. In order to be effective, the funding for equipment and manpower requested by NCSO is essential. I have supported the NCSO by providing access to University facilities for parking equipment, work breaks, and meetings. I am eager to do what I can to increase the legal and honest enjoyment of the public lands and safety for the entire community of this region, and encourage you to please do so as well by supporting the NCSO request for funds that will be very effective in increasing law enforcement and public safety. Sincerely, Catherine Koehler Resident Director University of California - Davis, McLaughlin Natural Reserve 26775 Morgan Valley Rd, Lower Lake, CA cell (707) 671 3473 - 3/6/2026

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office has been a huge assistance to myself and my place of work at the UC-Davis McLaughlin Natural Reserve. Reserve property shares borders with the Knoxville OHV area on multiples sides, so there is a significant need for Napa County Sheriff’s to be out patrolling to prevent trespass and keep the areas safe and lawful. I fully support their funding request for side by side (4x4) equipment that will help them operate more safely in the uneven terrain and poorly maintained roads. This funding will also allow for more patrol shifts, which is necessary as since the end of Covid restrictions there has been a noticeable increase in the use of the OHV areas and resulting problems from unsafe OHV use. The increased patrols on holiday weekends and the opening weekend of deer season is of particular importance to myself at the reserve, as it typically coincides with the most illegal activity i.e. poaching, fireworks, unsafe shooting of guns, etc. Napa County Sheriff’s Office presence during these times is very important to prevent unsafe or lawless behavior. Having Napa OHV Team in Knoxville more frequently makes myself and the reserve feel safer, and I am sure that transfers to all lawful OHV users as well. Benjamin Amann - 3/6/2026

I am writing in strong support of the Friends of the Bridgeport Avalanche Center’s 2026 General Application. As a direct participant in FoBAC’s avalanche education programming, I have personally experienced the professionalism, structure, and integrity with which this organization operates. Their programs are not informal or casual efforts — they are highly organized, professionally delivered, and built on established avalanche education standards. The administrative strength reflected in this application mirrors what I observed in the field. FoBAC demonstrates strong partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies, clear organizational structure, and responsible fiscal management. Their coordination, communication, and consistency are evident both operationally and educationally. The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area is the only congressionally designated winter OHV recreation area in the United States. Managing safety in such a unique and heavily used area requires a capable, organized nonprofit partner. FoBAC has proven they are exactly that. Their compliance documentation, nonprofit verification, land manager coordination, and formal partnerships reflect a mature organization capable of responsibly stewarding public funding. Based on my experience and observation, they operate with transparency, accountability, and a clear public service mission. I strongly support approval of this application. Respectfully, Sean Thomason - 3/3/2026

I am writing in strong support of the Friends of the Bridgeport Avalanche Center’s Education & Safety Project for the 2026 grant cycle. I have personally attended FoBAC’s avalanche rescue course with my wife and have directly experienced the quality and impact of their programming. The one-day Companion Rescue course was hands-on, structured, and professionally delivered by instructors Andy and Kate. They were patient, clear, and exceptionally effective communicators. The training included extensive hands-on work with beacon searches, probing techniques, and strategic shoveling. The field scenarios were realistic and physically demanding — which is exactly what builds competence and confidence. The repetition and structured feedback significantly improved our efficiency and teamwork during simulated rescue situations. One of the most valuable components of the course was the “Daily Flow” framework. This structured risk-management system provides a step-by-step approach to anticipating conditions, assessing terrain, managing group dynamics, and making disciplined decisions before and during a ride. It is a practical decision-making tool that stays with you long after the course ends. I actively apply that framework in my own backcountry travel. FoBAC’s programming goes far beyond a basic safety talk. It combines forecasting, field observations, direct outreach at trailheads, structured education, and digital communication. Riders are exposed to safety messaging before their ride (forecasts), during their ride (trailhead engagement), and after their ride (conditions observations and debrief). As winter OHV participation continues to grow, structured and professional avalanche education is critical. Winter motorized users represent a significant percentage of avalanche fatalities nationwide. FoBAC directly addresses this through measurable education, consistent messaging, and field presence. This project enhances public safety, protects access to designated OHV areas, reduces user conflict, and promotes responsible recreation in avalanche terrain. Based on my direct experience in their programming, I can confidently say the outcomes are real, practical, and impactful. I strongly encourage approval of this grant request. Respectfully, Sean Thomason - 3/3/2026

Dear Committee, As professors and researchers in the Department of Wildlife at Cal Poly Humboldt, we are writing to provide support for the proposed Impacts of off-highway vehicle use on coastal wildlife project submitted to your Request For Proposals by the Institute of Wildlife Studies (IWS). This project addresses important conservation, management, and recreational research questions using a scientific approach to methods and analyses. Our Department has collaborated with IWS on numerous research and educational projects across faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students and these collaborations have resulted in publications, technical reports, and graduate theses. This project would provide research and educational opportunities for our students, and we confirm our commitment to being an active partner on this project. Sincerely, Barbara Clucas, PhD (Associate Professor and Department Chair, Department of Wildlife) and Micaela Gunther, PhD (Professor, Departmemt of Wildlife) - 3/3/2026