WILLOWS – The state of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Mendocino National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for over 25 years.

This partnership has provided funding assistance for the management of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation on National Forest system lands through the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program.

Current regulations mandated by the state of California require annual public participation in this fund allocation process.

The purpose of this notice is to share information and to solicit public input specific to the Mendocino National Forest’s 2009 grant application proposals for grants and cooperative agreements with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.

The agreements support OHV management activities, with categories including ground operations (trail maintenance and facility operation and maintenance), development, law enforcement and restoration.

“The Mendocino National Forest offers over 252 miles of designated OHV trails and over 1,400 miles of roughly graded roads available for use by off-highway vehicles,” said Tricia Christofferson, Mendocino National Forest Recreation Officer. “We appreciate your comments on our 2009 grant requests that will be submitted to the State of California. Your comments will help the state determine the level of funding to provide the Mendocino National Forest for trail maintenance, facility maintenance, development, law enforcement, and restoration projects.”

Preliminary applications will be available for review via a link on the State of California Web site at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Comments may be provided between March 3 and April 6. Instructions for providing comments will be provided on the wtate of California Web site.

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