As many of you have been following… the saga that has encompassed the Land Management Plan revision process for Sequoia and Sierra National Forest for the last 10+ years continues. In January, I submitted a formal complaint to the Forest Service to request immediate resolution, and set the stage to escalate a request for Congressional oversight, regarding the Forest Service’s implementation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process violations within the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan Revisions objection resolution.

The Forest Service responded with a brief letter that only partially addressed the items noted in the Complaint, dismissing some, and completely ignoring the others. I have submitted a response to their response to reiterate each issue and the imperative for full resolution.

Additionally, I have been collaborating with county leaders within Fresno and Tulare County to ensure that local governments are aware of the gross overreach of authority that the Forest Service is attempting to execute through implementation of this set of National Forest Land Management Plan revisions. I am encouraged that county leadership has taken interest in the issue and have reached out to Congressional representatives independently to further escalate the call for Congressional oversight.

Further, I have been collaborating with several other OHV and outdoor recreation groups to escalate our mutual efforts to seek Congressional oversight. We sent a unified letter to Congress on April 26 to share our collective grievances and request. Read the letter via this link

Read the Complaint letter and history on the Plans via this link: https://bit.ly/nepa-complaint

There are many egregious components of the Sequoia and Sierra revised Land Management Plan Revisions that bear a range of immediate, future, and permanent negative impacts on motorized recreation. Among the worst include:

• Setting the framework for severe restrictions on recreational access and timber management within the proposed Pacific Crest Trail Management Area… a 1-mile wide corridor spanning the full length of the PCT in each national forest.
• Cementing the loss of 43,000 acres of motorized recreation access in Sequoia National Forest through failure to balance the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum… 43,000 acres were lost with the creation of the Kiavah Wilderness in 1994… the Forest Service has shirked their responsibility to create new motorized access to replace those 43,000 acres for nearly 3 decades, and they will set that loss into permanence within the structure of the revised Land Management Plan.
• Cementing the loss of 30 miles of motorized trails in the Piute Mountains through failure to complete Travel Management prior to the release of a finalized Land Management Plan.

We urge all Cal4Wheel members to take action now to support the call for Congressional oversight of the Sequoia and Sierra Land Management Plan revisions.

ACTION ITEM

Please make phone calls to the Congressional representatives noted below, each have jurisdiction over Sequoia and Sierra National Forest lands.

Key talking points:

• I am concerned about the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest violating the objection resolution process for the Land Management Plan revisions for each forest.
• The Forest Service has failed to respond to objections, they are violating public process, which is allowing them to illegally implement a predetermined plan outcome that has significant negative impact on public access, recreation, forest health, and public safety in our public lands.
• The implementation of a “Management Area” or “Corridor” for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) will impose a 1-mile wide buffer zone for the full length of the PCT. The National Trail System Act does not allow for buffer zones for any national scenic trail, including the PCT.
• 43,000 acres of motorized recreation were lost in the Sequoia National Forest through the creation of the Kiavah Wilderness. The Sequoia Revised Plan should compensate for this loss by rebalancing the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), however, the Forest Service has omitted inclusion of detail about this loss within the Revised Plan, thus cementing the loss and creating permanent imbalance in the ROS.
• I urge the Congressman to begin oversight of this issue to require the Forest Service to meet with objectors, including Cal4Wheel, to discuss and resolve public objections and require the Forest Service to remove illegal components of the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest revised Plans before they release their Record of Decision.

It is best to call in during morning hours Monday through Friday. If you are unable to reach a live representative, please state your concerns as a voice message. Call daily to reiterate the need for Congressional oversight – and please ask your club members to call as well!

• Kevin McCarthy – District 20
  202.225.2915 (DC)
  661.327.3611 (Bakersfield)
• Tom McClintock – District 5
  202.225.2511 (DC)
  916.786.5560 (El Dorado Hills)
• Kevin Kiley – District 3
  202.225.2523 (DC)
  916.724.2575 (Rocklin)
• House Natural Resources Committee
  202.225.2761

CAL4WHEEL SEEKS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT FOR SEQUOIA AND SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIONS

As many of you have been following… the saga that has encompassed the Land Management Plan revision process for Sequoia and Sierra National Forest for the last 10+ years continues. In January, I submitted a formal complaint to the Forest Service to request immediate resolution, and set the stage to escalate a request for Congressional oversight, regarding the Forest Service’s implementation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process violations within the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan Revisions objection resolution.

The Forest Service responded with a brief letter that only partially addressed the items noted in the Complaint, dismissing some, and completely ignoring the others. I have submitted a response to their response to reiterate each issue and the imperative for full resolution.

Additionally, I have been collaborating with county leaders within Fresno and Tulare County to ensure that local governments are aware of the gross overreach of authority that the Forest Service is attempting to execute through implementation of this set of National Forest Land Management Plan revisions. I am encouraged that county leadership has taken interest in the issue and have reached out to Congressional representatives independently to further escalate the call for Congressional oversight.

Read the Complaint letter and history on the Plans via this link: https://bit.ly/nepa-complaint

There are many egregious components of the Sequoia and Sierra revised Land Management Plan Revisions that bear a range of immediate, future, and permanent negative impacts on motorized recreation. Among the worst include:

• Setting the framework for severe restrictions on recreational access and timber management within the proposed Pacific Crest Trail Management Area… a 1-mile wide corridor spanning the full length of the PCT in each national forest.
• Cementing the loss of 43,000 acres of motorized recreation access in Sequoia National Forest through failure to balance the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum… 43,000 acres were lost with the creation of the Kiavah Wilderness in 1994… the Forest Service has shirked their responsibility to create new motorized access to replace those 43,000 acres for nearly 3 decades, and they will set that loss into permanence within the structure of the revised Land Management Plan.
• Cementing the loss of 30 miles of motorized trails in the Piute Mountains through failure to complete Travel Management prior to the release of a finalized Land Management Plan.

We urge all Cal4Wheel members to take action now to support the call for Congressional oversight of the Sequoia and Sierra Land Management Plan revisions.

ACTION ITEM

Please make phone calls to the Congressional representatives noted below, each have jurisdiction over Sequoia and Sierra National Forest lands.

Key talking points:

• I am concerned about the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest violating the objection resolution process for the Land Management Plan revisions for each forest.
• The Forest Service has failed to respond to objections, they are violating public process, which is allowing them to illegally implement a predetermined plan outcome that has significant negative impact on public access, recreation, forest health, and public safety in our public lands.
• I urge the Congressman to begin oversight of this issue to require the Forest Service to meet with objectors, including Cal4Wheel, to discuss and resolve public objections and require the Forest Service to remove illegal components of the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest revised Plans before they release their Record of Decision.

It is best to call in during morning hours Monday through Friday. If you are unable to reach a live representative, please state your concerns as a voice message. Call daily to reiterate the need for Congressional oversight – and please ask your club members to call as well!

• Kevin McCarthy – District 20
  202.225.2915 (DC)
  661.327.3611 (Bakersfield)
• Tom McClintock – District 5
  202.225.2511 (DC)
  916.786.5560 (El Dorado Hills)
• Kevin Kiley – District 3
  202.225.2523 (DC)
  916.724.2575 (Rocklin)
• House Natural Resources Committee
  202.225.2761

RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

On March 3, the California State Park Recreation Commission met to review and vote on the Red Rock Canyon State Park (RRCSP) Preliminary General Plan; they voted to approve the plan for implementation. This Plan was crafted following four years of prior scoping, analysis, and public comment. The plan was intended to address changing conditions, analyze the latest information and data, and incorporate lands that were added to RRCSP since a General Plan was approved in 1982. While the 1982 Plan only covers the original 8,180 acres of the park, the Revised General Plan includes the entire area of approximately 25,000 acres currently under park ownership and management. The General Plan presents the long-term management framework for natural and cultural resource stewardship, interpretation, facilities, operations, and visitor experience. It is the primary management document for a State Park (SP), establishing its vision, purpose, and management direction for the future.

Cal4Wheel participated in previous public comment periods that preceded the final draft and vote to approve. Concerns with the draft plan included:

• Permanent closure of Nightmare Gulch to all but hiking and horseback riding access due to alleged concerns over public safety and preservation of archeological sites
• Closure to motorized access in Black Rock Canyon, and parts of Last Chance Canyon
• Only street legal vehicles allowed within the park, with the exception of a few connector routes
• Side by Sides (SxS) no longer allowed in the park
• Misalignment with SB 155
• Disparate equity of access for disabled visitors
• Violation of the California Desert Protection Act, and California Public Resource Codes (PRC) Sections §5002.2 and 5019.53
• Misuse of “Zones” to severely restrict public access

Review the draft plan comment letter: https://bit.ly/red-rock-comments-121622

Public comment was allowed prior to the Commission’s vote on March 3. I attended the meeting to provide comments on behalf of Cal4Wheel, as follows:

My name is Rose Winn, I am the Natural Resource Consultant for California Four Wheel Drive Association, representing over 3,500 citizens who are vested stakeholders in the Red Rock Canyon State Park General Plan Revision. Cal4Wheel has been actively engaged in the Red Rock Canyon planning process for many years. Today, as the Commission is weighing a vote to approve or disapprove this Plan, I would like to highlight several legal violations, and violations of planning requirements, that are evident within the draft final Plan. If the Commission does vote to approve this plan, the Commission will become party to and liable for the legal repercussions stemming from implementation of each violation, which include:

1. Misalignment with SB 155
2. Failure to ensure equity of access for disabled visitors as required by EO13985
3. Violation of the California Desert Protection Act, and California Public Resource Codes (PRC) Sections §5002.2 and 5019.53
4. Elimination of motorized access within the proposed Birds of Prey Natural Preserve

First, the Commission must consider the Plan’s violation of SB 155, which was designed to expand motorized recreation across the state, including within State Parks. Unfortunately, rather than expand or create new OHV access in RRCSP, the Plan serves to eliminate existing OHV access to the most desired locations where the public may enjoy the iconic features of the Red Rock Canyon landscape. As remedy, in order to align the Plan with SB 155, State Parks should designate the existing roads in Nightmare Gulch, Black Rock Canyon, El Paseo Road, and all roads throughout Last Chance Canyon Road as suitable for all forms of off highway vehicles.

Second, State Parks must finally begin to reverse pervasive and systematic discrimination against those with mobility disabilities. Management policies that result in closures of roads for public access, including OHV road closures, creates discrimination against disabled persons. Maintaining motorized access within Red Rock Canyon is critically important, as it provides access where those with disabilities would otherwise be banished. biden’s Executive Order 13985 was issued to Advance Equity for Underserved Communities. The Plan violates the State Park requirement to maintain compliance with federal regulation by imposing policy that contravenes EO13985. In order to achieve compliance, State Parks must designate existing roads including Nightmare Gulch, Black Rock Canyon, El Paseo Road, and Last Chance Canyon as suitable for all forms of off highway vehicles.

Third, the Plan violates the protections of motorized use that were embedded within the California Desert Protection Act and California Public Resources Code 5002.2. Whereas State Parks has asserted that it is reasonable to convert OHV roads to non-motorized access because Red Rock Canyon State Parks is not a State Recreation Area, it is clear that this position has no foundation in reality. This position contravenes the CDPA and two Public Resource Codes that were in effect during Analysis and preparation of the Plan revision, this position also contradicts the clear direction set forth in SB 155.

Fourth, the Birds of Prey Closure was established in 1986 by the federal government to protect the reproductive capabilities and the nesting grounds of the Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Following closure, motorized recreation continued in Nightmare Gulch for 27 years. Motorized access through Nightmare Gulch was only ended as the result of State Parks issuing an Emergency Closure in 2013 following summer storm damage to the existing route. While the storm closure was intended to be temporary, the closure has remained in place from 2013 to present day. This is insensible on many levels, including the fact that the storm damage on the Nightmare Gulch section was negligible and easily corrected.

Throughout the 27 years that the road through Nightmare Gulch was open following the creation of the Birds of Prey Closure, mitigation to protect Golden Eagles and Prairie Falcons was put in place by closing the road to public access during raptor breeding season, from February to July of each year. Given the pervasive, historical public use of Nightmare Gulch Road, and the prolific evidence of the efficacy of mitigation to protect birds of prey through temporary, seasonal closures during raptor breeding season, there is no sensible justification for creating a permanent closure of motorized access in Nightmare Gulch through the Plan revision. State Parks must reopen Nightmare Gulch Road to restore permission for motorized travel and designate the road as a historically valuable corridor, which is aligned with the original purpose for designation of Red Rock Canyon as a state park.

Finally, the General Plan purpose and need specifies that the General Plan revision is a:

• “blueprint for future decisions”
• “does not attempt to provide detailed management recommendations”
• “provides conceptual parameters for future management actions”

As stated in the purpose and need, it is a legal and policy violation for the Plan revision to include road and trail specific directives. Road and trail management is a detailed management action and this General Plan cannot make “detailed management recommendations.” Therefore, this General Plan must not close or open specific roads or trails, or recommend closure of roads and trails. That may only be accomplished within a road and trail management plan. This General Plan must only address long-term goals. The Plan is, in fact, prohibited from making specific changes to trail and road management. We at Cal4Wheel take this opportunity to draw the Commission’s attention to the fact that inclusion of road and trail management decisions within the General Plan constitutes both legal and planning policy violations. If the Commission does vote to approve this plan, the Commission will become party to and liable for the legal repercussions stemming from implementation of each violation.

Unfortunately, despite the comments I shared, along with comments from several other motorized recreation advocates, the Commission voted to approve the plan and subsequently eliminate the vast majority of motorized recreation routes throughout Red Rock Canyon State Park.

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST ROADSIDE HAZARD TREE MITIGATION PROJECT OBJECTIONS

On March 11, 2023, I submitted Objections to a Roadside Hazard Tree Mitigation project for Eldorado National Forest (ENF). Previously in August 2022, I submitted comments on the project’s Proposed Action for Scoping to urge the Forest Service to maximize the total acreage for hazard tree abatement in order to increase public safety, protect public access to motorized recreation opportunities and general outdoor recreation, and decrease future risk of wildfire. Of positive note, ENF included the full 2,461 miles from the original proposal within the draft final decision.

However, my comments included objections to other components of the draft final decision given that it fails to effectively fulfill the Purpose and Need for the project through unnecessary limitation on scope of implementation related to:

1. Maintenance level 1 roads
2. Catastrophic wildfire prevention
3. OHV and outdoor recreation
4. Social and economic impacts
5. NEPA review

Additionally, ongoing support was offered in the means of club membership as volunteers to support the success of both immediate hazard tree mitigation and post-project maintenance needs.

Read the Objection letter: https://bit.ly/eldorado-hazard-obj

SB155 / OHV ACCESS PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING

California State Parks (CSP) will hold an open house to inform the public about the Off-Highway Vehicle Access Project and receive input.

The meeting will be held in person, and the public can join anytime between 9:00a.m. and 1:00 p.m. There will be stations with topics of interest and time to discuss the project with State Parks staff. The public will learn about Senate Bill 155 and the Department’s process for searching, selecting, and acquiring property; discuss OHV recreation opportunities and visitor needs; and discuss potential locations for OHV recreation opportunities, including partnerships, leases, and new properties.

Project Background

In September 2021, Senate Bill 155 amended Public Resources Code Section 5090.42. This bill transferred funding from the General Fund to the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trust Fund to explore the acquisition and development of properties and opportunities to expand OHV recreation in new and existing facilities. The bill was amended as a result of the botched Carnegie SVRA expansion and subsequent loss of the Tesla property, for which OHV funds had already been expended. The amended bill recommends prioritizing opportunities that can serve large urban areas such as the Bay Area and Central Valley and offer potential recreational opportunities for OHV recreation and motorized access to nonmotorized recreation.

The March 31 meeting is the second of several opportunities to be involved in this project, including virtual and in-person meetings. California State Parks will develop a preliminary report, feasibility study, and OHV Recreation Access Plan with recommendations and strategies to enhance existing OHV recreation areas or expand OHV recreation within the State through an acquisition, lease, land swap, or other available means. The project would also consider developing motorized access to non-motorized recreational opportunities.  

The OHV Access webpage will also list future meetings Off-Highway Vehicle Access Project (ca.gov).

NOHVCC / BLM LISTENING SESSIONS – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SERIES

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a positive future for off-highway vehicle recreation. You can learn more at www.nohvcc.org. NOHVCC is working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to create a California Statewide OHV Action Plan. BLM is seeking assistance from the OHV community to learn how the BLM can improve access to high quality OHV recreation experiences in the state of California.

In 2014 NOHVCC and the BLM partnered to develop a National Motorized Recreation Action Strategy designed to help the BLM develop individual state action plans for providing high quality OHV opportunities and develop partnerships to help maintain those opportunities. This process has created state specific OHV action plans in 7 other states where the BLM manages public land. The strategies will be used to help guide future travel management and resource management decisions; however, the strategies are NOT part of a specific travel management plan. In developing these strategies, OHV enthusiasts have a chance to share your thoughts on the following topics:

• What activities are taking place on BLM-managed lands in California?
• Where in general are these OHV activities taking place?
• What experiences are you looking for on BLM-managed lands?
• Where might these missing activities fit on BLM-managed lands in California?
• What could the land managers do better to enhance your recreation experience?

Without the help of OHV recreationalists like you, BLM may not have accurate answers to the questions above, and you could miss out on a chance to provide ideas that could lead to enhancements to the areas and trail systems you enjoy. To gather your input, NOHVCC will hold two series of community listening sessions. The first round of listening sessions will be in Northern California in November 2022, with the second round will be April 27-May 4, 2023.

All upcoming sessions will be held virtually from 6:00 - 9:00pm Pacific on the following nights:

• April 27: for those who live in or recreate in the San Diego, Glendale areas
• May 2: for those who live in or recreate in the Covina/Ontario, Riverside/San Bernadino areas
• May 3: for those who live in or recreate in the Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, Bishop areas
• May 4: for anyone who lives or recreates in Southern CA (or who couldn’t make a regional session)

To register for a meeting please click here.

These sessions are not being organized by the BLM; however, staff from these agencies have been invited to attend these meetings as participants and will be on-hand to discuss current travel management processes and how your suggestions could help shape future decisions. The listening sessions will also be an excellent time for you to meet national, state, and local agency personnel. These organizations are interested in developing partnerships with individuals and organizations to improve the management of OHV recreation on public lands.

The more information that is provided directly from the OHV community, the greater the potential for a high-quality statewide strategy and action plan. Please participate in the listening sessions and invite your fellow club members and riding buddies as well. For more information on the meetings please contact NOHVCC at trailhead@nohvcc.org.

The Creek Fire Restoration project was presented for Scoping and public comment in early 2022. In 2020, the Creek Fire scorched 380,000 acres of Sierra National Forest, equating to 30% of the Sierra NF footprint in Fresno and Madera counties. The fire was exacerbated and quickly spread beyond the scale of normal firefighter response due to overly dense forest caused by decades of restrictions on logging, cattle grazing, prescribed burning, and vegetation management. Within the 380,000 acres that were burned, the fire consumed foothill, mountain, and alpine terrain - turning much of it into a moonscape of thick ash and blackened toothpick remnants of trees that previously featured beautiful forests, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Cal4Wheel submitted comments during the Scoping and Analysis phases of this project in March and September 2022. The original project scope designated a 230,000 acre footprint, thus creating a restoration plan for 60% of the burn scar. Cal4Wheel advocated that Sierra NF should maximize restoration efforts by including a greater volume of acreage within the plan, and, maximize impact by simultaneously conducting projects to reduce future threat of fire by reducing vegetation density and restoring previously closed OHV routes to serve as fuel breaks throughout the terrain.

Unfortunately, Sierra NF caved to pressure from extreme environmentalists and released a revised plan that reduced the total acreage for restoration to a mere 31,976 acres - equating to just 13.8% of the original plan (230,000 acres) and only 8% of the burn scar (380,000 acres). Cal4Wheel submitted objections to the revised plan, citing negligence on the part of Sierra NF to fulfill their responsibility as contracted public land managers to effectively manage the forest for the benefit of the people by actively preserving a healthy landscape and wildlife habitat. Cal4Wheel additionally cited Forest Service infraction of NEPA violations including rigging the Purpose and Need of the project, detrimental social and economic impact, and discrimination of disabled persons due to restrictions of public access for OHV recreation. 

Read the full letter of objections via this link

Cal4Wheel submitted a complaint to request immediate resolution, and escalate a request for Congressional oversight, regarding the Forest Service’s implementation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process violations within the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan Revisions objection resolution. The Forest Service (FS) has completed the final stages of revising the forest plans for the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. Objection Resolution meetings were held on November 15-17, 2022, to discuss the draft Records of Decision and Revised Forest Plans with members of the public who had submitted comments and objections to the plan revisions. Issues within the plan revisions that are of key concern to OHV enthusiasts include:

• OHV trail closures in the Piute Mountains of Sequoia National Forest
• Violation of federal law within the planning process and overhaul of Pacific Crest Trail management
• Bias of heavy input from the Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Minimized public input from the OHV community throughout the planning process
• Neglect to balance the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
• Disregard for the Forest Service’s contracted obligation to preserve multiple-use access to public lands, with explicit bias towards non-motorized recreation

Read Cal4Wheel’s objection letter via this link: https://bit.ly/seq-sierra-plan-objections

The Objection Resolution meetings were attended by three groups within the OHV recreation community: Cal4Wheel, Stewards of the Sequoia, and CORVA. Multiple extreme environmentalist organizations were also in attendance, including: the Center for Biological Diversity, CalWild, Sierra Forest Legacy, the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and many more. Unfortunately, the FS disregarded the points of concern raised by Cal4Wheel and other OHV enthusiasts, while giving full attention and credence to the requests and suggestions raised by environmentalists. Additionally, the FS did not follow NEPA protocol within the objection resolution meetings.

Cal4Wheel raised concerns regarding FS violation of NEPA process during the objection resolution meetings, noting multiple elements of protocol that dictate how objection resolution must be administered. However, FS staff deemed those concerns irrelevant and proceeded to continue the meeting structure in violation of NEPA process. This disenfranchised Objectors of their fair opportunity to fully engage in the objection resolution process, nullified the validity of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Final Record of Decision (ROD), and ultimately places the FS at risk of litigation. The complaint that Cal4Wheel submitted serves to document NEPA process violations within the objection resolution proceedings and outcomes, and to proactively seek resolution. Cal4Wheel has additionally reached out to members of the US Congress who represent districts that overlap with the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests, and members of the Congressional House Committee on Natural Resources, to request Congressional oversight of the FS and urge the FS to resolve all issues cited within the complaint prior to issuing a Final Record of Decision.

• Read Cal4Wheel’s letter of complaint via this link
• For more information about the National Forest planning process, visit this link
• For more information about the Sequoia & Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan Revisions, visit the project website.

SEQUOIA AND SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIONS

The Forest Service (FS) has completed the final stages of revising the forest plans for the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. Objection Resolution meetings were held on November 15-17 to discuss the draft Records of Decision and Revised Forest Plans with members of the public who had submitted comments and objections to the plan revisions. Issues within the plan revisions that are of key concern to OHV enthusiasts include:

• OHV trail closures in the Piute Mountains of Sequoia National Forest
• Violation of federal law within the planning process and overhaul of Pacific Crest Trail management
• Bias of heavy input from the Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Minimized public input from the OHV community throughout the planning process
• Neglect to balance the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
• Disregard for the Forest Service’s contracted obligation to preserve multiple-use access to public lands, with explicit bias towards non-motorized recreation

Read Cal4Wheel’s objection letter via this link: https://bit.ly/seq-sierra-plan-objections

SEQUOIA AND SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISIONS

The Forest Service is in the final stages of revising the forest plans for the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests and is currently working through the administrative review (objections) process for the draft Records of Decision and Revised Forest Plans. The revised drafts were released in 2019, however, revisions were altered since to account for changes across the forest terrain that resulted from multiple catastrophic fires in 2020 and 2021. Updates include designation of Wild & Scenic Rivers, efforts towards sustainable recreation, and an overhaul in structure of management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). Issues within the plan revisions that are of key concern to OHV enthusiasts include:

• OHV trail closures in the Piute Mountains of Sequoia National Forest
• Violation of federal law within the planning process and overhaul of PCT management
• Bias of heavy input from the Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Minimized public input from the OHV community throughout the planning process
• Neglect to balance the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
• Disregard for the Forest Service’s contracted obligation to preserve multiple-use access to public lands, with explicit bias towards non-motorized recreation

Read Cal4Wheel’s objection letter via this link: https://bit.ly/seq-sierra-plan-objections

Cal4Wheel has submitted comments dated September 21, 2022 regarding the draft environmental assessment for the Creek Fire restoration project in the Sierra National Forest. Read the comment letter at this link

Of positive note, Sierra National Forest (SNF) responded in favor to several suggestions that Cal4Wheel shared during the Scoping phase of this project. An important revision that was added to the analysis is: existing recreational roads will not be decommissioned as part of the CFR project.

Within comments for the Environmental Analysis, Cal4Wheel advocated for restoration of historical OHV routes that have been previously closed in order to:

• Enhance the local recreation economy
• Eliminate bias in public land access against persons with disabilities
• Capitalize on the unique and important opportunity for SNF to be a trendsetter in building new roads and trails as part of burn scar restoration, where new roads and trails may be designed to optimally traverse the landscape in a manner that idealistically balances the needs and interests of public access, wildlife, and forest ecology

Additionally, Cal4Wheel offered the ongoing support of club membership as volunteers to support the success of both immediate forest restoration and post-project maintenance needs.

PHOTO OF BURNED AREA SOUTH OF SHAVER LAKE COURTESY OF INCIWEB

SEQUOIA AND SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISIONS

The objection submission process has been completed for the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests Land Management Plan Revisions. The revised drafts were released in 2019, however, revisions have been revisited since to account for changes across the forest terrain that resulted from multiple catastrophic fires in 2020 and 2021. Updates include designation of Wild & Scenic Rivers, efforts towards sustainable recreation, and an overhaul in structure of management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). Issues within the plan revisions that are of key concern to OHV enthusiasts include OHV trail closures in the Piute Mountains of Sequoia National Forest, violation of federal law within the planning process and overhaul of PCT management, bias of heavy input from the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and minimized public input from the OHV community throughout the planning process. Read Cal4Wheel’s objection letter via this link: https://bit.ly/seq-sierra-plan-objections

Cal4Wheel has submitted a letter to the Sierra and Sequoia National Forest objecting to their proposed revisions to their land management plans. Read the letter at this link

SEQUOIA AND SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISIONS

The Sequoia and Sierra National Forests are in the process of revising their forest land management plans. The revised drafts were released in 2019, however, revisions have been revisited since to account for changes across the forest terrain that resulted from multiple catastrophic fires in 2020 and 2021. The planning team is currently finalizing the revised forest plans. Updates include incorporation of the wilderness recommendation process, efforts towards sustainable recreation, and management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The plans are currently within the pre-decisional administrative review process (the objection process) for the final environmental impact statement (FEIS), revised forest plans, draft records of decision, and the species of conservation concern lists.

Two virtual meetings will be held to provide information on the status of plan revision, including the objection process. There will be time for attendees to ask questions; staff will be available to address the various resource areas covered under the plans. Both meetings are open to the public. The Sequoia NF virtual meeting will be held on July 12 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. The Sierra National Forest will be held on July 13 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Visit this link for more information and the meeting links.

The objection process provides an opportunity for those who have participated in a prior formal public comment period for these plan revision efforts to have their unresolved concerns reviewed prior to the Forest Supervisors issuing final decisions on the revised forest plans and the Regional Forester issuing decisions on the species of conservation concern lists for each forest. The 60-day objection filing period begins with the publication of legal notices in the Porterville Recorder and Fresno Bee on June 14, 2022. While members of the public may not have participated in the prior formal public comment period and thus may not be eligible to object, the meetings noted are valuable to attend to gain insight on upcoming changes in forest land management in Sequoia and Sierra NF. Click here for more information on the Sequoia and Sierra Forest Plan Revision.

OCEANO DUNES SVRA

On June 17, the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Hearing Board held a meeting to review progress on activities required under the Stipulated Order of Abatement (SOA) that aims to reduce airborne pollution that is purportedly caused by OHV recreation at ODSVRA. Presentations were shared by California State Parks, the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), SLO County APCD, and the California Air Resources Board. Public comment was accepted as a decision was weighed to continue or change operating requirements under the SOA.

I attended to provide comment on behalf of Cal4 to urge the board to abandon the SOA, citing evidence from the Scripps Institute Report that proved OHV recreation accounts for only 14% of PM10 (airborne particulate matter) exceedances in the area. I additionally shared grievance over Hearing Board actions that serve to minimize public participation in board meetings and decisions, and grievances over the board’s continued use of selective, biased data to justify the SOA. I was encouraged to see many other advocates from the OHV community on the call, each voicing detailed comments to urge discontinuation of the SOA.

Unfortunately, the state decided to not request any alternation to the SOA at this time. Multiple court cases that are currently in progress continue to be vital to protect the future of ODSVRA.

SIERRA NF OHV PROGRAM FIRST AID / CPR & CHAINSAW CERTIFICATION / RECERTIFICATION

The Sierra National Forest OHV trail opening and maintenance program will be hosting an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR class along with Chainsaw Recertification and Certification (for new users).

• American Red Cross First Aid/CPR: Friday, July 8, at Prather, High Sierra Ranger District Office, 8:00am to 4:30pm

• Chainsaw Recertification/Certification: Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, at Kokanee Work Center, 8:00am to 4:30pm each day.

This will be the last Chainsaw Class offered through the Sierra NF OHV program until at least the fall. To RSVP for one or both classes, email Michael Nolan (michael.nolen@usda.gov) or Kevin Woods (Kevin.Woods@usda.gov).

BLM SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR DESERT ADVISORY COUNCIL SUBGROUPS: DUMONT DUNES & IMPERIAL SAND DUNES

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District is seeking additional applicants to serve on subgroups of the Desert Advisory Council, a citizen-based advisory committee that develops recommendations for BLM on public land management issues. Responsibilities include reviewing information, seeking input from the public and user groups on various programs, projects, and agency decisions, and providing recommendations to the Desert Advisory Council on the management of these areas. The two subgroups focus on recreation and management of the Dumont Dunes and Imperial Sand Dunes recreation areas; both need additional members. Click this link for more information and application details.

SOUTH COW MOUNTAIN OHVMA

The Bureau of Land Management’s Ukiah Field Office invited public comment on future planning and improvements for the South Cow Mountain OHVMA. In collaboration with Santa Rosa 4x4, a local Cal4 club who regularly utilizes this OHVMA, I submitted a comment to advocate for improvements to trails, facilities, and general park amenities. Specific recommendations included request for jeep trail development, looping of trails, and development of the obstacle course to include 4x4 features. Other suggestions included increased security of trash bins to reduce litter across the park, addition of a picnic area at the 4x4 obstacle course (with shade), and increased ranger or sheriff patrols within the park. Many thanks to Chris Silveira and Santa Rosa 4x4 for providing detailed insight on South Cow Mountain’s current status and needs.

Comments submitted on Cal4Wheel regarding the Sequoia-Sierra National Forest Plan Revision Update.

Download copy of letter

TEXT OF THE LETTER:

September 25, 2019

Plan Revision Team Lead

323 Club Drive

Vallejo CA 94592

Subject: Sequoia and Sierra Forest Plan Revision Update

Dear Planning Team:

These comments are submitted on behalf of the California Four Wheel Drive Association (Cal4Wheel) and its membership. Cal4Wheel represents clubs and individuals within the state of California that are part of the community of four-wheel drive enthusiasts. These comments are directed to the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Revision of the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests Land Management Plans. This document shall not supplant the rights of other Cal4Wheel agents and organizational or individual members from submitting their own comments and the agency should consider and appropriately respond to all comments received to this proposed planning project.