Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

Forest Seeks Public Comment on Off-Highway Grant Application

Sonora, CA (August 13, 2007) ...The Forest Service today announced that Stanislaus National Forest (NF) recreation managers are seeking public comment on the year 2008 grant application the Forest is submitting to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off Highway Motorized Vehicle Recreation Division.

Forest visitors, off highway-vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, over-snow (OSV) recreationists, and stakeholders are invited to review the grant application. The Stanislaus NF is submitting grant proposals in the two following categories, and seeking public comment by September 17, 2007:

• Law Enforcement: This proposal covers both summer and winter programs, and would provide approximately $325,000 for Forest-wide law enforcement coverage and public education materials. Grant funding received would be applied to augment enforcement personnel including Law Enforcement Officers and Forest Protection Officers. It would also provide for aerial surveillance monitoring of winter snowmobile intrusion into wilderness, as well as OHV and OSV signs and maps for visitors.
• Restoration Planning: This proposal is for completion of the environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and decision for implementation of a meadow restoration project on the Mi-Wok Ranger District. The proposal would provide funding for resource surveys in the field, evaluation and report preparation, environmental analysis documentation, and public involvement. The proposed project is located along Lyons Creek, approximately 2 miles upstream of Lyons Lake in the South Fork Stanislaus watershed. The meadow incurs resource damage by motor vehicles on a regular basis when four-wheel drive vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and motorcycles travel off an adjacent road, into the meadow and creek area.

The grant application and format are new this year, with contents, costs, and deliverables similar to last year’s proposal. Forest recreation managers are encouraging the public to submit comments and suggestions on this year’s grant application and proposal by September 17, 2007. Those interested may email comments to swarren@fs.fed.us or send them by mail to Forest Supervisor, Stanislaus National Forest, 19777 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA 95370.