Los Padres National Forest officials have announced that recreation managers are seeking public comments on proposals for the California Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grant program.

Los Padres National Forest is proposing to submit grant applications supporting OHV management activities on the national forest. The grant proposals include projects for operations and maintenance, restoration and law enforcement.

The state is using an Internet-based On-Line Grant Application process as the means to apply for grant funding. Preliminary applications are due March 2. This will open a two month-long public review and comment period that runs March 3-May 4. The final grant applications are due June 1.

Forest officials are providing two open house opportunities for interested parties to meet with OHV managers to discuss and provide input into the development of the grant applications and provide comments for the preliminary applications.

The public open house meetings are scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Mt Pinos Ranger Station, 34580 Lockwood Valley Road, Frazier Park; and 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Santa Lucia Ranger Station, 1616 N. Carlotti Drive, Santa Maria.

After March 2, preliminary applications will be available for public review and comment online by visiting the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements program at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Hard copies may be requested by contacting Alicia Sanchez Scott, 805-925-9538 ext. 235 or Loreigh Brannan, 661-245-3731 ext. 7229.

Comments should be submitted via email to www.ohv.parks.ca.gov and also mailed to Los Padres National Forest, 1616 N. Carlotti Drive, Santa Maria CA 93454, Attention:  Alicia Sanchez Scott.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation and Los Padres National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for more than 30 years, with funding assistance for well-managed OHV recreation on Los Padres National Forest.