The Sierra National Forest announced today that it is soliciting public input specific to the Forest's 2009 grant application proposal for Cooperative Agreements with the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division. In 2009, $27.1 million will be available state-wide for distribution among four funding categories:

•Education and Safety: $1,300,000
•Law Enforcement: $5,200,000
•Operations and Maintenance: $13,000,000
•Restoration: $7,600,000

Current State regulations require annual public participation in this fund allocation process. The agreements support OHV management activities on the national forest, including operations and maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, education and safety. The "operations and maintenance" category is divided into four project types; acquisition, development, ground operations, and planning, with the emphasis on projects that sustain existing OHV recreation on national forests lands.

This year the State will be using an "On-Line Grant Application” process. A two step application process is being used to allow public comment and feedback before the final submittal. To review the Sierra National Forests application, please visit the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements website at http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Applications will be posted March 3rd which begins the 30-day public review and comment period. Public comments on the proposals will be posted to the website and forwarded to the Sierra National Forest. Final applications will be submitted on May 4th.