Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus National Forest (STF) will be hosting several open houses, in July, regarding the Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) proposed action. “The meetings will provide an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the OSV proposed action,” said Phyllis Ashmead, Interdisciplinary Team Leader for the project, “while affording them a chance to ask questions of forest staff.”

The overall objective of this proposal is to provide a manageable and sustainable system of roads, trails, and areas designated for OSV use within the STF. The proposed action also identifies trails for grooming and adopts the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division’s snow depth standards for that purpose.
“We really value dialog with interested members of the public regarding our OSV program,” said Scott Tangenberg, Deputy Forest Supervisor, Stanislaus National Forest, “and we look forward to discussing options at our upcoming open houses.”

The open houses will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the following locations:
July 13, 2015, Perry Walther Community Building, 325 Creekside Drive, Bear Valley, CA 95223
July 14, 2015, Calaveras Ranger District Office, 5519 Highway 4, Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
July 21, 2015, Pinecrest Elementary School, 30433 Old Strawberry Road in Pinecrest, CA 95375
July 22, 2015, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisors Office, 19777 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA 95370

For over 30 years, the Forest Service has enhanced winter recreation opportunities, including snowmobiling, by working in cooperation with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) Off-highway Motor Vehicle Division. Highlights of the proposed plan could enhance that use by:

 Identifying approximately 54 miles of designated OSV trails that would be groomed on
the Forest;
 Joining forces with Tuolumne and Alpine Counties to groom Clark’s Fork Road (9 miles)
and the Highland Lakes Road (5 miles);
 Designating 98 miles of ungroomed OSV routes;
 Designating 141,073 acres for open OSV riding;
 Grooming trails when there is 12-18 inches of snow;
 Implementing a Forest-wide snow depth requirement for OSV use when there is a
minimum of 12 inches of continuous and supportable snow covering the landscape at
5,000 feet in elevation and above. Stanislaus Meadow, on the Calaveras RD, will require
a minimum snow depth of 24 inches.
 Amending the Forest Plan to allow winter OSV use in the Pacific Valley and portions of
the Eagle Night Near Natural areas.

The Stanislaus National Forest OSV Use Designation is now available for your review through
August 10, 2015. To view and comment go to:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=46311

Although not required, if you plan to attend any of the workshops listed above, please R.S.V.P.
to OSV ID Team Leader Phyllis Ashmead at 209-532-3671, ext. 322 or email @
pashmead@fs.fed.us