The conservation team at The Living Desert has prepared a preliminary grant application for the 2024 California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) Restoration Grant. The team is seeking public input on their proposal, which aims to address illegal off-highway vehicle activities within Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) through scientific studies and outreach interventions.
"Our goal with this project is to support a comprehensive approach to address illegal off-highway vehicle activities within Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) through two rounds of scientific studies and behavioral change outreach interventions," said James Danoff-Burg, a member of the conservation team.
The primary objective is to collaborate with partners at Joshua Tree National Park and the OHV-using public to reduce illegal OHV disturbances off the main approved trail network inside the park. By working with OHV users, the team plans to research and provide evidence-based insights for effective management actions that JTNP could implement in the future.
Increasing illegal OHV disturbances pose significant threats to natural resources, ecological processes, cultural heritage, wilderness characteristics, and visitor experience in JTNP. Notably, 53% of these disturbances occur in areas designated as suitable habitat for the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), which is critically endangered. Desert tortoises are highly susceptible to road impacts, including direct mortality from car collisions, habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Illegal OHV activity within suitable habitats for the desert tortoise is more impactful than that caused by paved roads.
The preliminary application was submitted to the OHMVR Division today and will be available for public comment until May 6th, 2024. The OHMVR Division distributes $30 million annually, with 25% allocated for restoration projects like this one. Grant funds are collected from gas tax, entrance fees, and OHV sticker registrations to support various grants available to federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies, city agencies, district agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, certified community conservation corps, and federal or state-recognized tribes.
To review the grant application and provide comments before May 6th, visit the CA State Parks OHMVR website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Instructions on how to review applications and submit comments can be found at https://olga.ohv.parks.ca.gov/egrams_ohmvr/user/ReviewProjects.aspx. Mention The Living Desert’s project with Joshua Tree National Park in your comments.
For more information, contact James Danoff-Burg at [email protected].