CA State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commissioners Tour Hungry Valley
By Deborah Burgeson, Associate Park & Recreation Specialist, OHMVR Division, California State Parks
For the first time in more than a decade, the California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commissioners and other tour participants donned their helmets and goggles before riding in green sticker vehicles to tour Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). On November 8, 2018, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and SVRAs provided recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) for the Commissioners, California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat, OHMVR Division Acting Deputy Director Dan Canfield, OHMVR Division staff, and members of the public to enjoy a “day on the trail.”
The tour included various stops during the 35-mile trail ride where Hungry Valley SVRA staff provided informational talks about the SVRA, including the geology of the area, grassland management, natural and cultural resource protection, law enforcement, trail maintenance, and the interpretation program. Tour participants visited the Quail Canyon Special Event Area, Condor Mesa Overlook, Interpretation and Education Facilities, and the 4×4 Practice Track.
Hungry Valley SVRA is one of nine off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation units within the California State Park system. The SVRA offers close to 20,000 acres and over 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and ROVs. In addition, a 10-acre area with man-made features that resemble conditions and terrain found throughout California’s backcountry is available for four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Recreationists of all skill levels enjoy the SVRA’s varied terrain from flat, broad valleys and gently rolling landscapes to rugged hills and mountains.
Hungry Valley SVRA protects over 4,000 acres of some of the most exceptional native grasslands remaining in the state. In early spring, the grasslands feature a spectacular display of wildflowers and are a popular attraction for many visitors. In addition, a 60-acre oak woodland natural preserve provides hiking non-motorized recreation opportunities. This preserve is one of the last remaining locations in California where you can find valley oak and native grasses growing together. These areas represent some of the best examples of the balance between environmental stewardship and off-highway vehicle recreation.
On November 9, 2018, the OHMVR Commissioners held a meeting at the Burbank Airport Marriott. The jam-packed agenda included reports on the Senate Bill 249 Commission Stakeholder process, Tehachapi District, Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program, Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, Pacific Crest Trail Workshop, and National Youth Project Using Minibikes. In addition, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management staff presented program updates.
The archived video of the meeting is available here: www.cal-span.org.
Website: ohv.parks.ca.gov
Email: ohvinfo.ohv@parks.ca.gov