COMMISSION

2008 Soil Conservation Standard and Guidelines Compliance at the SVRAs
OHMVR Division staff annually evaluate whether an SVRA complies with the Soil Standard
for specific areas designated for OHV use. In order to make that evaluation, each SVRA
adopts a soil conservation plan tailored specific to conditions at the park. This plan
includes guidelines that detail land condition assessments, maintenance procedures for
OHV facilities, construction design elements for
development projects, and appropriate monitoring
programs to detect and quantify changes over time.
Land condition assessments identify area conditions
before the design of a project and provide information
staff use to design a project that promotes the longterm
sustainability of OHV facilities and parklands.
To ensure the implementation of consistent and
appropriate construction protocols, park staff use the
results of a land condition assessment to develop
Soils training class
maintenance plans, trail plans, and other facility development plans. SVRA staff conduct
soil monitoring programs to evaluate conditions of trails and other OHV facilities and
produce annual reports as a component of the WHPP. Together, the soil assessment
and monitoring programs give staff and managers the tools to limit soil erosion, promote
sustainable land use, and prevent sediment delivery to water bodies.
2008 Soil Conservation Standard and Guidelines Compliance of Lands
Supported by the Grants Program
Participants in the Grants Program are required to
provide a soil conservation plan as part of the grant
application process. For every proposed project that
involves ground disturbing activities, an applicant
is required to provide a soil conservation plan that
addresses how the project will adhere to the Soil
Standard. Grants Program recipients are also required
to submit a soil compliance report at project closeout
for each project identified in their soil conservation
plan. The compliance report is required to address how
the applicant complied with the Soil Standard regarding the proposed projects. Applicants
typically incorporate trail watch programs with volunteers from the OHV community to assist
with Soil Standard implementation. In addition, the OHMVR Division contracts with the
California Geologic Survey (CGS) to provide technical expertise for assistance with the Soil
Standard implementation for SVRAs and the Grants Program.
Trail work
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