COMMISSION

and to meet the requirements of the NPDES and the Clean Water Act. Many state parks
throughout California, including SVRAs, fall under the MS4 permit category and are
required to develop and implement a program.
Together, the SWMP and related management programs and plans provide an adaptive
management framework for SVRAs to protect water quality while providing high-quality
OHV recreational opportunities.
In 2011, Carnegie SVRA became the first SVRA to develop a
SWMP and the first State Park to develop a plan specifically
focused on protection of water quality within a recreational
setting. This plan was developed in partnership with the Central
Valley Regional Control Board and involved several interagency
agreements and coordination at the state and federal levels.
In 2012, the OHMVR Division hired a consultant to assist in
the assessment and development of SWMPs for SVRAs. The
consultants also work with the SVRAs to meet all applicable
federal, state, and local storm water and water quality regulations. The consultant provides
many services including staff training; developing BMP recommendations; SWMP and
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan development; storm water inspections, monitoring,
and analysis; soil quality inspection and monitoring; annual compliance reporting; focused
water quality related environmental studies; assistance with preparing permits; and
assistance with public education and outreach, among many other tasks.
Collaborative Efforts and Consultant Contracts
SVRA lands are some of the most diverse landscapes, climates, and ecosystems in California.
Protecting cultural and natural resources within these areas takes a team of highly skilled
environmental scientists and the support of partners, volunteers, and recreational groups.
This collaborative approach allows for people with diverse backgrounds, interests, and
knowledge bases to have a role in monitoring and protecting resources while preserving
recreational opportunities. The OHMVR Division works with academic institutions and
government agencies for technical assistance with monitoring and habitat restoration
while volunteers and stakeholder groups assist with resource protection projects. These
relationships also provide learning opportunities for students who will become the next
generation of resource environmental scientists and managers.
OHMVR Division environmental scientists are part of the larger scientific community
who are studying species and habitat health and implementing adaptive management
techniques for restoration and resource management. Environmental scientists at SVRAs
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