During the preparation of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan in 2005, the public strongly desired an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreational opportunity in Yolo County. In the subsequent years, the need for an OHV recreational area has become more evident as the County, local residences, business owners and non-profit organizations are all currently impacted by the unsanctioned use of OHVs on their respective properties. Further, the current nighttime ban on OHV use in the Cache Creek stream bed has renewed the public interest in legal alternatives for such recreation. Therefore, the Parks Division proposes to apply for state grant funding to conduct extensive public outreach and complete a feasibility study for a future OHV park within Yolo County.

This grant would be used to fund a two-phase study to determine OHV park potential and alternative locations (Phase I) as well as evaluate site development feasibility while coalescing the requisite political support (Phase II). More specifically, Phase I would assess OHV development potential via public outreach and stakeholder development, identify two to three site alternatives, and finally reconcile stakeholder concerns and interests to build consensus for a preferred site to be presented for Board of Supervisor consideration in January 2018. Phase I will prioritize partnership development and involvement of a diversity of stakeholder groups, including: private landowners, OHV riding groups and individuals, non-profit organizations, the local gravel industry, public safety personnel and law enforcement, the general public, County staff, and other potential parties.

Phase II of the project would involve a comprehensive feasibility study of the preferred site. Factors to be analyzed include, but are not limited to;  a broad environmental and regulatory compliance review, site biological assessment, sustainable site design and construction parameters, operation and maintenance and revenue projection. Phase I and II would then combine into a public OHV Plan that determines and illustrates best practices, is visually accessible and creates a path forward for OHV park land acquisition and development. Phase II would be complete in January 2019.

The total cost for this project is $289,554.00. Of this amount, California State Parks will reimburse the County for $214,100. Matching funds will be provided through staff time ($68,004) and cash ($7,540), which is included in the Parks Division's FY 17/18 budget request.
 
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors action will allow the County Department of General Services, Park Division to apply for the State Parks OHV Division’s grant, under the planning category, on May 5, 2017. This action is consistent with the 2006 Parks and Open Space Master Plan recommendations to consider an OHV Park within Yolo County.