Southern California Mountains Foundation

Forest Seeks Public Comment For 2023 Off-Highway Vehicle Grants SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.San Bernardino National Forest staff are planning to apply for 2023 grant funds from the State of California to help enhance and manage off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation on the Forest. To inform the grant proposal with ideas from the public, Forest staff will hold a virtual open house. ______________________________________________________________... Meeting Details 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 17, 2022 Join the meeting via Microsoft Teams or by calling in: Microsoft Teams Link Phone: +1 323-886-7051, Conference ID: 458 874 525# _____________________________________________________________ Attendees will also be able to interact with Forest Service staff to learn more about the grants and other OHV funding opportunities. After staff gather public comment, a preliminary grant application will be submitted to the State's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) by March 7. The application will then be publicly available on OHMVR's website for a second public commenting period between March 8 and May 2. Forest staff must submit a final grant application by June 6. The Forest has been a recipient of State OHV grants for over 20 years and has received several million dollars to create and maintain staging areas and trails, patrol and enforce regulations, and restore damaged lands. Interested members of public who unable to attend the virtual meeting or have any questions can email, call or mail OHV Program Manager Kyle Silva by February 24, 2022: Email: [email protected] (use the subject line OHV Grant Application.) Phone: (909) 382-2691 USPS Mail: San Bernardino National Forest Kyle Silva/OHV Grant Application 390 W. 5th Street #1100 San Bernardino, CA 92402

People need public landsand for almost 25 years, the Southern California Mountains Foundation has worked to protect them. We are dedicated to the preservation and survival of the Southern California Mountains. Southern California Mountain Foundation uses donations to protect, rehabilitate, and promote the value of the activities surrounding the mountains. Your support matters. Interested in becoming a member? Go to https://hubs.la/Q012N4Hh0

Have you heard of the Sand to Snow National Monument? It runs from the Sonoran Desert up to the San Bernardino National Forest! It has a vast history and is co-managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. For more information..https://hubs.la/Q012N1r10

A big thank you to our Off Highway Vehicle volunteers for last weekend's patrol near Bear Creek. They dispersed several illegal fire rings and checked on road conditions. If you are interested in becoming an OHV volunteer, contact [email protected]. Photos by M. Christiansen, OHV volunteer

Sunset on Big Bear Lake

If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire is hiring now. For more information, call Andrew Goodman at 909-840-0400

INaturalist is an app that lets you share photos with a worldwide group of fellow naturalists. Take a pic of what you see and share it with others. It's a fun way of sharing nature and learning more about what you see.

This time of year, many of the dirt roads in the area are closed for Winter. If you are on a dirt road, use caution with your vehicle. 4WD vehicles can cut deep grooves into muddy roads, making it difficult for public access later. They also occasionally get stuck in deep snow. Be prepared and if you aren't sure, don't chance it.

Did you know the non-profit Southern California Mountains Foundation has seven programs? Thank you for your support! buff.ly/2DHG1y4 Children's Forest Off-Highway Vehicles Fire Lookouts Music in the Mountains... Big Bear Discovery Center Big Bear Trails Urban Conservation Corps See more

Steller's Jays can be found in the mountains throughout the winter months. They bury seeds and acorns in a cache for winter feeding.

Bald Eagle Facts: Adult wingspan is about 7 feet. Their main diet is fish, though they will eat other animals as well. Coots are another favorite meal. Bald eagles don't swim, but can row themselves on the water's surface with their wings.

Fall offers a lot of photo opportunities. If you have a 4wd, take a ride on Skyline or through Holcomb Valley. Hike along Towne Trail, Pine Knot, or Castle Rock for beautiful oaks and willows. Or simply visit the Village for some exquisite Fall foliage views.

SCMF’s UCC began installing carsonite signs at every junction on the High School Loop. Trail volunteers Laraine, Michele, and Chris came out to remove sharp branches from the side of the trail, haul garbage from the area, and finish installing the carsonite signs, Thank you UCC & volunteers! To volunteer, contact Bennett Rossell at [email protected] To join UCC, contact Andrew Goodman at [email protected]

The Urban Conservation Corps, in conjunction with Big Bear Trails, are installing several benches on Skyline. Next time you take in a relaxing view, thank a UCC employee! #localcorps #CALCC

SCMF OHV volunteers are in the field, educating visitors on responsible recreation and handing out maps. Look for their kiosks at popular staging areas. www.mountainsfoundation.org

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

SCMF Fire Lookout volunteers are back in the forest looking for signs of fire. In the past few months, they have spotted over 10 "smokes", either campfires or fires, in our local mountains. These volunteers are a great help in our communities, keeping an eye out for the safety of our forest. https://buff.ly/2DHG1y4