Project Overview

The LA County OHV Dialogue is a project sponsored by the County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department. The purpose is to build consensus among stakeholders and community members on a series of planning guidelines for a possible system of OHV parks in Los Angeles County. No specific project sites will be identified, evaluated, or selected during this project. Rather, the planning guidelines will serve as a framework for future efforts where potential sites may be identified and evaluated.

The demand of OHV recreational opportunities continues to increase in step with regional population growth. The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of the California and Recreation estimates that 14 to 15 percent of the State’s population are OHV enthusiasts, and that the interest in OHV recreation is expanding. Because of land development and conservation management, the area available for OHV recreation has declined. This has led to OHV recreationists driving greater distances to facilities plus increases in riding on unauthorized lands.

Additional concerns related to OHV recreation trends include illegal riding on unauthorized lands, damage to wildlife and habitat, noise, dust, and multiple uses of trails.

In order to meet unmet recreation needs and respond to known concerns over OHV use, many agencies are considering managed facilities for OHV recreation.  The trend is to develop OHV facilities as smaller parks oriented for motocross and quad riders, located in closer proximity to population centers in industrial districts and other compatible settings.  A funding source for facilities is the State of California OHV Trust Fund, which is generated by the mandatory OHV “green sticker” and “red sticker” registration program. Among other activities, the OHMVR Division administers the annual distribution of grant funding from the Trust Fund for OHV recreation opportunities throughout California, much of which is given to local agencies.  The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation receives these funds to implement locally.

Recent proposals for new OHV facilities in Los Angeles California in general have generally been unsuccessful due to high levels of public controversy and environmental issues. Public input on these projects typically was not solicited until after specific sites and park concepts were solidified, precluding responsive resolution of concerns.

The LA County OHV Dialogue is designed to build consensus on basis parameters and criteria for future potential OHV park locations, characteristics, and operations. These planning guidelines will specify factors to consider when evaluating potential park locations, such as environmental, land use, noise, topography, and access conditions. By involving stakeholders and community members in the planning process before the identification of sites, the County of Los Angeles will establish a collective framework for future OHV park studies and plans.

An advisory committee composed of representatives of recreation, environmental, planning, and community interests is charged with formulating the planning guidelines. Input from the broader community will come from two series of public workshops. Providing information to participants is a key objective and will be accomplished with fact sheets, working papers, and this website.

One of the many goals set for the County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department is to increase park space and recreational choice, thus maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The outcomes of the LA County OHV Dialogue will help to address the recreation needs of a significant segment of the County’s population while proactively managing the location and effects of OHV activity.