Title
Parks, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 067-2026 for the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program (G26) grant cycle applications in the amount of approximately $888,575, for Rubicon Trail projects; and
2) Authorize the Parks Manager to approve and execute any grant documents, including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, etc. which may be necessary for the completion of the grant project, if awarded, subject to County Counsel approval as required.
FUNDING: State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program (74%); Sacramento Municipal Utility District Funds and/or Off Highway Vehicle Fees, and Volunteer In-Kind Match (26%).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program of the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, provides financial assistance to public entities and other qualified entities to help with the management of off-highway recreation. The Program supports planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, administration, operation, enforcement, restoration, and conservation of trails, trailheads, and other facilities associated with the use of off-highway motor vehicles.
Every year since 2001, El Dorado County has prepared grant applications and been awarded Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) grant funding for Rubicon Trail projects. With this funding the County can meet the obligation of the US Forest Service Public Road easement, and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The Parks Division prepared G26 grant applications for Rubicon Trail projects. Preliminary grant applications were submitted by the March 2, 2026 due date, and Final grant applications, including a Resolution, will be submitted by the due date of June 1, 2026, for a period of performance that will begin after October 2026.
The Resolution declares that the applicant is authorized to receive grant funding; the applicant understands legal obligations and the California Public Resources Code requirements; the project will be well-maintained and implemented with diligence; matching funding will be provided; the public and adjacent property owners have been notified as applicable; and authorizes the Parks Manager to execute all grant documents, including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, etc. which may be necessary for the completion of the approved grant project.
Approval of this Resolution will allow Parks staff to accept grant funding, if awarded, for the following applications:
Ground Operations
This grant will provide funding for Rubicon Trail annual maintenance such as, but not limited to, maintenance of the existing trail, rock armoring, trail delineation, routine facility maintenance and toilet pumping, and winter monitoring. Funding will also be utilized to purchase all project-related materials and supplies and for the use of equipment.
Safety & Education
This grant will provide funding for related education and safety activities to promote El Dorado County's "4S - Sanitation, Spills, Sedimentation, and Safety” educational program on the Rubicon Trail. Project activities include, but are not limited to, staffing the Loon Lake Trailhead kiosk, producing a bandana, distributing educational materials and spills kits, providing outreach and education at the County Fair and other events, and partnering with Tread Lightly to offer several onsite hands-on field trainings.
Development
This grant will provide funding for improvements to the Ellis Creek maintenance building (funded by OHMVR G19 Grant funds) to provide access to the building during the winter season when snow closes off the main garage door entrance and will enhance safety and security for the County’s vehicles and equipment stored in the building.
ALTERNATIVES
If not approved, Parks Division will not be able to accept Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program funding for Rubicon Trail projects. The County is under the conditions of the US Forest Service easement and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 10-0846 - August 24, 2010 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 11-0727 - June 28, 2011 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 12-1129 - September 11, 2012 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 13-1331 - November 12, 2013 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 14-1147 - September 23, 2014 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 15-0992 - December 6, 2016 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 17-1022 - October 10, 2017 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 18-1429 - October 9, 2018 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 20-0019 - January 28, 2020 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 21-0041 - January 26, 2021 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 21-1731 - November 16, 2021 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 23-0125 - January 24, 2023 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 23-2156 - January 9, 2024 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 24-1777 - November 12, 2024 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 24-2133 - December 10, 2024 - Resolution Correction to Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar 25-0247 - February 25, 2025 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Department of Transportation, Surveyor’s Office, Fiscal Division
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval could result in the award of grant funding for Rubicon Trail projects:
- Ground Operations in the amount of approximately $440,715 (63%) from OHMVR Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program, with required matching funds (37%) in the amount of approximately $257,716 from Recreational Trails Program R24 intent to award grant funding, El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (SMUD Funds) or Off-Highway Vehicle Fees (Green Sticker Funds), and Volunteer in-kind match for a project total of approximately $698,431. The County has received an intent to award funding from the Federal Highway Administration California Division Grant Program for Rubicon Trail projects which will provide match funding if awarded and the grant agreement is executed.
- Safety & Education in the amount of approximately $95,300 (74%) from OHMVR Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program, with required matching funds (26%) in the amount of approximately $33,484 from El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (SMUD Funds) or Off Highway Vehicle Fees (Green Sticker Funds), for a project total of approximately $128,784.
- Development in the amount of approximately $45,400 (74%) from OHMVR Grant or Cooperative Agreement Program, with required matching funds (26%) in the amount of approximately $15,960 from El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (SMUD Funds) or Off Highway Vehicle Fees (Green Sticker Funds), for a project total of approximately $61,360.
SMUD funds are available to fund projects or services related to the Upper American River Project, including the Rubicon River Basin, and Green Sticker Fees, which are collected by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and are allocated to cities and counties to provide and operate trails and other facilities for the use of off-highway motor vehicles.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain the Chair's signature on two original Resolutions.
2) Forward one original Resolution to Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, Zachary Perras.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Zachary Perras, Parks Manager