️ 2025 OHV Policy & Funding Updates for Public Lands
By Del Albright
Here’s a rundown of key off-road policy updates, grant funding news, and land use developments for 2025 that matter to the motorized recreation community.
1. California State Parks OHV Grants (G25 Cycle)
– The
G25 grant cycle wrapped up submissions on
June 2, 2025. Final awards are expected in
August,
with the Intent to Award scheduled for August 4.
–
BLM submitted 33 proposals totaling
$7 million, covering trail maintenance, LE, safety, and education.
– The
OHV Access Project enters Phase 2 this summer, with a final report due later in 2025.
2. BLM California – Field Office Projects & Outreach
– Public meetings were held in
Feb 2025 across Northern, Central, and Desert Districts.
– Field offices refined
33 proposals, focusing on operations, safety, and enforcement.
– Past awards: Barstow ($276K) and Bishop ($190K x2) show strong RTP grant use.
– The
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office applied for
$63,818 to patrol OHV zones near Salton Sea & Joshua Tree.
3. National & Nonprofit OHV Funding Trends
–
Yamaha OAI granted
$387,000 in Q1 2025 for signage, trail work, and riding areas—including Perris Raceway.
–
GAOA (Great American Outdoors Act) continues tackling deferred maintenance. By April 2024, it had funded over
250 projects totaling
$775M.
4. Policy Threat: Proposed Public Land Sell-Off
The internet has blown up over this issue, and numerous organizations and groups have issued public statements. I can’t possibly list them all here. I have also found a whole slew of misinformation and exaggeration on this topic. Do your due diligence and gather the facts, not the hype.
✍️ Get Involved!
–
Speak Up: Comment on G25 grants or contact your local BLM office.
–
Land Loss: Let Congress know you value motorized access. Follow the lead of your trusted OHV groups.
–
Watch Grant Cycles: Follow Yamaha OAI and similar programs.
–
Join the Fight: Partner with national, regional, state , and local OHV clubs and associations.
–
Stay Informed: Follow
delalbright.com for updates.
