The California Off-Road Vehicle Association is calling on our members, clubs, business partners, and the entire OHV community to participate in an important federal public-comment period that could influence how millions of acres of National Forest lands are managed in the future.
The U.S. Forest Service has formally proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, commonly known as the Roadless Rule. The proposal was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2026, under Docket FS-2025-0001. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and supporting materials are also available for public review. CORVA strongly encourages every member who cares about responsible motorized access, healthy forests, wildfire prevention, and multiple-use recreation to submit a comment.
Public comments are due September 21, 2026.
The Roadless Rule was adopted nationally in 2001 and generally restricts road construction, road reconstruction, and certain timber activities within designated Inventoried Roadless Areas of the National Forest System.
The Forest Service is now proposing to rescind the national rule in its entirety. More than 44 million acres remain subject to the national Roadless Rule, making this a significant federal land-management decision. The proposal does not apply to the separate state-specific Roadless Rules governing Idaho and Colorado.
For California, where National Forest lands provide enormous opportunities for OHV recreation, camping, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation, and access to remote public lands, CORVA believes our community needs to be part of this discussion.
This distinction is extremely important.
The 2001 Roadless Rule remains in effect today.
The Forest Service has proposed rescinding it. The agency must complete the federal rulemaking process and consider public comments before making a final decision. Rescission also would not automatically reopen closed OHV trails, change Motor Vehicle Use Maps, authorize cross-country travel, or approve construction of new roads.
Existing Forest Plans, route designations, MVUMs, Wilderness designations, environmental laws, and other applicable requirements would continue to govern activities on National Forest lands. Instead, the significance of the proposal is what could happen over time.
Removing the nationwide Roadless Rule could provide individual National Forests with greater flexibility when considering future decisions involving roads, wildfire mitigation, fuels reduction, forest management, emergency access, recreation, and other multiple uses.
California's National Forests are not all the same.
The Sierra Nevada, Southern California forests, North Coast, Cascades, and eastern California forests face very different conditions involving wildfire, vegetation, terrain, recreation demand, existing transportation systems, and surrounding communities.
CORVA believes these decisions should be based on current conditions, sound science, site-specific analysis, and meaningful involvement from the people and communities who actually use these lands.
California has also experienced devastating wildfires. Roads and motorized routes can serve purposes far beyond recreation. Depending on location, they can provide access for firefighters, fuels-reduction projects, prescribed fire, search and rescue, emergency response, forest restoration, maintenance, and post-fire recovery. Responsible public access and conservation do not have to be opposing objectives.
Good management can accomplish both.
This rulemaking presents an opportunity for the OHV community to make an important point:
Responsible motorized recreation is a legitimate use of our National Forests and must be considered when future land-management decisions are made.
Motorized routes provide access not only for motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, Jeeps, and four-wheel-drive vehicles, but also for camping, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, volunteer stewardship, and people who otherwise could not reasonably reach remote areas of their public lands.
CORVA wants the Forest Service to recognize the importance of existing legal routes, recreational connectivity, emergency access, and multiple-use recreation as future forest-level decisions are made. Where environmental concerns exist, land managers should consider responsible management solutions—including rerouting, seasonal restrictions, maintenance, trail hardening, education, signage, and enforcement—before resorting to permanent closure.
This is where CORVA members can make a difference.
Federal agencies need to hear directly from the people who actually recreate on National Forest lands.
A comment does not need to be lengthy or written by an attorney. In fact, a personalized comment explaining where you recreate and why the issue matters to you can provide valuable information for the administrative record.
Tell the Forest Service which National Forest you use. Explain whether you ride motorcycles, drive a Jeep or 4x4, use a side-by-side, camp, hunt, fish, volunteer, or explore backcountry roads. If you have experienced lost route connectivity, wildfire closures, deteriorating forest conditions, lack of emergency access, or successful examples of responsible motorized management, tell them about it.
CORVA particularly encourages members to ask the Forest Service to:
CORVA is launching an advocacy effort to help our members understand the issue, personalize a comment letter, and make their voices heard.
We strongly encourage you to personalize the provided letter. Two or three sentences about the National Forest or riding area you personally use can make your submission substantially more meaningful.
The official federal proceeding is:
Docket: FS-2025-0001 RIN: 0596-AD66 Federal Register: 91 FR 53827 Federal Deadline: September 21, 2026
One important deadline clarification for California members: the federal portal currently identifies the closing time as 11:59 p.m. Eastern on September 21, which is 8:59 p.m. Pacific. CORVA recommends submitting your comment well before the final day rather than waiting until the deadline.
Public access is protected by participation.
CORVA can meet with agencies, review environmental documents, submit organizational comments, and advocate at the state and federal levels—but there is tremendous value when individual recreationists stand beside us and put their own experiences into the public record.
Don't assume someone else will submit the comment for you.
Take a few minutes. Personalize your letter. Tell the Forest Service where you recreate and why responsible motorized access matters to you.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. PROTECT RESPONSIBLE OHV ACCESS.
California Off-Road Vehicle Association
Protecting Public Lands FOR the People — Not FROM the People!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts on AB 1613. Your feedback has been invaluable, and I'm pleased to let you know that CORVA has formally submitted recommendations to Assemblymember Lori Wilson based directly on the concerns expressed by our membership.
While CORVA supports the goals of improving OHV safety, education, and responsible stewardship, we also believe the legislation must be fair, practical, and workable for California's diverse off-road community.
Based on your feedback, CORVA recommended the following changes:
This process is far from over. AB 1613 will continue moving through the Senate, and there will be additional opportunities for discussion and amendments before the bill reaches the Governor's desk.
CORVA remains committed to representing our members every step of the way. We appreciate everyone who participated in our survey, emailed us, called us, and shared thoughtful feedback. Your voices have shaped our recommendations, and we will continue advocating for legislation that improves safety while protecting responsible recreation and access to California's public lands.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mike McGarity President, CORVA
⏱️ This survey takes about two minutes to complete, consists of just five questions, and is completely anonymous. Take the CORVA Member Survey
Read the Full Bill Here
Thank you for being part of CORVA and standing up for off-highway recreation in California. Your membership and your voice are what give us the standing to fight for access—and right now, we need to hear from you.
Your feedback on this issue matters more than you might think. CORVA has the ability to submit formal comments on legislation on behalf of our members and advocate for amendments when appropriate. However, we can only represent our membership accurately if we know where you stand.
We want to clarify a common misconception.
CORVA did not write, author, sponsor, or introduce AB 1613.
AB 1613 was introduced by Assemblymember Lori Wilson. CORVA's role is to represent our members throughout the legislative process. If our members support changes to the bill, CORVA can submit comments and advocate for amendments—but we need your input first.
AB 1613 would create a new California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Safety and Stewardship Program. A stakeholder group would be tasked with developing a mandatory safety and stewardship course covering:
Safe vehicle operation
Required safety equipment
Trail etiquette and responsible recreation
Environmental stewardship and resource protection
The course would be developed by mid-2027.
Beginning January 1, 2029, anyone age 16 or older would be required to complete the course and carry an operator card to legally access off-highway lands.
Importantly, this requirement would not apply only to dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides.
Under the current language of the bill, the requirement would also apply to street-legal vehicles—including Jeeps, trucks, SUVs, and other licensed vehicles—when operated on designated off-highway lands.
In other words, even if your vehicle is registered, insured, and street legal, you could still be required to possess an operator card to access OHV recreation areas.
The OHV Division would have the authority to establish a course fee of up to $25, with revenues deposited into the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund. The course could be offered online.
AB 1613 passed the Assembly Transportation Committee by a vote of 9–2 in April 2026 and is currently awaiting consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Thank you for taking two minutes to make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure that CORVA continues to advocate for policies that best serve California's off-highway recreation community.
Sincerely,
Your CORVA Board of Directors
Protecting Public Lands FOR the People, Not FROM the People.
CORVA is closely monitoring a significant federal policy development that could have important implications for motorized recreation and public access on federally managed lands.
Recently, President Trump issued an Executive Order rescinding several longstanding Executive Orders that have influenced federal land management policies for decades.
Of particular interest to the off-road community is the removal of requirements commonly associated with the “minimization criteria” used in Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) route designation and travel management planning.
For many years, these criteria have played a significant role in how federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service, evaluate motorized routes and access opportunities. While intended to address resource concerns, the criteria have often been interpreted in highly subjective ways, resulting in route closures, access restrictions, and lengthy planning processes that have reduced public access across millions of acres of public land.
From CORVA’s perspective, this Executive Order presents an opportunity to revisit how public lands are managed and how recreation is considered within federal decision-making.
For decades, off-road enthusiasts have experienced the cumulative effects of route reductions, travel management plans, litigation-driven closures, and increasingly restrictive interpretations of public land regulations.
In California alone, we have witnessed:
CORVA supports responsible recreation, resource protection, and sustainable access. We also believe public lands should remain accessible to the public and that recreation should be recognized as a legitimate and valuable use alongside conservation, grazing, energy development, wildlife management, and other authorized uses.
The removal of these Executive Orders does not automatically reopen closed trails or reverse existing travel management decisions. Federal laws, regulations, environmental review requirements, and agency planning processes remain in place.
However, this action may provide federal agencies with greater flexibility to:
CORVA has long advocated for the principle that public lands should be managed for the people, not from the people.
We support science-based management, responsible stewardship, and meaningful conservation efforts. At the same time, we believe public access should not be treated as an afterthought or sacrificed through administrative processes that fail to adequately consider the social, economic, and recreational benefits that motorized recreation provides.
As implementation of this Executive Order unfolds, CORVA will continue working with federal agencies, elected officials, partner organizations, and recreation stakeholders to ensure the interests of California’s off-road community are represented throughout the process.
This Executive Order is not the end of the conversation—it may be the beginning of a new chapter in how public access is considered on federal lands.
CORVA will remain engaged at every level to ensure that future policy decisions support balanced multiple-use management while protecting opportunities for responsible off-highway recreation.
The work is far from over, but this development serves as a reminder of why staying involved in land-use policy matters. Decisions made in Washington, D.C. can have real-world impacts on the trails, roads, and recreation areas we enjoy throughout California.
Thank you for your continued support of CORVA and our mission to protect public land access for current and future generations.
Respectfully,
Your Corva Board of Directors
CORVA is extremely proud to announce that AB 1613 successfully passed the California State Assembly floor yesterday afternoon with a strong 41–17 vote and now advances to the California State Senate for continued consideration — one step closer to the Governor’s desk.
This represents a significant milestone for the future of Off-Highway Vehicle recreation, rider education, and responsible public land stewardship throughout California.
For several years, CORVA Board Members, along with our Land Use Consultant Ted Cabral, have been actively engaged in this process from the very beginning. Through extensive stakeholder meetings, policy discussions, coalition-building efforts, and direct collaboration with legislators and the California State Parks OHMVR Division, CORVA has remained at the table advocating for balanced, practical, and workable solutions that protect both public access and public safety.
OHV recreation in California is far more than simply riding trails. It represents a statewide culture of family recreation, outdoor education, volunteerism, tourism, economic impact, and stewardship across millions of acres of public land. With more than 1.2 million registered OHVs in California and millions of annual recreation visits to our deserts, forests, dunes, and trail systems, the importance of safety education and responsible land stewardship cannot be overstated.
AB 1613 recognizes something CORVA has long championed: protecting access and promoting safety must work hand-in-hand.
As California’s public lands continue facing unprecedented pressures from closures, litigation, environmental conflicts, and increasing recreational demand, the OHV community must continue demonstrating leadership in responsible recreation, rider preparedness, route compliance, and stewardship ethics. Education remains one of the strongest tools we have to preserve long-term access for future generations while reinforcing the importance of respecting trails, protecting natural resources, and maintaining California’s multiple-use public lands for everyone.
While not all of the coalition’s recommended amendments were ultimately adopted during the Assembly process, meaningful progress was achieved, including:
It is important to recognize that many of the improvements made to AB 1613 were directly influenced by years of collaborative stakeholder engagement involving recreation organizations, safety advocates, land managers, and policy experts working together toward practical implementation solutions.
Because the bill author also served as Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, the coalition’s strategy throughout the Assembly process focused heavily on maintaining productive collaboration while continuing to pursue additional clarification and implementation improvements as the bill now moves into the Senate.
CORVA still believes additional refinements are important, particularly regarding:
As the bill advances, CORVA will continue actively participating in discussions with legislative offices, Senate policy staff, OHMVR leadership, and coalition partners to ensure implementation remains practical, effective, and supportive of responsible recreation access.
This legislation is bigger than a single bill. It reflects a growing recognition that California’s OHV community is serious about safety, stewardship, accountability, and protecting the future of motorized recreation on public lands. CORVA will continue working diligently to ensure any statewide OHV education and stewardship framework supports responsible users while preserving the freedoms and opportunities millions of Californians value.
CORVA remains committed to ensuring responsible recreation voices continue to have a seat at the table as these policies move forward.
Thank you to every CORVA member, partner organization, volunteer, advocate, and stakeholder who has participated in this process and helped move these discussions forward. Your involvement matters. Your voice matters. And your commitment to responsible recreation continues making a difference statewide.
We will continue keeping the membership updated as AB 1613 progresses through the Senate process.
CORVA Board of Directors
Prairie City SVRA is more than just a riding area — it is one of Northern California’s premier OHV recreation destinations, supporting family recreation, organized competition, rider training, volunteer stewardship, and outdoor tourism year-round.
CORVA is closely monitoring proposals involving industrial development adjacent to the park, including the proposed rock quarry project that could significantly impact the Prairie City riding experience. Concerns continue to be raised regarding dust, air quality, noise, visual impacts, truck traffic, and the long-term compatibility of heavy industrial operations next to one of California’s most heavily used State Vehicular Recreation Areas.
Prairie City serves a diverse recreation community that includes riders, racers, youth training programs, camping families, and organized events that contribute to the local economy and California’s OHV culture. Protecting the long-term viability of the park requires thoughtful planning and balanced decision making that fully considers recreation impacts alongside surrounding land-use proposals.
CORVA supports responsible growth and environmental stewardship and also believes OHV recreation areas deserve meaningful protection from incompatible industrial encroachment that could diminish the public recreation experience over time.
The future of responsible recreation depends on an engaged community willing to stay informed and involved.
Join CORVA and help protect the future of OHV recreation in California.
Members,
The Oceano Dunes District Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is a conservation program that supports receipt of an incidental take permit under the Federal Endangered Species Act for federally-listed species occurring at Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The HCP will ensure that State Parks has sufficient conservation and avoidance measures in place to sustain these sensitive species while continuing to operate the parks for public recreation and enjoyment.
From the perspective of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is far more than a recreational site. It is a cornerstone of California’s multiple-use public-lands framework and one of the last places where lawful, family-oriented motorized recreation occurs on the coast.
Oceano Dunes lies within the Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes complex, one of the largest remaining intact coastal dune systems in California. For generations, it has provided accessible outdoor recreation while also supporting sensitive coastal species. These two realities are not mutually exclusive. They have coexisted for decades through active, on-the-ground management.
State Parks and the OHMVR Division have invested millions of dollars at Oceano Dunes in species monitoring, seasonal and permanent fencing, predator management, education, enforcement, habitat restoration, and dust control. This level of active management is comparable to — and in many cases exceeds — the measures used at coastal State Beaches that do not allow OHV recreation, such as Huntington State Beach and other non-motorized shoreline parks that also support snowy plover habitat.
Snowy plovers face pressure from many factors common to all coastal beaches, including human presence, predators, storms, and habitat dynamics. Successful protection depends on adaptive, science-based management — not simply whether vehicles are present.
Despite these efforts, Oceano Dunes has been subjected to sustained closure pressure for years through litigation-driven strategies that seek to eliminate motorized recreation rather than improve measurable conservation outcomes.
The recent court ruling underscores the need for a durable, lawful path forward. CORVA views the Incidental Take Permit and Habitat Conservation Plan process as a critical opportunity to provide regulatory certainty, align management actions with measurable biological goals, and ensure continued public access while listed species are protected and recovered.
Public participation is essential. Public comments are being accepted through January 23, 2026.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Off-Road Vehicle Association Welcomes Ted Cabral as Land Use Consultant
November 2025 — Sacramento, CA – The California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) is proud to announce the appointment of Ted Cabral as the organization’s new Land Use Consultant. Cabral, principal of Outdoor Recreation Strategies, brings over 25 years of proven leadership in off-highway vehicle (OHV) policy, land-use advocacy, and outdoor recreation management.
“I am deeply committed to protecting and promoting responsible motorized recreation across California’s public lands,” said Cabral. “Through collaborative partnerships and strategic advocacy, I look forward to strengthening CORVA’s role as the state’s leading voice for off-road recreation.”
We came to an agreement effective November 01, Ted will start representing CORVA at all Land Manager meetings with State Parks, US Forest Service and BLM. He will draft and coordinate official comment letters on behalf of CORVA including early planning efforts to protect motorized recreation. Ted will foster relationships with all the Friends groups in California and all our allied advocacy groups. He will leverage existing networks such as Tread Lightly, Restore Trails, BRC, Cal4Wheel, ASA among others. CORVA remains committed to ensuring successful partnerships will thrive and advance with those who share our goals of responsible recreation, land stewardship, and OHV access across California. This working relationship with Ted will reflect a mutually agreed starting point for solid collaboration which will result in a long-term impact on our land access in California.
A Veteran Advocate for OHV Access
Cabral’s extensive background includes service as a former California OHMVR Commissioner, including three years as Chair, and as a Board Member for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). He currently serves as Legislative Action Officer for AMA District 36, where he leads efforts to support sound legislation, build coalitions, and defend access for OHV enthusiasts.
Cabral’s experience also includes leadership as President of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance (PWORA) and the RestoreTrails program, coordinating post-fire trail restoration and infrastructure recovery on state and federal lands. His ongoing relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies will enhance CORVA’s ability to engage effectively in land-use planning and restoration partnerships.
A Strategic Approach to Advocacy
Through his firm, Outdoor Recreation Strategies, Cabral will provide statewide representation for CORVA in legislative, regulatory, and public land matters. His consulting scope includes:
Strategic Advocacy
Represent CORVA at hearings, public meetings, and agency consultations.
Maintain active involvement in CEQA/NEPA reviews, travel management, and OHV regulatory processes.
Policy & Comment Strategy
Coordinate and draft formal comment letters on proposals affecting motorized access.
Engage early in planning to shape outcomes and protect recreation opportunities.
Education & Outreach
Expand CORVA’s stewardship messaging through club engagement and public events.
Promote OHV safety, trail etiquette, and sustainable recreation practices.
Partnership Development
Strengthen relationships with local “Friends of” organizations and stewardship partners.
Foster collaboration with agencies, local governments, and allied recreation organizations.
Explore restoration and access projects with programs like PWORA and RestoreTrails.
About Ted Cabral
Ted Cabral has spent over two decades shaping OHV policy and public land access in California. His leadership extends from the Marin County Motorcycle Association to state and national policy boards, with extensive experience in program development, stakeholder engagement, and responsible recreation advocacy.
Based in Sonoma County, California, Ted’s firm, Outdoor Recreation Strategies, integrates field-level stewardship with strategic policy engagement—ensuring that the next generation of OHV leaders is mentored and equipped to carry forward the mission of responsible access.
About CORVA
The California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for responsible off-road recreation and protecting access to public lands. Through education, stewardship, and policy engagement, CORVA works to ensure that California’s off-road community continues to thrive on lands managed for multiple use.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2025
Sacramento, CA – The California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), a statewide nonprofit organization committed to protecting and promoting motorized off-road recreation, is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified professionals for the role of Land Use Consultant.
The selected consultant will be instrumental in CORVA’s ongoing mission to advocate for motorized access on public lands, working closely with CORVA’s Board of Directors, officers, and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will focus on representing the interests of off-road vehicle (ORV) users in land use discussions, legislative matters, and regulatory decisions across California.
“California's off-road community is facing increasing challenges in maintaining access to public lands,” said Mike McGarity, President of CORVA. “We are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate consultant to help lead the charge in preserving responsible recreation opportunities for current and future generations.”
Key Responsibilities Include:
Monitoring and influencing land use policies and decisions affecting motorized recreation.
Building and maintaining relationships with government agencies, land managers, and stakeholders.
Providing strategic advice and analysis to the CORVA Board of Directors.
Supporting legal and legislative initiatives related to ORV access.
Engaging with the public and CORVA membership to inform and mobilize advocacy efforts.
About CORVA: The California Off-Road Vehicle Association has been at the forefront of off-road advocacy for over 50 years, working tirelessly to keep public lands open and accessible to all forms of motorized recreation. CORVA promotes environmental stewardship, responsible recreation, and education across the off-road community.
Proposal Submission Deadline: August 01, 2025
View/Download Document
Interested professionals should submit their proposals electronically to: Mike McGarity, President mike.mcgarity@corva.org
Membership,
Please click on the link provided to access the minutes from the CORVA Annual Meeting on May 03 held in Visalia, CA. We had a wonderful Annual Meeting. Our special guest speakers were amazing. We truly appreciate their time they took out of their busy schedule to join us.
After the special guest speakers, we took a break for lunch. We returned from lunch and announced all the CORVA Award winners. Congratulations to all the award recipients.
We had our CORVA Board Elections. Congratulations to all the returning board members as well as newly elected and appointed. Thank you to (3) board members for their years of service. Bruce Whitcher, Lyndol James and Mike Moore. We appreciate all the time and sacrifice you gave to this Association. Thank you.
Mike Moore gave us a recap of the last fiscal year. We went over the past and upcoming expenses.
The board had a special meeting last month where I was given permission to retain and hire an attorney for CORVA. We discussed the bylaw proposals. His recommendation is to withdraw the proposals and conduct a full rewrite.
The day ended with the BOD meeting in Executive Session. The BOD returned from Executive Session and stated the meeting was regarding the Managing Director Contract. The board voted to terminate the contract with the vendor of services Managing Director, per contract Article 7, section 7.01 with a 30-day written termination notice to Access of All, LLC.
We appreciate all the years of work from Amy Granat. We wish her the best in her future land use advocacy efforts. A RFP, Request for proposal for a CORVA Land Use Consultant will be coming out soon.
Sincerely, Mike McGarityPresident, CORVA
Notice: CORVA Board of Directors next meeting will be June 23, 2025 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm via zoom. The zoom link and proposed agenda will be sent out to membership, posted on the CORVA webiste and social media the Friday prior to the meeting.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy
