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Public notice: Gold Rock Outdoor Schools Inc. is planning on requesting

an adjustment to our grant application score based upon factual findings

for Commission consideration at the December 8-9, 2006 meeting based on

the following response to the score sheet clarification of information

submitted earlier in the application. (This will be available on our website)

Response to Scoring Criteria: 68 out of 100

OR-798 Gold Rock Outdoor Schools OHV Safety and/or Education 07

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1. The project’s curriculum or services lead to the enhancement or protection of

existing OHV opportunity or natural resources. The project must address one or

more of the following:

a. Solving one or more operational, maintenance, law enforcement,

environmental, use conflict, or other problem(s) or condition(s) associated with

providing OHV recreation described in the application

This project will provide training in Spanish, dissemination of OHV safety

information, including off-highway regulations and other pertinent desert

protection/education.

Clarification: Operational: This proposal enhances and protects operational

problems through clinics and hands on training of ATV,s Dirt Bikes, Side X sides,

Go-carts, Dune buggies and 4X4.

Teaching proper riding techniques save lives and provides a positive image for

OHV use solving two more conditions associated with providing OHV recreation

described in the application.

Maintenance: Clinics, mentoring, and staff help to eliminate problems

associated with maintenance. This may include the proper care and maintenance

of ohvs, equipment and facilities to prevent oil and gas seepage into the soil, trail

maintenance to prevent “spider trails” all enhancing and protecting ohv

opportunity or natural resources.

Law enforcement: The project provides a volunteer trail patrol aiding in but not

doing law enforcement. This enhances available eyes and ears to help solve the

problem of staffing law enforcement. Mentoring and providing supervision of

youth helps comply with the current laws requiring less burden on law

enforcement teams. Providing the required safety course aids law enforcement.

Environmental: In addition to the desert tortoise and trash clean ups the project

provides watering holes for wildlife. Several deer, rabbits, kit fox and Coyotes

frequent the project site.

Mine safety and bat conference was held at the project site. Current materials

are distributed and evening camp fire programs are offered to foster safety and

awareness of bat protection and mine shaft safety to reduce user conflict and

create a positive image for Off-Highway vehicle use in the area.

b. Protecting residents, private property and landowners adjacent to OHV

recreation from noise, trespass and property damage

The applicant stated that this will be done through education and stressing the

importance of compliance with regulations. However, no specific details were

given.

Clarification: The project site is located on 155 acres in an isolated area

surrounded by BLM land. There is only one neighbor.

The project should receive full marks on this criteria based on the pre-screening

of locations to achieve the protection of residents, private

property and landowners adjacent to OHV recreation from noise, trespass

and property damage.

c. Protecting habitat or critical resources (soil, water, cultural, wildlife, etc.)

The applicant will present a desert tortoise natural area virtual field trip and a

video on the desert ecosystem.

Additional information: The project site provides self guided storyboards

on the cultural and historic resources in our area. A mini museum fosters

cultural and historic responsibility.

All volunteer riding shirts (70) read” Protect plants and Wildlife avoid riding

over and around trees and bushes”. Plants provide food and shelter for

Wildlife and most of the plant life grows around the “bowls” riders are

encouraged through literature and mentoring to avoid these areas

protecting and educating the public on the protection of cultural and

natural resources.

All volunteers participate regularly in trash clean ups which protect the

natural habitat resources specifically the desert tortoise as the trash attracts

ravens which are a predator to the tortoise. The trash cleanups help to

protect the natural habitat of the desert tortoise in addition to eliminating

any possible soil contamination from some trash.

Trail patrols, clinics, and literature mentor and teach ’stay on the trail” to

protect the soil. The project site provides oil disposal if needed to protect

the soil.

Soil protection is also achieved through the regular maintenance of Ohv’s.

The project is desert and cannot be scored fairly on “water” in the

traditional sense but riders are trained to avoid riding up and over banks of

“washes” protecting the banks so when the rains do come the water can

follow the natural course distributing water where mother nature intended

it.

d. Eliminating illegal riding/trespass

A volunteer trail patrol helps to prevent or eliminate illegal trail riding and

encourages riders to eliminate irresponsible OHV use.

Additional information or clarification: This project provides for Adult

supervision eliminating illegal riding (c.v.c 38504)”no person under the age

of 14 shall operate an all-terrain vehicle unless that person satisfies the

requirements of 38503 C.V.C (safety certification) and, in addition, is

accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian”.

The project also eliminates illegal riding by providing the Required Rider

Safety Training. (C.V.C 38503)

The posting of “no trespass” signs on the neighboring property is

eliminating trespass in this project. Survey and staking the project property

further eliminates trespass.

e. Preventing off-route travel

The elimination of illegal riding, trespass and off-route travel may be further

achieved through maps and information stations.

f. Promoting safe and responsible OHV use

Through starting with young riders and teaching proper riding techniques and

etiquette, the applicant will promote safe and responsible use.

Clarification: Adult- youth mentoring through this project provides

hundreds of hours of role model behavior examples. This mentoring

becomes the “norm’ of rider behavior instilling life-long rider behavior

changes promoting sage and responsible OHV for generations.

The project is not just “promoting” and teaching it is implementing, doing,

and leading through example.

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2. The project will address OHV-related safety and/or education issues.

Examples may include one or more of the following:

a. Inspection stations (e.g. noise compliance, vehicle safety)

Inspection stations have provided water for Border Patrol, BLM and the Sheriff’s

Department.

b. Search and rescue

Volunteer participation provides aid in natural disasters and search and rescue

efforts through Ham radio operators at the project site.

c. Volunteer Trail patrol

A volunteer trail patrol helps to prevent or eliminate illegal trail riding and

encourages riders to eliminate irresponsible OHV use. Trash cleanups reduce the

presence of ravens which helps protect the Desert Tortoise.

d. Education/outreach (e.g. handbooks, public service announcements)

Education/outreach includes handouts and public service announcements.

Volunteers will deliver water bottles with an abundance of educational

information wrapped around the bottle. A video of riding tips from AMA

Supercross stars is available.

e. Other proactive measures

Hands-on training of OHVs and maintenance clinics, classroom programs, dirt

bike school, adventure trail and Tread Lightly interpretive programs.

Additional information: Gold Rock Outdoor Schools keeps current on OHV

related issues in the area including the new “stay out! Stay alive!” mine

safety, quarry, sand and gravel pit OHV safety awareness.

Gold Rock outdoor Schools host the planning and develop meetings and

provide input to these issues.

These symposiums also include the bat program.

Special events in partnership with C.O.R.V.A., American Sand Association,

and others provide proactive measures addressing safety education

issues. Gold Rock Outdoor Schools attends and participates regularly in

national conferences focus groups and steering committees in its ongoing

commitment of proactively addressing OHV Safety Education.

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3. The project is designed for efficient use of OHV Trust Funds. At a minimum,

the application must address:

a. Cost effectiveness (cost vs. numbers of students or general public) (5)

Cost total is $2.73 per student and estimated student contacts is 40,000. [3]

b. Use of other funds such as in-lieu funds, sponsorships, grants, and use fees

(in excess of required matching funds) (5)

Contributions exceed the required match by $130,250. This was achieved

through financial contributions and loaned equipment from local businesses,

schools and individual donors. [5]

c. Use of partnerships, volunteers, or appropriate use of equipment such as

computerized training to reduce the OHV funds needed for the project (5)

Computerized training is being piloted to reduce OHV funds. Other on-line

activities and curriculum is used to implement computerized outreach education.

Partners include Arizona State Parks, American Sand Association, and Amateur

Radio Association. Well over 500 volunteer hours were donated last year. [5]

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4. The applicant has a history of successfully implementing similar projects. At a

minimum, using examples of prior projects, the applicant must address:

a. Completion of prior projects within timeframe provided (5)

The applicant states that all projects completed under a previous name were

completed in a timely manner. However, no further details were provided. [2]

Clarification and additional information: The organization has completed

similar prior projects (seven projects in total) and has exceeded the

amount of students trained, contacts made, days of service, hours of

service, programs offered, geographical miles covered and quality of

service both in Spanish and English consistently for 3 years realizing

unexpected benefits from original grant proposals within the timeframe

provided.

b. History of fiscal accountability with similar grants or projects (5)

The applicant stated that fiscal accountability with similar grants shows a

positive track record of six years. However, no further details were provided. [2]

Additional information: State site inspection has been carried out with

positive results in addition to fiscal accountability to the National

Organization and IRS audits for the past 3 years.

The organization provides similar service to the State of Arizona Parks and

Recreation Department for a total of seven OHV related projects. Numerous

non-OHV related projects in conjunction with United Way, School districts,

cities and other civic agencies prove a history of fiscal accountability with

similar grants or projects

c. Qualifications and availability of staff to carry out the project (5)

Most instructors and staff are qualified school teachers who exceed educational

requirements, most having Masters degrees. [4]

Additional Information. Staff availability: Most Volunteers reside on

the project site for at least 6 months available 24/7 if needed. Six Full

Time staff members are on site yearly. Instructors have 185 days

available as holidays and breaks from their full time teaching

positions. Full time staff have been with the park over Ten years and

are very competent and qualified to carry out this project.

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"State of California OHNVR Division Grant DRAFT PROPOSAL for review and Public comment"

GENERAL VICINITY MAP

Project Location, South East California, 2401 Gold Rock Ranch Road Winterhaven, CA92283

GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Gold Rock Outdoor Schools Inc. provides “Outdoor Education, Recreation and Conservation for Generations”

Funding educational programs provides outreach education to the public creating a positive image for OHV use leading to the protection and enhancement of OHV opportunity.

This project curriculum and services lead to the enhancement and protection of OHV opportunity and natural resources by delivering curriculum based enriched experiences to riders and non riders through;

Traveling and recreating with minimum impact;

Respecting the environment and the rights of others;

Educating (including operation, maintenance, sound education, wild life protection, survival skills, first aid, orienteering.);

Allow for future use of the outdoors, leave it better than you found it (by creating cleanup patrols etc.);

Discover the rewards of responsible recreation (family activity, safe alternative to drugs and alcohol, mentoring for younger riders to comply with state law, creating a positive image for OHV use, service to the community, volunteer opportunities).

ANALYSIS OF PROJECT NEEDS AND BENEFITS

The results reduce user conflict, enhance the recreational experience, protect habitat and environment, protect residents, private property and landowners adjacent to OHV recreation from noise, trespass and property damage, eliminates illegal riding /trespass prevents off-route travel, increases safety and awareness of rules, provides opportunity and eliminates irresponsible OHV use.

1 .These results are solutions to problems and conditions needed to enhance and protect OHV opportunity and natural resources.

OHV recreation creates a large economic impact vital to our financially depressed local economy. Our community needs and relies on the positive image of OHV recreation. It is imperative projects like these are funded to help the local economy.

Imperial County Planning and building department has made it a condition of the facilities used by Gold Rock Outdoor Schools (Gold Rock Ranch) to provide Desert Protection/education “Permitee shall provide guest of the Park with the latest (oral and printed) information from the BLM, other regulatory agencies and private experts on the proper use of the desert recreation lands in Imperial County including off-highway regulations, BLM land classifications (open Areas, Limited USE areas, Closed Areas, and Wilderness), and other pertinent desert protection/education.”

The County recognizes the need for the project, as they have required it.

Gold Rock Outdoor Schools does not know of any other place in Imperial County where this is required as part of a conditional use permit. There is a need for Gold Rock Outdoor Schools to partner with this business to solve a potential condition of lost OHV opportunity and ensure County compliance in keeping this area open for OHV visitors.

With out the support of the State of California Off-Highway Division our program would be non-existent.

The project addresses these additional problems and conditions through specific curriculum and activities.

The application is for the delivery, implementation, and dissemination of OHV Safety and Education material.

Content of the educational material to be used for the project include tested and proven OHV training curriculum supplied by the ATV Safety institute “ATV Ridercourse”, The MSF “Dirt Bike School”, USFS “Trunk Program”, NOVCC “Adventure Trail” and “Tread Lightly” .

Programs from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Idaho Parks and recreation and State of Utah will be reviewed as an online home study course to offer as a pilot program for OHV computerized training.

Gold Rock Outdoor Schools will offer the “Recreational Leadership Training Course” through “Del Albright’s Website” “Desert Tortoise Natural Area Virtual Field Trip” by the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, a 6 minute video overview of riding tips from AMA Supercross stars Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and Kevin Windham, Desert Ecosystem: 21 colorful pages of desert plant and wildlife information for the elementary school student and other online activities and curriculum to implement computerized outreach education.

New Programs being introduced in partnership with the State Resource Agency include “Discover Bats” and “Stay out stay alive”. These programs help OHV users develop an appreciation for the open mine shafts and caves in our riding areas to protect and enhance riding opportunities and increase safety and awareness.

The main base for our OHV School is located about 11 miles from the Imperial Valley Sand Dunes Recreation Area at Gold Rock Ranch in the South East Corner of the State. Other training locations will include sites previously designated through our partnerships with other agencies such as California State Park Riding areas, BLM training sites and other established sites set up through the ATV Safety Institute and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

The deliverables will contribute to the delivery of safe and/or environmentally responsible operations of OHV’s and solve problems and conditions through protecting natural resources while accommodating diverse recreation.

Funding will be used to diversify methods of delivering the information to include internet, school presentations, outreach (getting word out about OHV use in general), attending special events, evening camp fire programs, interpretive programs, self guided story boards, technical training, PSA ”s and partnerships with Pal programs, CORVA ,Parks and Recreation Departments and other civic agencies.

2. The project delivers the required OHV training and creates opportunities for riders to comply with state law providing supervision and certification.

OHV opportunities are enhanced through hands- on training of OHV’s and maintenance clinics, classroom programs, the MSF Dirt Bike School, NOVCC Adventure Trail, and Tread Lightly interpretative programs.

Inspection stations foster volunteer compliance for noise, vehicle safety, spark arrester, required equipment, registration and provide first Aid. Our stations have provided water for BLM, Border Patrol, and Sheriff’s Dept. the project has saved lives of many undocumented residents and located remains of others.

Volunteer participation enhances our project through mentoring and supervision of safe and responsible OHV recreation and provides aid in natural disasters and search and rescue through our Ham radio operators at the project site.

The Volunteer Trail patrol helps to prevent or eliminate illegal riding or trespasser and encourages riders to eliminate irresponsible OHV use by empowering riders to act responsibly. This includes trash cleanups. Trash cleanups help discourage the Ravens which are a natural predator of the Desert Tortoise. Reducing the presence of the Raven helps protect the Desert Tortoise

The results of this behavior reduce user conflict by protecting wildlife, private property and landowners adjacent to OHV recreation from noise, trespass and property damage.

Combining environmental awareness curriculum and mentoring legal use of trails and riding areas instills environmental ethic and safety consciousness enhancing the OHV opportunity and protecting natural resources.

The elimination of illegal riding, trespass and off-route travel may be achieved through maps, information stations. Gold Rock Ranch is the State historic marker for the TUMCO Gold mine and provides tourist information, maps, museum displays, photo displays and historic presentations for the old Ghost town through this project.

Students and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the rich gold mining history of the area to further foster appreciation for natural resources.

The project fosters conscientious use by personal contacts.

Meeting and greeting users with a cold water bottle reminds users of our natural resources and the necessity to protect them. Volunteers deliver water bottles with an abundance of educational material, handbooks, public service announcements and other information wrapped around the bottle.

The project applies sustainable recreation concepts to practical use with tangible results.

3. The project is designed to provide for efficient use of funds.

a. Cost vs. # of students

Instructor days include the ability to teach 8 riders daily (only 4 youth) X 90 days

hands on training = 720 students

Outreach/volunteer/ area coordinator 180 days 9500 contacts = 9,500

Volunteer patrol / Inspection Stations (about 52 daily)

Interpretative/Sound/ Range/ Area 280 days X 100 daily contacts = 28,000 annual

PSA’s mall displays, Special events

Computerized Internet Education = 1000

Total contacts approximately 40,000 cost $109,000 = $ 2.73 per student

The project location of has a very large geographical service area with a proven history of a large number of enthusiasts visiting (over 850,000 annually)

The project site at Historic Gold Rock Ranch averages 100 daily visitors and is open more than 200 days annually resulting in about 20,000 annual visitors.

Gold Rock Ranch accommodates over 200 overnight visitors.

Various collaborations, using community facilities and support, allow for an efficient use of funds.

b. Use of other funds The local community has shown support for our project through financial contributions and loaned equipment from sources like: Sam’s Club, Optimist International, Wild West Motor Sports, American Suzuki, People for the USA, Rod and Gun clubs, local businesses, schools, individual donors, 21Century Federal Grants, and more. These contributions exceed our required match by $130,250.00

(Details may be found on Project Cost and deliverables sheet)

c. Use of Partnerships

Gold Rock Outdoor Schools has a proven track record of providing OHV opportunities at Gold Rock Ranch in collaboration with the American Sand Association, MCAS Search and Rescue, Border Patrol, Amateur Radio Association, BLM, State of California Parks and Recreation, Quechian Indian Tribe, Palo Verde School District, El Centro Parks and Recreation, Arizona State Parks, other non profit agencies, local businesses, schools, This year Gold Rock will utilize geographical co-coordinators to further enhance OHV opportunities.

The national programs delivered through this project have tested and proven curricula ensuring quality educational material and are supported by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and other major manufactures of specialty vehicles.

The methods are tested and proven to benefit many educational programs.

The model is outcome-based and tracks progressive skill-building, learning experiences and developmental assets.

The program is designed to strengthen cost effectiveness by building capacity through technical assistance, shared resources, training and equipment. .

Volunteers complement the work of staff reducing costs.

Leadership responsibilities are shared throughout the entire group providing for an efficient use of funds.

Computerized training is being piloted to reduce OHV funds need for the project.

4. a. Gold Rock Outdoor Schools was formerly Camp Fire USA. All members, personal, address, phone numbers have remained the same. The name changed was in part implemented to provide more efficient use of funds through the reduction of national fees and the increase in State jurisdiction.

All projects under the previous name were completed accurately and in a timely manner both with the State of California and Arizona State Parks. Project goals were exceeded and steadfast credibility and professionalism maintained

b. Fiscal accountability with similar grants shows a positive track record over the past 6 years.

c. Our qualified staff exceeds educational requirements for the execution of this project. Most instructors and staff are qualified school teachers many with Masters Degrees and have a proven track record of implementing a similar project for almost 4 years. We are the only organization proving training in Spanish and English. Our staff remains dedicated to the stewardship of OHV recreation and offers diverse riding and teaching opportunities