Cleanup and improvement work will begin this Saturday at the Rice Canyon Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area east of Susanville, and the Bureau of Land Management is asking visitors to be careful around work areas.
Crews will be working on weekends through the early summer. A major focus will be construction of picnic sites and shade structures, a loading ramp and a new loop trail.
“The Rice Canyon OHV area is a great place for families, for novice riders looking to improve their skills, and for experienced riders looking for steep hill climbs,” said Marisa Williams, an outdoor recreation planner with the BLM.
The BLM has been working since last year to improve the area, building new trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
“We have graded and graveled the main access road, improved parking, and installed barbecues, picnic tables, and informational kiosks,” Williams said. “Much of the work has been funded with grants from the California Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Division. These funds come from off-highway vehicle registration fees”
To get to the OHV area from Susanville, take County Road A27 east about 6.1 miles to the junction with Rice Canyon Road and turn left. Continue 1.8 miles to the OHV entrance on the left, just after the pavement ends.
Williams said the BLM always welcomes volunteers to help with improvement projects at OHV recreation areas. Anyone interested can telephone the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office (530) 257-0456, or Williams at (530) 252-5303.
