Kernville , CA … The recent storm activity brought much needed rain to the Kern River Valley making for ideal conditions to perform annual maintenance work on popular off-highway vehicle routes at Cyrus Canyon recreation area, according to Forest Service officials.   The 20-acre park is located off Sierra Way south of Kernville.

Last week maintenance work was completed on approximately ¼ mile of OHV trail using a dozer to groom and re-contour the trail.  This included making repairs to the trail tread, filling in gullies, and repairing rolling dips.  The trail maintenance work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

According to Forest Service officials, funds for the project were paid for through the California State Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Grants and Cooperative Programs.    Program funding comes from fuel taxes which are attributable to the recreational use of vehicles off highway, off-highway vehicle registration fees and fees collected at State Vehicular Recreation Areas.

Last June, the Sequoia National Forest was awarded $242,000 by the State for OHV related trail and facility maintenance projects across the Forest.  Another grant in the amount of $110,445 was awarded to the Kern River District to improve road access along the federally owned portion of Cyrus Canyon Road and to develop electricity at the recreation area for organized OHV events.

“Grant funds from the State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division ensure that the Kern River Ranger District can continue to deliver high quality recreation programs and maintain the OHV trails at Cyrus Canyon for the enjoyment of our forest visitors,” said District Ranger Rick Larson.

Cyrus Canyon Recreation Area was developed to provide an alternative riding area for OHV use in the Kern Valley.   It has become a major tourist attraction and provides a facility for organized special use OHV events held at the site year round.  

According to Larson, the facility offers a great opportunity for families to teach their children about off-highway vehicle riding.  The facility includes a 1.5 OHV trail for all-terrain, quads, and motorcycles, and a separate .7 mile OHV trail for beginner riders.   It is accessible year round and is available for race practices and organized special use OHV events, Larson said.