FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Ramos
(925) 455-7875
May 28, 2008 joramos@parks.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO - California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and members of the Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) Taskforce announced a new round of projects and improvements to the unit. An advisory group to the state, the taskforce is comprised of local and state OHV leaders helping support park officials.

The OHMVR Division and Taskforce leaders are proud that they have completed several projects designed to improve the recreational experiences of park users. These projects include:

• An all new 4-wheel drive area complete with sand and mud areas, open hills, and two rock crawls designed and created by park staff.
• Creation of a new segment of the Red Tail Trail. This trail was designed through a partnership with members of the Carnegie Task Force.
• Creation of a new single-track trail near the Franciscan Trail. This trail design was also created through partnerships with the Carnegie Task Force. This trail design utilizes a serpentine route which helps to control erosion and provide for a challenging rider experience.
• The installation of coin-operated showers in the park campground.
• Use of a new track surface consisting of a blend of compost and wood chips. Initial tests have shown this mixture provides better traction and moisture retention, and the track surface has received high marks from park users.

Joe Ramos, the new Sector Superintendent of Carnegie, states, “With the continued support and commitment of Carnegie SVRA stakeholders, task force members and the public, the park will able to respond to the ever-changing needs of the off-highway community. We are working to improve our communication with park users.”

These improvements include:

• Greater use of the suggestion box located at the park entrance to provide feedback, comments, and ideas.
• Become a State Park volunteer at Carnegie SVRA. The volunteer program gives interested riders the opportunity to assist staff in carrying out safety patrols of the park.
• Take part in Rider Appreciation Days held at the park. During 2008/2009, we will be advertising dates when riders will be asked to participate in discussions about park facilities, trails, and tracks. This will provide the public with a direct voice in the future of their park.
• Rider Information Center. A new information center will be created at the park. This center will provide the public with information relating to park rules and regulations, safety equipment, resource issues, and other topics important to our users. The public is encouraged to contact park staff with specific ideas for inclusion in this information center, or to volunteer at the center when it is completed.

Visitors are reminded to follow these basic park rules and reminders while at the park:

• All vehicles must be equipped with a properly maintained muffler and U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor at all times.
• Motor vehicles must stay out of vegetated areas, and must stay on designated trails.
• The speed limit is 15 mph on the main park road and within 50 feet of camps or groups of people.
• Alcohol laws off-road are exactly the same as those on the highway. Don’t drink and drive!
• ATV operators are required to wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet.
• When traveling on wide trails and roads, remember to always stay to the right. This is extremely important when large groups of riders travel around turns with limited visibility.
• Be familiar with trail ratings in the park. Steep and rugged terrain may not be suitable for the type of vehicle you are riding or your level of experience. Contact park staff prior to your ride in order to get detailed information.

Mark Martinez, a member of the Carnegie Task Force, states “I think that Carnegie is heading in the right direction under the leadership of Joe Ramos. Having a well-managed recreation program at Carnegie should be a key factor in the successful opening of the park expansion properties once the on-going environmental impact review process is completed.”

Carnegie SVRA is a unit of the Twin Cities District, and is located in the hills of southern Alameda and San Joaquin counties near Tracy, California.