[Nssha] Calling All OHV Trail and Competition Users in California and Nevada

Tue Apr 22 15:42:05 PDT 2025

From: ARRA <webmaster at arra-access.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 3:17 PM
Subject: Calling All OHV Trail and Competition Users in California and Nevada

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Significant Impacts to Prairie City SVRA from Solar Project

ARRA is sending this vital alert to the greater OHV and powersports community in California and Nevada who enjoy trail riding or participating in off-road competition events at the very popular Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) near Sacramento, CA. 

This notice is about a proposal to site a 2,704-acre 200-megawatt solar facility next to the designated OHV trail network and in close proximity to race tracks used for amateur and professional competition events such as the Hangtown Motocross Classic or the NorCal Rock Racing Ultra4.

COYOTE CREEK AGRIVOLTAIC RANCH – DEIR (752 pages)

 <https://planning.saccounty.gov/Pages/Coyote-Creek-Agrivoltaic-Ranch.aspx> https://planning.saccounty.gov/Pages/Coyote-Creek-Agrivoltaic-Ranch.aspx

ARRA urges you to download the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (DEIR) and read it for yourself. It is a lengthy document, but you will want to pay attention to the DEIR on pages 3-47…“Because no feasible mitigation measures are available to reduce the project’s significant impact from substantial adverse effects on scenic vistas as viewed from the Prairie City SVRA, this impact is significant and unavoidable. “  You will also want to review the various AI renderings of the viewshed impacts that will significantly degrade the recreation experience while visiting the SVRA. 

ARRA has reviewed the DEIR, and a comment letter has been prepared that you can send directly to the Sacramento County CEQA officer. Your letters are important in this effort as they will show the OHV recreation and competition communities' strong concern and interest. Comments are due May 5, 2025.

EMAIL TO:      <mailto:CEQA at saccounty.gov> CEQA at saccounty.gov

Sacramento County,

Department of Community Development, Planning and Environmental Review Division

Attention: Environmental Coordinator

827 7th Street, Room 225

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch Project - Control Number:  PLNP2021-00191 - State Clearinghouse Number:  2022010271

Dear Environmental Coordinator,

As an OHV recreationist, I am very concerned about a proposal to site a 2,704-acre, 200-megawatt solar facility next to the California State Parks Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located near Sacramento, CA. Building large electrical structures in close proximity to OHV trails and next to race tracks used for amateur and professional competition events, such as the Hangtown Motocross Classic or the NorCal Rock Racing Ultra4, would negatively impact public use and enjoyment at the park. 

The DEIR supports my concerns when it states on pages 3-47… “Because there are no feasible mitigation measures available to reduce the project’s significant impact from substantial adverse effects on scenic vistas as viewed from the Prairie City SVRA, this impact is significant and unavoidable.”

I also have strong concerns about how the project could impact the long-term viability of the unit staying open for casual OHV recreation and powersports events by increasing use of OHV Trust Fund monies to mitigate “dust” has implications to solar panels or forcing the SVRA to drill wells or truck in water to compete for already scarce water sources needed for Park Operations.  

It appears the project proponents did not engage in meaningful outreach to OHV stakeholders during the planning process nor did they present this issue before the CA State Parks OHMVR Commission as required by CA PRC Section 5090.24 (a) that requires the OHMVR Commission to “Be fully informed regarding all governmental activities affecting the program.”  I believe the planning process should be paused until after the proponents present the plan before the commission at the earliest opportunity.  This would better inform the riders, competition organizations, and powersports businesses. 

While many OHV recreation enthusiasts support sustainable solar projects, they also believe that impacts to existing open space recreation facilities should be minimized and high-quality trail opportunities respected and protected.

Sincerely,

[1] 2023 MIC Economic Impact of the Powersports Industry for California.

[2]  <https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/orsa1123.pdf> https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/orsa1123.pdf

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