Ventura County Sheriff’s Office receives Off-Highway Vehicle grant

The Ventura County Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station was awarded a $33,000-grant by the California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division that will help increase public safety and off-road patrols.

Lockwood Valley, an unincorporated community in northeastern Ventura County, includes areas of Los Padres National Forest and Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Deputies assigned to the Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station regularly patrol the approximately 300 miles of dedicated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails.

Deputies face call outs involving OHV related crashes and search and rescue calls for service.

The grant will enable deputies to establish off-highway patrols in an effort to increase their ability to answer emergencies quicker as well as provide information and education.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community to prepare before they go out and enjoy the beautiful backcountry that Lockwood Valley has to offer. You may find a “Hiking Plan” on the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue website http://ojaisar.org.