The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Hemet Station has announced its intention to apply for $124,738 in funding from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Division Grants & Cooperative Agreements Program. The funds would support law enforcement projects aimed at addressing illegal off-highway vehicle activity across a broad area of Riverside County.
The Hemet Station’s patrol region covers about 750 square miles, including several unincorporated communities and tribal nations such as Aguanga, Anza, Cahuilla Tribal Nation, Garner Valley, Green Acres, Idyllwild, Lake Riverside, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, Pine Meadow, Ramona Tribal Nation, Sage, San Jacinto and the San Jacinto Riverbed area as well as Santa Rosa Tribal Nation. The jurisdiction includes state and federal wildlife areas and BLM land. Designated OHV riding areas like Bee Canyon and Hixon Canyon in Anza together span around 20 to 30 square miles.
Officials report a significant increase in illegal OHV activity throughout the region. The diverse terrain—including mountains, valleys and desert—along with extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and high winds present challenges for enforcement efforts. The area also continues to experience environmental instability following two major wildfires.
Protected habitats have seen repeated incidents involving cut fences and unauthorized vehicle tracks. In particular, the Sage area has had cases of trespassing into protected zones documented by park rangers and county biologists. These activities are affecting endangered species including the Aguanga Kangaroo Rat and Coastal California Gnatcatcher in Sage and Aguanga; critical habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly in Anza; nesting sites of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher; and burrows of the Arroyo Toad.
Rangers working under the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) spend considerable time responding to OHV trespassing but lack authority to issue citations beyond verbal warnings or escorts off property. “This makes The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office involvement essential,” according to information provided by Sergeant Frank James.
To address these issues, an OHV Team was formed within Hemet Station to patrol prohibited areas more actively. The team is tasked with citing illegal operators and providing maps that show legal riding locations within their jurisdiction.
“This Press Release is to ensure the public is aware of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office- Hemet Station’s intent to apply for OHV funding as outlined above,” stated Sergeant Frank James. “Any comments or questions may be directed to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Hemet Station at 951-791-3400.”
The application review period will run from March 3 through May 4, 2026. Additional information can be found on the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle website.
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