From Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA)
Public meetings next week
BLM has released a Draft Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project (WMRNP), providing guidance and management direction for over three million acres of public lands in San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Riverside and Los Angeles counties in California.
The preferred alternative of the WMRNP SEIS includes a larger OHV trail network than the network approved under the 2006 WEMO Plan, but also proposes to close approximately 2,000 more miles of additional routes. The preferred alternative would designate 10,428 miles (currently 5,338 miles) of motorized routes as open and would designate 4,404 miles of routes as closed (currently 2,400 miles). The number of miles closed and open would change because BLM has additionally reviewed 7,214 miles that currently have no route-specific designation, but are presumed closed.
The WMRNP SEIS will form the framework for route designation in the West Mojave area, consistent with the rest of the West Mojave Plan. The West Mojave Plan is a federal land use plan amendment adopted in 2006, that as stated by BLM: (1) presents a comprehensive strategy to conserve and protect the desert tortoise, the Mohave ground squirrel and over 100 other sensitive plants and animals and the natural communities of which they are a part, and (2) provides a streamlined program for complying with the requirements of the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts.
Public Comments
Comments on the WMRNP SEIS must be received by June 4, 2015. It is important that OHV enthusiasts get involved in the planning process by contacting BLM staff. Submit public comments by email to cawemopa@blm.gov or by mail to: BLM California Desert District, Attn: WMRNP Plan Amendment, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553.
Public Meetings
Public meetings to discuss the WMRNP SEIS will be held on:
March 31, 2015, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Kerr-McGee Center, Pinnacles Room, 100 W. California Ave, Ridgecrest CA
April 2, 2015, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Rd., Victorville, CA
April 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Lone Pine Community Center, Stratham Hall, 138 Jackson St., Lone Pine, CA
April 15, 2015, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Yucca Valley Community Center Complex, Yucca Room, 57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca, CA
Additional Information
WMRNP Website – View Full text of SEIS and Maps
Edy Seehafer, WMRNP Manager; 760-252-6021; eseehafe@blm.gov; address 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311.
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