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For Immediate Release: 1-29-01 CCal-01-10
Contact: Ron Fellows (661) 391-6006 or Larry Mercer (661) 391-6010
Piedras Blancas Protections Proposed by BLM
The Point Piedras Blancas Light Station on the San Luis Obispo County coast is being proposed for a permanent protective withdrawal by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) to assure long-term protection of the area.
A Federal Register Notice was published on January 23, 2001 describing this action and provides for a 90 day comment period ending on April 23, 2001. This allows for interested persons to comment on the proposed permanent withdrawal of the Piedras Blancas Site. The Federal Register Notice, in addition to proposing a permanent withdrawal, also temporarily withdraws the site for a period of two years pending final action. Anyone who wishes to comment and/or request a specific public meeting on the proposed permanent withdrawal may write to the BLM Field Manager in Bakersfield by April 23:
The 20-acre parcel of public land is a scenic area near Hearst Castle that contains historic buildings, important archaeological sites, wildlife habitat, and potential opportunities for public visits.
The Coast Guard is in the process of "relinquishing" the lighthouse property to the Bureau of Land Management. This is an administrative change that will not affect the scientific research or other activities currently going on at the site. BLM proposes to manage the land and its valuable resources in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies and local organizations, while considering the potential for compatible educational and interpretive tours of the area.
At present the BLM is currently working with the US Coast Guard in acquiring historic records and other pertinent documents pertaining to historic and current uses of the property. The Piedras Blancas Light Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the adjacent coastline is part of the California Coastal National Monument and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
The BLM hopes to maintain and enhance the beauty and character of this special place with the help of the local community in developing those uses that are compatible with the natural setting of the site.
Congresswoman Capps, in conjunction with the BLM, is currently planning a public involvement session to "explore" community interest and input to the development of a Piedras Blancas Management Plan. The time, date and location of this session will be announced at a later date.
- BLM -
Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield CA 93308
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