For Immediate Release: October 17, 2001                CA-610-02-03
Contact:  Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov

Environmental report to remove date palms at Dos Palmas available for public review

An environmental assessment (EA) analyzing a proposal to remove 64 non-native date palms at the Dos Palmas Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) in Riverside County has been released by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for public review and comment.

The Dos Palmas ACEC was established to protect and restore habitat for the federally listed Yuma Clapper rail and the desert pupfish.  Removal of the date palms would reduce predation on the Yuma clapper rail and improve ground and surface water quality and increase water supply to the wetlands and ponds.  The 64 date palms are adjacent to the historic ranch house.

Written comments must be received by the close of business of the thirty day public comment period, which will end November 15, 2001. Submit comments to James G. Kenna, Field Manager, BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, P.O. Box 581260, North Palm Springs, CA 92258.  Comments may also be sent by fax at (760) 251-4899 or electronic mail to Rachelle_Huddleston-Lorton@ca.blm.gov.

Copies of the EA are available at the BLM Palm Springs Field Office, 690 W. Garnet Ave., North Palm Springs, CA.  For more information contact BLM Wildlife Biologist Rachelle Huddleston-Lorton at (760) 251-4800.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Blvd, Riverside, California
(909) 697-5220