For Immediate Release: 2-15-02 CCal-02-28
Contact: Larry Mercer, BLM (661) 391-6010 or Dan Eller, State Parks (805) 927-2074

BLM and State Parks to Collaborate at Piedras Blancas

The Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon has been a source of community pride and intrigue since a light house was built there in 1875. The light is an important part of the history of the central coast, but the light house and the peninsula on which it is built have always been closed to the public.

All that may change now that the federal property is no longer controlled by the U.S Coast Guard but is in the hands of the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM says it will protect the natural and historical resources and encourage scientific research while planning for structured public access to the light house site.

To assist in reaching these goals, an agreement is being worked out with California State Parks at nearby Hearst Castle®. BLM Field Manager Ron Fellows and State Parks District Superintendent Kirk Sturm have signed a statement of intent to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the management and protection of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.

State Parks will share expertise in resource protection, site restoration, public safety and fire protection, interpretation, and visitor management. Sturm and his staff have extensive experience in managing Hearst Castle®, and that experience will be used in establishing a visitor plan for Piedras Blancas.

"We are delighted with our good neighbors at Hearst Castle® and how helpful they have been and will continue to be under this agreement," says BLM's Fellows. "The public is the winner because we save money by not duplicating efforts, and appropriate public access will be assured."

BLM plans to make Piedras a part of the new California Coastal National Monument, while promoting protection and public appreciation of this beautiful spot on the coast. Piedras Blancas is located 5 miles north of San Simeon and is bound by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Hearst Ranch on the other. Hearst Castle® is 3 miles away.

–BLM–

Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308