NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: November 5, 2003
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220;
                E-MAIL: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-04-07

BLM Implements Closure to Protect Bighorn Sheep

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing an immediate closure of the public lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument that overlook the bighorn sheep breeding pens located on the Bighorn Institute to all recreational and casual use.

The public lands are located at north ½ of the north ½ of Section 7, Township 6 South, Range 6 East, San Bernardino Meridian (SBM). Authority for this closure is found in 43 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 8364.1 (c).

The closure is supported by a Biological Opinion (BO) issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on February 13, 2003, in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, addressing effects on the endangered Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis) from a proposed joint trails and recreation use plan prepared by the City of Palm Desert (City) and BLM.

The joint plan proposed trail realignments, new trail construction, and blocking access to the ridge overlooking the Bighorn Institute, which was analyzed under an environmental assessment (Homme-Adams and Visitor Center Trail Loops, EA-660-03-08). The City issued an ordinance (Ordinance No. 1034) and a resolution (Resolution No. 03-12), approving construction of a new trail and closing portions of City lands between the National Monument Visitor Center and the ridge overlooking the Bighorn Institute, on January 23, 2003. The BLM issued a Decision Record to implement the proposed action, including the Terms and Conditions of the BO on March 7, 2003.

The old Shirley Road will be recontoured and access blocked utilizing a combination of signage, fencing and physical barriers. BLM and the City also will employ a progressive management strategy to prevent hiking off the designated trail system, including strict law enforcement and penalties for violations.

Any person who fails to comply with this order may be subject to the penalties provided in CFR 8360.0-7. The year-round closure becomes effective upon publication of the "Notice of Closure" in the Federal Register and will remain in force until rescinded by the authorized officer.

The Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep was listed as an endangered species in 1998. The current population of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, which extends from the San Jacinto Mountains to the Mexican border, is approximately 335 animals. The temporary closure is designed to reduce disturbances to the sheep during the critical lambing season

The following are exempt from this order: (1) fire, emergency, or law enforcement personnel when engaged in emergency or patrol activities; and (2) persons or uses expressly authorized by BLM.

For more information contact Danella George, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Manager at (760) 251-4800.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (909) 697-5220