NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2003
Contact: Larry Ames (707) 468-4000
          CA-N-04-20

BLM ANNOUNCES GUIDED BALD EAGLE VIEWING HIKES

Opportunities to see bald eagles and the beautiful scenery of the Cache Creek Canyon will be available in January and February, when the U. S. Bureau of Land Management offers free guided hikes in Lake County.

BLM Wildlife Biologist Gregg Mangan said outings will be held Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, and 31, and Feb. 7, 14 and 21.

Those interested in participating should reserve space on a specific date by calling the BLM Ukiah Field Office, (707) 468-4000. Mangan suggested early reservations for the popular hikes which are limited to 25 participants each.

The four-mile hikes last three to four hours. The trail includes a steep 600-foot climb in the first mile, so hikers should be in good physical condition. Hikers should wear sturdy hiking boots suitable for wet conditions and dress for cold weather. They should carry water, a lunch and binoculars.

Hikes will be cancelled in rainy weather.

Hikers will enjoy scenic vistas of the Cache Creek Canyon, where eagles often soar over the creek or perch in streamside trees. Participants often spot other wildlife including tule elk, golden eagles, osprey, herons, red-tailed hawks and egrets.

Participants will meet at the Redbud Trailhead parking area, eight miles east of Clearlake Oaks on Highway 20. The trailhead is just west of the North Fork Cache Creek bridge.

Additional information is available from the Ukiah Field Office.

-BLM-

Ukiah Field Office 2550 North State St. Ukiah, CA 95482