For Immediate Release: Oct. 4, 2004 CA-N-05-2
Contact: Dr. Eric Ritter (530) 224-2100 or Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332

BLM RELEASES MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SWASEY DRIVE AREA

The Bureau of Land Management has released a management plan and decision record focusing on recreation activities and conservation of natural and heritage resources in the Swasey Drive area west of Redding.

The plan will guide activities on the 1,250-acres of public land.

"The primary management goal for the Swasey Drive Area of Critical Environmental Concern is protection of historic and prehistoric cultural resources," said BLM Redding Field Manager Steve Anderson. "The management plan also will allow for public recreation uses, provide for conservation of natural resources in the Olney Creek Watershed, and protect public safety."

Copies of the plan have been mailed to requesters. The plan can be reviewed online at www.ca.blm.gov/redding, or copies can be obtained by contacting the BLM Redding Field Office, 355 Hemsted Dr., Redding, CA 96002, telephone 224-2100. Copies can also be requested through the above website.

Those who disagree with BLM's decision can file an appeal with the Interior Board of Land Appeals in the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Appeals must be filed by Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004 at the BLM Redding Field Office, at the above address. Those filing appeals must include a statement of reasons why they believe the BLM decision is incorrect.

The management plan was developed after a public involvement period that began in May of 2001. Swasey Drive area residents and people who use the area provided input through correspondence and public meetings.

There are several key provisions in the plan:

• Motor vehicles will be allowed on designated routes during daylight hours. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding will be allowed.
• Hunting will be allowed subject to state regulations
• Use of the existing shooting range will be limited to shotguns during daylight hours. Other target shooting such as law enforcement and hunter safety training classes will be allowed by permit.
• Target shooting at the existing range will be phased out over four years.
• Sites important to Native Americans and to the history of the region will be protected. Interpretive signs and other materials will be developed to help visitors understand these resources and the region's importance in local history.
  

-BLM-

Redding Field Office 355 Hemsted Dr. Redding, CA 96002