News.bytes Extra, issue 373

Comments sought on planning for Carrizo Plains National Monument

Meetings at Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Carrisa Plains drew about 40 people to discuss planning for the Carrizo Plains National Monument.

The Bureau of Land Management has released for public review and comment a draft resource management plan/draft environmental impact statement for about 206,000 acres of public lands in the Carrizo Plain National Monument administered by the agency’s Bakersfield Field Office.

The draft RMP provides management guidance for public lands in San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. (text continues below)

BLM-California Bakersfield Field Manager Tim Smith discusses the draft plan with members of the public at the Carrissa Plains School

"The plan contains a range of management alternatives developed in cooperation with our managing partners - The Nature Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game - the Monument Advisory Committee and the public," said Johna Hurl, monument manager. The primary issues addressed include: recreation; protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources; livestock grazing; guidance for energy and mineral development; motorized vehicle route designation.

To ensure that they will be considered, BLM must receive written comments on the draft RMP/EIS by April 23.  You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Email: cacarrizormp@ca.blm.gov
• Fax:  661-301-6143
• Mail:  CPNM RMP, Bureau of Land Management, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield CA