News.bytes Extra, issue 442

ARRA funds used to help protect natural resources near Merced River

Natural resources near the Merced River in Central California are being protected through a BLM project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (text continues below)

In the $50,000 project, gates and barriers were installed to block motorized access to the Merced River Wilderness Study Area located in Mariposa County, said Jeff Horn, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Mother Lode Field Office.  Motorized vehicles were causing damage in the WSA and along the Merced, a wild and scenic river that contains habitat for the limestone salamander, which is on the state threatened species list.
A Nevada- based contracting firm had a crew of four working for about two weeks on the construction project.

The California Conservation Corps, Student Conservation Association or other non-profit organizations will help restore lands damaged by vehicle use use.

- David Christy, BLM Central California District

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 442