U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
 
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BLM California News.bytes 
News.bytes Extra, issue 570

Fort Ord Dedication

A new trailhead at the Bureau of Land Management’s newest national monument was officially opened for business Friday.

Congressman Sam Farr addresses attendees at the dedication of the Badger Hills Trailhead at Fort Ord National Monument.
Congressman Sam Farr addresses attendees at the dedication of the Badger Hills Trailhead at Fort Ord National Monument.

 BLM California State Director Jim Kenna tells third grade students from Toro Park Elementary School about the importance of partnerships.
BLM California State Director Jim Kenna tells third grade students from Toro Park Elementary School about the importance of partnerships.

Del Rey Oaks mayor Tom Edelen (chairperson of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority Board), Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter, Congressman Sam Farr and BLM California State Director Jim Kenna joined Toro Park Elementary School third graders and others to dedicate the Badger Hills Trailhead at Fort Ord National Monument.

Sam Farr and Jim Kenna hear what the third grade students know about Fort Ord National Monument.
Sam Farr and Jim Kenna hear what the third grade students know about Fort Ord National Monument.

Speakers explained how the project is the culmination of about ten years of planning and
coordination related to access to BLM lands along the Highway 68 corridor.  The goal of the project was to relocate a former access point and make necessary highway improvements for public safety and convenience.

Participants line up
Participants line up…

The project was a cooperative venture between BLM, Cal Trans and the Federal Highway Administration for planning, environmental documentation, engineering, utility relocation, and construction (trailhead and highway improvements).  The Transportation Agency of Monterey County TAMC used FHA funds for the project through their metropolitan transportation
improvement plan.

And cut the ribbon to dedicate the new trailhead.
And cut the ribbon to dedicate the new trailhead.

Sam Farr and Jim Kenna are interviewed by a KSBW reporter.
Sam Farr and Jim Kenna are interviewed by a KSBW reporter.

The trailhead project included highway widening and center turn lane development, relocation of utilities underground (Hwy 68 is a scenic highway), driveway construction, development of 22 paved passenger vehicle parking stalls and a separate equestrian parking area, installation of two toilets, and two information kiosks.

Sheep roam the hillside at Fort Ord as grazing is used to improve rangeland conditions.
Sheep roam the hillside at Fort Ord as grazing is used to improve rangeland conditions.

Following the dedication, Kenna saw sheep grazing for rangeland improvement and learned about the sheep from Toro Park Elementary School first graders. 

Jim Kenna and Central California District Manager Este Stifel get lessons about the sheep from Toro Park school first graders.
Jim Kenna and Central California District Manager Este Stifel get lessons about the sheep from Toro Park school first graders.

- David Christy, Public Affairs Specialist, BLM Central California (March 2013)

BLM California News.bytes, issue 570 -- To subscribe to News.bytes, send an e-mail to: mailto:Join-Newsbytes@List.ca.blm.gov OR visit our News.bytes subscription page.

 
Last updated: 03-08-2013