BLM reminds visitors to recreate responsibly and stay on authorized trails at Fort Ord National Monument

MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is welcoming increased visitation to the Fort Ord National Monument in Monterey County. This unique national monument is the former Fort Ord Army Base and munitions clean up continues so that more areas can be opened to the public. The BLM and the U.S. Army would like to remind visitors that closed areas keep the public safe.

Recently, U.S. Army safety officials discovered illegal trails and jumps being built west of Barloy Canyon Road. This is especially dangerous because of the possibility of hazardous military munitions that may be present.

“Unauthorized trail building and use of unsigned paths at the Fort Ord National Monument is dangerous,” Fort Ord National Monument Manager Eric Morgan explained. “Creating illegal routes exposes visitors to unexploded ordnance hazards, destroys endangered plants and wildlife habitat, and is costly to remedy.”

All routes open for safe recreational use have signage and are shown on trail maps. Specific trail rules for the area can be found on the website.

Joelle Lobo, Base Realignment and Closure Environmental Coordinator for the U.S. Army stated, “Violations of Army property rules and restriction are subject to penalties. Visitors who comply with the posted restrictions and remain on designated roads and trails are safe from munitions hazards.”

Fort Ord, cherished for its link to the heroism and dedication of men and women who served our nation and fought in the major conflicts of the 20th century, remains undeveloped thanks to its role as a U.S. Army facility from 1917-1994. Fort Ord National Monument encompasses more than 14,000 acres that offer 86 miles of rugged trails near the Monterey Bay administered by the BLM and the U.S. Army. The monument is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Campfires, fireworks, target shooting and hunting are prohibited.

For more information on Fort Ord National Monument visit the BLM website, or call the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.