BLM continues to encourage responsible recreation on public lands

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

California State Office

Media Contact:

Northern California District: Jeff Fontana
Central California District: Somer Shaw
California Desert District: Michelle Van Der Linden
Two hikers on a green trail. Photo by Josh Hammari, BLM.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is working to maintain services to the American people and our stakeholders, consistent with evolving guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and state and local health authorities. The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the BLM. In accordance with the State of California’s recent regional stay at home order, the BLM will continue to monitor and evaluate the need to close some developed campgrounds in coordination with local, state and federal agency partners, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Visitors may continue to enjoy their BLM managed trails and open spaces in California while following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and state public health authorities. Social distancing recommendations are extremely important to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and may require that visitors avoid public lands during high-use times, such as weekends. Please limit any group activities to members of your household. At all times, maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from people outside of your household and wear a mask when social distancing is not possible.

The BLM urges visitors to do their part when visiting your public lands as some visitor services may be limited due to closures and staff safety. The following actions are recommended:

 

  • Plan ahead by checking this website for the latest information on temporary closures or reduced amenities 
  • Bring your own supplies such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper
  • Pack out your trash
  • Reduce the handling of cash by paying recreation fees through recreation.gov, or with a check, where available

Providing for recreation opportunities and access to public lands during this time are just some of the many activities BLM California staff continues to perform each and every day. We recognize that opportunities to enjoy public lands, especially during these times, is vitally important to the nation and our neighbors.

If you’d like to contact or do business with the BLM, please do so by email or phone whenever possible. Contact information is available on our website at www.blm.gov/California.

 

For more information on the status of recreation and visitor services across BLM-managed public lands in California, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates or contact local offices at: https://on.doi.gov/38ZT5OI


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.