BLM Seeks Comments on Clear Creek Management Area

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hollister Field Office issued today a Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Clear Creek Management Area. The proposed plan amendment and DEIS affect 75,000 acres of public lands in San Benito and Fresno counties. For the past 30 years, Clear Creek has become one of the premier spots for off-highway vehicle (OHV) users to participate in their sport.

The documents describe proposals on designating routes and areas for motorized vehicle access, designating boundaries of the expanded San Benito Mountain Research Natural Area (RNA) and designating it an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The documents also propose incorporating acquired lands made through previous land tenure adjustments into the Clear Creek Management Area specifically for route and area designation.

There are four route designation alternatives including a preferred alternative in the proposed plan. The route designations include "open", "closed" and "limited" in accordance with BLM route designation criteria. Additionally, the proposed action would affect land designated as an ACEC and RNA for protection of unique and federally threatened plants.

The draft plan and the DEIS are available online at the BLM website: http://www.ca.blm.gov/hollister. In addition, copies may be obtained by calling Lesly Smith, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, at (831) 630-5015.

The public comment period will last for a period of 90 days ending October 15, 2004. The public is encouraged to make comments and provide them to the BLM by October 15, 2004. For additional information contact the Hollister Field Office at 831-630-5000.
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