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In response to public
requests, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended the comment
period on its draft resource management plan amendment and
environmental impact statement (RMP/EIS) regarding the Clear Creek
Management Area (CCMA) for 30 days, from October 15, 2004, to
November
15, 2004.
The Clear Creek
Management Area (CCMA) is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle
(OHV) recreation, located approximately two hours south of San Jose in
the Southern Diablo Mountain Range. The draft plan involves designating
routes and barrens for OHV use, as well as provisions to protect
several rare plants and animals, according to BLM Hollister Field
Manager Bob Beehler. The draft plan also proposes expanding the San
Benito Mountain Research Natural Area.
BLM released the draft
RMP/EIS in July 2004 for a 90-day public comment period. The Draft
RMP/EIS presents three action alternatives designed to balance OHV use
with measures to reduce erosion into riparian areas and to protect
sensitive habitat for the plants and animals listed as threatened under
the Endangered Species Act.
Three public meetings
were held in September in Coalinga, Hollister, and San Jose to provide
information and gather comments on the Draft RMP/EIS. Approximately 275
people attended these meetings to review the alternatives and provide
comments. All comments provided by the public will be considered in
preparation of the Final RMP/EIS, which is scheduled to be released
next year.
Copies of the Draft RMP
Amendment and Draft EIS can be viewed on-line at http://www.ca.blm.gov/hollister.
Copies are also available by request from the Hollister Field Office,
20 Hamilton Ct. Hollister, CA 95023. or by calling (805) 630-5000.
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