BLM Plan Could Affect Trail Riding

The AMA invites all OHV riders to send comments to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, urging the agency to protect and expand OHV access as it moves through the approval process for a draft environmental impact statement and plan amendment for the three plans that underlie the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan.

The public comment period ends April 15.

The BLM is proposing amendments to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan, the Bakersfield Resource Management Plan and the Bishop Resource Management Plan that the agency says are “intended to promote economic growth, support broadband infrastructure development, increase public access and allow for greater management flexibility in order to meet our nation’s energy needs.”

Deputy BLM Secretary Kat MacGregor said the previous plan made 4 percent of 10.8 million acres managed by the BLM available as renewable energy development focus areas.

This new proposal would add more than 800,000 acres for renewable energy development and alter the agency’s approach to fostering responsible off-highway vehicle recreation, rural broadband and other multiple-use projects.

The draft EIS and draft plan amendment can be viewed and comments may be submitted on the BLM website: go.usa.gov/x7hdj. Comments also may be submitted by mail to BLM-CA Desert Plan Amendment, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-1623, Sacramento, CA 95825.