BLM and partners bring exciting changes to the Alabama Hills
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LONE PINE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has begun making exciting camping changes described in the 2021 Alabama Hills Management Plan. Thanks to public feedback, changes identified in the plan will help improve public access, retain the incredible views, and make the recreation experience more enjoyable for all users, while preserving this phenomenal landscape for generations to come.
“Many visitors have expressed positive comments about the changes and have been pleased that the BLM worked closely with local and national partners to make a big difference in a short amount of time,” said the BLM Acting Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. “The Alabama Hills is the only National Scenic Area managed by the BLM. We want to highlight this unique designation by taking care of the resources and values that make it special.”
Key changes visitors will see include new signs indicating areas that are now day use only; added portable restrooms in two locations; and designated campsites in some areas. In the future, camping will require a free permit and be limited to sites identified with a campsite marker.
On March 3, at 5 p.m., the BLM and Alabama Hills Stewardship group invites the public to attend the first in a series of ‘Hills Happenings’ virtual information sessions. During these virtual sessions, the public will have an opportunity to ask the BLM staff and partners questions and hear updates about implementation of the Alabama Hills Management Plan. To attend the first ‘Hills Happening’ event, please register here: qrco.de/bcl6Bb.This event is just the latest in public participation activities in the Alabama Hills.
From September 2021 to January 2022, the BLM partnered with Tread Lightly!, Milestar Tires, Friends of the Inyo, Inyo County, Alabama Hills Stewardship Group, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association and volunteers to remove more than 150 fire rings, several tons of ash and trash, and install signs to indicate day-use areas. As a result of this work, the west side of Movie Road in the Movie Flat area and any area marked with a “no camping” sign are now day-use only areas. This has helped preserve the view of historic areas where more than 400 movies and countless commercials have been filmed. These efforts will aid in resolving conflicts between users, reduce impacts to natural resources and maintain the great views for which the Alabama Hills are known.
Visitors will see additional changes to the Alabama Hills as the BLM continues implementing the management plan this year. Those planning to visit the area can learn more by visiting the Alabama Hills “Visit Us” page at www.blm.gov/alabamahills or by reading the Alabama Hills brochure. For specific questions, contact the BLM Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000 or BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov.
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.