BLM Central Coast Field Office lifts emergency fire restrictions, reopening target shooting

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management, California

BLM Office:

Central California District Office

Media Contact:

Annual grasslands cover the Tumey Hills.  Photo by Michael Westphal, BLM.MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is lifting its emergency fire restrictions on Nov. 15, due to reduced fire potential. This action also removes time limits set on target shooting on public lands in Fresno, Monterey and San Benito counties, where the majority of visitation occurs. Fire restrictions were initiated on June 9, with shooting limitations implemented on July 21.

Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to be careful when recreating on public lands to prevent wildfire. For more information, visit readyforwildfire.org/Prevent-Wildfire. Safety tips include not driving a vehicle onto dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and bucket of water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. To learn more about campfire safety, visit preventwildfireca.org/Campfires.

The public is also reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. As part of the Leave No Trace campaign, gun enthusiasts are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Shooters are responsible for fires started by recreational activities.

The Central Coast Field Office manages approximately 300,000-acres of public land in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Stanislaus counties. The jurisdiction of the field office stretches from the Pacific Coast to the San Joaquin Valley, and encompass the Fort Ord National Monument, Clear Creek Management Area and the Cotoni-Coast Dairies unit of the California Coastal National Monument. Ecosystems range from the desert hills of the San Joaquin Valley to the central California Coast.

The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities it serves. The Central Coast Field Office provides opportunities for economic growth with space for traditional uses such as ranching, recreation, energy development, and cultural programs, as well as protection of threatened and endangered species. For more information, please call the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.
 


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.