BLM seeks public comment on proposed temporary closure of public lands in the Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area
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BARSTOW, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a five-day temporary closure of public lands for the proposed California 300 off-road race at Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area in San Bernardino County. The proposed closure would facilitate public safety, protect resources and provide an enhanced recreational experience for race participants and spectators.
Located in the Mojave Desert, the Stoddard Valley OHV area offers a diverse landscape for off-highway vehicle recreation characterized by steep rocky mountains, rolling hills, open valleys and winding sandy washes. The proposed five-day event closure would involve multiple days of pre-running, a public poker run, an off-road festival and two days of racing on a 70-mile racecourse.
The environmental review analyzes impacts to resources throughout the application period, which includes annual races through 2027. The 30-day public comment period ends on August 23 and the environmental assessment and related map are available for public review on the BLM NEPA Register. Members of the public may submit comments via the BLM NEPA Register, or by fax at 760-252-6098, or by mailing the Barstow Field Office at 2601 Barstow Road, located in Barstow, CA 92311.
For more information, contact BLM Planning & Environmental Coordinator Jeremy Vargas at jvargas@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.