Collaboration and greater public access highlight of BLM Fort Ord National Monument anniversary
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MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army, volunteers and other local community supporters invite the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new trails on Saturday, April 20, at 9:15 a.m. along Parker Flats Road and the intersection with Watkins Gate Dirt Road on the Fort Ord National Monument. Several partners have helped develop the trails, which will provide greater public access on the seven-year anniversary of the Monument.
The new trails wind through diverse habitats surrounded by spectacular views of the Monument and nearby Monterey Bay and will be open to hikers, joggers, equestrians and bicyclists.
Parking is available for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the intersection of Gigling Road and 8th Avenue, then participants may hike or bike a little more than one mile along the 8th Avenue Extension to Parker Flats Road.
The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. Two years ago, the BLM, Army, Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Toxics and Substance Control promised the community that two sections of the Monument would be cleared of munitions—allowing the new trails to be developed. Clean up crews used prescribed fire to clear the chaparral shrubland, which allowed the military munitions to be more easily located and removed. The prescribed fire has also helped regenerate the maritime chaparral landscape.
We believe partnerships and inclusion are vital to managing sustainable, working public lands. The BLM worked with volunteers from the Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association to map out the new trails. The Army then conducted additional clean up along the proposed routes to ensure the planned trails could be safely constructed. BLM staff, volunteers and California State University at Monterey Bay students helped build the trails.
As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation in our pursuit of our multiple-use mission. For more information, or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Fort Ord National Monument Manager Eric Morgan at 831-582-2212 or emorgan@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.