Despite facility closures, millions of acres of BLM-managed public lands across California remain open to enjoy, as long as you do so responsibly

March 27, 2020 - SACRAMENTO – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, the BLM will temporarily close all developed campgrounds and developed recreation sites in California, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

(Left) Merced River in Mariposa County - Credit: Bob Wick, BLM

The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation areas. While developed recreation sites are closed, dispersed camping and trails remain open and available to the public.

Visitors may continue to enjoy their BLM managed trails and open spaces in California while following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and state public health authorities. Social distancing recommendations are extremely important to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and may require that visitors avoid public lands during high-use times, such as weekends. Please limit any group activities to members of your household, and keep your total party to 10 or fewer participants. At all times, maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from other people.

The BLM urges visitors to do their part when visiting your public lands as some visitor services may be limited due to closures and staff availability.  The following actions are recommended:

• bringing your own supplies such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper,
• packing out your trash,
• reducing the handling of cash by paying recreation fees through recreation.gov, or with a check, where available.

Please note that existing rules and regulations apply. Entrance fees have been waived.  Other fees, such as day use and use of special areas will remain in effect.

The temporary safety closure order can be viewed online at: https://on.doi.gov/3aqDmK3.

Providing for recreation opportunities during this time is just one of the many activities BLM California staff continues to perform each and every day because they remain vitally important to the nation and our neighbors. Our work continues to support the nation’s energy and food security. We provide for sustainable timber harvests and provide protection from wildland fire. We are stewards of amazing landscapes and provide for enjoyment of all types of outdoor recreation.

If you’d like to do business with the BLM, please do so by email or phone whenever possible.  Contact information is available on our website at www.blm.gov/California.

For more information on the status of recreation and visitor services across BLM-managed public lands in California, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates or contact local offices at: https://on.doi.gov/38ZT5OI
Source: BLM