May 22, 2023 - EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Thursday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mariposa County Government Center, 5100 Bullion St., Mariposa, CA 95338. The meeting is open to the public. The BLM will also host a field tour to the Merced River Recreation Management Area on Wednesday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Council will be briefed on a business plan for the Merced River Recreation Area in Mariposa County. The BLM is seeking feedback on the proposed plan that includes fee increases to enhance infrastructure and amenities. The RAC will also receive updates from the BLM Central California District and field offices. See the meeting agenda here.

“We are looking forward to sharing this business plan for the Merced area with the public and our partners, as well as projects throughout the district and wildland fire prevention activities,” said Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “By getting involved in these efforts, we can all help shape the future management of our public lands.”

The public will be given an opportunity to address the RAC during the Virtual Zoom meeting at noon on June 15. Please register in advance at https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_znBoyM8kS066ZlWu-ZrmnA. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council may also be sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA  95762.

Individuals participating in the field tour will meet at 12:30 p.m. on June 14, at the Briceburg Visitor Center, 7555 State Route 140. Members of the public are welcome on the field tour, but must provide their own transportation, meals, and water. To attend the field tour, please RSVP by June 9 to poviatt@blm.gov.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 28 chartered advisory councils throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

To learn more about the Central California RAC, visit https://go.usa.gov/xHrUx. Please contact us for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.
Source: BLM