BLM plan reduces camping in the Alabama Hills

[Adventure4Vets]

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time.

The management plan released today outlines a limited permit system for semi-primitive dispersed camping, guidelines for new rock climbing route development, management strategies for roads, routes and trails, and the installation of strategically placed toilets, trash facilities and signage to minimize the adverse effects of day and overnight use. The plan also provides for increased interpretation, education and partnership opportunities to improve the visitor experience and protect the area’s resources and values.

Full BLM report here: http://eplanning.blm.gov/public_proj...ary%202021.pdf

[daveb]

Originally Posted by Adventure4Vets

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time.

The management plan released today outlines a limited permit system for semi-primitive dispersed camping, guidelines for new rock climbing route development, management strategies for roads, routes and trails, and the installation of strategically placed toilets, trash facilities and signage to minimize the adverse effects of day and overnight use. The plan also provides for increased interpretation, education and partnership opportunities to improve the visitor experience and protect the area’s resources and values.

Full BLM report here: http://eplanning.blm.gov/public_proj...ary%202021.pdf

Maybe I missed it but any links to the proposed maps of the area talked about?

[simplesez]

This has been going on in Utah and Colorado for years now. Population explosions and tourists all seem to have zero regard for keeping camp sites clean and minimizing damage. Rules and signs seem to help keep the idiocracy from getting too out of hand.

[BroncoHauler]

That's a shame, but with as popular as the location has become over the last couple of decades, it was only a matter of time. That and a small percentage of campers who can't treat that area, or any area, with respect.






Herb

[Adventure4Vets]

Originally Posted by daveb

Maybe I missed it but any links to the proposed maps of the area talked about?

Here's a link to the maps

http://eplanning.blm.gov/public_proj..._Final_508.pdf

[ShuttlePilot]

Whenever I see things like this my feeling is I wish I did a lot more in the 1990's. Thanks Adventure4Vets for sharing the info.



- Eric

[BrianBlair]

I hate to see this but it's really necessary. That area is being loved to death and it shows. I quit camping/climbing there a few years ago as it was an exercise in frustration.

To be honest......I feel more than a little guilt by association when travelling in our van in the Eastern Sierra. The explosion of "vanlife" has brought tons of people to the area that really don't respect the place/know what they're doing. Parking illegally, burying toilet paper and feces roughly .25" deep, camping illegally, leaving a mess, being loud, ignoring signage, ignoring the requests of locals.....I could go on.

[BroncoHauler]

There are multiple "alternatives" mentioned, but one item really caught my eye:


"Groups of 3 or more vehicles may only stay in designated group sites (maximum 5 group sites). Maximum number of cars and visitors for group sites will be determined by monitoring and site size."


So I guess no big van get-togethers.




Herb

[BrianBlair]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

There are multiple "alternatives" mentioned, but one item really caught my eye:


"Groups of 3 or more vehicles may only stay in designated group sites (maximum 5 group sites). Maximum number of cars and visitors for group sites will be determined by monitoring and site size."


So I guess no big van get-togethers.




Herb

I hope that rule makes the cut.....even though they're going to have a really hard time enforcing it.

BB

[pjpvi]

I use Alabama Hills a lot for a quick overnight stop when I need one in the area. Could always rely on finding somewhere to tuck away. Sounds like that may be changing.

Thanks for sharing!