BLM OPen House Hosted Community members to review and comment on Roads in the Monument. Images by Matt Witt © 2016
On April 6, 2016, BLM held an Open House for the public to comment on its recently released Draft Transportation Management Plan and Environmental Assessment.
Approximately 80 people came and listened to introductory comments by Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. He described the four alternatives about how BLM could handle the management of roads within the Monument while also considering uses of trails, Pacific Crest Trail; trail maintenance, hunting, and snowmobiles.
Joel said, “Through this process we will try to find the right combination of road and trail systems to protect the monument features, accommodate resource management, and provide access for community and recreational uses."
Participants spoke about their concerns and asked questions about the Transportation Plan at the various stations set up around the room. Each station displayed maps showing the 4 alternative proposals and suggested road treatments. Several longtime sport hunters who have hunted in a proposed closed road area were able to talk with Kathy Minor, one of the Transportation Plan’s planners.
Information exchange between public and BLM is crucial to be considered before final decisions are made.
Lisa Rice, BLM Archeologists, showed historical and Native American objects collected in and around the Monument area. This exhibit highlights the historical importance of the Monument with current efforts to protect biodiversity.
-- Terry Dickey, Friends of CSNM Board Chair
Hunter, resident and volunteer firefighter Mark Flotho writes about road closure in the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument Mail Tribune article (April 10, 2016)