The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hollister Field Office will
host three public meetings in September 2004 to accept comments on
the Clear Creek Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DRMP
&
amp; DEIS).
BLM to Host Public Meetings on Clear Creek Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hollister Field Office will host three public meetings in September 2004 to accept comments on the Clear Creek Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DRMP & DEIS).
Each meeting site will have several stations where the public can initially gather information and provide written comments. During the meeting, the Bureau will give a brief formal introduction and presentation just prior to the public’ opportunity to offer oral comments of approximately 3 to 5 minutes depending on the number of citizens requesting to comment.
The official public comment period began on July 19, 2004, and will last for a period of 90 days, ending October 15, 2004. The public is encouraged to attend the public meetings to provide comments on the proposed alternatives.
Public meetings will take place on September 14, 15, and 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the following locations:
Coalinga: Sept. 14, 20, Harris
Ranch, 24505 W. Dorris Ave.
Hollister: Sept. 15, 2004, Veterans’ Memorial Bldg, 649 San Benito St.
San Jose: Sept. 16, 2004, Sheriff’s Auditorium, 55 West Younger Ave.
The Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) consists of 75,000 acres of public lands in the California Central Coast Region that is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and home to several sensitive plant and animal species. The DRMP and DEIS describes proposals to designate routes and areas for motorized vehicle access to increase protection measures for the federally threatened San Benito evening primrose and minimize impacts to riparian areas from soil erosion. The DRMP and DEIS includes alternatives for boundary adjustments to the expanded San Benito Mountain Research Natural Area which was designated in the early 1970’s.
There are four route designation alternatives including a preferred alternative in the proposed plan. The route designations include “open”, “closed”, and “limited” status in accordance with BLM’s regulations.
The DRMP and DEIS is available for review online at the BLM website: www.ca.blm.gov/hollister. In addition, copies may be obtained by calling Lesly Smith, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, at (831) 630-5015. The public can also provide written comments to the Hollister Field Office at 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023.
For additional information contact the Hollister Field Office at 831-630-5000.
Henry W. Coe State Park plans Tarantula Fest and barbecue
Families and friends are invited to the annual Tarantula Fest and barbecue at Henry Coe State Park from 10am to 4pm on Saturday Oct. 2. During the event participants can learn fascinating facts about tarantulas and their habitats. Nature walks will be led by Coe docents every hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm. Special treats for children include Smokey the Bear and supervised tarantula art projects. People will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with a tarantula or snake by a park photographer, learn about alien tarantula’s from all over the world and learn more about the park itself in the interpretive room. Live music will be provided by the famous Coe Park Tarantula Band. A benefit raffle will also give visitors a chance to win many other great prizes.
The barbecue offers a choice of steak for $12, chicken for $10, veggie burger for $7 or hot dogs for $5 from noon to 2pm. Tickets for the barbecue must be purchased before Sept. 24 by mailing a check to PRA, Henry W. Coe State Park, 9100 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or indicate the tickets to be held “will call.” A $5 state park parking fee will be charged to each car on the day of the event and car pooling is encouraged. The event is sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for interactive services at the park for the community.
For more information visit the park’s web site at www.coepark.org or call the park office at 408-779-2728.
Beer, wine and soft drinks will also be sold
