Supervisors today took steps toward ending a nearly two-year
closure of roads leading into the Clear Creek Management Area,
while they also endorsed a letter that encourages the federal
Bureau of Land Management to reopen the recreational tourist spot.
Supervisors voted 4-0 on two separate items related to the BLM’s
closure of the Clear Creek Management Area, implemented in May 2008
after a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study concluded that
natural asbestos levels within the property were unsafe.
Supervisors today took steps toward ending a nearly two-year closure of roads leading into the Clear Creek Management Area, while they also endorsed a letter that encourages the federal Bureau of Land Management to reopen the recreational tourist spot.
Supervisors voted 4-0 on two separate items related to the BLM’s closure of the Clear Creek Management Area, implemented in May 2008 after a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study concluded that natural asbestos levels within the property were unsafe.
Board members agreed to endorse a letter recommending that the BLM choose an alternative – to reopen the area – in a proposal with options of how to proceed with Clear Creek. The BLM in its environmental impact statement regarding prospects for the 63,000-acre recreational area – largely used for off-highway vehicles – has recommended an alternative that would largely limit public access.
Along with the document going to the BLM – which stressed the economic impact on the county’s tourism industry – supervisors agreed to send a second letter to U.S. Sens. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, along with U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, emphasizing the importance of the issue to the county and requesting their support on the matter.
Supervisors then moved on to vote 4-0 – Pat Loe was not in attendance – to also reopen the 25 miles of roads overseen by the county that lead into the Clear Creek area. They include Clear Creek Road to New Idria Road, Mexican Lake Road to the Fresno County line and Wild Ass Road from Mexican Lake Road. There had been questions in recent weeks about jurisdiction of those roads, as the BLM contended it was unclear whether San Benito had any official documentation proving ownership.
More than 50 residents attended the afternoon meeting at the board of supervisors chambers. A large majority was in favor of reopening the roads and the Clear Creek Management Area. With applause following many arguments, they spoke about the economic impacts on their businesses, the inability to enjoy a sport they love, and the science involved in federal studies that they contend is flawed.
Many of the speakers were from out of the area. Dennis Mann noted how he drove two and a half hours from Hanford. He pointed out how the Clear Creek Management Area had served as a positive outlet for his family and his son, now an adult.
“For my son, when he was 12 years old, the best thing I ever did was get involved with him coming to the Clear Creek area,” Mann said.
The local BLM field office manager also attended and encouraged supervisors against opening the roads. He estimated the BLM’s state director could make a decision on the closure alternatives by January – a projection that drew murmurs from a skeptical crowd. He noted how leaving the county roads closed would be the “safest and least-confusing approach for the public.”
The BLM initially had a comment period for the environmental document of March 5, but extended it 45 days. Alternatives in the plan range from permanently closing off nearly all of the area to opening most of it again.
Look back for more on this story, including comments from the public at the board meeting, and look to the Pinnacle on Friday for a full story. For the BLM’s draft plan, go here.
