On March 12 2019 congress officially redesignated the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, CA from a ‘Recreation Area’ to the ‘Alabama Hills National Scenic Area’.
The legislation states: “The purpose of the National Scenic Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of present and futures generations the nationally significant scenic, cultural, geological, educational, biological, historical, recreational, cinematographic, and scientific resources”
Included in the legislation is the transfer of 132 acres of land to the indigenous Paiute-Shoshone people. This under the Natural Resources Management Act (S.47), signed by President Trump. Also known as the Dingell Act, which directs all National Parks, National Monuments, BLM lands and wilderness to participate in a unified plan to balance recreation and conservation.
The Alabama Hills are now part of the National Conservation Lands, which includes some 34 million acres to offer the American people "exceptional" recreation opportunities.
The official dedication ceremony took place on October 5th. A YouTube video can be found HERE.
For the past several months replanting of areas where "semi-primitive campsites" have expanded has taken place. This will continue, using native vegetation.
So why am I sharing this information now? Owens Valley residents are used to looking at vast open spaces with no people in the picture. With the current dispersed camping in the Hills, local eyes see an RV as a scar on that landscape.
The BLM is hosting a series of workshops seeking public input. All workshops are being held in the Owens Valley between Lone Pine and Bishop … in winter! There is no webpage for comments, but this BLM notice allows for email.
Currently dispersed camping is still allowed. On weekends a camper might encounter a BLM volunteer ‘suggesting’ it might be more appropriate to camp at Tuttle Creek...
Download the current BLM guide for the Alabama Hills from their website HERE. Note that it no longer mentions dispersed camping, and specifically states it is “best suited for day use.”
I hope dispersed camping will still be allowed, even if reduced, but I’m not overly optimistic. Altho we're normally the only folks at Fossil Falls it might be nice to have some company :)
I’d like readers to visit the Alabama Hills forewarned changes are coming, and I look forward to their blog posts.
Interesting information, Jeff. I can see both side of the camping in the Alabama Hills. We couldn't explore some areas because of people camped there. But it is a really neat place to spend a few days. Tough decision.
ReplyDeleteAltho we typically overnight at Fossil Falls we've often visited the Alabama Hills. We have all the 'Tremors' filming sites covered! It is a tough decision to balance public access to public lands with the preservation of those lands.
DeleteIf your travels should take you to the eastern Sierra this year I know you'd do a much better job of unraveling what's happening.
I tend to agree with Pam. While I hate being told I can't do something.....I, too, have been bothered by campers plopped right in the middle of the fantastic scenery, limiting other's enjoyment of nature's gifts....tough problem to be sure. Thanks for reporting.
ReplyDeleteThe best bondocking spots are just too heavily used and are disappearing in California almost as fast as the 'No Overnight Parking' signs are going up at Walmart.
DeleteVery interesting topic. I've never been there, but I understand there are two sides.
ReplyDeleteIt's way too cold to go now ;) But you may want to consider 395 on your return, it's such fantastic area.
DeleteI am really sorry to hear this but not surprised. The "locals" should remember who helps support the town's businesses. In lieu of boondocking the land managers should consider offering more camps similar to the Tuttle Creek.
ReplyDeleteTuttle Creek ($8/$4) is the only low cost option. The Inyo County campgrounds start at $15. Additional campground space could be made available on BLM land outside the 'Scenic Area'.
DeleteInteresting. Many boondocking sites are in pretty bad shape from over use. Got to take care of the treasures.
ReplyDeleteFinding a balance for public access to and protection of the Alabama Hills will not be an easy task.
DeleteOver use of the boondocking sites and their wanton disrespect contributes to areas being closed.
We haven't been to this area yet, but I would very much like to visit. All the photos I've seen are so impressive. It really is such a tough issue. It feels like everything is changing so fast and people are left to react as best they can. I hope it works out. I know it's an incredibly popular spot.
ReplyDeleteFor sure it is popular, I read a blog 'Parked in Paradise' that inspires boondocking on all BLM land without regard to habitat. ARG! I do hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the Eastern sierra on one of your adventures.
DeleteBTW - glad I found your blog, you really do write well!
Oh thanks! I'm glad I found yours too! These blogs are great for discovering new places to check out and for connecting with nice people in the RV community! As for the Sierras, if all goes well, we may be able to check out at least part of 395 next fall, but we'll see. The weather has to cooperate during the time we can be there, which, as you know, is always a roll of the dice. Hopefully! Happy travels!
ReplyDeleteThe highest/lowest points in the lower US are just a couple dozen miles apart. Great geology and history throughout the all of 395. And of course there's Yosemite, just over the hill.
DeleteI hope you get to experience it soon, I'm looking forward to your blog on the trip!