BLM seeks public comment on off-highway vehicle routes in the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management El Centro Field Office invites the public to provide written comments on additional off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes in the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area, near Palo Verde, Imperial County.  The public comment period will end on May 21.

This Special Management Area, designated under the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) in March 2019, allows for the consideration of additional routes that would provide significant or unique recreational opportunities and are consistent with the purposes of the Management Area. 

The purpose of the Special Management Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance the plant and wildlife values and the outstanding and nationally significant ecological, geological, scenic, recreational, archaeological, cultural, historic and other areas of the area. 

The map identifying the current designated route network and wilderness system is available here:  https://on.doi.gov/3cESOTw. Public comments will help shape public recreation opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, sightseeing, mountain biking, horse riding, and OHV use. 

The BLM will accept written comments on proposed additional routes via email at blm_ca_web_ec@blm.gov, or by mail at  El Centro Field Office, Attn: Vinagre Wash, 1661 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243.

Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal information in a comment, please be aware the entire comment, including the personally identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.  While individuals may request personal information be withheld from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee the information will not be released.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.