Photos by Catherine Stachowiak
Field Manager Gabe Garcia from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spoke to the public about plans for Keysville, which have been up for public comment, Wednesday August 14, at the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Garcia said, “For recreation areas we want to make some changes and Keysville Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP.)”
According to Garcia, at least five years ago BLM did a series of workshops and public meetings to get feedback about the plan. The Whole area is roughly 40,000 acres but the area that’s used near Lake Isabella, when it comes to camping and area use is really only about one to two hundred acres. BLM gets roughly 150,000 visitors per year to the area from May to October, mostly weekends and holidays.
BLM plans to move camping off the river’s edge by 100 feet. People were previously putting tents right on the river’s edge. BLM has blocked off the area, which is closer, even before the plan is approved.
BLM wants to improve camping at the area, based on the comment period of the RAMP. BLM wants to add campsites and restrooms at some areas because a lot of families visit the area. BLM wants to revamp the trail system and wants to reduce it, from about 80 to about ten less miles, making it more sensible for use because some of it was repetitive. Garcia said that the public would be allowed campfires at their campsites as well.
BLM may be bringing in extra restrooms, running water, and also plans to better address thievery.
There are now additional park rangers, and 5 law enforcement managers. The public can still call 911 for law enforcement at BLM camp areas, which would dispatch rangers.
BLM is giving out literature warning people to wear life jackets in the river and BLM already had posted river safety warnings.
BLM wants the public to provide public comments online, on their web page, their email,
and mail comments in. For further information please see https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2033321/510
The public may electronically submit public comments to BLM at BLM National NEPA Register or by email to [email protected], and via fax to 661-391-6041; or mail public comments to BLM Bakersfield Field Office, Attn: Keysville RAMP, 35126 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Please visit Keysville Special Recreation Management Area online for more information. For more information, please call their BLM Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000.
