WILLOWS >> The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are in the early stages of developing a management plan for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (BSMNM) and invite the public to participate in “Community Conversations.” Multiple meetings have been scheduled including one at the Grange Community Center in Upper Lake Sept. 14.
These conversations are an opportunity for the public to express what they value in the management of the BSMNM, Punky Moore, of the U.S. Forest Service, said in a media release.
It was established in July 2015 to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the lands of the Berryessa Snow Mountain area, according to the public affairs officer. The 330,000-acre area is bounded on the north by the Snow Mountain Wilderness and on the south by Berryessa Mountain. Approximately 197,000 acres are administered by U.S. Forest Service and 133,000 acres by the BLM.
“We want to learn what is important to you about the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. We hope you will join us,” coordinating BSMNM planners Sharen Parker, of Mendocino National Forest, and Jonna Hildenbrand, of Ukiah BLM, said in a joint statement.
The meetings are designed in an open format with resource specialists at individual stations to talk one-on-one with interested individuals.
Community Conversations will also take place at the Winters Community Center Sept. 28 and Holiday Inn Express in Willows Oct. 4. All meetings will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Grange Community Center is located at 9355 Government St. in Upper Lake.
For more information, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/home/?cid=FSEPRD506559.
