Bureau of Land Management at Fort Ord

Contact Information

Website: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/fort_ord/index.html

Bureau of Land Mangement
Fort Ord Project Office
Hollister Resource Area
20 Hamilton Ct.
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: 831-394-8314 Fax: 831-394-8346

Overview

In 1996, BLM was selected to administer what are now Fort Ord Public Lands according to guidelines outlined in an agreement known as the Habitat Management Plan. Under the agreement, the BLM will acquire approximately 15,000 acres to become a Natural Resource Management Area. This area includes 12 habitat types as well as areas of concern such as riparian forest, perennial grasslands and vernal pools. These lands are essential to the survival of sensitive plants and animals that in some cases are found only on Fort Ord. For the BLM to retain the land for public use, all BLM actions must follow the Habitat Management Plan. In order to help Fort Ord change from military to public use, the BLM will manage it's portion of the base to protect rare habitats in such a way that compensates for the loss of those habitats on portions of Fort Ord that will be (or have been) developed. BLM will work with surrounding communities to manage these public lands to also provide high quality, environmentally-sensitive recreational opportunities.)

Mission

It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

At Fort Ord, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with the community and other partners to help this former military base become available for public use. The goal of the community-based Fort Ord Reuse Plan is to:
"Promote the best use of land through well planned and balanced development which ensures educational and economic opportunities as well as environmental protection."
-- Fort Ord Reuse Plan 1997

The three E's of success at Fort Ord are:
Environmental protection, Educational enhancement and Economic Well Being

Audience/Clientele

California citizens and visitors to the area.

Product or Project Highlights

Come and enjoy some of the last undeveloped natural, public lands on the Monterey Peninsula, located on the former Fort Ord military base. Here the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and manages 35 species of rare plants and animals and their native coastal habitats. While habitat preservation and enhancement are primary missions at Fort Ord, there are also more than 50 miles of trails for the public to explore on foot, on bike or on horseback.
Fort Ord Public Lands continues to offer world-class recreation for residents and visitors of the Central California Coast. Fort Ord offers 50 miles of trails on 7,200 acres. Trails are open every day from dawn to dusk for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, wildlife photographers and wildflower and plant lovers. Recreation enthusiasts can choose to walk or ride the tight single track of the grassland hills to the winding trails through the dense shrubs and oaks of maritime chaparral.

Trail Map

Events and Activities

Fort Ord Public Lands provide an excellent outdoor classroom for environmental education and scientific research. The Watershed Institute at the California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is currently working on native plant restoration and erosion control projects. Other projects underway at Fort Ord include rare species monitoring and exotic weed removal.
There is probably a good chance that you have heard of the new group of warriors at Fort Ord. Yes, we are talking about the Weed Warriors. The Weed Warriors tirelessly travel the lengths of the Fort Ord Weed Management Area in search of nasty, invasive weeds and new recruits. All of this work is done to promote the rejuvenation and health of important native plant communities on Fort Ord.
BLM is not alone in the battle, but also has proud partnerships with fellow Weed Warriors at California State University Monterey Bay's Watershed Institute, the Army, the Student Conservation Association, Monterey County and hundreds of community volunteers. Weed Warriors have been present at local schools, fairs, and group meetings have thown numerous weed bashes and native plant restoration celebrations. You might recognize them grooving to live music and munching down on good food after a hard day's work. To join the fight, call the BLM office at 831-394-8314.

Collaborations

Watershed Institute at CSUMB

Public Involvement/Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10pm-4pm. Typically volunteers collect native plant seeds, plant native plants and remove non-native for habitat restoration, help with the feral pig removal program, provide supervision for visiting school field trips, monitor rare plant and habitat restoration sites, and survey for plants and animals.
Contact: Bruce Delgado at 831-394-8314 to inquire further about the volunteer program.

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