Desert Advisory Council Tours Mine Reclamation and Proposed Solar Development Sites
The BLM Desert Advisory Council visited Needles for its fall meeting and toured sites ranging from a new campground to proposed solar projects to now closed gold mines being reclaimed.
The council’s September 28th field tour was followed by its formal meeting at the new Needles Field Office on Highway 95. The next meeting is planned for the end of January in Ridgecrest.
The field tour, hosted by BLM Needles Field Manager Sterling White started at a site overlooking the Castle Mountain Mine operated by Viceroy. The mine is now in the reclamation phase and the tour focused on recontouring and revegetation accomplishments.
From an overlook with an expansive view of Ivanpah Valley, the Council discussed concerns about pending applications from solar energy companies to build renewable energy projects. The proposals are at the beginning stages, with BLM expecting to publish Notices of Intent to prepare the required environmental impact statements.
Finally, the DAC toured BLM’s newest campground in the desert at Horsethief Springs. An impromptu ribbon cutting was followed by the Council’s tour of the area and discussion regarding livestock grazing in the desert and cattle reductions due to the current drought.
Source: BLM
To read more about the desert, go to DesertUSA.com.