The Decision Record (DR) and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) for the Cotoni-Coast Dairies unit of the California Coastal National Monument was released on June 23, 2021. The approved plan provides for 27 miles of new trails for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and dog walkers. It calls for constructing three public access points, with two year-round and one seasonal parking area, and pedestrian/bicycle connections to San Vicente Redwoods and the North Coast Rail Trail. All forms of recreation on the property will provide opportunities for exercise, challenging trail features, world-class vistas, nature viewing, bird watching and photography. The BLM will use a phased approach to recreation development to ensure protection of the property’s sensitive biological and cultural resources. The RMPA also identifies half of the area as core habitat for fish and wildlife, with limited recreation access.
The release of the Approved RMPA initiates a 30-day appeal period for implementation-level decisions that ends on July 23, 2021, where parties affected by, and who do not agree with, the BLM’s final decisions can appeal those decisions to the Interior Board of Land Appeals. Details of the appeals process are available in the Decision Record (as shown below).
Details about the Appeals Process
Administrative remedies are available to those who are a party to the case and are adversely affected by the implementation decisions included in this DR. An administrative appeal may be made to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Interior, Board of Land Appeals (Board) in strict compliance with the regulations in 43 CFR Part 4. Form 1842-1 “Information on Taking Appeals to the Board of Land Appeals” is available for use, and is linked here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/policies/IB2021-002_att1.pdf
Notices of appeal must be filed with the BLM California State Director within 30 days after publication of this decision at 2800 Cottage Way, W1623, Sacramento, CA 95825. If a notice of appeal does not include a statement of reasons, such statement must be filed with the BLM California State Director and the Board within 30 days after the notice of appeal is filed. The notice of appeal and any statement of reasons, written arguments, or briefs must also be served upon the Office of the Solicitor - Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1712, Sacramento, CA 95825-1890.
