Alabama Hills National Scenic Area

Newsletter, June 2023

Cicada, Ashley Anderson, ESIA

Field Work

As the wildflowers begin to diminish, staff have noted the emergence of annual cicadas in modest numbers.
Fire restrictions are currently in effect for Inyo County, limiting flames in the hills to camp stoves. No campfires or discharging firearms is permitted until further notice.
As a reminder, camping agreements are live. Agreements are free and do not guarantee a campsite- all camping is first come, first serve. This is an acknowledgment that campers understand the rules and guidance for designated camping. To get an agreement, please visit the webpage or talk with a ranger in the Alabama Hills.
Enclosure designs for the port-o-potties on Movie Road are being finalized by the BLM landscape architects from the National Operations Center. Fabrication will start by fall by Bishop BLM staff and are intended to follow plans blending them in with our scenic area.
Staff have been working hard to rake out tracks, install signs, collect trash, educate visitors about the importance of staying on designated roads, and monitor camping behavior.
Two graffiti sites were cleaned near Mobius Arch and in Cattle Pocket.

Alabama Hills Camping Agreement

Defaced rocks are restored with no removal of the granite's signature desert varnish.

Get Involved

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Share the ESIA's event calendar for up-to-date ranger programs or ESIA's social media.

March Visitation

Vehicle and foot traffic was captured using an automatic, stationary sensor. Please note that some years have more complete data than others. Where there is incomplete data, the program may estimate based on past data.

Movie Road: 8005
Kiosk at Whitney Portal Entrance Station: 2035
North Entrance: 3563
Mobius Arch Trail Foot Traffic: 1584
Chicken Ranch: 62

This month's data was collected June 1- June 24, 2023

Events

Upcoming BLM-Sponsored

The BLM has made selections for the Artist in Residence program. Alyssa Marquez, from Chalfant, will be in the Hills October 1-8. Alyssa recently contributed to the mural outside the Black Sheep. Kristen Freeborn, an oil painter from Bakersfield, will be in the Hills October 7-14. If you are interested in supporting the program, email ashley@esiaonline.org

Kristen Freeborn, kristenfreebornfineart.com

Alyssa Marquez, third from the left, in front of the community mural collaboration at C5 Studios

Upcoming Special Recreation Permit

July 14-16 – Joshua Cripps Photography

Past BLM-Sponsored

The Bishop BLM attended the Eastern Sierra Federal Lands Job Fair, making valuable connections with the community and other agencies for future job openings.

Ellyse Deldin, the Fee & Revenue Business Manager for Death Valley National Park, presents the fundamentals of writing a federal resume to the job fair attendees.

Past Special Recreation Permit

June 2 – Concert in the Rocks
June 3 Concert in the Rocks
June 3-4 - Alpinistas Collective women’s climbing retreat
June 23-25 – Joshua Cripps Photography
June 23 – Car commercial film permit

Staffing

The BLM Recreation Department has 5 permanent and 4 seasonal team members that patrol the Alabama Hills and other BLM-managed lands. 1 law enforcement officer is specifically assigned to the Alabama Hills to assist with overnight use compliance.
ESIA has Ashley as an Interpretive Specialist working with the BLM patrolling the Alabama Hills 3 days per week. ESIA also has a Lead Naturalist, Ellie, who will host interpretive events in the Hills in the future.

Social Media

Follow Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) on Instagram and our Facebook page. ESIA staff attempts to schedule an Alabama Hills related post at least once a week during the peak Hills season, but slows during the summer months.
Follow the Bureau of Land Management- California Facebook page for information about California Public Lands, including the Alabama Hills!
Follow the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group on Facebook.

Donate

ESIA is a proud nonprofit organization partnered with the BLM and Alabama Hills Stewardship Group (AHSG) with the goal of promoting restoration and conservation efforts in the Hills for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Consider making a charitable donation to support in these efforts.

Support The Alabama Hills National Scenic Area