The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it has begun to mark and establish the boundaries of the newly created Soda Mountain Wilderness.  Boundary markers will be installed at prominent access points and portions of seventeen roads will be barricaded.

The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of March 2009 (Public Law 111-11) designated approximately 24,100 acres within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM) as wilderness.

Designation of the Soda Mountain Wilderness will change some of the traditional uses and human activities will generally be restricted to non-motorized/non-mechanized recreation, such as: backpacking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, scientific research, and other non-invasive activities.

"We understand this will be a change for some people who have traditionally recreated in the Monument, but people will still be able to use the new wilderness area for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and other wilderness appropriate activities," said Mary Smelcer, BLM Associate District Manager.

There are segments of roads that lead to popular designations, such as Pilot Rock Trailhead, Boccard Point, and dispersed camping and hunting areas that will be now closed at the wilderness boundary to prevent motorized and mechanized access.  Private property inholders will retain reasonable access to their property.  The BLM is currently working with property owners to determine these access needs.   

Wilderness designation includes specific management directions that will protect and enhance wilderness characteristics.  The BLM will prepare a wilderness management plan over the next two years that will guide management of the area.  Public involvement opportunities will be available during this planning process.

Additional information about the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument is available at:

http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/plans/csnm.php [1]