Carrizo Plain

Welcome to Carrizo Plain Beetle National Monument Things to Do At less than 100 air miles from Los Angeles, Carrizo Plain Carrizo Plain National Monument is a great place to National Monument is a remnant of a natural habitat enjoy nature and witness human history. People visit where antelope and elk grazed and wildflowers swept the Monument to view wildlife, to see the spectacular the spring landscape. Within the Plain are vast open wildflower displays in the spring, to walk along the San grasslands, white alkali flats of the ancient Soda Lake, Andreas Fault at Wallace Creek, to visit the pictographs and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. Carrizo Plain is at Painted Rock, and to just enjoy the solitude. Other home to a variety of wildlife and plant species—includ- visitors enjoy hunting opportunities in the mountains ing several that are threatened or endangered. The area surrounding the plain, camping in the foothills, horse- has significant cultural and historical resources. Evidence back riding, hiking, mountain biking, and various other of the valley-carving and mountain-moving San Andreas outdoor activities. Fault can also be seen in the Carrizo Plain. The Carrizo Plain is approximately 250,000 acres in size—or about 38 miles long—and 17 miles wide and is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and The Nature & Science Hiking Equestrian Use Hiking in Carrizo is generally self-guided and takes place Equestrian use is permitted on the Carrizo Plain. Trailer on roads, trails, and cross-country. There are only a few parking is available, but limited to already impacted areas developed trails within the Monument. These include the such as campgrounds and parking areas. Equestrians Caliente Ridge Trail and various interpretive trails: are prohibited on most walking trails, including but Caliente Ridge Trailhead: This 7-mile long trail is accessed from a small trailhead located at the top of Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range and parts of Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excel- Recreation is oriented toward enjoyment of the area’s natural and historic resources lent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Moderate hike. Nature Conservancy. Seasonal tours are provided of Soda Lake/Painted Rock and the El Saucito Ranch. To sign up for a tour you can visit, www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777, TDD 1-877-833-6777. The majority of recreational activities at the National Monument are concentrated around the Goodwin Education Center, Soda Lake, Painted Rock, Selby and KCL campgrounds, the Caliente Mountains, and along the San Andreas Fault. The Guy L. Goodwin Education center is a great place to start your visit. It is open December–May, Thursday– Guy L. Goodwin Education Center 166. Wide open spaces and spring wildflowers vehicles and must stay on designated roads. Mountain Prepare yourself for your adventure. The Carrizo Plain National Monument does not provide any services such as water, food, or fuel. Plan your trip accordingly and insure you get these items in one of the neighboring communities before you come (see Gateway Communities). These communities lie 15 miles from the south entrance and 60 miles from the north entrance. beginning of December to the end of May. Normal days and hours of operation during the winter and spring season are Thursday through Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Make this your first stop to receive updated information. Informational maps and brochures are available at the front door when the Center is closed. Handicapped accessible restrooms at the Visitor Center are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. time of year you are visiting. Auto Touring and other Motorized Recreation Use Weather Most Monument visitors tour the area in cars, stopping Also, insure you bring the appropriate apparel for the Expect warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most rain falls between November and April with occasional snow. Average summer temperatures range from the low 50s °F at night to the upper 90s °F during the day. Daytime temperatures often exceed 100 °F, with a record high of 115 °F. Average winter temperatures range from highs in the mid 60s to lows in the mid 30s, with a record at scenic viewpoints, interpretive overlooks, hiking trails, and other points of interest along the way. Typically these visitors stay on Soda Lake Road. More adventurous visitors access the back roads of the Monument with pickups and sport utility vehicles. All vehicles must stay on designated routes. Popular routes are depicted on this map. The speed limit on BLM roads is 25 MPH. low of 0 °F. The Carrizo Plain receives between 7–10 inches of annual rainfall on the valley floor. Pets Pets must be controlled at all times. In addition, pets Burrowing owl, (background) Giant kangaroo rat precincts Pacific Plate some 183 miles (295 km). The Plain's many significant wild and natural values. Here, “peak” for wildflowers. All of the flowers seen in March Carrizo Plain is world-famous for spectacular vast open plains are backed by stark mountain ridges, will usually continue to bloom through April. Other spe- exposures of landforms generated by strike- structures from historic and present-day ranching cies emerge if conditions are right. slip faulting. operations become integral parts of the valley floor. One of California’s most dramatic wildflower blooms colors the landscape in the spring, and rare, dark, night skies escape the light pollution of sprawling development. Locations such as Caliente Ridge and the Soda Lake May May temperatures become increasingly warm, good California’s history ruptured the fault through for late bloomers but too warm for the early flow- the Carrizo, causing some 16–26 feet (5–8 m) ers. If temperatures are mild, expect the April of offset. Paleontology Overlook provide a glimpse into the universe from the dark skies of the Monument. The Monument is distinguished for its world-class fossil assemblages, paleontological resources, and as the The closer you look, the more you see. location of particular type formations of geologic strata. Several rock formations were first recognized and defined within the Monument Wild Flora and Fauna Camping Interpretive Trails It is common to see wildlife in their natural setting There have been a series of geological The Carrizo Plain has two developed campgrounds. Painted Rock Trail: The Painted Rock Trail is located 2 on the Monument. Please view them from a distance mapping surveys conducted in the and do not disturb. The Monument offers a refuge for Monument that identify the potential miles south of the Goodwin Education Center. This trail gives visitors access to the level 1.4-mile round trip trail to the Painted Rock cultural site. The trail is open to pedestrians only (no mountain bikes, dogs, or horses). Painted Rock is closed from March 1st to July 15th to protect the wildlife and resources. During this closure, areas of the Carrizo Plain. The designated dispersed car camping areas encompass approximately 100,000 acres where car, tent, backpack, or horse camping is allowed. Generally, dispersed car camping is permitted in the tours are available through the www.recreation.gov. Travers Ranch Trail: The Travers Ranch homestead has a self-guided tour of old farming equipment and discusses the history of farming on the Carrizo Plain. Wallace Creek Trail: A self-guided .75 mile interpretive trail has been constructed at Wallace Creek and along a portion of the San Andreas Fault. The trail walks visitors through the geological activity of the San Andreas Fault on the Carrizo Plain over time. such as the Paso Robles, Caliente, and Morales formations. endangered, threatened, and rare animal species such as for paleontological resources in spe- the San Joaquin kit fox, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, the giant kangaroo rat and the San Joaquin antelope squirrel. Vernal pools support the rare longhorn fairy cific formations within the Caliente and Temblor ranges. Both invertebrate and verte- Blunt-nosed leopard lizard brate fossils occur in these geologic formations. shrimp and other species of fairy shrimp. Reintroductions of pronghorn antelope and tule elk have allowed these once extirpated native ungulates to once again roam the plain together. The area is also home to many rare and sensitive plant species, including California jewelflower, Hoover’s woolly-star and San Joaquin woolly-threads. The diversity and abundance of the Carrizo’s many plant species serve as the foundation for the animals that thrive here and the beauty that defines the Carrizo. Despite past human use the size, isolation, and relatively undeveloped nature of the area make it ideal for longterm conservation of a unique ecosystem once common and buckwheat species will begin to bud and bloom. Expect the end of the season to close with beautiful displays of farewell-to-spring. Soda Lake about 3,000 acres, and is one of the dominant geographic features of the Carrizo Plain. It is the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California in the San Joaquin Valley region of California. is not permitted on the valley floor area to protect sensi- the edge of Soda Lake is located on Soda Lake Road tive biological resources and to prevent obstruction of across from Overlook Hill. Wildflowers As its name suggest, Soda Lake concentrates salts as Carrizo Plain National Monument can boast some of sulfates and carbonates. Despite this harsh environ- cent areas. There are established dispersed car camping areas around the monument, please take advantage of these instead of making a new one. Remember… Leave No Trace. Soda Lake Road 2.1 miles inside the north entrance and provides a great view of Soda Lake and the Carrizo Plain. The trail is short but steep. Guided Tours Hunting and Shooting Hunting in the Monument is managed and regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Areas not open to shooting include a safety zone surrounding the Guy L. Goodwin Education Center and Painted Rock; all designated campgrounds; administra- All docent-guided tours are scheduled through www.recreation.gov Wildflowers and Painted Rock Tour: During the spring there are opportunities for a docent-guided tour of the wildflowers and Painted Rock. tive and recreational facilities including Painted Rock El Saucito Ranch House Tour: The El Saucito Ranch Ranch, Washburn Ranch, and MU Ranch; all pullouts House is the oldest standing ranch property in the and informational kiosks; Soda Lake; Traver Ranch; and Carrizo Plain, dating back to the late 1870s. The house Wallace Creek. The safety zone is ¼ mile around all sites and the surrounding buildings are open to special tours listed above. during certain times of the year. There is an informational Target shooting is not allowed in the Monument. The Bureau of Land Management’s Soda Lake, a normally dry lake bed, covers an area of Soda Lake Boardwalk Trail: A boardwalk that follows Overlook Hill Trail: The Overlook Hill Trail is located off and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains. the most beautiful wildflower displays around. These displays spread across the valleys, over the hillsides and down the canyons. John Muir once wrote that in walking across the valley in the spring, "…more than a hundred flowers touched my feet, at every step closing above them, as if wading in water." This is the type of spring that wildflower seekers hope for each year. The Carrizo still produces these immense fields of wildflowers but unfortunately, this does not happen every year. The BLM manages the Carrizo Plain National Monument as part of its National Conservation Lands, also known water is evaporated away, leaving white deposits of as the National Landscape Conservation System, which includes more than 26 million acres of BLM lands “des- ment, small plant and animal species are well adapted to ignated for their outstanding scientific values, including this setting, which is also important to migratory birds. cultural, archaeological, biological, social, paleontologi- During most winter months the lake fills with water and cal, and geologic resources.” offers refuge for migratory birds. Geology The mission of the conservation system is “to conserve, protect, and restore these significant landscapes of The geomorphic and geologic structures of the exceptional cultural, ecological, and scientific values for Monument are the product of millions of years of ero- the benefit of current and future generations.” Managing sion, sediment deposition, faulting, volcanism, and uplift. the natural landscape of the Carrizo Plain National Most of the sediments that consolidated to form the March Changing temperatures along with rainfall greatly affect the type of wildflower season the Carrizo will have. Visitors can usually expect rainy days in March. In dry The San Andreas Fault is the tectonic boundary between for wildflowers. Monument helps ensure that it is conserved, protected, Caliente and Temblor Ranges were deposited into marine and near-shore basins during the Miocene Epoch. years, the end of March can sometimes be the peak time Recreation Map & Guide flowers to hang on a little longer. More bulbs will bloom, foothills and mountainous areas. Dispersed car camping scenic vistas, nor is it permitted at Soda Lake and adja- National Monument In 1857, the strongest earthquake in Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill. Dispersed car camping is also allowed within certain Before You Visit often in the 70s or higher, making it often times the deer and quail on adjacent public lands. Strenuous hike. are available on the campground. and Soda Lake Road and is open seasonally from the Monument was intended to conserve the Carrizo years, the San Andreas Fault has moved the not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake tables, fire rings, informational kiosk, and horse corrals half mile west of the junction of Painted Rock Road April temperatures are usually more consistent and are is not well defined. Hunters favor this trail for access to ground is more secluded than KCL. A restroom, picnic The Guy L. Goodwin Education Center is located one undeveloped state. Its designation as a National North American Plate. During the last 11 million bikes are prohibited on most walking trails, including but located at the base of the Caliente Mountains, the camp- San Joaquin antelope squirrel April set the stage for hiking on this 2-mile foot path. The trail Selby Campground is a semi-primitive campground Carrizo Plain National Monument. Mountain Biking Throughout the Monument, bikes are treated like campground. A natural adventure awaits you at Mountain Trail. located 13 miles west of Cuyama on Highway informational kiosk, and horse corrals are available at the operation. such as the Caliente Ridge Trailhead and the Caliente 460 miles of existing public roads on the Carrizo Plain. Land Company. A restroom, picnic tables, fire rings, center at 805-475-2131 during hours of trails are used for equestrians as allowed and signed, Caliente Mountain Trailhead: This trailhead is located at what was the headquarters of Kern County holidays). You can reach the education Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill. Portions of some walking Mountain biking is permitted on the approximately KCL Campground is a semi-primitive campground Sunday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm (closed on not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake The Carrizo Plain is a dramatic landscape in a largely Carrizo Plain and restored for the long-term benefit of surrounding communities. (Text from The Carrizo Plain National the Pacific and North American Plates. The Pacific Plate Above: Aerial view of the San Andreas Fault in the Temblor Range Below: A field of coreopsis with Soda Lake in the background Monument; A Stunning Natural Area Sustaining Vibrant Communities by the Wilderness Society) (west of the fault) is moving northwest relative to the San Joaquin kit foxes Photo by Peter Knapp kiosk and a 0.25-mile interpretive trail on the property. must be leashed or caged at all developed sites including the visitor center, interpretive overlooks, trail heads, and camping areas. No pets are allowed in the Painted Rock exclusion zone. Nearest Highway Access Tidy tips The Carrizo Plain has two major sources of access. Poppies & Lupine Goldfields Baby blue-eyes Fiddleneck Shooting star Thistle sage Owl's clover From the north, the access is via Soda Lake Road off of Highway 58. The other major access is from the south via Soda Lake Road off of Highway 33/166. National Public Lands Day volunteers Road Conditions within the Monument Supplementary Rules Many roads within the Monument have an unimproved dirt surface and become impassable during periods of rain. The main road, Soda Lake Road, is open year round. However, rains may make parts of Soda Lake Road slippery, muddy, and impassable at times. The Heritage Sites Painted Rock cultural site Farming equipment at the Travers Ranch Caliente Ridge Road can be especially dangerous when wet and may be closed periodically during periods of heavy rain or snowfall. All roads in the Monument may be periodically closed for safety conditions such as fire hazard, weather, or unsafe conditions. Panorama and Simmler roads often take weeks to dry out after a rain. Even though the other roads in the monument are dry, Panorama and Simmler roads may be impassable— proceed with caution on these roads especially during winter months, and obey all closed road signs. Gateway Communities Gateway Communities located near the Monument help inform and educate the public about the opportunities on the Carrizo Plain National Monument. They also provide services (food, fuel, water) not available on the Monument. Taft is located east of Carrizo Plain and offers Monument information at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 400 Kern Street. You can visit their website: http://www.taftchamber.com. Taft offers a variety of businesses, including grocery stores, fuel, and lodging. Santa Margarita is located northwest of the Monument and offers visitors information on Main Street (El Camino Real), look for visitor information signs. Santa Margarita offers fuel, food, and shops. Visit their website: http://www.smcf.org/local_information.html The Carrizo Plain National Monument contains hundreds samples) resulted in drought throughout much of the been taken to repair some of the damage, but what has BLM Guided Tour and of significant cultural sites. These include everything world. Not surprisingly, the archaeological record on been lost can never be reclaimed. Management of the Self-Guided Tour Permit Reservations from prehistoric Native American campsites that are as the Carrizo Plain shows fewer sites dating to this later site is focused upon protection, preservation, and public BLM guided tour reservations and self-guided tour per- education, while respecting the Native American values mits can be booked online or by phone at the numbers of this sacred site. listed below through www.recreation.gov Visiting Painted Rock Recreation.gov phone numbers much as 10,000 years old to 19th century homesteads, some which were farmed and ranched into recent times. Many of the Carrizo sites have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The values of the spectacular Painted Rock site are obvious, but other sites located along drainages where there would have been flowing water during the Middle Period to smaller sites at better watered locations. Then, as now, climate and water sources were important influences on human important cultural sites also add to our understanding history. of life on the Carrizo, even if they may not immediately The Carrizo Plain National Monument lies primarily appear significant at first glance. Old farm buildings, machinery and implements, fence posts, water troughs and even historical period dump sites represent aspects of a way of life we are trying to preserve. Cultural sites add to our understanding of life on the Carrizo Painted Rock may be visited as part of a BLM guided tour or seasonally with a self-guided tour permit. Tours or permits are available according to the calendar below. within the historical territory of the Chumash people. The Salinian, who lived north of the Chumash along the coast to the Salinas Valley, and inland within the Coast Range, also visited the Carrizo, as did the Yokuts who lived in the San Joaquin Valley to the east. The presence of pictograph sites like Painted Rock and other Native American spiritual sites on the Carrizo Plain indicate that this region has long held special values to these people. Their descendants continue to revere these places and visit them to • March 1 to July 15: Available to BLM guided tours only. No other form of public visitation is allowed during this time period in order to protect nesting birds. Tours are docent-led and occur Saturdays during March, April, and May from 10:00am to 3:00pm, weather permitting. The tour starts at Soda Lake Overlook where information on the natural history of the Carrizo Plain is presented and then to Painted Rock. • July 16 to end of February: A self-guided tour Native Americans on the Carrizo Plain conduct ceremonies and rituals. permit is available and required for unguided Although the Carrizo Plain appears to be a dry, harsh Painted Rock helps better safeguard sacred features while provid- environment, Native American people occupied the area for at least 10,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that the peak of this occupation occurred during what is known as the Middle Period 4,000 to 800 years ago. During this time, the climate throughout the West was much wetter, and water was plentiful on the Soda Lake period. Settlements appear to shift from relatively large The sandstone formation at Painted Rock has long drawn the attention of Carrizo Plain visitors. About 3,000–4,000 years ago, Native Americans began to paint their sacred images within the alcove of the rock. The power of this place continues to enthrall, and it still receives many visitors today. This special area requires special care so visitors will enjoy it for generations to come. Following the guidelines below will make everyone's visit more pleasant. public access to Painted Rock. The permit process ing public access. Through the permit application process, visitors will be provided with information about how to appropriately visit Painted Rock to help ensure that the site is protected and preserved while respecting Native American spiritual values. • Painted Rock BLM Guided Tour and Self Guided Tour Permit reservations (toll free): 1-877-444-6777 • International reservations 518-885-3639 • TDD 1-877-833-6777 Travers Ranch Travers Ranch is located along Soda Lake road, 18 miles south of the Goodwin Education Center and 11.5 miles north of State Highway 166. The L.E. Traver Ranch was established in the 1940s when the family purchased approximately 800 acres and began building the large block house that still stands along the edge of Soda Lake Road. The family was primarily involved in dry land farming of wheat and occasionally barley. Examples of farming implements that were used are on display in the field south of the block house. The house can be viewed from the small parking lot and information kiosk. The house provides important habitat for the pallid bat and other bat species. Because of this, the house has been secured with plywood and metal grates to allow wildlife access, but prevent human entrance into the structure. • Target shooting is prohibited on the monument. • Any paintball, airsoft, or like weapon is prohibited on the monument. El Saucito Ranch The El Saucito Ranch house is the only standing house in the Monument from the pioneer period. The house changed ownership a number of times but was rarely vacant. The last time the house was owner-occupied was in 1966. In the years that followed, the ranch house was used by property caretakers or leased to local ranchers until the ranch was vacated in 1984. Although alterations were made to windows, doors, and the interior of the house over the years, the original two-story redwood house structure remains intact. El Saucito Ranch House mining of salt, sodium sulfate, and gypsum are found in the Monument. These historic remains demonstrate the dominant role ranching and dryland farming played in the regional history. Extraction of sodium sulfate from Soda Lake during the Cultural Resources 1910s is evidenced today by the remaining founda- The most common historic resources encountered in the Monument include ranch buildings, structures, or features associated with sheep and cattle livestock operations and tions and earthen berm where a narrow gauge railroad transported minerals from Soda Lake to a connecting point near present day State Highway 58. • Don’t deface cultural sites by carving, painting, drawing or shooting. • All vehicles operated within the monument must be licensed for use on public streets and/or highway travel. Non-street-legal vehicles are prohibited with the following exceptions: When used for authorized, permitted, or administrative purpose, including those used in emergency situations. • No off road travel by motorized or mechanized vehicles. • All pets must be controlled by the owner at all times. Additionally, all pets shall remain leashed or caged at all developed sites including visitor centers, interpretive overlooks, trail heads, and camping areas. • The following animals and activities shall be unlawful within the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone: horses, dogs, non-motorized bicycles (excluding the Painted Rock parking area), cache-type activities (including geocaching and earth caching), discharge of firearms, campfires, with the exception of Native American ceremonial use. lesser degree, remains from the • Don’t dig or otherwise disturb the ground surface in or near cultural sites. • Still and video photography of the pictograph images at Painted Rock and other rock art sites in the monument are prohibited for commercial purposes. Pronghorn antelope • Don’t touch or climb sandstone outcrops, many of which contain cultural features. Contact with the sandstone damages the mineral crust which protects the stone from erosion. • The use of metal detectors is prohibited. dryland farming. To a much • Don’t move, remove or arrange stones, wood or other features. The precise original location of objects is important to our understanding of their significance. • Don’t damage historical buildings and objects by climbing or entering them. Carrizo Plain. Beginning about 1,200 to 800 years ago, Unfortunately, the site sustained significant damage • Don’t disturb nesting birds, bats or other wildlife. a drying trend (revealed by studies of Soda Lake soil due to vandalism over the last century. Measures have • Don’t place caches in or near cultural sites. • Competitive/ recreational activities or events shall not include the release of non-native or captive-held native species. • Organized groups with 20 or more persons or 5 or more vehicles must secure a permit for any day or overnight use. • Operation of any vessel, aircraft, boat, or motorized vehicle is prohibited on or within 100 feet of Soda Lake or any adjacent stream, channel, dry lake or body of water. BLM/CA/GI-2013/017+6200+8300 Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map & Guide Plan Ahead and Prepare: Kit fox artwork by Miriam Morrill • Get information about the CPNM or your travel route from the BLM, 661-391-6000 or the Goodwin Education Center, 805-475-2131. • Start your CPNM visit with a full tank of gas. • Prepare for bad weather and unsafe road conditions with extra food, water, clothing, and first aid kit. • Respect private and public road closures. It is your responsibility to know where you are at all times, some private property is not posted. • If you are hunting, know the California hunting regulations and abide by them. • Bring maps and a compass, and know how to use them to find your way and location even if you have a GPS unit. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Vehicle Use and Travel: • Appropriate vehicle use protects wildlife and wildlife habitat. The speed limit is 25 MPH except on County roads. • Protect wildlife and livestock; leave gates as you find them. • Operate motorized vehicles only on designated travel routes. A list of open routes is available from the BLM or on a map available at the Goodwin Education Center. • Prevent damage to roads and vegetation; avoid travel when conditions are muddy. On the Trail: • Walk on established trails when possible. • Ride bicycles on designated roads only. • Prevent erosion and trail widening by using the existing tread surface. • Hunters—drag any gut piles, skins, etc. well away from trails and highly visible and frequented areas. Pick up shotgun shells and other debris. • Hunters—the monument falls within the California condor range and it is illegal to use or possess lead projectiles while hunting big game and non game species in this range. At Camp: • Campground quiet hours are 9pm–7am • A good campsite is found, not made. • Place kitchen areas, tents and stock on areas where obvious signs of prior use exist. If outside of a developed campground, leave vehicles along the edge of roadway but not impeding traffic; do not drive to your chosen camp site. • Camp at least 200 yards away from water sources. • Camp only in developed campgrounds or in designated camping areas. • Hunters, please remove gut piles or other animal parts from campgrounds. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it In, Pack it Out: • Pack out everything you brought in with you: trash, spent brass, shotgun shells, cigarette butts, etc. • Keep wildlife healthy and avoid human food dependence. Protect your food from animals by storing rations securely. Never bury food or leave it behind. Properly Dispose of Human Waste: • Use established restroom facilities when possible. • Bury human waste in catholes 4–8” deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole. Pack out all toilet paper and dispose of properly. Leave What You Find: • If you alter an area in any way, restore its natural appearance before leaving. • Historical or cultural artifacts provide clues to help scientists understand history. They belong to all of us. Leave them as you find them—it’s the law. • Signs are expensive and are paid for by your tax dollars. Please don’t use them to sight firearms. • Many people visit the CPNM for the scenery and quiet they find there. Target practice is illegal within the CPNM. Minimize Campfire Impacts: • Stoves are the best option for cooking. Campfires and fire rings can scar the CPNM’s beauty and destroy habitat. • If you must build a fire, use an established fire ring. • Bring your own wood with you. Do not burn plastics, glass, or cans. Haul your trash out with you. • Obtain a campfire permit before building a fire outside of a designated campground. Permits are available from the visitor center, a ranger or the Bakersfield BLM office, 661-391-6000. Respect Wildlife: • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: • Res