The Marine Corps says they are shortening the period they will be using land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the Johnson Valley area for training exercises. Four years ago, the Marine Corps announced that it would be conducting large-scale military exercises in Johnson Valley from August 1-30. Yesterday, they announced the shared use area closure dates have been shortened to August 11-25. Under the shared-use agreement, public access to the BLM land is prohibited during Marine Corps exercises. This closure period will include the time required to ensure the shared use area is clear of recreation activity prior to training, and confirm the land is clear of hazards prior to reopening the land for public access. The adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area will remain open to the public during the closure of the shared use area. For more information, see
http://www.29palms.marines.mil/Staff/G5-Government-and-External-Affairs/Johnson-Valley/
