For an overview, go to the Off-Highway Vehicle page. In 1995, BLM began managing wilderness in the desert. There were many areas that have been under wilderness study as described in the California Desert Conservation Area Management Plan of 1980. Many of these areas became designated wilderness with the passage of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. Please see the Wilderness page for more information.
Many people call our office essentially asking about getting a homestead.
The Homestead Act was repealed in 1976, with homestead claims in existence at that time being honored. The passage of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 established the Bureau of Land Management as a multiple use agency. The Bureau's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. As such, Bureau employees manage the lands under their stewardship for the Nation's benefit. There are occasional exchanges coming about to consolidate certain areas to make a more manageable land pattern.