• Repairs have begun on the Alabama Hills Trail, on a segment that was damaged during hurricane Hilary. The trail was dangerously narrow with a steep drop off and now is widened, ready for an Americorps group to complete the repairs in March. 
• There is a new Alabama Hills interpretive display in the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center. Stop by and check out current conditions, recent wildlife and wildflower sightings, up to date information on camping, leave no trace ethics, and more! 
• Another section of redundant road has been converted to single track trail east of the Arrastra. 
• 134 native plants have been put in the recently dampened ground in restoration sites. cheesebush, desert pepperweed, shadscale, and cattle spinach are revegetating bare areas. 
• The arch trail restoration for 2024 is complete. The trail has been lined with rocks completely with all visible social trails erased and restored. The steps just west of the arch have been refurbished and 7 signs have been added at points where hikers stray. Remaining on route is vital for this trail that sees around 25,000 people a year. 
• In February, two adits frompast mining were closed to improve visitor safety. Some of these will be closed with a bat gate, which allows bats access but does not allow human access. This prevents bats from being disturbed during important breeding or hibernating seasons. Additional closures will occur in the fall, when you may see a helicopter and a short term road closure in the Chicken Ranch area. 
• Fuels reduction work has occurred on Hogback Creek. Final cleanup on the material and piles is ongoing. 
• 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. 
• Staff have been working hard to clean out fire rings, collect trash, monitor camping behavior, update signs, and educate visitors about the importance of Leave No Trace. 

Past BLM-Sponsored 

• None

• The BLM Recreation Department has 5 permanent and 4 seasonal recreation team members that patrol the Alabama Hills and other BLM-managed lands. 1 law enforcement officer provides patrol of the Alabama Hills and the rest of the field office. Other field office staff support as needed.  
• ESIA has Ashley as an Interpretive Specialist working with the BLM patrolling the Alabama Hills 2-3 days per week. ESIA also has a Lead Naturalist, Ellie, who will host interpretive programs in the Hills in February. 
• Death Valley is staffing the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center with a returning seasonal employee starting late November and a second seasonal employee starting mid December. One of these staff is funded by the BLM. These staff will also assist with interpretive events.