The BlueRibbon Coalition sent out this update on the upcoming closure of Johnson Valley next month. See the information below for more details.

The Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will be temporarily closed to the public August 14-21, 2016 while the Marine Corps conducts convoy operations and resupply missions to support a large-scale exercise. It was determined the window of closure for military use could be shortened from the previous announcement of August 1-30, 2016 after the Marine Corps refined the scope of training.

The closure period will include the time required to ensure the Shared Use Area is clear of recreation activity prior to training and to 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. The Marine Corps will continue to implement robust public outreach to ensure the public is informed of the temporary change in land use.

In addition, the Marine Corps has announced the next planned use of the Shared Use Area for military training in August 1-30, 2017, honoring the commitment to provide a minimum of 12 months advance notice to the public of training in the Shared Use Area.

For additional information, please contact the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Public Affairs Office at 760-830-6213 or SMBPLMSWEBPAO@usmc.mil.

For additional information including a map of the Johnson Valley area, please visit http://www.29palms.marines.mil/Staff/G5-Government-and-External-Affairs/Johnson-Valley.