Editor’s Note: The BlueRibbon Coalition is helping the Marine Corps spread the word about the closure of Johnson Valley during the month of August this year for military training. See more on the details below.

The Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will be temporarily closed to the public August 1-30, 2017, while the Marine Corps conducts military training to support a large-scale exercise.

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. The Marine Corps will continue to conduct outreach to ensure the public is informed of the temporary change in land use.

MORE JOHNSON VALLEY NEWS: 2017 King of the Hammers Coverage

Representatives from the Marine Corps and the Bureau of Land Management will host a Resource Management Group meeting about land use in the Shared Use Area on April 1, 2017. The purpose of the meeting is to communicate the Marine Corps’ plans to conduct a large-scale exercise August 1-30, 2017. Information concerning temporary land closures of the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area and public safety information will be discussed with attendees. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting will take place at the Lucerne Valley Community Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 33187 Highway 247 East, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356.

For additional information, please contact the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Public Affairs Office at 760-830-6213 or SMBPLMSWEBPAO@usmc.mil. For the latest information concerning the land use changes in Johnson Valley, including a map of the area, please visit http://www.29palms.marines.mil/Staff/G5-Government-and-External-Affairs/Johnson-Valley.