• The scarlet locoweed and desert paintbrush are the first to begin blooming and currently speckle the landscape with hints of crimson. New blooms arrive daily! 
• Whitney Portal Road is closed just below the normal winter closure area. The targeted completion date for a culvert repair is no later than April 30. Detours are through Movie and Hogback roads to access the large dirt parking lot at the normal winter closure. 
• Visitation is increasing, so expect designated camping to be full by Friday evenings. Remember that Tuttle Creek Campground is always the most simple and sustainable camping option! Please respect the capacity limitations in the Alabama Hills by camping only in designated spots with the camp symbol. 
• An Americorps trail crew spent a few days maintaining stretches of the Alabama Hills Trail and the Arch Loop Trail. Adjustments were made to the trail slopes and rocks lining the trails. 
• Death Valley staff out of Lone Pine are ending their season by the first week of April, so the diversity and number of interpretive programs will take a dip. If you are interested in volunteering to host a walk, email ashley@sierraforever.org. Dealer’s choice! Share some fresh knowledge and your own perspective. 
• The new online permit count is over 3,500 since they became required in October. Hundreds physical permits have also been completed. Permits 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 a permit, please visit the webpage below, stop by the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center, or visit the camping information kiosks on Movie Road. 
• 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/Sierra Forever Sponsored 

• March 22: Annual 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake Walk

• The BLM Recreation Department has 3 permanent and 1 seasonal recreation team member that patrol the Alabama Hills and other BLM-managed lands. 2 law enforcement officers provides patrol of the Alabama Hills and the rest of the field office. Other field office staff support as needed.  
• Sierra Forever has Ashley as an Interpretive Specialist working with the BLM patrolling the Alabama Hills 3-4 days per week. 
• Death Valley is staffing the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center with two seasonal employees through April 2025. One of these staff is funded by the BLM. These staff will also assist with interpretive events.