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Board extends Hamilton Road gate at Gold Fields amid enforcement, BLM negotiations
Summary
The Board extended the July 2023 closure of Hamilton Road at the Yuba Gold Fields for up to another 18 months under California Vehicle Code section 21101.4, citing illegal dumping and criminal activity; board discussion emphasized work with the BLM, enforcement needs and differing public views about access.
The Yuba County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 adopted a resolution to extend the temporary closure and gating of Hamilton Road in the Gold Fields area for up to 18 months under California Vehicle Code section 21101.4.
The deputy director of public works told the board the road was closed in July 2023 because of criminal activity and illegal dumping and that the Vehicle Code provision allows an 18-month closure to address those problems. The staff request asked the board to adopt the attached resolution to extend the time period.
Board members discussed ongoing coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, outreach to Fish and Game, and prior enforcement activity. Supervisor Masick and others said citations issued in the year before the closure were largely to nonlocal users and emphasized county efforts to negotiate with the BLM to secure broader access while protecting local users. Several board members urged exploration of stronger local fines or other enforcement tools to deter trespass and property damage.
One nearby landowner, Mark Henwood, testified that his family's ranch immediately south of the BLM property had received no benefit from the public road because it was impassable and supported keeping the closure while county and federal partners develop a management plan. After the public hearing the board moved and approved the extension; a roll-call vote showed Supervisor Fuhrer opposed while the other supervisors supported the measure and the motion passed.
