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Know Before You Go to Federal Lands in Monterey County


Monterey County is home to many beautiful outdoor areas. Some of these lands are managed by the federal government, not by Monterey County.


County Officials want residents and visitors to understand what this means for safety, law enforcement, and the rules that apply.


 


Federal Lands in Monterey County


USA Federal Lands | ArcGIS Hub


Some areas in Monterey County are controlled by federal agencies, including:


    Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

    U.S. Forest Service (Los Padres National Forest, Pinnacles National Park, Fort Ord National Monument etc…)

    United States Military installations, such as Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts


There may be other federally managed lands within the county.


These areas may look like other open or rural parts of Monterey County. However, they are governed by federal laws and regulations. Here is a partial list of Federal Lands in Monterey County:


 


    Fort Hunter Liggett

    Camp Roberts

    Bureau of Land Management (BLM) including:

        Fort Ord National Monument

        Former Fort Ord military lands retained by the federal government

    Naval Support Activities Monterey (NSAM) including:

        Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (on base),

        La Mesa Village (Housing off of Aguajito in Monterey), 

    Presidio of Monterey (POM) including:

        Defense Language Institute (DLI) (on Post)

        Fort Ord Village (Housing off of General Jim Moore in Seaside),

        POM Police and Fire Departments, Department of Public Works, Fort Ord Community Commissary, General Stilwell Community Center, Former Fort Ord Hospital, and similar buildings (in the area of General Jim Moore and Gigling in Seaside)

    Major General William H. Gourley VA-DOD Outpatient Clinic (Marina)

    Coast Guard Station (Monterey)

    Social Security Administration Offices (Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, etc)

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) properties (within the City of Monterey)

    United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center (La Guardia in Salinas) 

    National Forest lands (Los Padres National Forest)

    National Park lands (Pinnacles National Park)

    Refuges

        Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge (Neponset Road)

        Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (the Bay)


 


Law Enforcement and Jurisdiction


On federal lands:


    Federal law enforcement officers have primary authority.

    Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies and local police may not have jurisdiction.

    Federal laws and regulations apply and are strictly enforced.


Response times and enforcement procedures may be different from other parts of the county.


 


Follow All Laws — Especially Vehicle Laws


All visitors must strictly follow the law while on federal land.


This is especially important for vehicle use. Drivers must:


    Obey all posted speed limits.

    Follow all traffic signs and signals.

    Drive only on open and approved roads.

    Ensure vehicles are properly registered and operated safely.


Off-road driving in closed areas is illegal and can cause serious damage to natural resources. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and strictly enforced on federal lands. Failure to follow vehicle laws may result in federal citations, fines, towing, or arrest/detainment.


 


Stay Safe and Plan Ahead


Before visiting:


    Check which agency manages the land.

    Review rules and regulations.

    Respect closures, fire restrictions, and safety notices.

    Considering avoiding these areas entirely.


 


Why This Matters


Understanding who manages the land helps you:


    Stay safe

    Avoid fines and penalties

    Protect natural and military resources

    Receive the correct emergency response


 


Monterey County Officials encourage everyone to learn the rules before visiting and to follow all laws carefully while enjoying Federal public lands.


For more information, visit the official websites of the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, or the military installation you plan to visit.

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