The U.S. Navy (Navy) and National Park Service (NPS) announced that San Miguel Island is now open to the public.
In April 2014, the Navy closed the island in the interest of public safety due to concerns of possible unexploded ordnance. San Miguel Island was an active bombing range during WWII through the 1970s.
Over the past two years, the Navy has conducted surveys for possible unexploded ordnance and developed plans to ensure public safety.
The surveys were conducted over 18 miles of marked trails and high-use areas and included a search for surface and subsurface unexploded ordnance.
To visit San Miguel Island visitors must now sign an access permit and liability waiver. Access permits are available at the boat and air concession offices and at a self-registration station at the Nidever Canyon trailhead on San Miguel Island.
The longtime practices of escorting all visitors beyond the ranger station and limiting visitors to the established trail system will remain.
Visitors may now fly to San Miguel Island via Channel Islands Aviation located in the Camarillo Airport. Channel Islands Aviation is authorized to fly visitors to the island on a trial basis.
