Happy Memorial Day Weekend! 

This Memorial Day weekend, public land visitors will be heading outdoors for recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, camping, rockhounding, backpacking, hiking, boating and off-highway vehicle use. In California, the Bureau of Land Management oversees 15 million acres of public lands that support the agency’s multiple-use mission, which includes 1,735 miles of nationally designated trails and 356 miles of rivers. Visiting these public lands and rivers are a great way to get outside to explore natural wonders with family and friends, but exploring nature can come with its own set of risks, especially if someone ventures outdoors unprepared. (BLM news release)

Improving the Infrastructure of America's Public Lands

Across the nation, the BLM works every day to carry out projects that maintain access to public lands, increase broadband infrastructure in rural and undeveloped areas, improve the recreation experience and ensure the safety of visitors to public lands. If you’ve visited BLM-managed public lands, you’ve likely benefited from these efforts. Improving roads, bridges, dams, trails, OHV areas, communication facilities are just some of the BLM’s goals when it comes to infrastructure improvements. These infrastructure improvements are a lasting and essential part of BLM’s mission to serve the American public for present and future generations. (My Public Lands Tumblr)

Follow #PublicLandsInfrastructure this month as we share projects and interesting facts about the
BLM’s efforts to modernize our infrastructure for the next 100 years. 

Campground Improved in Colorado Desert 

Located in the lower Colorado Desert in eastern Riverside County, Wiley's Well Campground is known for easy 4-wheel drive access to nearby rock-hounding sites like Hauser Geode Beds and Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine. The historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides access to numerous trails, gem and mineral collection sites, and an historic stage route/mining area. BLM recently completed a campground renovation and improvement project. (BLM California Facebook)

Desert Visitors Enjoy Road Improvements

BLM completed road and parking lot crack repairs, resealing and restriping at the El Mirage Visitor Center. Thanks to Friends of El Mirage for your help with this project. (BLM California Facebook)

Forest-Thinning Project Near Glencoe Breaks Ground

Sawdust and wood chips carpeted the ground, and a heavy pine scent filled the air on the outskirts of Independence Cemetery east of Glencoe last week. Ringing out from the opening of a freshly logged section of derelict pine plantation, the crackling of trees crunching and splitting competed with the monstrous roar of logging machinery. In March of 2016, Pat McGreevy submitted the first grant request for a potentially landmark forest-thinning project on 912 acres of Bureau of Land Management land east of Glencoe. (Calaveras Enterprise)

BLM Bakersfield Field Office Issues Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is issuing fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands effective May 20, due to potential wildland fire danger. The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are in eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties. Fire restrictions will also affect BLM-managed recreational areas including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers. (BLM news release)

BLM Initiates Seasonal Fire and Target Shooting Restrictions in the California Desert District

The Bureau of Land Management will initiate stage II and III fire restrictions as of April 10 for BLM-managed public lands within Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Mono and San Diego counties. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Stage II and III fire restrictions address the use of campfires, controlled flame devices and smoking on public lands. (BLM news release)

All fire restriction information is available on the BLM California fire restrictions website at blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.

Be #WildfireWeatherAWARE

It’s that time of year again and we need to get ready for wildfire. This includes things like clearing leaves off the roof and out of the gutters, clearing vegetation and combustible materials around your home and preparing or reviewing your evacuation plan. This spring and summer, learn more by following the #WildfireWeatherAWARE campaign with the Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE, U.S. National Weather Service, Forest Service and California Fire Safe Council. (BLM California Facebook)

Related: Ready for Wildfire (readyforwildfire.org)

On the Trail 

CBS 47 Fresno has a new series and recently featured BLM-managed public lands along the Pa'san Ridge Trail. "On the Trail VR/360" Meteorologist Lauren Wallace travels around the Valley to show us beautiful trails for experienced hikers and beginners alike. (CBS 47 News)

Related: San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area (BLM website)

Five Ways to Stay Safe While Swimming in California's Lakes and Reservoirs

When the weather is hot in California there is nothing better than cooling off with a refreshing swim in one of the state’s majestic lakes and reservoirs. The State Water Project, operated by DWR, offers swimming, waterskiing, and boating opportunities at its lakes and reservoirs – from Lake Oroville in the north to Lake Perris in the south. DWR wants to remind those looking to have a good time at SWP lakes and reservoirs to always be safe when in or around the water. (California Department of Water Resources website)

High and Fast Water Are All the More Reasons to #WearaLifeJacket

Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity. (California Division of Boating and Waterways website)

Related: Current river conditions (DBW website)

Related: River safety tips (DBW website)

BLM Pit River Campground Now Open

The Bureau of Land Management’s Pit River Campground and river access areas are now open for season until early fall. The campground features seven individual campsites, a group campsite, and a day use area ideal for fishing and picnicking. Campsites have fire rings, tables and barbecues. Barbecues and picnic tables are available at the day use site. Those with walking difficulties can fish from an accessible fishing pier, while kayakers and rafters can take advantage of a specially designed launch site. (BLM news release)

BLM Opening Trinity River Campgrounds 

With summer camping season just around the corner, the Bureau of Land Management has announced that Trinity River campgrounds along California State Highway 299 will open Wednesday, May 22. “These are beautiful spots that provide good access to the Trinity River,” said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM Redding Field Office. “Camping is a great way for families to connect with nature and learn about the natural wonders to be found on our public lands.” (BLM news release)

BLM Opening Campgrounds, Recreation Sites for Spring and Summer Seasons

Campgrounds and recreation areas on Bureau of Land Management public lands in northeast California are now opening for the spring and summer recreation seasons. “These recreation sites are in beautiful locations. They provide great settings for families to enjoy their public lands,” said Brian Novosak, manager of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in Susanville. (BLM news release)

Employee Photo Contest Results 

BLM California is proud to share stunning photos from our employee photo contest to honor the hardworking BLMers on our team! See all submissions on Flickr (links below). Thank you to all of our wonderful employees for helping share great work and unique views from public lands in the Golden State.

BLM Honors Outstanding Volunteers at ‘Making a Difference’ Awards Ceremony

The Bureau of Land Management honors some of their most dedicated volunteers this week at the agency’s 2019 Making a Difference National Volunteer Awards. Volunteers play a critical role in helping the BLM welcome millions of visitors annually to more than 245 million acres of public lands across the American West. In 2018, over 30,000 volunteers contributed nearly one million hours of service, providing the equivalent of more than $24 million in labor and enabling BLM to help more Americans experience their public lands. Tracy Greenwood, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with the BLM California Mother Lode Field Office, for management of the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced River Recreation Area since 2000. (BLM news release)

Secretary Bernhardt Announces $106.8 Million for Recreation, Wildfire, Other Public Lands Projects in Nevada and California

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the commitment of more than $106.8 million to support 47 public lands projects throughout Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. These projects, which encompass a broad range of recreation improvements, wildlife habitat conservation, and hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention projects, will be funded through the sale of public lands under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. (DOI news release)

BLM’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Honored with “Forever” Stamps

Four of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers will be featured in a new 12-set series of “forever” stamps being released tomorrow by the U.S. Postal Service. Entitled “Wild and Scenic Rivers,” the series will honor those rivers valued for their fish and wildlife, geology, recreation and their cultural or historical significance. The four Wild and Scenic Rivers managed by the BLM that will be a part of this series include: Deschutes River, Oregon; Owyhee River, Idaho-Oregon; Merced River, California and Upper Missouri River, Montana. (BLM news release)

National Park Visitor Spending Contributed $40 Billion to U.S. Economy

As the summer vacation and travel seasons opens, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced that visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2018 resulted in a $40.1 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 329,000 jobs. According to the annual National Park Service report, 2018 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, more than 318 million visitors spent $20.2 billion in communities within 60 miles of a park in the National Park System. Of the 329,000 jobs supported by visitor spending, more than 268,000 jobs exist in the park gateway communities. (DOI news release)

Fill in the Blank

__________ is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country. 

Keep scrolling to find out!

Now - December 2019: Fueling the Boom, Chinese Woodcutters in the Great Basin 1870-1920 

The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is hosting a new exhibit featuring historical/ archaeological artifacts and photographs about Chinese woodcutting camps from Bodie Hills. The exhibit will highlight the significance of the woodcutting community near Chinese Camp (Aurora), shedding light on the little-known history of the Chinese woodcutters who lived there and felled pinyon pines to supply charcoal and firewood to the mining camps of Bodie and Aurora from 1875 to 1915. (Nevada State Museum website)

Now - May 31: 3rd Annual Redding Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge

The 3rd annual Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge is back to highlight backcountry and year-round single track trails near the City of Redding including BLM-managed public lands. This event was inspired by riders for riders. Visit Redding loves trails and wanted to get more people, locals and visitors alike, to fall in love with them. The Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge is free to participate in and helps people discover some of the most exciting and challenging routes the North State has to offer. For more information, go to MayorsMTBChallenge.org.

June 1 - Summer: Bus Shuttle Service to Begin on Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Summer bus shuttle service on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail begins Saturday, June 1, and will continue every Saturday through the summer season. The service is a partnership of the Bureau of Land Management and Lassen Rural Bus. On Saturdays, the bus picks up passengers at 8:30 a.m. at the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot, 601 Richmond Rd., and makes stops at Devil’s Corral, Fredonyer Summit and Westwood. This allows hikers and mountain bike riders to use the trail for return trips to Susanville. Depending on the stop, the return trips are 7, 18 and 30 miles. The BLM shuttles bicycles in a specially-designed trailer. Participants should arrive early to allow time for bike loading. There are separate fees for the bike shuttle and bus service. (BLM news release)

June 1 and 2: BLM to Host South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area Fire Recovery Volunteer Event

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office invites volunteers to come help repair fire-damaged recreation facilities and trails in the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day. The off-highway vehicle area has been closed since July 2018, when it was heavily damaged by the Mendocino Complex fires. The BLM appreciates the significant progress our partners and volunteers have already made in restoring the OHV management area to help us reopen it as soon as possible. (BLM news release)

June 9 and July 21: Writing and Photography Workshops at Headwaters Forest Reserve

Outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity use the beauty of the Headwaters Forest Reserve to refine their photography and writing skills, in two free workshops to be offered this spring and summer by the Bureau of Land Management and Friends of Headwaters. (BLM news release)

June 28 and 29: BLM Desert District Advisory Council to meet in Barstow

The Bureau of Land Management will hold a field tour and public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council, starting with the field tour on Friday, June 28, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and followed by a formal meeting session on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ramada Inn, 1511 East Main Street, Barstow, California 92311. (BLM news release)

August 2, 3 and 4: 2nd Annual Wild Horse Walkabout 

Save the date! The public is invited to the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area near Susanville, CA. Attendees will spend the two nights out on the range to learn about how the BLM monitors rangeland and herd health from a BLM wild horse and burro specialist. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn more about how BLM manages wild horses and burros. (BLM California Facebook)

First Saturday of Every Month: Living History at Trinidad Head Lighthouse

BLM Park Ranger Julie Clark plays Josephine Harrington for Trinidad School students at Trinidad Head Lighthouse. Josephine lived with her husband, Captain Fred Harrington the lighthouse keeper, at the Trinidad Head Lighthouse for 28 years. Julie has been performing this living history piece to bring the past to life since the BLM acquired the lighthouse in 2014. Now part of the California Coastal National Monument, the Trinidad Head Lighthouse is open to the public the first Saturday of every month (year-round). Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. thanks to docents from the Trinidad Museum Society. 

Contact the Arcata Field Office for details, (707) 825-2300.

Ongoing: Bring Home a Wild Horse or Burro

The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program is excited to announce nearly 70 events this year as part of BLM's efforts to find good homes for our nation's wild horses and burros. Known for their intelligence, endurance and loyalty, wild horses and burros, with the right training, are outstanding for trail riding, packing, working and have successfully competed for awards in numerous fields from endurance riding to dressage. With more than 81,000 wild horses and burros on BLM-managed public lands, these wild icons of our American history need your help more than ever. Without any natural predators that can control population growth, wild horse and burro herds grow rapidly on the range and can quickly overcome the land's ability to support them. The BLM works to maintain healthy wild herds by gathering excess animals and placing them into good homes. (BLM website)