How Will You Celebrate Great Outdoors Month?

There’s no better way to spend Great Outdoors Month than getting out to America’s public lands and waters. You can stroll through fields of wildflowers, make a new feathered friend, take part in a thrilling event or embrace an American tradition. Connecting to nature and getting some exercise is good for the mind, body and soul. Your chances for adventure are as numerous as the stars in the sky. (DOI blog)

Be sure to follow #MyPublicLandsSummer on social media!
This #GreatOutdoorsMonth and over the summer, follow along as we highlight opportunities for #BLMAdventures on your public lands across the nation.

River Safety Matters, #JustWearItKern

With the warm weather arriving you may take to the Kern River to cool off, but the river can be unpredictable and dangerous. Thank you to community partners, the USFS, BLM, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, 23ABC, Kern Valley Search and Rescue, Kern County Fire Department and the Kern River Conservancy for helping with this important river safety message. (BLM California Facebook)

Related: Outfitters offer free PFD rentals (Kern Valley Sun)

AmeriCorps NCCC Working with Ukiah Bureau of Land Management

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps Gold 7 team is serving with the Bureau of Land Management in Ukiah, from May 19 through June 28. Gold 7 consists of six young adults from around the United States who will serve together for 10 months, specifically partnering with the BLM for the entirety of the year to assist with their mission. (The Ukiah Daily Journal)

BLM Seeks Public Input on Proposal to Expand Public Access and Recreation on Cotoni-Coast Dairies, Along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast

The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is seeking public input on a proposal to expand public access and recreation on Cotoni-Coast Dairies, within the California Coastal National Monument, along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast. Access is currently limited to guided tours. he BLM plans to publish a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on Monday, June 24, for a proposed amendment to the Resource Management Plan, beginning a public scoping period that will end on August 2. (BLM news release) 

Related: Public meetings set on access to Cotoni-Coast Dairies public lands (BLM news release)

BLM Seeks Public Input on Proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office is seeking public input on the proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project, in Lake and Colusa counties. The 30-day public comment period will end July 24. If approved, this project furthers Executive Order 13783, Promoting Energy and Economic Growth; and Secretarial Order 3349, American Energy Independence, by promoting energy independence and creating jobs and providing economic opportunities for local communities. The project is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 145,000 homes. (BLM news release)

Related: BLM to hold public meeting on July 9 for proposed Walker Ridge wind energy project (BLM news release)

California Archaeological Site Stewardship

The BLM Arcata Field Office recently hosted a California Archaeological Site Stewardship Program volunteer workshop. BLM is an active sponsor of the program that is overseen by the Society for California Archaeology. 13 volunteers met for two days to learn more about regional archaeology, archaeological site stewardship, ethics and duties. The second day of the workshop was held at the Headwaters Forest Reserve where stewards had the chance to monitor an archaeological site. These volunteers play a critical role in helping to protect cultural heritage. Stay tuned, another volunteer training workshop is planned within the year at the BLM Ukiah Field Office. (BLM California Facebook)

61st Annual Trinidad Fish Festival

It was a typical foggy Humboldt morning when BLM employees Leisyka Parrott, Sophie Hamann and Claire Nasr arrived in Trinidad for the 61st annual Trinidad Fish Festival. The fog didn’t stop visitors from making their way up Trinidad Head to explore and learn about the historic Trinidad Lighthouse and to view sea birds through a spotting scope. Leisyka and Sophie were later joined by BLM employee Julie Clark and volunteer Maria Brichetto Markwell, who were dressed to impress in costumes from the early 1900s. Visitors got the unique opportunity to hear what life was like as a light house keeper from Josephine Harrington (portrayed by Julie Clark). Although the fog never let up, the day was a success! Over 200 visitors left knowing more about the diverse history of Trinidad Lighthouse and the important habitat the California Coastal National Monument provides to thousands of seabirds. (Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce)

A Trip To One Of The Darkest Places In The World

Most people in the United States can't see a full night sky that's not affected by light pollution. But, in a remote corner of Nevada, the Milky Way Galaxy shines bright enough at night to cast a shadow... Jen Rovanpera is an archaeologist with the Bureau of Land Management. Today, she's driving along the Surprise Valley-Barrel Springs Back Country Byway, a tongue-twister of a road that makes a 90-mile loop throughout northwestern Nevada and northeastern California. (KUNR News)

Campfire Permit

Campfire permits are required for open fires, such as campfire, barbecues and portable stoves on federally managed lands and private lands that are the property of another person. On private lands, written permission from the landowner is also required for campfire use. Get your California Campfire Permit quickly and easily online! (readyforwildfire.org)

Visit the BLM California fire restrictions website for more information about current fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands. 

Follow wildland fire incident information and updates
via InciWeb and CAL FIRE.

Annual Modoc Sportsman's Outdoor Expo

BLM's Applegate Field Office and Modoc National Forest fire staff teamed up at the Annual Modoc Sportsman's Outdoor Expo to spread the word about wildfire prevention. The event was held June 22nd and 23rd, hosting large crowds of outdoor enthusiasts and children from all around Modoc County. Fire prevention staff and engine crews played Smokey Ring Toss, Bladder Bag Target Shoot and Smokey Trivia with booth visitors, sharing messages of campfire safety for the upcoming camping season. Smokey Bear and Seymour Antelope made appearances and participated in a dance off with the Modoc High School Cheer Team, losing to the cheer team by a close vote. (BLM California Facebook)

BLM Mother Lode Field Office Initiates Seasonal Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office initiated fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne and Yuba counties, effective June 14, due to wildland fire danger. (BLM news release)

BLM Central Coast Field Office Initiates Seasonal Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is initiated fire restrictions, effective June 10, for BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, due to wildland fire danger. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts the likelihood for large wildland fires will be above normal this summer. An unusually wet winter has produced an abundant grass crop, which has already cured or dried out. These heavy fuel loads have a high potential for creating extreme wildland fire behavior. (BLM news release)

BLM Bakersfield Field Office Issues Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office issued 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 initiated 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)

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)

Related: 4th of July reminder from the Susanville Interagency Fire Center partners, CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit, Lassen National Forest, BLM and Lassen Volcanic National Park (BLM California Facebook)

Interior’s BLM analyzes 11,000 miles of Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin to Combat Wildfires

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management released the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin for a 45-day public comment period. This Draft Programmatic EIS analyzes a system of up to 11,000 miles of strategically placed fuel breaks to control wildfires within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah. (DOI news release)

Interior Disperses $514.7 Million in Funding for Local Communities

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced that more than 1,900 local governments around the country will receive $514.7 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding for 2019. “Payments in lieu of taxes are made to local governments to help offset their inability to tax federal property,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “These payments are one example of the United States striving to be a good neighbor to local communities. This year’s distribution of $514 million to more than 1,900 counties will help small towns pay for critical needs like emergency response, public safety, public schools, housing, social services, and infrastructure.” (DOI news release)

Secretary Bernhardt Announces $78 Million in Funding for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, approved $78 million in funding for various wetland conservation projects. Of the funds issued, $29.4 million was allocated for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to conserve or restore more than 205,000 acres of wetland and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds and other birds in 22 states throughout the United States. Grants made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act come during the 30th anniversary of the Act. The grants will be matched by more than $77 million in partner funds. NAWCA grants ensure waterfowl and other birds are protected throughout their lifecycles. (DOI news release)

Secretary Bernhardt Announces Events for 2019 Independence Day Celebration in the Nation's Capital

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced details of the annual Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, including Salute to America, which will feature remarks by President Donald J. Trump to honor America’s armed forces. (DOI news release)

Related: Relive the Spirit of the American Revolution (DOI blog)DOI blog

This Week at Interior, June 21, 2019

This Week: Talking wildfire strategy on Capitol Hill, announcing $78 million for wetlands conservation grants, proclaiming National Pollinator Week, introducing twelve Mexican wolf pups into the wild, mapping out your next outdoor adventure online, remembering the "D-Day of the Pacific," celebrating Juneteenth, our social media Picture of the Week and more! (DOI video)

True or False

Numerous bears have recently been spotted in urban areas, occasionally requiring human intervention to return them back to wild habitat.    

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)

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 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)

July 6: Free Fishing Day in California

Mark your calendars for the first of two 2019 Free Fishing Days in California, when anyone can try their hand at angling – no fishing license required. If you would like to fish the rest of the year, you can purchase a license online through CDFW’s website. A basic annual resident sport fishing license in California currently costs $49.94, while a one-day sport fishing license costs $16.20. CDFW offers two Free Fishing Days each year – usually around the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend – when it’s legal to fish without either an annual or one-day license. This year, the first of the two Free Fishing Days falls on the Saturday of Independence Day weekend. The second will be on Saturday, August 31. (CDFW news release)

July 9: The BLM Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Invites the Public to Summer Family Nights 2019 Scorpion Hunt

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument invites families and desert adventure seekers of all ages to come out for a free scorpion hunt Tuesday, July 9, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., as part of Summer Family Nights 2019. Participants who arrive early will receive a free souvenir water bottle, while supplies last. (BLM news release)

July 9: BLM to Hold Public Meeting on July 9 for Proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold a public meeting on July 9 to provide information and to seek input on the proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project, in Lake and Colusa counties. The open-house meeting will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 15900 State Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423. The 30-day public comment period for Walker Ridge wind energy project will end July 24. The BLM will accept written public comments during the open-house meeting. Public input will help the BLM determine the size and scope of analysis needed, additional issues to study and a range of alternatives. (BLM news release) 

Related: BLM seeks public input on proposed Walker Ridge wind energy project (BLM news release)

July 9-11 and October 29-31: National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board to Meet in Boise and Washington, D.C.

The Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board will meet July 9-11 in Boise, Idaho, and October 29-31 in Washington, D.C. The Board will discuss the pressing challenges of wild horse and burro management, including the number of unadopted and unsold animals in BLM facilities and the effects of overpopulation on public lands. Both meetings will be live-streamed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time July 10-11 and October 30-31 at www.blm.gov/live. The BLM will host a site visit for the Advisory Board to a local wild horse herd management area on July 9. (BLM news release)

July 17 and 18: Public Meetings Set on Access to Cotoni-Coast Dairies Public Lands 

The Bureau of Land Management will provide information and accept written comments on a proposal to expand public access to the Cotoni-Coast Dairies public lands, in public scoping meetings to be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Wednesday, July 17, Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz
• Thursday, July 18, Pacific Elementary School, 50 Ocean St., Davenport (space is limited)

During the meetings, members of the BLM staff will be present to explain the public access proposals to be analyzed in an environmental assessment. Participants will have the opportunity to leave written comments. The BLM will be accepting written public comments during a scoping period that ends Aug. 2. (BLM news release) 

Related: BLM Seeks Public Input on Proposal to Expand Public Access and Recreation on Cotoni-Coast Dairies, Along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast (BLM news release)

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)

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)

September 28 and November 11: BLM Announces Upcoming Fee-Free Days on Public Lands in 2019

The summer travel season gets under way in June with Great Outdoors Month. To encourage visitation to America’s public lands, the Bureau of Land Management will waive recreation-related fees for visitors to agency-managed public lands on three additional dates through the remainder of 2019: September 28 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). BLM-managed public lands offer a wide array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, whitewater rafting, off-highway vehicle driving, rock climbing, and more. Americans make approximately 67 million visits annually to BLM-managed lands, supporting approximately 48,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $7 billion to the U.S. economy. (BLM news release)

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)

Related: Adoption Incentive Program (BLM website)