Volunteers welcome at National Public Lands Day projects at Boulder Reservoir

The Bureau of Land Management will welcome volunteers to help improve two high desert campgrounds in northwest Nevada, in a National Public Lands Day observance, Saturday, Sept. 28. (BLM press release) 

Volunteers Welcome at National Public Lands Day Projects in King Range NCA

Volunteers are welcome to help the Bureau of Land Management spruce up parts of the King Range National Conservation Area, in upcoming events commemorating National Public Lands Day. Projects will include mountain bike trail maintenance, invasive plant removal and planting native plants. The BLM will provide gloves, tools and materials for all projects.
(BLM news release) 

CROP Project Takes Aim at Cannabis Grows on Public Lands

A broad-based coalition of conservation organizations, tribes, elected officials, law enforcement agencies, federal land managers, and the legal cannabis industry today announced the formation of the Cannabis Removal on Public Lands Project, an organization dedicated to taking back California’s public lands from drug trafficking organizations. The CROP Project will address the environmental devastation and community safety risk posed by criminal cannabis-growing operations on public lands by cleaning up grow sites and restoring them for public use. (Redwood Times article)

6 stops on your California Desert Literary Road Trip (Dinosaurs Included)

Mary Austin called it the land of little rain. In her 1903 book of that name, she wrote of the Mojave: “This is the land of three seasons.”

“From June on to November it lies hot, still, and unbearable … then on until April, chill, quiescent, drinking its scant rain and scanter snows; from April to the hot season again, blossoming, radiant and seductive.” (Los Angles Times article)

Yoder Trainer Helps Rehome the West’s Wild Horses

Sporting a bright yellow hat, a patterned sports bra and pink shorts, Lisa Vargo waves her arms up and down inside a fenced horse pen on her property in Yoder, about an hour east of downtown Colorado Springs.

A handsome, chocolate-brown mustang named Mariah (after a song from the 1951 musical Paint Your Wagon) snorts nervously and shimmies away. For awhile, the two dance in circles around the pen. (Colorado Springs Independent article)

Your Public Lands in California

Public lands in the Golden State offer a sense of adventure for the outdoor enthusiast, offering rivers, trails, campgrounds, off-road open areas and more. The experiences are as varied as the landscapes. Spectacular scenery can be found among scenic vistas, such as the foggy bluffs of the King Range National Conservation Area, in the ancient redwood forest of the Headwaters Forest Reserve, in the geological formations of the Alabama Hills, the valley of golden flowers in the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the wind sculpted sand dunes in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. You will also find wilderness areas, national scenic and historic trails, national wild and scenic rivers, wildlife viewing areas, off-road opportunities and even a lighthouse or two to explore and learn about California's history. Your BLM adventure starts here! (BLM California Facebook video)

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

California 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.

BLM Bishop Field Office Issues Seasonal Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office issued seasonal fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands in the Eastern Sierra effective Monday, July 1, due to increased wildland fire danger in the region. The restrictions will remain in effect until November 1, or until wildland fire conditions on public lands in the region improve. (BLM news release)

BLM Bakersfield Field Office Increases Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office increased fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands effective Monday, July 1, due to high wildland fire danger. The additional restriction includes no campfires, barbeques, or open fires, regardless if you are in a developed campground, other than portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel with a valid California campfire permit, available free at all BLM, Forest Service and Cal Fire offices or at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits. 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; as well as the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Keysville Special Recreation Management Area, Lake Isabella and San Joaquin River Gorge. (BLM news release)

BLM Ukiah Field Office Initiates Seasonal Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office initiated fire restrictions, effective July 1, for BLM-managed public lands in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties, due to wildland fire danger. (BLM news release)

BLM Announces Seasonal Fire Restrictions for Public Lands Managed by Redding Field Office

The Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Redding Field Office in Shasta, Siskiyou, Butte, Trinity and Tehama counties, beginning Monday, July 1. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)

BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Arcata Field Office

The Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions for public lands managed by its Arcata Field Office in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, beginning Monday, July 1. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)

BLM Initiates Whitewater Canyon Closure Due to Increased Wildfire Risk

The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily closing public lands in and near Whitewater Canyon, Riverside County, due to the potential threat of wildfire. This public safety closure started Monday, July 1, and will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)

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)

The Bureau of Land Management announced Nicollee Gaddis-Wyatt as the new manager for the Moab Field Office

The Bureau of Land Management announced Nicollee Gaddis-Wyatt as the new manager for the Moab Field Office. Gaddis-Wyatt is no stranger to Utah and served a temporary leadership assignment assisting the Canyon Country District as the Monticello Field Manager in 2018. She brings her passion for public lands and enthusiasm for bringing people together to her new position with the Moab Field Office, according to a press release. Field Office. (St George News)

Department of the Interior Extends Withdrawal on Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Department of the Interior today approved a Public Land Order that extends a withdrawal on 37.5 acres of public land in Florida for a 40-year term. The Public Land Order will enable the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to continue to preserve unique natural features adjacent to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. (BLM news release)

Sept 28th: California Condors to be Released

Public invited to release of endangered California Condors on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

This year has proven exciting for California Condors in Arizona and Utah with the milestone hatching of the 1,000th condor at Zion National Park, but the excitement is far from over as the 23rd annual public condor release is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. The public is invited to join the recovery effort by witnessing first-hand a spectacular release into the wild of several captive-bred young condors on National Public Lands Day. (Lake Powell Life News)

BOEM and Army Corps of Engineers Sign Agreements with Brevard County and Patrick Air Force Base to Refurbish Florida Shorelines

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, Brevard County, and the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing to replenish portions of the shoreline in Brevard County, Florida. (DOI news release)

Secretary Bernhardt Announces $83.7 Million Construction Award to Continue Work on Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced an $83.7 million construction contract for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to bring clean and reliable water to tribal and rural communities in northwestern New Mexico. As part of the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Reclamation’s water supply project is the cornerstone of the Navajo Nation San Juan River in New Mexico Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The contract was awarded to Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc., of Roanoke, Texas. (DOI news release)

What They Are Saying – National Park Service Announces Policy for Electric Bicycle Use in National Parks

On August 30, the National Park Service announced a new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy for national parks, expanding recreational opportunities and accessibility. The policy supports Secretary’s Order 3376, signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on August 29, that directs Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus to create a clear and consistent e-bike policy on all federal lands managed by the Department. The policy also supports Secretary’s Order 3366 to increase recreational opportunities on public lands. (DOI news release)

In Case You Missed It: Energy Security is National Security

Just as energy independence is fundamental to our nation’s security, reducing our dependence upon foreign countries for critical minerals is vital to our nation’s long-term interests. Prior to the Trump Administration, the policies coming out of Washington were marginalizing the energy, manufacturing and mining industries and, as a result, ultimately diminishing our country’s security. Those days are over. (DOI news release)

This Week at Interior September 6, 2019

Secretary Bernhardt heads to California, Arizona, and New Mexico, assessing the conditions of our public lands along the southern border; more than $170 million in LWCF grants for outdoor projects coast-to-coast; millions of 4th graders will get a chance to explore, learn and recreate outside with the Every Kid Outdoors program; Interior-managed lands get ready to welcome e-bikes; remembering the beginning and the end of the Second World War; DOI’s blog picks out eight choice camping spots; and our social media Picture of the Week, and more! (DOI video)

Multiple Choice 

what is the average resting heart rate for a hummingbird in beats per minute (bpm)?

(a) 120 bpm
(b) 250 bpm
(c) 450 bpm
(d) 600 bpm

Keep scrolling to find out!

BLM to Hold Dumont Dunes OHV Recreation Public Meeting

The Bureau of Land Management is hosting a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon, September 17, at the Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA.

The BLM will be presenting information concerning the management of the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area for the upcoming OHV season and seeking public comment on proposed implementation actions. (BLM new release)

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)

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)

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)

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)