BLM initiates environmental review of two proposed solar projects on public lands in Riverside County

The BLM is seeking public comment on the preparation of an environmental analysis to analyze the potential impacts of approving two solar projects on approximately 2,000 acres of public lands each, in Riverside County. If approved, the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects would result in an estimated combined private infrastructure investment of $689 million, $5.9 million in annual operational economic benefit, and together power approximately 132,000 homes (BLM CA Website)

BLM Bakersfield Field Office issues December oil and gas lease sale notice, Kern County

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is offering seven parcels totaling more than 4,000 acres of Federal minerals for a December oil and gas lease sale. All parcels are in or adjacent to existing oilfields in Kern County. The 30-day protest period ends Nov. 9. (BLM CA News Release)

It's Desert Tortoise Week!

Did you know the desert tortoise is the official state reptile for #California? The Mojave desert tortoise, which is a threatened species, is easily frightened by human contact - sometimes a tortoise will become so scared that it urinates, which can result in the tortoise dying of dehydration. If you are lucky enough to see a tortoise in the wild, stay far enough away that the tortoise does not change its behavior - if the tortoise ducks into its shell, you're too close! You and the tortoise will both have a better interaction if you stay at least 20 feet away from it. To learn more, check out this video: The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival (BLM CA Facebook)

BLM approves project to increase water sources for wildlife in Riverside County

The Bureau of Land Management Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office today announced the approval of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Small Game Guzzler Enhancement Project, located in eastern Riverside County approximately 75 miles from the City of Blythe. The BLM is partnering with CDFW in their effort to provide permanent, reliable water sources for large game species at five existing guzzler locations. The project includes replacing five existing small game guzzler tanks with larger guzzler tanks and repairing the existing concrete aprons to ensure water can be collected and funneled into the guzzlers when it rains. (BLM CA Website)

The DOI expands e-bike opportunities to enhance access

The Department of the Interior today announced that it finalized electric bike (or e-bike) regulations that pave the way for land managers to allow more people, especially older Americans and those with physical limitations, to experience bicycling on public lands managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation. Bicycling is an excellent way to experience America’s rich natural heritage, and e-bike innovations in bicycle design have opened the possibilities for a greater number of people, particularly for those with limitations stemming from age, illness, disability or fitness, especially in more challenging environments, such as high altitudes or hilly terrain. (DOI Website)

Ranger Tammy and Friends at Ft. Ord

Join Ranger Tammy as she explores Fort Ord National Monument and the many friends that work to make the monument ready for visitors to explore!  (BLM CA YouTube)

Milky Way galactic core over Piedras Blancas Light Station

The Piedras Blancas Light Station is named for the distinctive white rocks that loom just offshore. These rocks, and the rugged shoreline, are home to seabirds, sea lions and elephant seals. Access to Piedras Blancas is by guided tours only. Tours are offered year-round, and feature cultural and natural history, as well as spectacular scenery. (BLM CA Website)

Pt. Sal, once scene of activity for shipping, now is park, rangeland

Point Sal, a nub of land north of Vandenberg Air Force Base, and south of the Guadalupe Dunes was named Point Sal by explorer George Vancouver in 1792 for Hermenegildo Sal, who was at that time commandant of San Francisco. Although there are no facilities on the property, in the intriguing manner of history, there’s always a story behind the story. (Santa Maria Times)

California state fire update

More than 15,000 firefighters continue to work towards containment on 22 major wildfires across the state. Yesterday, firefighters also responded to 23 new wildfires, quickly bringing full containment to all. Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 8,400 wildfires that have burned well over 4 million acres in California. To date, the total number of fatalities statewide is 31 and more than 9,200 structures have been destroyed. Cooler temperatures prevail today in most of the State, and will continue through Sunday. Light rain is possible on Saturday in Northern California. Next week, the return of warm and dry conditions is expected, as well as the possibility of a wind event accompanying the changing weather pattern. California historically experiences some of the most devastating wildfires in the months of September and October. Do not let your guard down! (Cal Fire)

Fighting wildfires while mitigating COVID-19

We can't eliminate risk. We can only mitigate it. We've made great strides making firefighting safer for the wildland firefighting community, & we're showing the same determination as we confront the spread of COVID-19 during FireYear 2020 (BLM Website)

NWCG announces the recipients of the 2019 Wildland Fire EMS Awards.

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal job duties or mission. The 2019 awards honor eleven individuals and one crew. Congratulations to the awardees for their exemplary service in the line of duty! (NWCG Website)

As fires continue, land managers start to survey ecological damage and recovery in Bay area parks

Close to a million acres have burned in the greater Bay Area in the last six weeks, including hundreds of thousands of acres in public parks and protected open spaces. As the Glass Fire continues to burn through several state and regional parks, as well as residential and agricultural areas in Napa and Sonoma counties, land managers and stewards have begun to assess the ecological effects of the massive lightning-ignited SCU, CZU, and LNU Lightning Complex fires. (Bay Nature)

For the latest info on current wildfires in CA, visit these helpful websites:

- Inciweb 
- Cal Fire
- National Fire Situational Awareness Tool 

Remember to follow your local fire & law enforcement agencies on social media for updates specific to your area and heed all evacuation warning & orders.

While fire activity remains high, please visit our social media pages to get the latest fire map every day:

Facebook or  Twitter

Wildland fire outlook

Check out the latest #WildlandFireOutlook! Available here. (BLM Fire Facebook)

Panoche and Tumey Hills vehicle closure extended due to fire danger

The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office will extend the annual vehicle closure for the Panoche and Tumey Hills recreation areas in San Benito County to Friday, Nov. 13, due to extreme wildland fire danger. The vehicle closure may be lifted sooner if conditions allow and fire danger subsides. Both recreation areas remain open for hiking, hunting and bicycling. (BLM CA Website)

How long is the incubation period for the Mojave desert tortoise?

1. 90-120 days
2. 10-15 days
3. 150-200 days
4. 30-60 days

Keep scrolling to find out!

BLM seeks public comment by Oct. 14 on McCain Valley campground improvements

The Bureau of Land Management El Centro Field Office is seeking public input on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed upgrades and modifications at Lark Canyon Campground, Lark Canyon Day Use Area, and Cottonwood Campground located within McCain Valley in Eastern San Diego County, near the town of Boulevard. The 30-day public comment period closes on Wednesday, Oct., 14. (BLM CA News Release)

30-day protest period for Cotoni-Coast Dairies proposed plan ends Oct. 26

The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office has released its Cotoni-Coast Dairies proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Assessment for the California Coastal National Monument that will provide management direction for Cotoni-Coast Dairies public lands in Santa Cruz County. Today’s announcement begins a 30-day protest period and 60-day Governor’s consistency review. (BLM CA News Release)