BLM California News.Bytes Issue 938

U.S. Department of the Interior sent this bulletin at 02/19/2021 12:11 PM EST

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news bytes - bureau of land management california
A roadway that reads Route 66 with a large crater mountain in the background.

Route 66 National Scenic Byway, Needles and Barstow Field Office

ISSUE 938- February 19, 2021

Recreate Responsibly

A family four in front of the sign for Sand to Snow National Monument.

The Sand to Snow National Monument nature hunt was a success!

Last weekend, the nature hunt celebrating the Sand to Snow National Monument’s 5th anniversary was a hit! Over 110 participants discovered this desert monument's special wealth of biodiversity! Together we had 273 observations of 99 different species, including 71 species of plants, 12 insects, 7 types of birds, 3 mammals, 2 reptiles, and 2 fungi. Thanks to all our partners! (BLM CA Facebook)
A bridge over a river in a forest.

BLM has openings for campground hosts in northeast California

The Bureau of Land Management is offering two opportunities to live and work in beautiful riverside settings, in volunteer camp host positions in northeast California. There are openings at the Pit River Campground in eastern Shasta County and at the Hobo Camp which is a trailhead for the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. (BLM CA Website)
A sign that reads South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area.

South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area reopens

The South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area has reopened after a short, temporary closure due to heavy precipitation. For the latest updates call (707) 468-4000. (BLM CA Website)
Protect yourself & others from COVID-19. Hand sanitizer. Face covering. Don't leave camp without it.

Slow the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask

Do your part -- practice social distancing and recreate responsibly. Be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors by giving them as much space as possible while out on public lands. Avoid unnecessary risks while recreating to prevent overwhelming medical facilities. Remember, masks are required outdoors on public lands where physical distancing is not feasible (such as parking lots and trailheads)! (BLM CA Facebook)

Headlines & Highlights

A tortoise, a Joshua tree and solar panels.

DOI will revoke the BLM's comment period on proposed amendment to the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan

The Department of Interior plans to revoke comment period on former admin’s proposed amendment to Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, an important partnership between the federal government & California to balance renewable energy, conservation & recreation. (DOI Statement)
A roadway that says Route 66

New National Scenic Byway: Route 66

The Needles and Barstow Field Offices are proud to announce that the portion of #Route66 between the two cities has received National Scenic Byway designation - let the fun times behind the wheel begin! (Route 66 Brochure)
A firefighter working near a small pile fire.

BLM to conduct prescribed burning projects west of Redding

BLM fire crews will be conducting pile burning projects west of Redding as conditions allow throughout February. Smoke will be visible near individual projects and could linger for up to three days after the piles are burned. Projects are planned for the Swasey Recreation Area, and near Whispering Pines, Middle Creek and Hoadley Peak. (BLM CA News Release)
View from a mountainside looking down onto a lake.

BLM temporarily restricts target shooting near New Hogan Lake for safety

The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office is temporarily restricting target shooting on public land along Hogan Dam Road south of New Hogan Lake in Calaveras County. This two-week emergency closure is necessary to allow U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews to safely survey the area and is in effect from February 15 until March 1. (BLM CA News Release)
Small fires burning on a forest floor.

Fire crews complete prescribed fire projects from the North Coast to the high desert

Working in remote areas of northwest Nevada near the Oregon border, Applegate Field Office crews completed more than 200 acres of pile burns. Meanwhile, 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Arcata crews finished 50 acres of piles in the Lacks Creek Management Area. these projects will improve habitat for wildlife, improve grazing conditions, restore forest and meadow health, benefitting wildlife and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires. (BLM CA Facebook)

Question of the Week - Wildlife

Two frogs sitting on a rock.

What distinguishes the Pacific tree frog from its southern cousin the California tree frog?

 


Keep scrolling to find out!

Photo courtesy of BLM Oregon & Washington

Fire Restriction Updates

Current BLM fire Restrictions

Don't let your guard down just because it's cold! Some fire restrictions still in effect

There's still fire danger in some parts of the state. Avoid activities that could spark a wildfire! Here’s an interactive MAP showing all current fire restrictions. Be sure to bookmark it for future use!

Target shooting and other fire restrictions remain in effect for some areas of BLM-managed public lands in California. Find specific restrictions by field office on our Fire Restriction webpage. Restrictions on target shooting do not prevent hunting with a valid hunting license, as hunting on BLM public lands is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please visit the State website for more information.

Question of the Week Answer

The Pacific tree frog has a distinctive stripe through its eye where the California tree frog does not.

California has two types of tree frogs, the Pacific tree frog, distinguishable by the presence of a dark stripe from the tip of its nose through the eye, and the California tree frog located south of Monterey that lack the eye stripe. To identify both types of these good-looking frogs check for their distinctive large, rounded toe pads, like suction cups, that help them climb and cling to things. Despite their name they spend most of their time on the ground. 

Did you know the Pacific Treefrog type is now divided into three species? 

The Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) calls California’s Pacific Northwest home; the Sierran Treefrog (Pseudacris sierra) can be found throughout BLM’s Northern and Central California Districts; and the Baja California Treefrog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca hypochondriaca) lives south of Monterey.  

Source: California Herps
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