BLM California News.Bytes Issue 964

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Newsbytes logo with the BLM 75th anniversary.
A rainbow over an outcrop of rocks and mountains.

Rattlesnake Gulch, Bishop Field Office. Photo by Martin Oliver, BLM.

ISSUE 964- August 20, 2021


Recreate Responsibly on Your Public Land

A sejuela cactus with a fire restoration sign.

Leave No Trace in Restoration Areas

The last few years have had very active fire seasons. As areas impacted by wildfire recover, learning how to reduce further impacts to restoration areas will help us recreate responsibly. (LNT.org)

A graphic that reads: A updated guide on how to recreate responsibly.

An updated guide on how to recreate responsibly

The Recreate Responsibility Coalition was born from unique circumstances and needs. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the coalition developed and shared guidelines and messaging to ensure people have safe and successful outdoor adventures while caring for the places we recreate. (Recreate Responsibly Instagram)

A photo of a cano in a river with the words join us on a guided paddle.

Limited events are back at Cosumnes River Preserve!

We are excited to announce 3 upcoming guided paddling events at the Preserve! On the 3rd Saturday from August - October our Volunteer Naturalists will be offering guided paddling tours of the Cosumnes River. You'll learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area while participating in a leisurely paddle through the sloughs and river. (Cosumnes River Preserve Facebook)


Headlines & Highlights

A BLM employee carrying a bear cub.

BLM CA wildlife biologist rescues a bear cub

Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Sarah Bullock helped rescue a burned bear cub while supporting the Klamath National Forest firefighting effort on the Antelope Fire. (BLM CA Facebook)

Sand dunes and a blue sky, with an OHV in the distance.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area staff have been hard at work maintaining and improving facilities in the dunes!

Ongoing painting projects in the restrooms include a more durable floor paint to make cleaning easier, and last longer against foot traffic and sand. New paint and accent walls have been added to many restrooms, and we have installed new solar powered lighting systems in 17 of our most used restrooms. (ISDRA Facebook)

Celebrating 50 years of free roaming wild horse and burro act.

Join us to celebrate the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act!

Since 1971, the Act has provided for the protection and management of wild horses and burros on public lands as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West." Learn more➡ blm.gov/whb/50years. (BLM WHB Twitter)

A sage grouse.

Bureau of Land Management Reviewing Options to Conserve Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat

In compliance with a court order and consistent with its announcement in May, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today indicated that it is reinitiating consideration of whether a proposed withdrawal of federal land from location and entry under the mining law to conserve priority greater sage-grouse habitat is necessary. (BLM News Release)


Fire & Fuels Management

An old mine equipment on an edge of a cliff.

BLM Bakersfield issues emergency closure of Keysville due to wildland fire danger

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is issuing an emergency closure of the Keysville Special Recreation Management Area in Kern County, due to wildland fire danger from the nearby French Fire. This temporary closure is effective immediately, until further notice. (BLM CA News Release)

Bikers on the Bizz Johnson Trail in fall.

BLM closes Bizz Johnson Trail, public lands, roads due to Dixie Fire

The Bureau of Land Management has closed the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail and other roads and lands in the Susanville area due to dangers imposed by the Dixie Fire. The closure will be in place until further notice. (BLM CA News Release)

A river running through a forest.

BLM closes public lands in Trinity County due to Monument Fire

The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed public lands in Trinity County to protect public safety from the encroaching Monument Fire. The closure is in effect until further notice. (BLM CA News Release)

A graphic that reads: Report it, don't assume it has already been reported. Call 911.

Don't be afraid to speak up! #ReportWildfire

If you see something, say something! Never assume someone has already called it in. By taking immediate action you could potentially help emergency responders respond quicker! (BLM Idaho Fire Twitter)

A graphic promoting the Smoky the Bear award.

2022 Smokey Bear Awards nomination period is open

The Smokey Bear Awards are the premier wildfire prevention awards program. They serve to honor organizations or individuals who have provided the most outstanding service to their communities through impactful wildfire prevention. (National Association of State Foresters)

View of Weber Creek lined with large angular river rocks and small brush against backdrop of pine covered mountain

BLM California fire restrictions

BLM California fire restrictions or temporary public land closures reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the public. Often times, these preventative measures focus on human-related activities, such as campfires, off-road driving, equipment use and recreational target shooting, since human-related activities are the number one cause of a wildfires. Many BLM California offices have issued seasonal fire restrictions. (BLM CA Web)


Upcoming Events

A mining claim stake.

Public land mining claim fees and waivers due Sept.1

The Bureau of Land Management reminds claimants who wish to retain mining claims on public lands through the 2022 assessment year to pay a maintenance fee or file a Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification on or before Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, to prevent the mining claim from being declared forfeit and void. (BLM CA News Release)

A desert landscape with rock mountains.

BLM welcomes public input for proposed exploratory drilling project

The deadline to submit public comment is Monday, Aug. 30

The Bureau of Land Management is initiating an environmental review and seeking public comments on the Plan of Operations for a proposed exploratory drilling project on public lands near Conglomerate Mesa, Inyo County. (BLM CA News Release)

Clyde Mine.

BLM seeks public input on Clyde Mine evaluation

Submit written comments by Wednesday, Sept. 1

The BLM welcomes public input on the proposed clean-up of the abandoned Clyde Mine in Colusa County. The proposed remediation, monitoring and maintenance was developed in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and is estimated to cost more than $1.4 million. (BLM CA News Release)

Renewable energy development in the California Desert, array of solar panels, photo by Tom Brewster Photography

BLM welcomes public input on the Oberon Solar project

Virtual public meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The BLM invites the public to review the environmental analysis and land use plan amendment for a proposed 500-megwatt photovoltaic solar project on 2,700 acres of public lands near Desert Center in eastern Riverside County. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden Administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. (BLM CA News Release)


Question of the Week

Round creature with rocks on it.

Can you identify this aquatic creature?

Hint: Bits of rock and shell stick to their skin and form another layer of protection!

Keep scrolling to find out!


DOI & BLM National News

A firefighter looking at a fire from a hill.

Secretaries Haaland and Vilsack Announce Implementation of New Pay Initiatives for Wildland Firefighters

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the implementation of President Biden’s pay initiatives to recognize and support federal wildland firefighters. (DOI News Release)

oil pumpjacks.

Interior Issues Statement on Oil and Gas Leasing Program

The Department of the Interior (Interior) confirmed today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has appealed the preliminary injunction entered by the district court in Louisiana v. Biden, which enjoined Interior from implementing the pause in new federal oil and gas leasing as set forth in Section 208 of Executive Order 14008. (DOI News Release)

A rocky mountain in the distance.

Federal Coalition Announces Summit to Improve Broadband

A coalition of federal agencies are working together to address the issue of how to close the digital divide and increase internet access across Indian Country. (DOI News Release)

Secretary of the Interior in the back of a vehicle taking a photo of a bison.

This Week at Interior Aug 20, 2021

This Week: Secretary Deb Haaland announces $2 million in grants to support state and Tribal conservation efforts while in Wyoming; the Secretary concludes her week-long western U.S. tour at Yellowstone National Park; the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announces the completion of its environmental review of the proposed South Fork Wind project; and the spectacular scenery outside Moab, Utah takes center stage in our social media Picture of the Week! (DOI Youtube

Question of the Week Answer

Answer:  Sea Anemone 

When out of the water, sea anemones close up to protect themselves from drying out in the sun. Bits of rock and shell stick to their skin and form another layer of protection!

Sea Anemone.

Sea anemones are named after and resemble flowers, but they’re actually invertebrates related to corals and jellies. Their bodies consist of a soft, cylindrical stalk topped by an oral disc surrounded with venomous tentacles.

At their base, they sport a single adhesive foot, called a basal disc, which they use to attach to underwater surfaces like rocks or shells. Anemones can have anywhere from a dozen to a few hundred tentacles. These cnidarians come in a variety of colors, decorating a tide pool or reef like a garden of wildflowers.

Source: BLM Oregon Twitter National Aquarium 

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