The Bureau of Land Management marks Public Lands Week and agency’s 75th anniversary with virtual symposium Sept. 23

The Bureau of Land Management celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a symposium that will cover topics important to the Bureau's future. These discussions will continue in the coming months, culminating in a final celebration of the 75th Anniversary in December. (BLM Press Release)

Volunteers invited to help clean up Clear Creek Greenway

Volunteers interested in helping to clean up the Clear Creek Greenway south of Redding are invited to join a National Public Lands Day celebration project hosted by government agencies and private organizations on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (BLM CA News Release)

Land Trust hosting volunteer cleanup projects at Bizz Johnson Trail, Hobo Camp

Volunteers are welcome to help spruce up the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, when the Lassen Land and Trails Trust, supporting the Bureau of Land Management, hosts a National Public Lands Day cleanup project, Saturday, Sept. 25, on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail and the Susanville Railroad Depot Visitor Center. (BLM CA News Release)

Tread Lightly impact report: Alabama Hills dispersed camping and day use area project

National Public Lands Day, celebrated this year on September 25, 2021, is a day dedicated to the stewardship of public land where volunteers gather across the country to restore and clean parks, forests and more. (Treadlightly.org)

BLM plans improvement work at Ma-le’l South access road

Access to the Bureau of Land Management’s Ma-le’l Dunes South area will be temporarily closed, while a project is underway to improve the access road. Work is expected take place Thursday and Friday, Sept. 23 and 24. The closure will be in effect only during working hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (BLM CA News Release) 

BLM to begin wild horse and burro gather in northwest Nevada

The Bureau of Land Management on Monday, Sept. 27, will begin gathering excess wild horses and burros from public lands managed by its Applegate Field Office in far northwest Nevada. (BLM CA News Release)

The bats over Cosumnes River Preserve

During the summer months, Mexican free-tailed bats migrate north into areas of Cosumnes River Preserve and other nearby locations. They roost in caves, under bridges, in abandoned buildings, and primarily along areas that have nearby water. After roosting (sleeping), they begin to emerge in a ribbon-like stream as sunset falls into night, on the hunt for insects to eat. (CRP Facebook)

Goats are cute, hungry, and might help save California

When the news feels especially heavy, it can be nice to turn to goats for an emotional uplift. And have we got some really feel-good goat news, because move over, Smokey the Bear: Goats can prevent forest fires, too. (marieclaire.com)

Recreate responsibly and care for wildlife 

During hunting season, dirt bikes & side-by-side vehicles are used to carry out the prized deer/elk. If your plans for getting outside include some motorized adventure, please be cautious of driving or parking on dry grass/brush. (BLM Fire Twitter)

#FirefightingResources

Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord are still assisting National Interagency Fire Center on the ground in California. The #DixieFire is now 90% contained! Thank you U.S. Northern Command & Joint Base Lewis-McChord for your tireless efforts! (BLM Fire Facebook)

BLM adjusts closures to public lands near the Monument Fire

The BLM has temporarily closed public access to some Trinity County public lands near the 219,000-acre Monument Fire to protect public safety. (BLM CA News Release)

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)

Sea Otter Awareness Week

Otters are some of the most adorable aquatic animals. Their charming features are unparalleled, from their expressions to their use of tools. A member of the Mustelidae family they have interesting relatives. Who are they related to?

A) Skunk   B) Weasels   C) Wolverines   D) Badgers

Keep scrolling to find out!

Interior Department and Intertribal Timber Council strengthen wildland fire management collaboration

The Department of the Interior announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Intertribal Timber Council. (DOI News Release)

This Week at Interior September 24, 2021

Nearly 680,000 white flags on the National Mall honor the American victims of the COVID-19 pandemic; Saturday, September 25th is Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event on public lands; and fall colors are in full force at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska!! (DOI Youtube)

Question of the Week Answer

Answer: A, B, C, and D) Skunks, weasels, wolverines and badgers are all related to the otter.

#DYK that everybody's favorite reclining-dining marine mammal is also a climate warrior? By preying on kelp-grazing sea urchins, otters allow underwater kelp forests to do more of what forests do everywhere: suck up heat-trapping carbon dioxide via photosynthesis. This photo shows an aquarium-raised sea otter named Milo doing his part to tackle climate change. Milo was getting ready to snack on red sea urchin, which are common along the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico. In the presence of otters, urchins skulk in watery rock crevices, getting by on kelp detritus and algae growing on rocks. Without otters fishing overhead, emboldened sea urchins turn mobile and eat live kelp. Unchecked, sea urchin populations can consume enough kelp to turn forest to desert. Check out DOI's Blog for 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week. Sources: DOI & NOAA

Photo courtesy of BLM volunteer, Gary O'Neill taken at the Piedras Blancas Light Station, a unit of the California Coastal National Monument.