National Public Lands Day event at Hobo Camp Day Use Area

Last week, volunteers and BLM staff in the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office completed infrastructure improvements at Hobo Camp Day Use Area. Upgrades included new paint on existing structures, better signs, and new barbecue grills. Thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to BLM Eagle Lake’s National Public Lands Day event! (BLM CA Facebook)

LGTBQIA2S+ OUT Volunteering National Public Lands Day Event at the BLM Bakersfield Field Office

Saturday October 9 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Chimney Creek Campground

All are welcome to attend this LGTBQIA2S+ led BLM workday at the beautiful and remote Chimney Creek Campground. Come ready to dig into some satisfying work as we renovate restroom facilities and update signs to be gender free, clear brush from campsites, and help with other improvement and beautification work in the campground. (BLM CA Facebook)

King Range National Conservation Area, a gem on the North Coast of California

California's King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) is a spectacular meeting of land and sea as mountains thrust straight out of the surf with King Peak (4,088 feet) only 3 miles from the ocean. The King Range NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 35 miles of California’s north coast. (BLM Instagram)

Don’t Sweat the Fall Stuff: 3 Bike Tips for Autumn Riding

Knobby tires cruising on fallen foliage, of course! In many places, autumn is the premier season for mountain biking. To help maximize your smiles while minimizing your impacts, here are some Leave No Trace-friendly tips that you might not have heard before. (LNT.org)

BLM seeking comment on campground fee increases

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposal to set or increase fees at several campgrounds and recreation sites in Shasta and Trinity counties. A business plan details the fee proposals and rationale under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. (BLM CA News Release)

BLM issues emergency closure of Rocky Bar Road due to wildland fire hazards

The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office is issuing a temporary emergency closure of the Rocky Bar Road area about five miles west of Grizzly Flats in El Dorado County due to wildland fire hazards. The area was burned during the Caldor Fire and there are hazards to public health and safety. (BLM CA News Release)

FREE dirt bike skills training and safety tips

Safety first! When riding dirt bikes with others, the rider in front should always be checking on the rider behind them to keep them safe. Know the rules, your skill level, how to maintain your vehicle and always make a plan and stick to it. Get more safety and riding tips during the FREE dirt bike skills training being offered Sunday, October 24th at 3 different locations as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of California State Parks OHMVR program. (BLM CA Facebook)

BLM to begin a wild horse gather at Naval Air Weapons Station – China Lake

At the request of the Naval Air Weapons Station – China Lake, the Bureau of Land Management Ridgecrest Field Office will gather up to 250 wild horses in the Centennial Herd Management Area located in San Bernardino and Inyo counties, roughly 10 miles north and east of Ridgecrest, beginning on Saturday, Oct. 9. (BLM CA Facebook)

A proclamation on Fire Prevention Week, 2021

From the front line of the Dixie Fire

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldiers and the Bureau of Land Management - California Folsom Lake #VeteransFireCrew constructing handline on the #DixieFire. Thank you for your hard work during the recent deployment! #FireYear2021 #ReadyforWildfire. (BLM Fire Facebook)

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)

Monsters have been sighted on BLM-managed public lands in California

You read that correctly - BLM's Kingston Range Wilderness, is one of four localities in CA in which confirmed sightings of the often misunderstood but amazing Banded Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) have been made.  #DYK the Gila Monster is the only venomous lizard native to the U.S. and can reach lengths of two feet and weigh in at over five pounds making them the largest lizard native to the U.S. 

The elusive and fascinating Gila Monster spends _____ percent of their life underground.

 A) 95%   B) 60%   C) 85%   D) 50%     Keep scrolling to find out!

Photo: NPS, N. Perkins

Interior Department releases climate adaptation and resilience plan

Today, as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to confronting the climate crisis, the Department of the Interior released its climate adaptation and resilience plan, which outlines how the Department will use science as the foundation for planning and decision-making related to climate change risks, impacts and vulnerabilities. (DOI News Release)

Fall in love with amazing public lands in autumn

Public lands are amazing all year, but there’s something really magnificent about the arrival of fall colors. (DOI Blog)

This Week at Interior October 8, 2021

Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement is part of the response to the Southern California oil spill; Secretary Haaland takes part in listening sessions as Interior continues to mark Hispanic Heritage Month; Vice President Harris kicks off the Combined Federal Campaign; and we head to Glacier National Park for our social media Picture of the Week! (DOI Video)

Question of the Week Answer

Answer: A) Gila Monsters live near dry stream beds or washes in the arid desert and spend 95 percent of their life underground. They use their strong forelegs and stout claws to excavate their home in the desert's rocky soil. Gila monsters accomplish nearly everything necessary for life within a short 3 month window each year. Female Gila Monsters will lay between 2-5 eggs that are buried underground. These eggs will incubate nearly a year before they hatch, making the incubation period for Gila monsters one of the longest of all reptiles. They feed primarily on bird and reptile eggs, but may also feed on insects, frogs, and small mammals.

Sources: NPS & BLM, Photo: RCDR, C.Rogan