BLM California News.Bytes Issue 983

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A trail next to a mountain.

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

ISSUE 983 - January 21, 2022



Hiking Public Lands

Hikers on a dirt trail on the side of a mountain.

Hiking etiquette for all

Looking for a way to spend your weekend? Why not go for a hike and start your #52HikeChallenge for the new year! Whether you’re hiking alone or in a group, be sure to follow the written and unwritten rules of the trail. Proper hiking etiquette helps instill respect for other trail users, and it promotes stewardship of the land. (NPS)

A rocky parking area in front of a sign that reads Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area.

The little-known ghost town in southern California you can only reach by hiking this 7.5-mile trail

Once a successful mining town, the remains of this long-abandoned community are an eerie reminder of what once was. You should know, though, that it’s only accessible via a 7.5-mile-long, strenuous hike. The hike is no joke, but seeing this old ghost town for yourself is so worth it! (Only In Your State)

A person snowshoeing in a forest.

#NewYearNewAdventure: Follow along on social media as we share our favorite spots to explore 

It's the perfect way to welcome in a new year and plan new adventures this winter! Here's some great tips from the Recreate Responsibly campaign.

Follow us on Twitter or Facebook!


Headlines & Highlights

A person standing on the top of a mountain overlooking a valley.

Interior announces historic launch of Foundation for America's Public Lands

Taking historic action that will benefit the nation’s public lands for generations to come, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands launched today. Foundation will help leverage public and private funds to conserve, protect and restore lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. (BLM News Release)

People on dirt bikes jumping a large rock.

BLM seeking comments on use of OHV grant fund

Eagle Lake Field Office seeks public input on management needs, that would benefit from grant funds for OHV recreation management on public lands, to develop a preliminary application to CA State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. (BLM CA News Release)

Two OHV's driving in sand dunes at sunset.

Virtual public meetings on 2022 OHV grant proposals

The BLM is hosting several virtual public meetings in February to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. (BLM CA News Release)

A black crested bird resting on someones hand.

Researchers help identify Mojave summer bird population

The Barstow Field Office partnered with the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MLDT) through the WIDSOM program to collect important bird monitoring data in Afton Canyon – part of the Mojave Trails National Monument. So far, 151 bird species have been identified using the study site! (MDLT)


Fire & Fuels Management

A large machine lifts logs in a forest.

BLM reduces wildland fire risk with controlled burn on public lands in Calaveras County

The Mother Lode Field Office fire staff plan to conduct a controlled burn of roughly 30 piles of downed hazard trees, branches and understory brush located on approximately 40 acres of public lands in the Lily Gap project area, near the town of West Point in Calaveras County. (BLM CA News Release)

Firefighters huddle around a map in a forest.

Not your ordinary job #WeAreBLMFire

Bureau of Land Management California is looking to fill several Assistant Interagency Hotshot Crew Superintendent positions (GS-08). Visit USAJOBS to view the full announcement and locations. But hurry, the position closes on January 28! (BLM Fire Twitter)

A couple holding a California-shaped sign.

Be smart, do your part!

The Central Coast Field Office partnered with local agencies and businesses to help educate the public on preventing human-caused wildfires.

Did you know nine out of ten wildfires in California are caused by humans and are preventable. (BLM CA Facebook)


Question of the Week

What is the average lifespan of the Mohave ground squirrel?

A Mohave ground squirrel.

A. 1-3 years

B. 5-8 years

C. 9-10 years

D. Unknown

Keep scrolling to find out!

 

 

Photo: Marcel Holyoak, BLM


DOI & BLM National News

A winding river through a mountain valley.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration celebrates expansion of locally-led conservation efforts in first year of “America the Beautiful” initiative

Progress report highlights land and water projects underway as U.S. pursues first-ever national conservation goal. (White House News Release)

A sunset over a desert landscape and wildflowers.

Biden-Harris Administration invites public comment on development of new conservation and stewardship tool

The Department of the Interior invited public comment and announced listening sessions regarding the development of the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, a new tool that will be used to reflect baseline information on the lands and waters that are conserved or restored. (DOI News Release)

Keeler abandoned mine land landscape view of desert and mountains.

ICYMI: Virtual public meetings on sage-grouse plan updates

Reminder: BLM virtual public meeting to hear about issues for sage-grouse plan updates and take questions Jan. 24, 6:30–8pm MT. Register in advance: For more on current planning efforts visit: go.usa.gov/xeMMd.

This week at Interior. January 21, 2022

This Week at Interior - January 21, 2022

Secretary Haaland marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Interior joins other federal agencies to push for clean energy on and off-shore; a virtual event launches the Foundation for America's Public Lands; there's a new tool on the way to measure the progress of conservation, stewardship, and restoration efforts across the United States. (DOI YouTube)

Question of the Week Answer

The answer is D! (But if you picked B, you'd also be correct.)

The actual lifespan of wild Mohave ground squirrels is not known, but it is thought to be about 5 years or more. In captivity, they have lived up to 7.8 years.

Source: USFWS

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