Special events and hikes at Headwaters Forest Reserve

Outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Headwaters Forest Reserve this spring and summer, with free guided walks and events sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and a partner group, Friends of Headwaters. Those include a bird walk, native plant walk and a nature writing workshop! (BLM CA News Release)

Trinity River campgrounds opening April 29

With summer camping season just around the corner, the BLM is preparing to open Trinity River campgrounds, along CA State Highway 299, on Friday, April 29. These campgrounds are first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. (BLM CA News Release)

Download your map before you go!

Maps of your public lands are accessible right at your fingertips! Whether you’re hiking, biking, horseback riding, or driving, get prepared for your next adventure by checking out blm.gov/maps or by visiting your local Bureau of Land Management office to pick up a hard copy.

South Cow Mountain temporarily closed

The South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area is temporarily closed due to heavy precipitation and poor road and trail conditions. For more information, call (707) 468-4000. (BLM CA Website)  

California Desert District to host virtual advisory council meeting in May

The BLM will host a public virtual meeting of the California Desert District Advisory Council on Saturday, May 14, 9 am–4:30 pm. The meeting will include presentations on conservation, geothermal leasing, the DRECP, and more. (BLM CA News Release)

Virtual education sessions on Mojave Trails National Monument land-use planning process

The BLM will be hosting three virtual education sessions on the Mojave Trails National Monument land-use planning process. Meetings are scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 10 am-12 pm, Tuesday, April 19, 5:30-7:30 pm, and Thursday, April 21, 9-11 am. (BLM CA News Release)

Motorcycle races attract 300 riders to the Fort Sage OHV Area

Up to 300 motorcycle riders will compete in the Diamond Back Hare Scrambles motorcycle race April 23 & 24, at the BLM Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Area. For safety reasons, trail access will be available only to participants during the event. (BLM CA News Release)

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Desert Training Center

This month, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Desert Training Center/California – Arizona Maneuver Area (DTC/C-AMA), which represents a critical time and place in our Nation’s history. Read more on our blog about the largest military training area managed by the Needles Field Office.

Endangered species population increasing

Over the last 18 years the Barstow Field Office, under the guidance of wildlife biologist Chris Otahal, has been working on habitat improvements for the Least Bell’s Vireo along the Amargosa Wild and Scenic River. As a result of these efforts with partners, more nests are successfully producing young, and the populations of this endangered species has been increasing. (BLM CA Facebook)

Roots to Shoots: Three million seedlings towards restoration

Nursery employees transplanted nearly three million seedlings, or plugs from seeds that were provided by the Forest Service, BLM, Tribal entities, & other partners. Most seedlings are used to complete restoration requests for post-fire recovery. (Forest Service Blog)

Sheep arrive at Cronan Ranch to graze on invasive plants and reduce wildfire threat

A flock of nearly 900 sheep have arrived at BLM's Cronan Ranch to start their summer of reducing wildfire threat and removing invasive species by grazing on troublesome yellow starthistle and medusahead plants. A sheep herder will manage the flock, moving them across 1,000 acres with assistance from herding dogs. (BLM CA News Release)

A. 4-5 centimeters

B. 4-5 inches

C. 12-15 inches

D. 12-15 centimeters

Photo: USFWS

Now Hiring for BLM California

Bureau of Land Management California is looking to fill multiple positions across the state. Check out USAJOBS for opportunities to explore an exciting career with the BLM!

Featured Job: Land Law Examiner

Reviews and processes the full range of lands and minerals cases for accuracy and completeness.
Location: Sacramento
Salary: $39,569 - $77,942
Grade: GS-5-9
Apply by: April 28, 2022

Biden-Harris Administration releases final guidance on new orphaned well program

The Department of the Interior released final guidance to states on how to apply for the first $775 million in initial grant funding available this year for plugging orphaned oil and gas wells under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (DOI News Release)

This week at Interior - April 15, 2022

Secretary Haaland visits Colorado to highlight how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will beef up the Federal response to wildfires; the Biden-Harris administration launches the America the Beautiful Challenge to accelerate locally led conservation efforts across the country; National Park Week kicks off this weekend with a fee free day tomorrow. (DOI YouTube)

Least Bell's vireos are small birds. They are only 11.5-12.5 centimeters long. (About 4.5 to 5.0 inches) They have short rounded wings and short, straight bills. There is a faint white eye ring. Feathers are mostly gray above and pale below. This is a common protective marking in birds. Seen from below, the bird blends into the clouds. From above, it blends into the landcover.

Source: USFWS

Photo: USGS