An intimate look at a fascinating native plant
Most folks know how important milkweed is to monarch butterflies – their caterpillars must feed on it in order to grow into adult butterflies, and the plants impart natural toxins that protect both caterpillar and butterfly from predators. But that’s only one of the remarkable qualities of this important native plant. Read more at the Mojave Desert Land Trust blog!
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Preventing invasives in sagebrush country
The impacts of the invasive annual grasses and wildfires can ruin habitat for wildlife and our outdoor activities. They are creeping into sagebrush country, a place of incredible biological diversity, and recreators play a key role in preventing their spread as well as halting the ignition of rangeland fires. To learn more, watch this video from Partners In the Sage.
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Grazing sheep reduce invasive species
Lots of animals, just like kids, can be picky eaters! Fortunately for the Ukiah Field Office, local sheep farmers have trained their flocks to eat yellow star-thistle, an invasive and noxious weed that can take over and outcompete native and rare plant species. (BLM CA Facebook)
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Biodiversity on SoCal public lands
The Kingston Range Wilderness is an ecological transition zone between the Great Basin and Mojave Desert with numerous species of flora and fauna. The wilderness is also botanically one of the most diverse areas in the California desert. (BLM CA Facebook)
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How close is too close for wildlife?
If you follow outdoor news, you’ve likely heard the oftentimes too familiar story: a visitor finds themselves too close to wildlife, the wild animal reacts, and some unfortunate consequences follow. That’s why we’re covering the burning question, how close is too close when it comes to wildlife?
Read the Leave No Trace blog to learn more!
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Connecting with Cosumnes River Preserve
The Cosumnes River Preserve has several free events each month! These events include guided bird surveys, guided historical walks, guided photography walks as well as guided paddle. Come out and join the fun!
Cosumnes River Preserve event calendar
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Interior announces full operation of Palen solar project in California
In another step in the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to create a clean energy future, the Department of Interior announced the full power operation of a solar project on BLM California public lands that will supply enough energy to power approximately 116,000 homes. (DOI News Release)
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BLM seeking public input on Whitewater River Groundwater Replenishment Facility
The Bureau of Land Management welcomes public input on an environmental analysis for renewal of the Coachella Valley Water District’s Whitewater River Groundwater Replenishment Facility in Palm Springs. (BLM CA News Release)
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Improvements to Dumont Dunes Road
The Bureau of Land Management and the Federal Highway Administration will begin road improvements to Dumont Dunes Road in San Bernardino County to improve access. The public should be aware of the pending road construction when planning a visit to the Dumont Dunes OHV area. (BLM CA News Release)
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Alabama Hills Artist-in-Residence showcase
The BLM, Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and Friends of the Inyo are pleased to an Artist-in-Residence event Saturday, Aug. 20 with artist Heather Heckel. Join her for a watercolor postcard making project after her presentation. All ages are welcome! (BLM CA News Release)
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Preventing wildfires when target shooting
Every year, target shooting is the cause of multiple wildfires. To mitigate that risk, many public lands implement temporary target shooting restrictions, including some BLM California areas. This short video from our neighbors at Bureau of Land Management Nevada provides some great tips! (BLM NV YouTube)
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Significant wildland fire outlook - August
Above normal significant wildland fire potential indicates a greater than usual likelihood that significant wildland fires will occur. For the full outlook, visit the National Interagency Fire Center.
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#FireTipFriday: Do you know the 6 P's for evacuation when a wildfire is in the area?
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computer hard drive and disks
- “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash
Having the 6 P's part of your Wildfire Action Plan will help when the time comes to leave your house quickly. For more information on creating a Wildfire Action Plan, please visit CALFIRE.
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Have you checked out BLM California's Wildfire Dashboard? At a glance you'll be able to get updates on large fires in California, view smoke impacts, check fire restrictions and find other helpful wildfire links. Bookmark it now!
BLM California fire restrictions or temporary public land closures are used to 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. View all current fire restrictions and fire orders on our interactive maps or the BLM Fire Restriction webpage.
Criteria to build a campfire, where allowed, outside of developed campgrounds:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge at CAL FIRE's website.
Fireworks are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands.
What is the lifespan of the Behrens's silverspot butterfly?
A. 3 days
B. 3 weeks
C. 3 months
D. 3 years
Photo by Kathryn Barnitz, BLM
Scroll down for answer!
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Now Hiring for BLM California
Bureau of Land Management California is looking to fill multiple jobs across the state. For all current vacancies, visit USAJOBS.
Featured Job: Paleontologist - GS-12/13, Permanent
Location: Negotiable
Pay: $79,363 - $122,683 per year
Position closes Aug.22 - Apply today!
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Here's a few more open positions:
Fire Engine Operator - GS 6-7, Permanent
Engineering Equipment Operator - WG-10, Permanent
Fire Helicopter Crew Supervisor - GS 9, Permanent
Secretary Haaland announces members of the Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the members of the Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names, a federal advisory group to help identify and recommend changes to derogatory terms still in use for places throughout the country. (DOI News)
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New opportunity to support management of wild horses and burros
The BLM is accepting proposals to help support the agency’s mission to manage and protect wild horses and burros. The funding opportunity is open to local and state governments, tribes, other federal agencies and non-profit organizations. (BLM News Release)
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AIM team receives GIS award
The BLM's Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) team at the National Operations Center was honored with a 2022 Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award at the Esri User Conference in July. The annual award recognizes the outstanding use of, and leadership in, the field of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. (BLM Blog)
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This Week at Interior - August 12
Secretary Haaland announces members of the federal advisory group tasked with identifying and recommending changes to derogatory place names; nearly $725 million in funding is now available to address legacy pollution caused by past coal mining; a major solar energy project is fully operational in California; $2 million in grants help repatriate ancestral remains and ceremonial objects; the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement celebrates its 45th birthday. (DOI YouTube)
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