Fire safety starts at home

Though it is getting cooler in parts of California, historically some of the most destructive wildfires have started in October and November. Fuels (brush, trees and grasses) are still very dry and easily ignited. Please pay special attention while recreating on public lands and doing work around the home this fall. Here's some fire safety tips for working around the yard.

Teaching kids about fire safety

The Modoc Fire Prevention and Education Committee educated students from Surprise Valley School about 911, smoke detectors, stop-drop-and roll, escape drills in the home, and toured the fire safety simulation trailer. These kids had a blast while learning important skills. (BLM CA Facebook)

Teaming up with partners to educate youth

This week the BLM teamed up with the CAL FIRE and Lassen National Forest to teach camp fire safety to Richmond Elementary School 6th graders at the Lassen Youth Camp. These awesome students took notes as they learned how to prepare the area for a safe campfire, how to build a safe campfire, and how to safely extinguish it. (BLM CA Facebook)

Agencies lend a hand to homeowners 

Having defensible space around your home is important, especially if you live next to lands prone to wildfire. CAL FIRE, with cooperation from the BLM and the Monterey County Regional Fire District, was able to help homeowners that live along the boundaries of the Fort Ord National Monument by reducing the amount of grasses, shrubs and trees and create additional clearance for their properties. (BLM CA Facebook)

Inclusivity for a stronger nation

We recently chatted with volunteers of Latino Outdoors to explore ways we can partner with groups like them to learn and develop new, creative ways to engage with more people regardless of generational and ethnic differences. Check out the video!

Encouraging the next generation of public land managers

This year, BLM hired eight members on fire crews from the Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership, established in 1978 by Cesar E Chavez. Associate District Manager, Ruben Leal recently spoke to members about the BLM, his career path and how they can continue their own career development. (BLM CA Facebook)

CAMP team announces eradication of nearly 1M cannabis plants

Over the past 13 weeks, a multi-agency team eradicated nearly 1 million cannabis plants to reclaim our public lands. Thanks to this Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) program, more than 126,000 plants, and approximately 27,000 pounds of processed marijuana were eradicated on or near BLM public lands. (AG News Release)

Work begins for Fort Sage improvements

Three trailheads at Fort Sage OHV Area are being improved thanks to California State Parks OHV grant funding and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Widowmaker, Raptor and Fort Sage trailheads will get new tables, BBQ's and even a shade structure as this 3-year project wraps up! (BLM CA Facebook)

Can I keep this? A guide for collecting on public lands

In California, the Bureau of Land Management manages a diverse assortment of fossils and fossil-bearing formations, representing tens of millions of years of Earth's history. You may collect reasonable quantities of common invertebrate fossils such as mollusks, sand dollars and trilobites, but this must be for personal use only. Read more in this guide.

Lassen County students get a lesson on public lands

The Eagle Lake Field Office hosted Lassen County students for 5th Grade Day in the Desert. The field trip is the result of a long-standing partnership where students receive lessons on archaeology, wildlife, native plants, recreation, Leave No Trace principles and the Wild Horse and Burro program. (BLM CA Facebook)

Coming to the Alabama Hills to camp?

The best place to camp in the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is Tuttle Creek Campground. Outside of the campgrounds in the Alabama Hills, camping is only allowed at sites with this tent sign. There are also many nearby campgrounds that you can discover. 

For more information visit our website.

BLM plans prescribed burns in NE California, NW Nevada, to prevent wildfire risk

The Applegate Field Office will conduct prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuels near Fall River Mills in Shasta County - starting as early as October 20. Smoke will be visible throughout Burney Basin, Big Valley, and from State Route 299. (BLM CA News Release)

Prescribed fire wraps up near Eagle Lake

Crews from the Eagle Lake Field Office finished the prescribed fires near Bald Mountain where 130+ acres were treated to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve wildlife habitat. Crews coordinated with CAL FIRE to implement these firing operations. (BLM CA Facebook)

How does wildfire impact wildlife?

You’ve probably wondered what happens to wildlife during a wildfire and if they survive. That depends on the kind of animal and the kind of fire. We talked to some wildlife experts to learn more about how animals respond and recover from wildfire. Read more from our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Know before you go

BLM California fire restrictions or temporary public land closures are used to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the public. View all current fire restrictions and fire orders on our interactive maps or the BLM Fire Restriction webpage.

Fireworks are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands.

1. Hymenoptera - bees, wasps, ants
2. Arachnida - spiders, ticks, mites 
3. Orthoptera - grasshoppers, crickets, katydids

Photo courtesy of NPS

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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: Realty Specialist, GS-9/11, Permanent

Location: Bakersfield, Barstow, Palm Springs & Ukiah, CA
Pay: $54,727 - $98,970 per year
Position closes October 24th - Apply today!

Interior Department announces new Biden-Harris appointees

The Department of the Interior announced additional Biden-Harris administration appointees who will work to fulfill the agency’s mission to steward America’s public lands and waters, pursue environmental justice and honor nation-to-nation relationships with Tribes. (DOI News Release)

U.S. Secretary of the Interior: Satellites will help us fight climate change

As USGS takes over operations of a Landsat satellite, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland explains how the data gathered will help the Biden administration’s climate change plans. (Scientific American)

S. Cow Mountain OHV safety event - Oct 15

BLM and partners are holding a free OHV Safety Event for the public at the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to promote safe and responsible recreation. Topics will cover “Know before you go” principles, and how to be safe while on the trail. Read more in the news release.

Hills Happenings - Oct 19

At this virtual event you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and hear updates as the BLM and its partners implement the Alabama Hills Management Plan to preserve this phenomenal landscape and improve the recreational experience through changes to camping. We will also share ways you can help take care of the Alabama Hills. (Facebook)

Hike at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument - Oct 24

Come out to celebrate the Monument’s 22nd anniversary with a special hike at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Join us as we check out the spectacular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique to the Monument! (Facebook)