BLM California News.Bytes Issue 1022

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news bytes - bureau of land management california
Dune buggies on sand dunes.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area, El Centro Field Office

ISSUE 1022 - October 21, 2022



OHV Safety Week

Jeeps driving on an off-road course.

Top BLM motorized recreation opportunities

Numerous and diverse opportunities for OHV recreation exist on BLM-managed public lands. Miles of trails and open areas await all types of OHV enthusiasts. Please obey all signs and wear a helmet! (BLM Interactive Map)

OHV riders on a beach.

Riding dunes along the coast

There's not many places in California where you can ride your OHV on the beach, but Samoa Dunes Recreation Area offers riders that excellent opportunity! Always wear a helmet, observe posted signs and consult a tide table booklet. (BLM CA Website)

A sheriff motorcycle in the desert.

OHV partnerships for public lands

Managing public lands requires solid partnerships and working relationships with countless agencies. One of those partnerships is with the Lassen County Sheriff's Office who recently utilized the Rice Canyon OHV Area to conduct a UTV training for their officers who help patrol the 1.2 million acres and over 1,600 miles of roads open to OHV access on BLM lands. (BLM CA Facebook)

Best Practices

The following list of tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of public lands:

  • OHV riders should wear protective helmets.
  • Observe posted signs. Fenced areas mark sensitive wildlife and plant habitat, and are "closed" to vehicle use. The "open" riding areas are also posted and those on foot should be aware of their locations.
  • All vehicles must be registered with the appropriate State agency where required.
  • Motorcycles should be equipped with an approved spark arrester and muffler that meets State regulated noise standards.
  • Tall flags on the vehicle is a best practice for visibility and safety.
  • Consult a tide table booklet if operating on the coast.
  • Please respect private property.

Getting started in off-highway fun? Great news - Free safety training is available!


Improving Your Public Lands

A lighthouse at sunset.

Repairs on Punta Gorda are complete

Thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act, repair of the Punta Gorda Lighthouse is complete! These improvements have preserved this historic landmark for years to come and made it safe for hikers on the Lost Coast Trail. (BLM CA Facebook)

A person throwing a tire on a pile of tires.

Nevada County Tire Amnesty Week

Tire Amnesty Week in Nevada County will be October 24-28, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily at different locations! Residents who have bald tires, flat donut replacements or worn-out snow studs can bring them to this event for disposal. This event is a positive, proactive approach to keep our communities and our public lands clean. (BLM CA News Release)

Two people shoveling gravel.

BIL improves Fort Sage OHV area

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CA State Parks OHV grant funding, improvements at the Fort Sage OHV Recreation Area continue throughout the coming weeks. Riders will soon enjoy new gravel work at the trailheads and the Widowmaker is getting a shade structure! (BLM CA Facebook)


Headlines and Highlights

A solar power storage facility.

Crimson Energy Storage in operation

The Bureau of Land Management announced construction of the Crimson Energy Storage Project, a 350-megawatt battery storage system in eastern Riverside Co, is now complete and in operation. It will provide 1,400-megawatt hours of electricity at full capacity. (BLM CA News Release)

A rock formation in front of the night sky featuring the Milky Way.

CenCal Advisory Council to meet

The Bureau of Land Management Central California Resource Advisory Council will meet virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. The public must register in advance to participate. (BLM CA News Release)

Law enforcement walking through a street devastated by hurricane.

BLM CA assisting hurricane recovery efforts

BLM California Law Enforcement is supporting emergency response in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida. Ranger Jason Woods and his team's efforts show the diversity of the BLM's mission and the important work done on behalf of the American public. (BLM CA Facebook)

The Milky Way in the night sky.

Dark skies and ghost towns

If you’re not afraid of the dark, Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary needs to be on your list. As one of only 15 Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, it’s one of the most remote and darkest places on Earth. On this volcanic plateau is where scientists discovered parts of the Milky Way that had never been seen before. (Roadtripper Magazine)


Fire and Fuels Management

Wildland Fire Hiring Event

Attend one of our hiring events this November 5-6 in Redding, or November 19-20 in Northridge, California.

Know someone looking for a career in wildland fire? We are having two hiring events where hiring officials will be available to answer questions, review resumes, and help applicants navigate the application process. Job offers may be made on-the-spot! Learn more on our website!

A BLM fire engine.

Have you seen the new Bureau of Land Management-Fire Jobs Portal? Learn more about "How to get a BLM fire job" and the many opportunities within various states! Wildland firefighting is not your ordinary job!

Apply today!


Tall grasses burning.

Prescribed fire at Dos Palmas Preserve

The Bureau of Land Management and fire crews from the California Desert Interagency Fire Program will treat up to 133 acres with prescribed fire in the Dos Palmas Preserve in eastern Riverside County. (BLM CA News Release)

Clear your backstop. A target shooting bullseye.

Clear your backstop - use fire sense

Shooting targets in the great outdoors? Be aware of your surroundings, and use your Fire Sense. Place your targets in front of mounds of dirt. Keep your backstop clear of rocks and dry vegetation. Exploding target and tracer ammunition are never allowed on federal lands. (BLM CA Twitter)


Current Fire Restrictions & Fire Information

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!

Fire information dashboard

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.


Question of the Week

How do wolf spiders carry their babies?

A wolf spider on the ground.
  1. In a basket
  2. In their mouth
  3. On their back
  4. With their legs

 

 

Photo courtesy of USFWS

Scroll down for answer!

 


Careers on Your Public Lands

A BLM work truck in a forest

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: Forester, GS-9/11, Permanent

Location: El Dorado Hills, CA
Pay: $59,954 - $94,296 per year
Position closes November 8th - Apply today!


DOI & BLM National News

Trucks moving coal.

BIL to conserve ecosystems, clean up legacy pollution sites across the country

The Department of the Interior today announced nearly $10 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 17 project sites to address legacy pollution and conserve ecosystems. These new awards are part of a $68 million investment made earlier this year. (DOI News Release)

A man in a kayak on the water.

Since its passage in 1976, FLPMA has helped the BLM meet the moment

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) acts as the Bureau of Land Management’s operating system to manage more than 245 million acres of public land and 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Passed by Congress in 1976 and signed into law October 21st of that year, this legislation gives the BLM the authority to do most of its daily work. (BLM Blog)

A channel of water through orchards.

Interior commemorates “Legacy Pollution Week” as we implement a historic $16 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up abandoned mine land sites and orphaned oil and gas wells. (DOI Website)


Upcoming Events

People on bicycles on a trail in the fall.

Bizz Johnson fall colors ride - Oct 22

Looking for some Fall colors? 🍁🍂 Mountain bike riders and hikers are invited to come enjoy the beautiful fall colors peaking on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, when the BLM and Lassen Rural Bus offer a special shuttle service, Saturday, Oct. 22. For more details, please read the news release.

Fall Trinity River Cleanup.

Fall Trinity River Cleanup - Oct 22

Looking for an opportunity to get your hands dirty? Join us on October 22nd and help clear trash from the Trinity River from 9am to 1pm. Meet at the Douglas City Volunteer Fire Department. Wear work clothes, closed-toe shoes and water. Gloves, trash bags and other safety equipment will be provided. (BLM CA Facebook)

A bat in flight.

Bats and Condors of California - Oct 22

Join us for an afternoon learning about research on the bats and condors of California. Biologists from the USGS and Ventana Wildlife Society will present information and answer questions at this limited-seating event at Piedras Blancas Light Station.

RSVP Required! Please see our Facebook event page for more details.

The Pacific Crest Trail.

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)

Question of the Week Answer

If you answered 3, you are correct! Eek!

A spider with a bunch of babies on her back.

Wolf spiders hatch from eggs, and the hatchlings look more or less like grown-up spiders, though sometimes their colors change as they age. In many species, the hatchlings ride on their mother's body for some time before going off on their own.

Wolf spiders get their name from the way some species chase and capture their prey like a little wolf. Their scientific name comes from the Ancient Greek word "lycosa", which means wolf.

Source: BioKids

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