BLM California News.Bytes Issue 1028

U.S. Department of the Interior sent this bulletin at 12/09/2022 04:54 PM EST

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news bytes - bureau of land management california
Snow covered trees on a mountain landscape.

South Cow Mountain, Ukiah Field Office

ISSUE 1028 - December 9, 2022

Making a Difference on Public Lands

Green grasses line a desert riparian area with desert mountains in the distance.

Working to conserve natural resources

The Bureau of Land Management is fortunate to have wildlife biologists like Chris Otahal from the Barstow Field Office who are dedicated to making a difference on our public lands. "It is rewarding to be able to contribute to the BLM mission of conserving our natural resources and turning my life-long passion into a career." -Chris Otahal (BLM CA Twitter)
Landscape view of the Chuckwalla Mountains with a long valley between them. Cactus and yellow flowers on green grass in foreground.

BLM approves wildlife guzzler project 

The Bureau of Land Management has authorized the replacement of an existing big game water guzzler to increase water sources for wildlife in response to increased and prolonged drought. The project will take place in the BLM-managed Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness in Riverside County. (BLM CA News Release)
A close up of two sand hill cranes standing in a field of marshy plants.

Cosumnes River Preserve serving the birds of the Pacific Flyway 

Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the Cosumnes River Preserve is a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Over 250 species of birds are known to visit, including these sandhill cranes performing an acrobatic mating dance. (BLM Flickr Video)
Six public land volunteers pose for a picture in front of a trailer at a recreation site.

Volunteers making a difference 

BLM California wishes to thank our amazing volunteers who continue to offer their time, skills and service to help care for the nation’s natural and cultural resources. To learn how you can volunteer, visit www.volunteer.gov or call your local field office. 

Headlines and Highlights

A large bridge spans over the San Joaquin River's gorge. The sides of the river lined with impressive granite rock formations.

2023 Fee Free Days on Your Public Lands

There will be six fee-free days in 2023 for BLM-managed lands. This includes waiving of standard amenity and day-use fees for recreation sites and more. The next one will be on Martin Luther King, Jr. day - January 16th. (BLM CA Facebook)
Three adults ski in a line in front of a tunnel with snow covered slopes dotted with conifers.

The fun doesn’t stop in winter

California offers spectacular winter recreation opportunities throughout the state, so are you ready to explore our winter wonderlands? Here are some helpful tips from our friends at California State Parks. (BLM CA Facebook)
A cairn, or stacked rocks, sit in foreground of a high desert landscape of hills and mountains.

Your public lands - a ticket to the past

Public lands have shaped the way people live and connect with nature, from the historic travel routes of California's first people, to settlers, gold-seekers, our military and the people who call California home today. To explore BLM-CA history, visit BLM CA Web.
Two male elephant seals face each other on the beach with heads arched to the sky, foamy waves in the background.

Fall haul-out at the Piedras Blancas Rookery

'Tis the season for the fall haul-out of the northern elephant seals at Piedras Blancas. Access to the light station is by guided tours only and offered year-round. Visit the Piedras Blancas webpage for tour information. (Friends of the Elephant Seal Facebook)
Iconic Alabama Hills with snow covered mountains and rock features.

Alabama Hills ranger programs offered

Check out some great events and learn more about the Alabama Hills! Ranger programs meet at the Mobius Arch trailhead parking lot.

For dates, topics and times visit, BLM CA Facebook.

Fire and Fuels Management

Pinyon pines decorate a mountain landscape.

Stay fire safe this holiday season

It’s that time of year for holiday trees, lights, cooking, baking, and festive candles. Please take all fire safety precautions during this holiday season, and stay safe with these tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 
About 50 public land agency employees in uniform and street clothes stand on steps of a two story building with a ash tree behind them.

Hiring events a huge success

Over 400 people attended our hiring events for wildland fire personnel and more than 100 job offers were made. 

Keep an eye on USAJOBS as more positions will be posted soon. 
Fire restriction dashboard with a map.

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!

Fireworks are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands.

Careers on Your Public Lands

A winter landscape of mountains in the distance and a high desert valley floor below.

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: Assistant Field Manager

Two locations - Bishop, CA and Ukiah, CA
Pay: $79,363 - $103,176 per year
Position closes Dec. 12th

Apply today!

Question of the Week

Why is the Northern Flicker bigger than its desert relative, the Gilded Flicker? 

A close up of a Gilded Flicker perched on the side of a cactus.

a) Food is more abundant outside the desert. More food = bigger flicker.

b) The Northern Flicker must peck through harder wood so it has bigger muscles. Bigger muscles = bigger flicker. 

c) The Northern Flicker lives outside the warmer climate of the Gilded Flicker's desert habitat. Cooler climate = bigger flicker. 

Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) photo: U.S. Forest Service 

DOI & BLM National News

An array of solar panels with mountains in the distance.

Secretary Haaland announces new steps to accelerate solar energy development on public lands in the West

Secretary Haaland and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Daniel-Davis announced new efforts to support solar energy development on public lands across the West. (DOI News Release) 
Klamath River basin's large expanse of calm river waters lined with hills covered in trees.

Secretary Haaland announces Tribal water projects at Klamath River visit

Interior announced that four Tribal water projects in Oregon and California's Klamath River Basin will receive $5.8 million through the Bureau of Reclamation to restore aquatic ecosystems, improve the resilience of habitats, and mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought crisis. (DOI News Release)
Several offshore-wind turbines extend above the ocean's waters.

Winners of California offshore wind energy auction announced

Interior announced results from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s wind energy auction for five leases offshore California. The lease sale represents the third major offshore wind lease sale this year and the first ever for the Pacific region. (DOI News Release)

Question of the Week Answer

If you answered c, you are correct! 

A close up of a Northern Flicker, a woodpecker with a grey head, striking red lower mandible, speckled body and orange tail feathers.

Animals living in hot environments tend to be smaller than relatives found in colder environments—a general pattern known as “Bergmann’s Rule.” Gilded Flickers, which inhabit very hot deserts and are smaller (by one to three inches in length) than Northern Flickers, are an example of this rule. Add a flicker of gold or a Gilded Flicker to your day - The Gilded Flicker can be found on your public lands in the El Centro, Needles and Palm Springs-South Coast field offices along desert riparian, desert wash and Joshua tree habitats of the Colorado River Valley. Fun Northern Flicker fact: they have the longest tongue of any bird in North America. For "Respect Wildlife" tips, visit:  http://ow.ly/juWM50LY1jC

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) photo: U.S. Forest Service

Source: All About Birds
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