BLM California News.Bytes Issue 1029

U.S. Department of the Interior sent this bulletin at 12/16/2022 06:12 PM EST

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news bytes - bureau of land management california
Landscape photo of the Cosumnes River Preserve - wetland habitat of water and aquatic plants, with trees in the background and birds flying overhead.

Cosumnes River Preserve, Mother Lode Field Office

ISSUE 1029 - December 16, 2022

Winter Recreation Safety

Two grey geese standing in grasses.

Winter is coming - be winter wise

Winter is coming, the geese are getting fat - Please be safe when recreating, wherever you are at! For that next adventure out to your public lands, here are some winter safety resources from our friends at the National Weather Service.
Palm trees in foreground with brown mid level mountains backed by tall snow capped mountains

Planning a winter wilderness trip?

Whether you're visiting a wilderness for the afternoon or several nights, make sure you select the right destination for your skills and accepted level of risk, and know how to navigate winter travel conditions. Always practice Leave No Trace and visit: Wilderness Connect for tips on how to be self-sufficient in the wilderness.
Bob cat perched on a sign that reads, "reduced speed ahead."

Stay safe while traveling this winter

Driving during the winter can be a bear, or a bobcat. Stay safe with these driving tips: Drive slowly to adjust for road conditions. Increase the distance between you and vehicles in front of you. Turn on your headlights to increase visibility. See more great winter weather driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Headlines and Highlights

A white jeep drives on a dirt road in the mountains.

South Cow Mountain has reopened

After a temporary, short closure due to poor road and trail conditions and concerns for the public’s health and safety, the Ukiah Field Office's South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area has reopened. For information on South Cow Mountain recreation opportunities, visit BLM CA Web.
An RV parked at a camp site in the Alabama Hills

Eastern Sierra choice camping locations

The best place to camp when you visit the Alabama Hills is at the nearby campgrounds, all within a few miles of Movie Road. This includes the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground, the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground and the Inyo County Portuguese Joe Campground. 

Learn more about the Alabama Hills on the BLM website. For ranger program dates and times visit, BLM CA Facebook.
Three women and one man stand together wearing AmeriCorps uniforms and holding buckets and shovels in an oak wetland.

AmeriCorps is working hard on your public lands

AmeriCorps Red 1 Team is working to improve your public lands in Central California. Out at the Cosumnes Preserve they have helped clear brush, remove invasive plants, and improve campgrounds. (BLM CA Facebook)
A ferruginous hawk flying with wings spread.

Citizen science on public lands

Bureau of Land Management public lands, like Carrizo Plain National Monument, support citizen science efforts including the Audubon's 123rd Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC takes place each year from Dec 14th to Jan 5th and is the nation's longest-running community science bird project. (Audubon Christmas Bird Count)

Fire and Fuels Management

Fire Truck in a garage with people looking at it from outside.

BLM donates fire engine to volunteer fire department

The Applegate Field Office handed over the keys of a wildland fire engine to the Fort Bidwell Volunteer Fire Department, a partner in wildland fire response. Transferred under a BLM rural fire department assistance program, the 4-wheel drive pumper had been in service with the BLM since 2001. (BLM CA News Release)
A photo of a riparian area with reeds and tall trees in the background.

Prescribed fire in Trinity County

Fire crews will burn piles of brush and small trees near Lewiston in Trinity County on about 40 acres in designated burn units along Lewiston, Rush Creek, Browns Mountain and Goose Ranch roads from December 15-23, daily. The project is designed to reduce wildfire risk to the community and improve evacuation routes. (BLM CA Facebook)

 
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

Two people setting up communications in the mountains, a taller peak in the background.

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: Telecommunications Specialist

Two locations - Bakersfield, CA and Susanville, CA
Pay: $54,727 - $98,970 per year
Position closes Dec. 14th

This could be you - setting up a radio repeater in a beautiful location. Apply today!

Question of the Week

How long have fairy shrimp been around? 

A close up of a fairy shrimp.

a) About 400 thousand years

b) About 100 million years

c) About 400 million years

Photo: Columbia Environmental Research Center

 

DOI & BLM National News

A wildland fire fighter walks up a hill with hose over soldier spraying down a slope.

DOI announces $228 million for wildfire mitigation and resilience from BIL

Deputy Secretary of the Interior announced $228 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support wildland fire management in fiscal year 2023. This funding is the first of several allocations to be made this year and includes continuing support for pay increases for federal firefighters. (DOI News Release)
An orphaned well pumpjack.

Opportunities open for small and Tribally-owned business

The Bureau of Land Management announced opportunities for both small and Tribally-owned businesses to bid on orphaned well plugging and restoration projects on federal lands, which will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (BLM News Release)
A closeup of Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland with a video "play" icon graphic overlay.

This Year at Interior - 2022

This year, the Department focused on building a better future for every American, with unprecedented investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

Creating jobs through major infrastructure investments, building momentum for a clean energy future, and restoring our public lands and waters; we are committed to telling the whole story of America, honoring Indigenous knowledge, and tackling the challenges of climate change. (DOI YouTube)

Question of the Week Answer

If you answered c, about 400 million years ago - you are correct! 

Fairy shrimp are considered among the most primitive of living crustaceans. Fossil remains which look quite similar to modern day fairy shrimp have been discovered in marine sediments that date to the Devonian Period about 400 million years ago. These small crustaceans are related to crabs, lobsters and krill. California hosts 25 species of fairy shrimp. Most are found only in vernal pools - small ephemeral wetlands that fill seasonally with rainwater but are dry most of the year. Pools that support fairy shrimp are devoid of fish, for fish would quickly gobble them up.

BLM California's Redding Field Office manages the Sacramento River Bend Wetland Complex to conserve rare vernal pool habitat and provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. For information on the conservation of vernal pools, visit BLM California's Web.  

Vernal pool photo: BLM

Source: University of California, Merced

A landscape photo of an ephemeral pool, green grass surround the water and a tree stands in the distance.
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