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Clear Creek Greenway, Redding Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

News.Bytes is back to bring you the latest news, events, and opportunities happening on your California Public Lands. Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate the beauty, stories, and recreation these lands offer. Thank you for your continued support—we’re excited to reconnect with you!

While We Were Out

Veteran Land Management Leader, Joseph Stout Takes Role as BLM California State Director

Joseph Stout returned to BLM California, where he previously served for over seven years as the Associate State Director and Acting State Director. Most recently, Stout has served as the Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest in the Central Sierras of California, overseeing four ranger districts and managing programs in natural resources, fire and aviation, public services, and engineering. Read more.

BLM modernizes management for northwest California public lands

The BLM released the Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan for public lands managed by the BLM Arcata and Redding field offices. The plan updates management for approximately 382,000 acres of public lands in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, and Butte counties. Read more.

BLM approves project for public access at Cotoni-Coast Dairies

The BLM approved a project to build a northern parking area and trailhead for Cotoni-Coast Dairies, a unit of the California Coastal National Monument, near Davenport in Santa Cruz County. This project will provide public access to recreational opportunities in this spectacular natural area. Read more.

BLM approves projects to expand renewable energy storage capacity

Earlier this year, the BLM approved the Alta Wind Battery Energy Storage project and announced that the Sunlight Storage II Battery System is now fully operational. Together, these projects will add 1500 MW of energy storage to the California grid; enough to power up to 1.5 million homes in southern California.

Recent News

Tumey Hills, Central Coast Field Office (Photo by Michael Westphal, BLM)

BLM Central California District eases fire restrictions

Recreational target shooting and campfires are once again allowed on public lands with a valid campfire permit, unless otherwise posted. Make sure to review the latest rules for the different field offices Fire Information website.

King Range NCA, Arcata Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

BLM advises caution near slide areas on Lost Coast Trail

The Bureau of Land Management is advising Lost Coast Trail hikers in the King Range National Conservation Area to be vigilant near three active landslide areas north of the Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove. (BLM Announcement)

Photo courtesy of Daniel Walter.

BLM Artist-in-Residence presents live musical performance

The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with C5 Studios, announces a community engagement performance as part of its Artist-in-Residence program. On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 5-6:30 p.m., composer Daniel Walter will host a live performance at C5 Studios, 210 S Warren Street, Bishop, CA. (BLM Announcement)

Bishop Field Office (Photo by the BLM)

The BLM Bishop Field Office offers online Christmas tree cutting permits

The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office is offering personal use Christmas tree cutting permits online, from now until Dec. 24. The permits allow the public to harvest up to five Christmas trees on designated BLM-managed public lands near Benton and Bridgeport in Mono County. (BLM Announcement)

OHV Safety Week

Imperial Sand Dunes, El Centro Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Heading out to the dunes this weekend?

Safety first! Before you ride, take a moment to review California’s OHV laws and guidelines for side-by-sides. Visit https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/ and click on Laws/Safety for all the essential info you need to know. Enjoy and ride responsibly!

Fort Sage, Eagle Lake Field Office (Photo by Daniel Pettys, BLM)

Find OHV opportunities with our interactive map

California's public lands offer a wide range of exciting opportunities for off-highway vehicle recreation, with miles of trails and open spaces to explore. To help protect these lands and ensure everyone’s safety, please follow posted signs and rules. Make sure you know where you're riding, respect private property, and steer clear of livestock, wildlife, and their water sources. The BLM manages roads, trails, and open areas to protect natural resources, meet land-use goals, and keep the public safe. Enjoy the adventure and help us preserve these spaces for everyone!

Read more about off-highway vehicles on public lands and view our new interactive map.

2025 Planner

King Range NCA, Arcata Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Enjoy the beauty of California all year long with a 2025 planner!

The 2025 monthly planner features stunning public lands across the state with impressive employee photography.

Get your FREE planner while supplies last.

Seymour’s Question of the Week

Each week, BLM's Mascot, Seymour the Antelope, tests your knowledge of the life and ecology of your public lands. Scroll down for the answer!

Turtle Mountain Wilderness, Needles Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Did you know that the barrel cactus can give you directions if you're lost in the desert? 

Which direction do adult barrel cacti lean?

A) North

B) East 

C) West

D) South

BLM & DOI News

Buckhorn Byway, Eagle Lake Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

BLM awards $25 million to accelerate wild horse and burro training and adoptions

The Bureau of Land Management announced the launch of five new public-private partnership agreements designed to place wild horses and burros into private care. These partnerships could receive up to nearly $25 million in funding over five years and help place approximately 11,000 additional wild horses and burros over and above the BLM’s existing adoption program.  

Read more

Careers on Your Public Lands

Fire Hire Event, California State Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

California Wildland Fire Hiring Events

The BLM is holding hiring events around California to quickly fill over 100 wildland firefighter and support positions for the 2025 Fire Year. Applicants are encouraged to attend the in-person event, but may apply online in advance. Find dates, locations, and frequently asked questions.

Fire Hire event, California State Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Featured Job: Public Affairs Specialist

Location: Sacramento, California

Salary: $96,148 - $124,988 per year

Join the BLM California Office Communications Team! BLM California is looking to fill a position focused on managing public education and engagement programs related to wildfire management and federal land use. This role involves community outreach, policy communication, and relationship-building with stakeholders and agencies to enhance cooperation and awareness of wildfire and land management issues across California and nearby states.

Apply here if you have special authority (Veterans, Federal Employees, etc) or here for general public.

For all current vacancies, visit USAJOBS.

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

If you answered D you are correct! The barrel cactus is a member of the Cactaceae, or cactus family. They grow into a squat tubular shape, giving it the appearance of a very spiky ribbed barrel. This cactus can live 100 years and may grow up to 3 feet wide and up to 10 feet! Adult barrel cacti will lean south, toward the sun. One theory for why this occurs is that the intense afternoon sun slows growth on the exposed side, leading to uneven plant development. (Flora of North America)