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Cadiz Dunes, Needles Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

News.Bytes brings you the latest news, events, and opportunities happening on California Public Lands. Keep reading for the latest updates and features that celebrate the beauty, stories, and recreation these lands offer.

Headlines & Highlights

Solar array in the California Desert (BLM Photo)

BLM approves Easley Solar Project

The BLM approved the Easley Solar project proposed on approximately 2,700 acres of BLM-managed public lands and 990 acres of private lands in Riverside County. The project is expected to generate up to 390 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy and 650 megawatts of battery storage capacity, delivering reliable clean energy to the statewide transmission grid. (BLM Press Release)

Trail maintanence at Tolkan Terrain Park (BLM Photo)

Tolkan Terrain Park Upgrades Complete

The Tolkan Terrain Park in the King Range National Conservation Area has been upgraded with improved jumps, installations, and maintenance on drainages, berms, and trail tread. Led by Avery Love from the Arcata Field Office, the park’s features have been carefully rebuilt for enhanced rideability. Check out our video reel here

Mule Mountain Long Term Visitor Area (BLM Photo)

Camp Host Opportunity at Mule Mountain LTVA

The BLM is seeking a volunteer camp host for the Mule Mountain Long Term Visitor Area in eastern Riverside County’s lower Colorado Desert. Camp hosts assist with visitor services and maintenance while enjoying remote camping, unique geology, and recreation opportunities.

For more information (BLM Announcement)

Volunteers at Santa Rosa San Jacinto National Monument (Photos by David Garcia, Friends of the Desert Mountains)

Volunteers making a difference on public lands

The Palm Springs - South Coast Field Office, in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains and Southern California Mountains Foundation, celebrated National Public Lands Day with 45 volunteers at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Together, they planted 67 native plants and cleared over 40 cubic yards of weeds and debris. Learn more on our Facebook page.

Winners of the 2024 BLM California Employee Photo Contest

Landscape

1st place winner, 2024 Employee Photo Contest: Landscape category. Rainbow over California Coastal National Monument. Photo by Ben Hoke, BLM

It is with immense excitement that we unveil the winners of the 2024 BLM Photo Contest!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the talented photographers who participated and shared their powerful visual narratives. Your dedication to capturing the essence of our public lands through your lenses is truly inspiring.

This year's entries were nothing short of extraordinary, and the judges faced an incredibly challenging task. The winning photos not only embody the spirit of cooperation, conservation and multiple use, but also serve as a testament to the enduring impact the BLM has in California communities. Check out our Flickr to view full size photos from the winners in each category.

Plants and Wildlife

1st place winner, 2024 Employee Photo Contest: Plants and Wildlife. Bumble bees and a spider at the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Photo by Russ Namitz, BLM

People on the Land

1st place winner, 2024 Employee Photo Contest: People on the Land. A family at South Spit, Arcata Field Office. Photo by Paul Sever, BLM

Multiple-Use Mission

1st place winner, 2024 Employee Photo Contest: Multiple-Use Mission category. Grazing in Applegate Field Office. Photo by Jen Rovanpera, BLM

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!

California King Snake at Fort Ord, Central Coast Field Office (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Did you know that the 'king' in California kingsnake refers to their tendency to hunt and eat other snakes? 

How does a California kingsnake kill its prey?

A) Biting

B) Spitting Venom

C) Constriction

D) Telekinesis

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. (BLM Announcement) Find dates, locations, and frequently asked questions.

Tunnison Mountain Wilderness Study Area (Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM)

Archeologist

Location: Susanville, California

Salary: $49,025 - $77,955 per year

Join the BLM California Eagle Lake Field Office in this unique position! The Archeologist in this position will conduct background research to understand project areas before surveys and after resource identification, and collaborate with field staff to protect cultural values and address data gaps.

This is a permanent, career seasonal appointment. As a career-seasonal employee, it is expected that you will work at least 6 months, but not more than 11 ½ months in a service year. This is a fantastic position for those seeking employment for a portion of every year.

Apply here!

For all current vacancies, visit USAJOBS.

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

If you answered C you are correct! California kingsnakes are non-venomous and kill their prey by constriction. They are the strongest constrictors for their size among all snakes. This ability may have developed because they hunt other reptiles, which can survive with less oxygen during an attack compared to mammals. (National Geographic)