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Conway Summit, ACEC (Photo by Bob Wick)

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

Pink skies over the mountains at the Pacific Crest Trail (BLM Photo)

Celebrate 12 Days of California's Public Lands!

BLM California’s 12 Days of Public Land campaign is in full swing! Each day, we’re featuring incredible destinations and trails to explore, from majestic landscapes to hidden gems. Follow along and let the adventures inspire your holiday season!

BLMers and Zoe the service pup showcase America the Beautiful passes (BLM Photo)

Inspiring the Next Generation: Every Kid Outdoors

The BLM Central Coast Field Office teamed up with Santa Cruz County leaders to distribute over 2,550 Every Kid Outdoors passes to local fourth graders! This program provides free access to public lands and federal recreation sites for fourth graders and their families, inspiring lifelong connections to the great outdoors. Learn more.

Solar array in the California Desert (BLM Photo)

Desert Quartzite Solar Facility Powers Up

The Desert Quartzite Solar facility near Blythe, CA, is fully operational, producing 300 megawatts of solar energy and 150 megawatts of battery storage - enough to power 120,000 homes. A major milestone for clean energy in California! Learn more.

Wildfire & Fuels Highlights

Campfire ring at a day use area (BLM Photo)

Enjoy Winter Campfires Responsibly

Cozy campfires make winter visits to public lands unforgettable - but keeping them safe and clean is essential. Learn how small changes, like burning clean wood and avoiding pallets, help protect wildlife and visitors.
👉 Check it out on Facebook

Apple Valley fire engine (BLM Photo)

BLM Hosts California Fire Hire Event

The BLM recently held a 3-day Fire Hire event in Apple Valley, providing aspiring wildland firefighters with an opportunity to explore career options. Check out the details shared during the event:

Facebook

Fire Hire Info on BLM.gov

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

Upcoming Fire Hire 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.

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!

Coyote at Fort Sage, Eagle Lake Field Office (Photo by Adam Crowther, BLM)

What is the top speed of a coyote in an open area?

A) 20 mph

B) 30 mph

C) 40 mph

D) Depends on the car they drive.

Employee Photo Spotlight

2nd place winner, 2024 Employee Photo Contest: Landscape category. Sunset at Pine Ridge in the Lacks Creek Management Area. Photo by Jennifer Wheeler, BLM

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

This time, we’re proud to feature a photo from Lacks Creek Management Area that captures the beauty and significance of our public lands.

This year's entries were nothing short of extraordinary, and 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.

Careers on Your Public Lands

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

Explore Public Affairs Opportunities

Looking for a new challenge? Public affairs positions with the BLM offer the chance to support communication efforts, engage with communities, and share the story of public lands. Check out current vacancies and find your fit.

Apply here!

For all current vacancies, visit USAJOBS.

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

If you answered C you are correct! The coyote (Canis latrans) is a mid-sized canid, typically weighing up to 45 pounds. They can reach speeds up to 40 mph when hunting in open areas. Highly adaptable, coyotes inhabit diverse environments, including prairies, forests, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas, though they prefer open spaces. As omnivores, their diet varies seasonally and includes fruits, plants, insects, frogs, and mammals. They are opportunistic feeders, scavenging carrion and preying on small animals like rabbits and rodents, serving as effective natural rodent control. While they may occasionally prey on small deer or livestock, such instances are rare. Reports of coyotes attacking unattended small pets exist but are uncommon. (Cornell Wildlife Health Lab)