Share / View as a webpage

Olancha Dunes, Ridgecrest 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 and Highlights

BLM announces summer activities in Headwaters Forest Reserve

Opportunities to explore stunning scenery and learn about ecology and history await outdoor enthusiasts, as the Bureau of Land Management offers events through the spring and summer at the Headwaters Forest Reserve near Eureka.

Plan your next adventure!

The BLM initiates seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions in California Desert District

The Bureau of Land Management has elevated its seasonal fire restrictions effective May 21 for public lands managed by the BLM California Desert District within Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Kern, Los Angeles, eastern Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. These restrictions will remain in effect until October 29 unless terminated sooner if conditions warrant. (BLM News Release)

BLM Bakersfield Field Office issues seasonal fire restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management is issuing seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Bakersfield Field Office effective Thursday, May 22, due to dry conditions and high wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order. This seasonal fire order will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM News Release)

Memorial Day

Honoring those who served

Each Memorial Day, we remember and honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. Please take a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives so that we can live in a country that values democracy as we strive to build a more perfect union.

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to visit California’s public lands. As more people head outdoors, the Bureau of Land Management reminds everyone to help prevent wildfires, which can put lives, property, and natural resources at risk.

Before you go, check for local fire restrictions or closures and take steps to prevent wildfires.

Safe ways to enjoy public lands this Memorial Day weekend include:

• Enjoy a family picnic at a scenic overlook.
• Take a hike to a favorite shady spot or creek.
• Go for a bike ride on a designated trail.
• Enjoy a colorful sunrise or sunset.

Tips to help prevent wildfires this holiday weekend:

• Secure trailer safety chains and avoid dragging them, as sparks can ignite dry grass.
• Never park or drive over tall, dry grass. Heat from your vehicle can ignite vegetation.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure it is completely extinguished—cold to the touch—before leaving or going to sleep.
• If target shooting, choose an area free of flammable materials, and bring a fire extinguisher or water. Exploding targets and tracer ammunition are prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in California under year-round fire prevention restrictions.

For the most up to date fire conditions and restrictions, visit BLM California's web page. 

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!

Along the coast, sea stars can be found in tide pools and clinging to the rocks and islands of the California Coastal National Monument. What do these colorful creatures eat?

A: Small fish

B: Mollusks

C: Plankton

D: The tears of biologists when someone calls them 'star fish'.

National BLM & DOI News

Interior streamlines oil and gas leasing to advance energy independence and economic growth

In support of the Trump Administration’s energy dominance agenda, the Department of the Interior today announced a Bureau of Land Management policy update designed to expedite the oil and gas leasing process on public lands. Through a newly issued Instruction Memorandum “Oil and Gas Leasing – Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews,” the BLM is committing to faster lease parcel reviews by aiming to complete the entire process within six months. (BLM News Release)

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

If you answered B you are correct! Sea stars live in salt water and are found in all of the world's oceans, from warm, tropical waters to the cold seafloor. Sea stars are mostly carnivorous and prey on mollusks—including clams, mussels and oysters—which they pry open with their suction-cupped feet. Source: National Aquarium

News.Bytes is a publication of the Bureau of Land Management California.
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 978-4600