A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California
Issue 581 - May 24, 2013
THIS WEEK IN NEWS.BYTES:
- Let's Get Outside
- America's Great Outdoors
- On our Facebook page
- Other social media pages
- Not for educators only: Wildlife trivia question of the week
- Renewable energy
- BLM Employee News
- Headlines and highlights: Assorted topics from your public lands in California
- National BLM and Department of the Interior
If this message does not show up properly in your email, you can see it online at:
www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/2013/581.html
GET OUTSIDE IN AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS
 This Memorial weekend take your kids to watch waves explode onto offshore rocks, spraying whitewater into the air at
the California Coastal National Monument. Sea lions bark as they "haul out" of the surf onto the rocks, and a whirlwind of birds fly above. The amazing rocks and small islands all along the California coastline are a spectacular interplay of land and sea. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/nm/ccnm.html
 "Stornetta Public Lands in Bloom!" (News.bytes Extra)
The Bureau of Land Management Stornetta Public Lands, on northern California's Mendocino Coast, are in bloom! The 1,100 acres of open space north Point Arena feature meadows, rugged bluffs and outstanding views of the rocks and islands of the California Coastal National Monument. There are also
great vantage points of the Point Arena Lighthouse, a privately owned attraction open to the public, the tallest on the West Coast.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_stornetta.html
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 AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS
"Bizz Johnson Trail Bus Shuttles Announced"
(BLM, 05/15/13)
Looking for a great biking adventure? Then look no more! Come Bike the Bizz. Beginning on June 1 and running through October 19 on the first and third Saturday of each month, the Bureau of Land Management, Lassen Land and Trails Trust and members of the Susanville Area Bicycle Association team
up with Lassen Rural Bus to provide a shuttle for your bike in combination with a bus ride to the trailhead of your choice along with all the support you need for a great adventure.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2013/may/bizzshuttles.html
 RELATED: "Bizz Johnson Trail" (Eagle Lake Field
Office)
Following the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times
on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/eaglelake/bizztrail.html
"Junior Ranger Activity Guide: El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area"
(Barstow Field Office)
Educate children about proper outdoor recreation use with an emphasis on OHV safety, using our new Jr. Ranger Activity Guide. Activities are recommended for children ages 6 - 12. The goal is for the child to learn by doing. http://www.ca.blm.gov/s4kd
RELATED: "El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area" (Barstow Field Office)
The El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is located in the Mojave Desert on the western edge of San Bernardino County near the Los Angeles County Line. This Off-Highway vehicle area attracts a variety of Activities. The areas of interests include El Mirage Dry Lakebed, the Shadow Mountains, El
Mirage Basin, and the Twin Hills area. This makes up a 24,000 acre of public and private land. Elevations range from about 2,800 feet at the El Mirage Dry Lake to more that 3,800 feet in the Shadow Mountains. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/mirage.html |
ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES...
 ...Despite the widespread fear of snakes among people, most snakes are actually quite shy and unlikely to bite if left
alone. This long-nosed snake from the Panoche Hills defends itself by releasing a pungent mixture of foul smelling musk and blood from its cloaca. While not as dangerous as a snake bite, it is certainly more than enough reason to let a snake have its space. https://www.facebook.com/blmcalifornia |
ON OUR OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES...
 ...Want to be a Park Ranger? The ISDRA is advertising seasonal Park Ranger positions for the 2013/2014 season. Park
Rangers in the ISDRA are tasked with providing emergency medical care, talking to visitors about safety, and facility maintenance among other things. Check out out the ISDRA Facebook page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/BLMImperialSandDunes |
NOT for EDUCATORS ONLY:
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WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK:
What does a hunting Western Banded Gecko have in common with a hunting cat?
(a.) they both make an unusual chittering, meowing noise
(b.) they both stalk their prey and then coil their muscles for the ambush
(c.) they would both rather hide using camouflage, then ambush their prey
(d.) they both slowly wave their tails as they stalk
(e.) they both have sometimes-unfounded reputations as difficult, fickle, destructive and lazy house pets
See the answer near the end of this News.bytes. |
 RENEWABLE ENERGY
 "Turbine blade plummets in Ocotillo" (Imperial Valley Press, 05/16/13)
A massive blade from one of the 112 wind turbines recently installed was found near a tower base...no injuries were reported in the malfunction that comes less than a month after Pattern Energy, the developer of Ocotillo Wind Express project, announced it completed construction
activities. Meanwhile the Bureau of Land Management, the lead permitting agency, said it was notified about the incident and that Pattern Energy and the BLM are conducting a thorough investigation and report of the incident.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/p4kd
RELATED: "Ocotillo Wind Project" (El Centro Field Office)
Wind project that will generate enough electricity to power almost 94,500 homes. Employ up to 350 workers during peak construction and up to 20 workers permanently.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/nepa/ocotillo_express_wind.html
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BLM EMPLOYEE NEWS
 "Gabe Garcia Named Bakersfield Field Office Manager"
(BLM, 05/17/13)
Gabe Garcia has been named manager of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Bakersfield Field Office. He has served as the assistant field manager for the Bakersfield Field Office Minerals Division since September 2007. "Gabe has a proven track record working with diverse
interests," said Este Stifel, BLM Central California District manager. "He will be a tremendous asset as we work through the varied issues facing the field office from oil and gas, to recreation, to Conservation Lands." http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2013/may/gabegarcia.html
"Mendocino Coast Communities Offer Best Wishes to BLM's Rick Hanks" (News.bytes Extra) Residents of communities along the Mendocino Coast joined at the Point Arena Lighthouse May 16, to offer their heartfelt thanks and best wishes
to BLM California Coastal National Monument Manager Rick Hanks, who is retiring after 40 years of federal service. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_hanks.html
 "Bureau of Land Management Names New El Centro Field Office Manager"
(BLM, 05/23/13)
Thomas F. Zale has been selected as the new field manager for the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) El Centro Field Office. Mr. Zale assumed his position upon selection after having served as the acting field office manager since January 7, 2013. "Tom brings with him a wealth of local
knowledge and awareness of the complex issues associated with his resource area," stated California Desert District Manger Teri Raml. "His experience working with diverse interests as well as state and local agencies will be of great benefit to the California Desert District." http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2013/may/elcentroofficemanager.html
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HEADLINES and HIGHLIGHTS
"In Their Own Backyard: Public Stewardship of Public Lands"
(Times-Standard, 05/19/13)
One sunny day in April, 35 volunteers gathered on Prosper Ridge in the King Range National Conservation Area to work on a grassland restoration project with the California Conservation Corps' Watershed Stewards Project. This kind of thing -- collaborative efforts at the grassroots level,
public stewardship of public lands -- has been going on for decades in the Mattole Valley. In fact, the council is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary and the community is invited. http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle/ci_23277798
RELATED: "King Range National Conservation Area" (Arcata Field Office)
A spectacular meeting of land and sea is certainly the dominant feature of King Range National Conservation Area (NCA). Mountains seem to thrust straight out of the surf; a precipitous rise rarely surpassed on the continental U.S. coastline. King Peak, the highest point at 4,088 feet, is
only three miles from the ocean.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/index.html
"King Range to Reopen May 31" (BLM, 5/15/13) The King Range National Conservation Area and Wilderness on California's Lost Coast will remain closed to public access through May 30 as law enforcement officers from various agencies
continue searching for a triple homicide suspect. Officials from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are coordinating with the Humboldt and Shasta County Sheriff's offices to keep the closure in place for public safety and to reduce the number of people in the backcountry while the search
continues. Officials said the closure could end before May 30 if suspect Shane Miller is apprehended. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2013/may/kr-reopen5-31.html
 "Student Artists Promote Conservation" (News.bytes Extra)
Students from Trinidad Union School on California's North Coast are helping to spread the word about the importance of conserving marine resources. About 130 students participated in a recent art contest, working on the theme, "Conserving and Protecting Marine Habitats." http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_student.html
"CCNM Manager Recognizes 18 New CCNM Rock Stars" (News.bytes Extra)
Before leaving his role as the CCNM Manager and retiring from the BLM, Rick Hanks recognized 18 new CCNM Rock Star Award recipients who have each played an important role in helping with the success of the California Coastal National Monument. The recipients received their awards at various
times throughout late winter and early spring of 2013. http://www.ca.blm.gov/z4kd
 "Ridgecrest BLM Celebrated World Migratory Bird Day"
(News.bytes Extra)
The BLM and Kerncrest Audubon Society celebrated World Migratory Bird Day with a field trip to Cow Heaven Canyon southwest of Ridgecrest. World Migratory Bird Day promotes awareness of the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats. The global event is dedicated to conservation of
birds for the enjoyment of present and future generations. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_migratory.html
"Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors" (News.bytes Extra)
Three hundred fifth graders hiked to Mt. Hollywood accompanied by L.A. City Park Rangers who introduced them to interesting plants and animals they could find. After the hike, the kids descended to the Greek Theater parking lot where they were treated to interactive activities with our BLM
CDD reptiles, representatives from Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the City of L.A.'s Recreation and Parks camping staff, and others. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_wild_neighbors.html
 "BLM Proposes to Eliminate Imperial Sand Dunes Season Passes" (Imperial Valley Press, 05/16/13)
The latest proposal by the Bureau of Land Management to eliminate season passes for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is proving to be a tough sell among visitors and local officials. The reason the bureau is considering doing away with the season pass for the 2013-2014 season stems
from suspicions users have been circulating their passes among friends for use, said BLM spokesperson David Briery. The bureau is in the process of conducting an internal review of its business plan and has yet to decide on any permit fee changes. A final draft of the ISDRA business plan is
expected May 31, after which the public has 30 days to comment.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/q4kd
"California Trails and Greenways Conference" (News.bytes Extra)
The Bureau of Land Management was a sponsor of The 28th California Trails & Greenways Conference at the Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge, located on the west shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. The California Trails & Greenways Conference provided trail professionals, advocates,
volunteers and users with a venue for sharing practical, up-to-date trail management and advocacy skills; as well as a forum for networking and building support for accessible, inter-connected, sustainable trail systems.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_california.html |
NATIONAL BLM and DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR
"Interior Releases Updated Draft Rule for Hydraulic Fracturing on Public and Indian Lands for Public Comment" (DOI, 05/16/13)
As part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above strategy to support safe and responsible domestic energy production, the Department of the Interior announced the release of an updated draft proposal that would establish commonsense safety standards for hydraulic fracturing on public
and Indian lands.The new proposal maintains important safety standards, improves integration with existing state and tribal standards, and increases flexibility for oil and gas developers. The updated draft proposal will be subject to a new 30-day public comment period.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/n4kd
"This week at Interior" (YouTube, 05/17/13)
Secretary Jewell takes to the Idaho skies with smoke jumpers, then talks fire safety with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack; the Department of the Interior releases an updated draft rule on hydraulic fracturing; fallen law enforcement officers are saluted at Police Week ceremonies; a day of service
for DOI volunteers is planned at three war memorials in Washington DC; and the Washington Monument earthquake repair effort passes a major milestone. http://youtu.be/72-13aXfuOI |
SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS
June 15 - 16 "Oakdale Wild Horse and Burro Adoption" (News.bytes Extra)
Adopters took home 10 mustangs and seven burros from the BLM wild horse and burro adoption in Oakdale. The next adoption will be June 15-16 during Mustang Days at the Napa Valley Horseman's Association, 1200 Foster Road, Napa. There will be a preview June 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.
On June 15 there will be a silent bid in the morning. Horses and burros will be available first-come first-served after that for $125. The event runs through 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 16.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2013/581_extra_-_oakdale.html
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WILDLIFE TRIVIA answer and related websites
(b.) they both stalk their prey and then coil their muscles for the ambush
SOURCE: "Western banded gecko" (BLM California wildlife database)
http://www.blm.gov/ca/forms/wildlife/details.php?metode=serial_number&search=2358 |
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News.bytes published by
Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834
Sacramento, Ca 95825
(916) 978-4600
http://www.blm.gov/ca/
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