News.Bytes A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California Issue 625-05/22/14- Visit us on Facebook -- Follow us on Twitter -- Share us with friends and colleagues! THIS WEEK IN NEWS.BYTES: - Discover the Coast - Headed into Fire Season - Horses and Burros - Highways, Byways, and Trails - Wildlife Trivia Question of the Week - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and Department of Interior Highlights - Upcoming BLM California Events If this message does not show up properly in your email, you can see it online at: www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/2014/625.html DISCOVER THE COAST BLM, Coast Guard and Community Celebrate Transfer of Trinidad Lighthouse (News.Bytes Extra) Perched on a cliff 190 feet above the Pacific, with a dramatic backdrop of rocks and islands, is the Trinidad Lighthouse. A community celebrates the transfer of ownership from the U.S. Coast Guard to the BLM. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,d1rs,gfsz,1bct,ijo3 Thanks Our California Coastal National Monument Partners @Trinidad (BLM Facebook) Transfer of the Trinidad Lighthouse back into public ownership. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hv4v,iudb,1bct,ijo3 Trinidad School Activities at the Trinidad Head Lighthouse Transfer (BLM Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,kqk1,h2cc,1bct,ijo3 Trinidad Lighthouse to Become More Accessible to Public (NBC Channel 3, Eureka, 05/19/14) A historic landmark of Trinidad, the Trinidad Lighthouse, will now be open for visitors more often. This is because of the United States Coast Guard relinquishing the land to the public. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,gjxd,13f1,1bct,ijo3 Trinidad Head Lighthouse Making Waves Again (Times Standard, 05/16/14) The U.S. Coast Guard officially transferred ownership to the BLM, a change that will permit the BLM to work with local groups to make regular docent tours possible. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,2za2,l171,1bct,ijo3 The "Quest" (BLM Facebook) An outdoor education quest has been developed by Humboldt State University students and with other coastal partners for BLM's Trinidad Head. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,lva5,jr05,1bct,ijo3 BLM Partnership with Trinidad School, Trinidad Museum and National Phenology Network (BLM Facebook) We have an exciting outdoor youth project with Trinidad Museum and Trinidad School where students gather cyclic and seasonal information about plants and animals, as it relates to environmental change. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,8cx1,8bfl,1bct,ijo3 It's a Monument Monday and We Have a Sweet Little Snake Story from Fort Ord National Monument. (BLM Facebook) Kolbie the California King snake found a home with Ranger Tammy at the Fort Ord National Monument and has made a big impression on monument staff, visitors, and students. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hrkc,xzb,1bct,ijo3 Wilderness Volunteers Help Restore Coastal Prairies in the King Range (BLM Facebook) The volunteers camped on a ridge for a week and spent the majority of their time removing encroaching conifers from the coastal prairies. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hjzn,jjk6,1bct,ijo3 Visit Our Discover The Coast Website (BLM website) Learn more about our Discover the Coast campaign, partnerships, and events. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1cr0,11yu,1bct,ijo3 VIDEO: Discover the Coast @ Trinidad (BLM YouTube) Escape to California's north coast in this short video where local communities share their thoughts about the coast and invite you to Discover the Coast @ Trinidad. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,ll7r,75ao,1bct,ijo3 HEADED INTO FIRE SEASON California Prepares for Worst Wildfire Season (Inquirer.net, 05/19/14) The state has 5,000 firefighters and has appropriated $600 million to battling blazes, but that may not be enough in the future. The drought-stricken state is expecting a ferocious wildfire season. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,59dh,3yxr,1bct,ijo3 BLM-CA Fire Personnel are Participating in an Interagency Field Training (BLM Facebook) BLM leads a helicopter training with interagency partners to gear up for an anticipated busy fire season. The Apple Valley Helitack Crew, is made up of 14 personnel, and is one of two helitack crews. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,g0gq,i650,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Fire Season Begins (BLM Twitter) BLM-CA is ready with 28 engines, 2 helicopters, 2 hot shot crews and 300+ personnel. #wildfire http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1m26,kv5h,1bct,ijo3 Frightening Firenadoes Whipped Up By California Blazes (The Detroit Free Press, 05/16/14) Some of the ferocious wildfires in southern California have spawned fire whirls, which have also been dubbed firenadoes or fire tornadoes... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,6a18,6nb,1bct,ijo3 The California Drought Is Far From Over, And The Entire State Is Suffering (The Huffington Post, 05/16/14) ... for the first time this century, the U.S. Drought Monitor declared that all of California is in a "severe" drought, with many areas of the state in an even worse condition... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,10o2,850o,1bct,ijo3 3 Reasons Obama's Proposed Wildfire Budget Reforms are Critical (Tucson Sentinel, 05/15/14) This year, California already has seen more than 1,100 fires -- double the average of the previous five years -- and experts are forecasting above-normal wildfire potential across much of the West this summer... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,h4ky,2t4a,1bct,ijo3 HORSES AND BURROS Norco Extreme Mustang Makeover (BLM Facebook) 42 wild mustangs had been randomly matched with horse trainers from around the country. They had 100 days to gentle and ride their horses prior to the competition. After that challenge, visitors and participants competed for adoption of the trained mustangs. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,2vkn,4rx8,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program (BLM Webpage) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,4kke,hg2x,1bct,ijo3 Spring Arrivals in the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area (BLM Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,5xyx,ancr,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM's Twin Peaks Herd Management Area (BLM Webpage) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,66bs,by3,1bct,ijo3 Celebrating Federal Lands, Wilderness Act 50th at Bishop Mule Days (Sierra Sun Times,05/20/14) The BLM, the National Park Service, and the US Forest Service are attending Bishop Mule Days to share the opportunities that federal lands offer for residents and visitors. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,ia10,55hp,1bct,ijo3 HIGHWAYS, BYWAYS, AND TRAILS Motel Operator is Driven to Keep Route 66 Culture Alive and Kicking (L.A. Times, 05/12/14) Kumar Patel set out recently on a drive to show off some of its peculiar attractions along California's stretch of the 2,400-mile highway that runs from Chicago to Santa Monica. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,iroo,k1qm,1bct,ijo3 New Rest Stop Marks Eastern Gateway To Historic RT 66 (San Bernardino Sentinel, 05/16/14) Ribbons were cut on historic Route 66's new eastern entry this past week. Marking the entry, a new rest area and information kiosk for travelers, was added to the historic byway. Construction of the facility is credited to the Needles Field Office of the BLM and the City of Needles. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,8pq8,4d7d,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Historic Route 66 (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,gfkr,c38z,1bct,ijo3 Scenic Trails that Showcase the Best of America (USA Today, 05/06/14) Eleven national scenic trails are formally recognized by the federal government. These trails provide mostly unbroken access to the best of the American landscape. The first two of these trails, the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,912m,19rn,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM National Scenic and Historic Trails (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,5ul4,g6ef,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail: Owens Peak Segment (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,bial,i0ht,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail: Desert Segment (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,60ff,i5s0,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Trails and Trailhead Locations at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,id2y,89ao,1bct,ijo3 Favorite Hikes in the King Range National Conservation Area (BLM Facebook) I'd like to highlight two of my favorites that will lead you to free flowing streams, pristine beaches, and old-growth forests. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,73t3,kobz,1bct,ijo3 Wildflower Hikes in the King Range National Conservation Area (BLM Facebook) It's a great time to hit the trails and enjoy the wildflowers in the King Range. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hdbl,26c1,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK What kind of water do Desert Pupfish like? (a) water with twice the salinity of sea water (b) fresh water (c) water that is 113 degrees Fahrenheit (d) water that is 48 degrees Fahrenheit (e) oxygen-saturated waters (f) waters with oxygen as low as 0.1 parts per million (g) all of the above and anything in between (h) water with catfish in it See answer - and more information near the end of this News.bytes. OTHER CALIFORNIA HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS Bill to Re-open Clear Creek to Off-roading Gets Hearing (The Californian, 05/20/14) The BLM's decision to ban off-road vehicles from a 75,000-acre swath of Central California wilderness came under fire at a congressional hearing. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,5twp,fbjx,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM Clear Creek Testimony (Online pdf file) House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Public Lands & Environmental Regulation, H.R. 1776, Clear Creek National Recreation Area & Conservation Act May 20, 2014. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,me95,byvi,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM's Clear Creek Management Area (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,jkkx,4kcs,1bct,ijo3 BLM Announces $2 Million in Funding to Hire Youth to Work on Public Lands in California (BLM News Release) As part of BLM's commitment to connecting youth and the outdoors,three projects in California today received funding to support conservation employment and mentoring opportunities throughout the state. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1n4l,d3pp,1bct,ijo3 BLM Celebrates Wilderness 50 at the Idyllwild Earth Fair (BLM Facebook) In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the BLM Palm Springs South Coast Field Office set-up their new wilderness booth at the annual Idyllwild Earth Fair. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,8upm,ecnv,1bct,ijo3 Mojave Desert Not Ideal for Massive Solar Project (The Press Enterprise, 05/16/14) We ask BLM Director Neil Kornze and state BLM Director Jim Kenna to relocate the project to an area that will not adversely impact our desert communities, educational programs, or ecosystems. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,llwr,dvd0,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM California Renewable Energy: Solar (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hqxf,njg,1bct,ijo3 Parts of Temblors, Carrizo May Get Wilderness Designation (Taft Midway Driller, 05/19/14) The congresswoman representing the Central California coast has proposed legislation to increase wilderness protection for a large area of the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties and have a large section of the Carrizo Plains National Monument, including parts of the Temblor Range, designated as a wilderness area... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,j6dr,khdk,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM's Carrizo Plains National Monument (BLM Webpage) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,cs0j,42ke,1bct,ijo3 Mass. Man Killed on Hike in Calif. (Boston Globe, 05/18/14) A 69-year-old Massachusetts man was fatally shot Friday and his friend critically injured by a robber on a remote hiking trail in Northern California, authorities said. (This incident occured at BLM's Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area). http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,gm2t,3y1d,1bct,ijo3 Public Agencies Look to Improve Safety at Shooting Range (Calaveras Enterprise, 05/16/14) The shooting won't stop anytime soon, but it might soon be done with proper backstops at a popular target practice site near Winton and Bummerville roads. Calaveras County Supervisor Chris Wright met with representatives of the BLM and the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office to discuss concerns over the safety of residents in homes surrounding the 106-acre BLM parcel... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,h2ov,65cd,1bct,ijo3 BLM Workshop Set for Proposal to Prohibit Mining for Gold and Other "Hard Rock" Minerals Along Wild And Scenic Trinity River (Valley Online News, 05/14/14) A public workshop will be held Thursday, May 29, on two proposals to withdraw public lands along the Trinity Wild and Scenic River from availability for mining. The proposed withdrawal would affect 3,123 acres of BLM-administered lands and would prohibit mining for gold and other "hard rock" minerals... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,759j,era4,1bct,ijo3 BLM and DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR Highlights BLM Last Week: May 12-16, 2014 (BLM Tumblr) BLM joined the nation in observing National Police Week, BLM celebrated Endangered Species Day, and additional topcis... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,bb6z,l6fo,1bct,ijo3 VIDEO- This Week at Interior: May 16, 2014 (DOI YouTube) A special ceremony on the National Mall to mark the reopening of the Washington Monument; Secretary Jewell joins Vice President Joe Biden in St. Louis as work continues on the revitalization of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,4n36,7l2e,1bct,ijo3 Obama Declares the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Region of N.M. a National Monument (Washington Post, 05/21/14) President Obama declared Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region of New Mexico a national monument, protecting nearly 500,000 acres of land in southern New Mexico. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1eci,8nbe,1bct,ijo3 Top Spots for Stargazing Out West (USA Today, 05/20/14) Located in northwest Arizona on the edge of the Grand Canyon, the monument was awarded Dark Sky recognition in March and is the first BLM-managed site to receive the distinction... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,ii5j,a5yk,1bct,ijo3 SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS Apr-May 24 (Saturdays): Soda Lake and Painted Rock Guided Tours at Carrizo Plain National Monument (BLM Facebook) Come join us for our Soda Lake/Painted Rock Guided Tour. Reservations are required and can be made at: http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,2mrx,hao0,1bct,ijo3 and http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,2z8u,cwxc,1bct,ijo3 May 27: BLM Seeking Input on Proposed Bald Mountain Trails in Lassen County (BLM News Release) Honey Lake Valley area residents interested in development of recreational trails on Lassen County's Bald Mountain can share ideas and concerns, when the BLM holds a public meeting... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,a2nr,16d0,1bct,ijo3 May 28: BLM to Host Online Solar Energy Zone Monitoring and Adaptive Management Public Webinar (BLM News Release) The BLM will host a public webinar on Wednesday, May 28 from 10:00am to 1:00pm to provide an update and ask for input on the Riverside East Solar Energy Zone Monitoring and Adaptive Management Strategy. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,ks6c,5mj0,1bct,ijo3 May 28: BLM Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Solar Project in San Bernardino County (BLM News Release) The public comment period for the proposed Silurian Valley solar project has been extended. Public comments are now due by May 28, 2014. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1qdu,jice,1bct,ijo3 May 29: Workshop Set for Proposed Mineral Withdrawal along Wild and Scenic Trinity River (BLM News Release) A public workshop will be held Thursday, May 29, on two proposals to withdraw public lands along the Trinity Wild and Scenic River from availability for mining. The session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Trinity Congregational Church Parish Hall, 735 Main St. in Weaverville. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,hazv,e3sh,1bct,ijo3 Apr-Jun. 1: Clear Creek (near Redding) Outings (BLM Facebook) We are offering everyone a chance to learn more about our natural world in a series of free outings near Clear Creek south of Redding. Topics on these free guided hikes include fire ecology and more. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,c194,eyme,1bct,ijo3 June 9-13: Volunteers Welcome for Archaeology Week Projects Anyone interested in archaeology of the Great Basin along the California-Nevada border is welcome to join the Bureau of Land Management Eagle Lake Field Office for its inaugural Archaeology Volunteer Week. Join BLM archaeologists in archaeological survey and recording work in the high desert northeast of Susanville. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,1xeb,88xl,1bct,ijo3 Apr-Oct. 23: Webcasts Scheduled to Solicit Comments on Route 66 Management Plan (BLM News Release) The California Historic Route 66 Association and BLM California Desert District have scheduled four webcasts to continue soliciting public comments on the preparation of a corridor management plan for the segment of historic Route 66. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,ge64,i1gg,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA ANSWER and Related Information What kind of water do Desert Pupfish like? (g) all of the above and anything in between. Pupfish can withstand conditions that would kill most other fishes. They typically live in desert areas, where in summer months the average temperature of the water is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit -- but at times it can get as hot as 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Pupfish, along with only a few species of desert lizards, are the only vertebrates that can survive such extreme heat. Pupfish are also able to survive temperatures as cold as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These small fishes can also tolerate water with a salt content that is more than four times the salt content of ocean water, and they can survive in water with very little oxygen. RELATED: The Endangered Desert pupfish is not what you might expect to find in a BLM desert area. (BLM Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,fbjl,24nh,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: "Pupfish, desert - Cyprinodon macularius" (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website) Includes links to its life history and to "NatureServe Explorer Species Reports" -- both of which also include lists of references. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,6u5o,gm6a,1bct,ijo3 -------------------- - If your e-mail program does not allow you to click on the above links to visit that Web page, copy and paste the URL into your browser's "Location" or "Address" bar. - Some online news sites require free registration to view their content online. Some news sites remove news stories from the Web soon after publication. If you plan to keep a story, you should print a copy or save the Web page to your computer. DISCLAIMER: By linking to Web sites, the BLM does not imply endorsement of those sites, or of products or advertisements on those sites. 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.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,1wy96,3xn3,4h2h,jgx0,1bct,ijo3 We appreciate feedback. Send comments to the News.bytes team at: mailto:canewsbytes@xxxxxxx
