News.Bytes A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California Issue 641-09/11/14- Visit us on Facebook -- Follow us on Twitter -- Share us with friends and colleagues! THIS WEEK IN NEWS.BYTES: - Wilderness 50 - Discover the Coast - 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/2014/641.html 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILDERNESS ACT Keeping it Wild (Palm Springs Life, 09/14) Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the Coachella Valley continues to protect its pristine land for future generations. "Wilderness is a long-term vision," says Jim Foote, manager of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,kqc4,amn9,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (BLM Website) Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, the National Monument significantly contributes to the Coachella Valley's lure as a popular resort and retirement community. It is also a desirable backcountry destination that can be accessed via trails from both the valley floor and the alpine village of Idyllwild. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,foqy,e4vd,1bct,ijo3 Your Wilderness is a Perfect Backdrop for Life (BLM Tumblr) "I feel so incredibly lucky to be an employee for the Bishop Field Office. Not only do we get to manage several beautiful and unique wilderness areas, but we are part of a larger patchwork of wilderness that stretches from Death Valley to the top of the Sierra crest." http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,ls0w,3p2g,1bct,ijo3 Wilderness Highlight- Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness (BLM Facebook) Nice highlight of BLM's Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness posted by the California Wilderness Coalition. For Trail Tuesday, we'd like to highlight your hiking options. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,lvmy,ctaw,1bct,ijo3 BLM Volunteers and Horses at Visions of the Wild (BLM Facebook) The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act with a booth at the Visions of the Wild Festival, in Vallejo. BLM volunteer Alyssa Weytjens brought her six-year-old mustang mare, Dixie, (and her baby Ashton) and Nancy Kerson helped at the booth. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,m1k8,cb72,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Visions of the Wilde Festival-Vallejo (Visions of the Wild Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,9n6u,ceiq,1bct,ijo3 DISCOVER THE COAST NY Times Names Point Arena-Stornetta In Mendocino County Among Top World Places To Visit In 2014 (CBS San Francisco, 09/09/14) A newly-designated portion of the California Coastal National Monument is near the top of the New York Times global list of 52 places to go in 2014. Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in Mendocino County is number three on the list, behind Cape Town, South Africa and Christchurch, New Zealand... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,h34d,ccmp,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Point Arena-Stornetta: A Unit of the California Coastal National Monument (BLM Website) The Point Arena-Stornetta Unit includes 1,665 acres of Federal land administered by the BLM along the Northern California coastline. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,e4dr,cr7k,1bct,ijo3 More Waiting in Store for Coast Dairies (Santa Cruz Sentinel, 09/09/14) A federal lands official cautioned that it will be awhile before the public has full access to the expansive Coast Dairies property on Santa Cruz County's North Coast. "My time frame is we're not going to have a plan done until after 2016," Cooper said. "That's why I want to start having people out on the land with BLM-led tours, letting them get to see the property." http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,ez3u,3d3w,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Coast Dairies: A Landmark for Conservation on the California Coast (Archived News.Bytes Extra) Almost 6,000 acres of rolling green meadows, redwood forests, and dramatic vistas of Pacific Ocean, just north of Santa Cruz will be permanently protected following the donation of the Coast Dairies property to the BLM by The Trust for Public Land. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,f05g,8fiu,1bct,ijo3 Discover The Coast (BLM website) Learn more about the Discover the Coast initiative, our partnerships, and events. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,1cr0,11yu,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK Why are these two harbor seals, photographed at the Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area, colored differently? Pick all of the correct answers. (a.) Harbor seals that are dark brown or gray with light spots occur further south than the lighter colored harbor seals with dark spots. Sometimes the two color variations meet in central California. (b.) There are many different color variations that allow them to blend in with the different rock colors and formations along the coast. (c.) Most harbor seal pups are born with their adult coloration, although occasionally pups are born with a white lanugo coat that is quickly shed and replaced with adult fur. (d.) During the summer and early fall look for harbor seals in the process of shedding the old, brownish coat in favor of a bright spotted coat. Usually the yearlings molt first, followed by the subadults, then the adult females, and lastly the adult males. ------> See answer near the end of this issue of News.bytes. OTHER CALIFORNIA HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS Northeast California Trails, Scenery, People Combine for the Perfect Cycling Vacation (News.Bytes Extra) Northeast California's bike trails, beautiful scenery and friendly people came together this summer to provide the perfect bicycling vacation getaway for a Durango, Colo. couple and their 2-year-old son. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,d9jk,bfmb,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Bizz Johnson Trail (BLM Website) The Bizz Johnson Trail is in northeastern California, along the Susan River in Lassen County. The main trail head is at the old Railroad Depot in the City of Susanville, about 90 miles north of Reno and about 90 miles east of Red Bluff, California. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,bk0r,1vb2,1bct,ijo3 California Solar Projects Plan Undergoing Major Overhaul (SF Gate, 09/06/14) Jewell promises that the new plan will provide "landscape-level" protection of open spaces, wildlife corridors and habitat while meeting President Obama's goal of having 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy produced on public land. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,kewd,dpz2,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Solar Energy (BLM Website) he BLM and Department of Energy have teamed up to direct solar energy development in the West through the Western Solar Plan. The agencies have have identified 19 Solar Energy Zones, including three in California, in which to prioritize solar energy development. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,f90l,ag43,1bct,ijo3 Congressman, Authorities and Conservations Join to Advocate for Stopping Raid of Forest Fire Prevention Funds (Lake County News, 09/06/14) "We are confronting a new chapter in wildland fire management, requiring a cooperative, integrated approach to restore and maintain healthy landscapes, prepare communities for fire season, and better address the nation's wildland fire threat," said Jim Kenna, BLM California state director. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,civf,1rsh,1bct,ijo3 Mercury News Editorial: Federal Government Should Hold Off On Leasing Public Lands For Fracking (San Jose Mercury News, 09/9/14) It's unfortunate that the BLM is using a new study to justify resuming leasing of federal lands for fracking in California, including 2,500 acres in Monterey County. The California Council on Science and Technology report released Aug. 29 is not the definitive scientific assessment... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,8wjw,etxy,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM California Oil and Gas Strategy (BLM Website) The BLM's comprehensive strategy for the federal oil and gas program in California incorporates information from the Independent Science Review by the California Council on Science and Technology; provides internal guidance for processing of applications for permits to drill and sundry notices; and provides the results from public scoping on oil and gas development in the Hollister Field Office. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,cvi9,4vwn,1bct,ijo3 BLM and DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR Highlights VIDEO- This Week at Interior: September 5, 2014 (DOI YouTube) Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Act. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,2rq2,aaz3,1bct,ijo3 Work Begins on $1 Billion Solar Plant in Nevada (ABC News, 09/05/14) Executives with Arizona-based First Solar and Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources put the cost of the project at $1 billion during a Wednesday ceremony with federal Bureau of Land Management chief Neil Kornze at the site off Interstate 15 near the Nevada-California state line. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,6i3k,lxd3,1bct,ijo3 This Boring Government Agency's Stunning Instagram Pictures Will Put Yours To Shame (Business Insider, 09/06/14) with just shy of 25,000 followers, the BLM is already killing it on Instagram. The fact its responsibilities include overseeing the most gorgeous parks, deserts, and forests across the country makes it perfect for the photo-sharing platform. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,3vlz,9hn9,1bct,ijo3 SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 11: BLM to Offer Competitive Geothermal Lease Sale in California (BLM News Release) To help meet the nation's renewable energy goals, the BLM in California will hold a geothermal lease sale in Sacramento. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,aqrk,hbqk,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 16: BLM Announces Joint Workshop on Coolwater Lugo Transmission Line Project (News Release) The BLM and Southern California Edison will conduct a joint public workshop on the Coolwater Lugo Transmission Line project to allow the public an additional opportunity to discuss the project. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,56yg,6x5q,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 18: Experimental Stewardship Steering Committee to Meet in Cedarville (BLM News Release) The Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Steering Committee will discuss various rangeland management topics when it meets at the BLM Surprise Field Office. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,dyux,guid,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 17: BLM Schedules Informational Webinar on Desert Renewable Conservation Plan (BLM News Release) The BLM has scheduled a public informational webinar in anticipation of the release of the draft Desert Renewable Conservation Plan early this fall. The webinar is intended to help the public prepare for review and comment on the document. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,la36,ljtp,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 26-28: Volunteers Welcome to Celebrate National Public Lands Day in the King Range (BLM News Release) Volunteers are welcome to help the BLM and its mountain biking partners expand the first mountain biking trail in the nation's first national conservation area in a three-day work party as part of National Public Lands Day. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,9lag,gw92,1bct,ijo3 Sept 27: BLM National Public Lands Day Events (BLM Webpage) NPLD is the largest volunteer event for America's public lands. It is held on a Saturday in late September when thousands of Americans volunteer to improve and enhance our nation's public lands. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,ce4q,fn98,1bct,ijo3 Aug. 11- Oct.: Delays, Closures will Affect Butte County Roads During Improvement Projects (BLM News Release) Visitors planning to travel on Doe Mill road in Butte County will be subject to delays and closures as construction gets underway on road improvements and a bridge replacement project. The road, also known as Ponderosa Way, will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during construction. The road will be open on weekends. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,doem,dszr,1bct,ijo3 Aug. 28: Webcast 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 the third in a series of four webcasts to continue soliciting public comments on the preparation of a corridor management plan for Historic Route 66 from Barstow to Needles, California. Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects will host the webcast on to address transportation-related issues. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,97qh,8gf6,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA ANSWER and Related Information Why are these two harbor seals, photographed at the Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area, colored differently? Pick all that are correct answers. ANSWER: Both (c.) and (d.) are correct. Most harbor seal pups are born with their adult coloration, although occasionally pups are born with a white lanugo coat that is quickly shed and replaced with adult fur. During the summer and early fall look for harbor seals in the process of shedding the old, brownish coat in favor of a bright spotted coat. Usually the yearlings molt first, followed by the subadults, then the adult females, and lastly the adult males. SOURCE: Harbor Seal (Friends of the Elephant Seal Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,9smq,gl5l,1bct,ijo3 SOURCE: Harbor Seal- Physical Characteristics (SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,77b0,dpdk,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: National Wildlife Day- Piedras Blancas Light Station and Outstanding Natural Area (BLM Tumblr) The waters off Piedras Blancas boast an incredible number of marine mammals. Sea otters live and forage in the kelp. Harbor seals and sea lions rest on the offshore rocks. Elephant seals rest, molt, give birth and breed on the beaches. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,20n5c,3xn3,6t9k,6tq3,1bct,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 We appreciate feedback. 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