News.Bytes A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California Issue 643-09/25/14- Visit us on Facebook -- Follow us on Twitter -- Share us with friends and colleagues! THIS WEEK IN NEWS.BYTES: - Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan - Discover the Desert - 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/2014/643.html DESERT RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN DOI and State of California Release Draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan for Public Review (News.Bytes Extra) The draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan or DRECP is a landscape-scale blueprint that is the result of an extensive public participation process, which included collaboration among the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Energy Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other stakeholders. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,37at,3vq5,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: U.S. Department of the Interior and State of California Release Draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan for Public Review (DOI News Release) Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency John Laird today released an innovative landscape-level draft renewable energy and conservation plan covering more than 22 million acres in the California desert, marking a major milestone in federal and state efforts to cut carbon pollution, create jobs, develop clean domestic energy and conserve and protect ecological and cultural resources. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,eyb6,huc7,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (BLM Website) The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan is an innovative, landscape-level renewable energy and conservation planning effort covering more than 22 million acres in the California desert. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,froz,fqsj,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: DRECP Twitter Conversation (BLM Twitter) Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (#DRECP) conversation. This set of tweets does not equal BLM endorsement. Just a snapshot of conversation. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,l8ia,kaql,1bct,ijo3 VIDEO: Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan Unveiled (KESQ News, 09/23/14) Secretary Sally Jewell joined local and federal leaders to tour different solar and wind energy facilities in the Coachella Valley. She celebrated the desert's efforts toward clean energy and unveiled the draft Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,9505,d5st,1bct,ijo3 Desert Plan Seeks to Balance Environment, Renewable Energy (LA Times, 09/24/14) With towering white wind turbines turning slowly in the background, U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell unveiled a plan to manage both conservation and renewable energy production on more than 22 million acres in California - nearly one-quarter of the state- as part of a federal and state effort to promote clean energy production. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,emik,1jfc,1bct,ijo3 Interior Secretary Sally Jewell Visits Palm Springs Area (The Desert Sun, 09/23/14) Regulators on Tuesday released a 60-page executive summary of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan at a North Palm Springs event headlined by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Sen. Barbara Boxer. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,1lv2,494a,1bct,ijo3 Energy Plan Calls for Big Renewables Projects in State's Deserts (San Francisco Chronicle, 09/24/14) Industrial-scale solar, wind and geothermal projects could be built within a few miles of national parks in the California desert as part of the Obama and Brown administrations' efforts to combat climate change, under a mammoth plan released by federal and state officials. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,wct,dzeq,1bct,ijo3 Obama's UN Summit Talk Pitches Big, Light on Details - GOP Reaction: Yawn - Interior Releases California Desert Renewables Blueprint (Politico, 09/24/14) The Interior Department and the California Natural Resources Agency have a new plan to promote renewable energy development while conserving California's deserts. "This is a strong and innovative blueprint that shows how federal and state agencies can collaborate to meet conservation and energy objectives on a landscape-scale while providing certainty to developers," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,gjq8,h6k6,1bct,ijo3 Plan to Boost Clean Energy in the California Desert Released (Reuters, Business Insider, 0923/14) California and the federal government released an ambitious plan to combat climate change by accelerating the building of large renewable energy projects in the state's sun-soaked desert while setting aside millions of acres for conservation. The goal of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan is to identify areas ripe with renewable energy potential that would also have minimal impact on species such as the desert tortoise and a wide variety of avian life... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,7vgn,kpma,1bct,ijo3 Alternative Energy: Sweeping Plan Seeks to Protect Desert, Streamline Development (Riverside Press Enterprise, 09/23/14) It will create energy zones for large-scale solar, wind and geothermal projects on land considered of little importance to wildlife and other natural resources. These zones will be home to the projects that help the U.S. combat climate change while also creating thousands of jobs, Jewell said. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,j2c7,lxc9,1bct,ijo3 New Plan Looks to Balance Desert Conservation with Renewable Energy (89.3 KPCC Public Radio, 09/23/14) Looking to balance efforts to boost renewable energy with protecting wildlife, state and federal officials released a plan that sets aside vast swaths of California desert for both purposes. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,1gdf,3ryr,1bct,ijo3 DISCOVER THE DESERT Public Invited to Celebrate National Public Lands Day (BLM News Release) The BLM Bishop Field Office invites you to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Join your friends on either Sept. 27 in the Bodie Hills or Oct. 4 in the Alabama Hills to volunteer for community-based conservation projects in the eastern Sierra. Or mark the day by visiting public land near you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,3gs7,g8og,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Chance to Preserve 'Special Place' in Eastern Sierra (Reno Gazette Journal, 09/22/14) "It's a chance for the public to support public lands directly and to help government agencies fulfill their mission of taking care of land that belongs to everyone." http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,ggkb,33pn,1bct,ijo3 BLM Joins Randsburg's Old West Days (BLM Facebook) History was brought back to life during the Randsburg Old West Days celebration in the California Mojave desert. The Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, cowboy shootouts, and a Wild West parade drove in crowds from far and wide. The BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program joined the parade... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,62eg,7qkg,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Randsburg's Old West Days Beckons (Desert USA, 09/12/14) A marvelous day with cowboys aplenty. Not just cowboys, but cowgirls, cow-kids and square dancers. And dirt bike riders -- cowboys with a different sort of mount. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,63iu,kqk9,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: BLM Randsburg Mine Complex - Abandoned Mine Lands Project (BLM Website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,6yv5,e40f,1bct,ijo3 New Restrooms at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (BLM Facebook) Working together with our local community the BLM partnered with the United Desert Gateway to provide an additional restroom in the Imperial Sand Dunes. The restroom is being installed today at the popular Osborne Overlook. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,k6vo,gv8y,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK Unlike most aquatic mammals, sea otters do not have a layer of blubber to insulate them. Instead they are kept warm only by: (a.) sunlight near and above the surface of the water. (b.) air that gets trapped in their hair. (c.) warm water currents that they seek out (d.) eating lots of fatty fish. (e.) wrapping themselves in seaweed. (f.) setting the thermostat higher. This is one reason for the decline in their environment. ------> See answer near the end of this issue of News.bytes. OTHER CALIFORNIA HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS BLM Competitive Geothermal Lease Sale brings in more than $73,000 (BLM News Release) Four geothermal lease parcels in Imperial County were auctioned for a total of $73,686 by the BLM in Sacramento. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,493q,b8tp,1bct,ijo3 BLM: Keep Your Drones Away From Wildfires (The Washington Times, 09/18/14) BLM officials in Nevada are warning drone pilots to keep their aircraft away from wildfires. The agency says it's counted at least four instances this year when a drone has flown in or near a wildfire zone where flights were temporarily restricted. One of those incidents happened in northern California. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,hhu4,b2id,1bct,ijo3 BLM and DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR Highlights Last Week at the BLM, Sept. 15-19, 2014 (BLM Tumblr) The BLM hosted several local National Public Lands Day events in anticipation of the nationwide NPLD 2014 celebration on Saturday, September 27, and more. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,lcv3,itmy,1bct,ijo3 VIDEO- This Week at Interior: September 19, 2014 (DOI YouTube) Proposed delisting of the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel and more. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,45jp,3q66,1bct,ijo3 SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 22-Oct.: Road Improvement Project to Begin at Samoa Dunes (BLM News Release) A road construction project to improve access and traffic safety on public lands at Samoa Dunes Recreation Area near Eureka will get underway. One traffic lane will be open during most of the project, but there will be periods of full road closure and delays of up to 15 minutes. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,8e1o,ln8j,1bct,ijo3 Sept.-Oct: 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,21685,3xn3,ce4q,fn98,1bct,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,21685,3xn3,9lag,gw92,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 27: Let's Move in the Dunes (BLM Facebook) get outside, get active and have fun learning about the coast. The 0.82 mile course is designed for kids 3-11 years old and their adults with 8 challenges to get you moving in the dunes including... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,beva,dk2h,1bct,ijo3 Sept. 27: Bodie Hills National Public Lands Day (BLM Facebook) Join us for a day of stewardship and fellowship and fun! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,582r,2m3v,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 4: Volunteers Needed for Clear Creek Cleanup Project (BLM News Release) Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Lower Clear Creek area as part of the National Public Lands Day observance. The BLM, Western Shasta Resource Conservation District and Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve will host the event. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,d8m,ry,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 1: BLM Announces Scoping Meetings for Eagle Mountain Land Exchange Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in Riverside County (BLM News Release) The BLM has scheduled two public scoping meetings to receive public input regarding the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Eagle Mountain Land Exchange. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,m75e,ktl2,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 4: BLM, Bike Club Hosting 'Take a Kid Mountain Biking' Event (BLM News Release) Redding area children and their families can enjoy a day of mountain bike riding in a special "Take a Kid Mountain Biking" celebration at the Swasey Recreation Area in west Redding. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,1uty,lu4a,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 4: Event will Offer a Glimpse into the Past and the Science of Archaeology (BLM News Release) Today's residents can get a hands-on glimpse into how they hunted, prepared food, made tools and communicated, when the BLM and Susanville Indian Rancheria hold their first Public Archaeology Day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hobo Camp area west of Susanville. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,8foa,2fc6,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 14: BLM Announces Public Meeting for Proposed Mining Withdrawal (BLM News Release) A Federal Register notice was published announcing a proposal to withdraw approximately 10,000 acres in San Bernardino County from new mining claims to help protect an endangered plant. The two-year temporary segregation would protect the botanical integrity of the Coolgardie Mesa and West Paradise Conservation Areas as a conservation measure for Lane Mountain Milkvetch, a plant federally-listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,2ajx,5fzq,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,21685,3xn3,doem,dszr,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA ANSWER and Related Information Unlike most aquatic mammals, sea otters do not have a layer of blubber to insulate them. Instead they are kept warm only by: ANSWER: (b.) air that gets trapped in their hair. SOURCE: "Sea Otter - Enhydra lutris" (BLM California wildlife database) Sea otters are kept warm only by the air that gets trapped in its hair. For this reason, sea otters are very susceptible to freezing to death when oil slicks damage their fur. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,gkq9,ioxu,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Happy Sea Otter Week! (BLM Facebook) Did you know that sea otters in California are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act? They range from San Mateo to Santa Barbara county in rocky marine habitats like those off the BLM's Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21685,3xn3,8uv9,2eag,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,21685,3xn3,4h2h,jgx0,1bct,ijo3 We appreciate feedback. Send comments to the News.bytes team at: mailto:canewsbytes@xxxxxxx
