BLM California Newsbytes Issue 695

Title: Untitled Document

Paradise Royale Trail System at the King Range 

ISSUE 695 - October 8, 2015

- Off-Highway Vehicle and Mountain Biking Adventures  
- Thank you National Public Lands Day Volunteers
- Headlines and Highlights
- BLM and DOI Highlights
- Wildlife Question of the Week
- Upcoming Events

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE AND MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

Cooler temperatures are returning to the Imperial Sand Dunes. Are you ready to ride? (BLM Facebook)

Tread Lightly

Today’s ‪#‎Tread Tuesday‬ tip: Educate Yourself! Obtain a map, (motor vehicle use map where appropriate) of your destination and determine which areas are open to off-highway vehicles. ‪(BLM Facebook)

BLM Director Unveils New, Interactive Mountain Bike Maps at Outer bike 2015

Today, Bureau of Land Management Director Neil Kornze attended one of the nation’s most important mountain bike events to introduce a new access tool for trail riders all across the country.  Developed by the BLM, in partnership with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) and the MTB Project, the mobile-friendly online tool features interactive maps for 20 of the nation’s most popular trails on public lands. Mountain Biking opportunities (BLM News Release) 

Mountain Bike on BLM California’s Paradise Royale Trail System

The Paradise Royale trail system is an amazing way to experience the Lost Coast of Northern California. The trails have been designed and built for a mountain bike optimized experience. Paradise Royale Trail System (BLM Website)

Paradise Royale Trail System Photo Gallery 

The Paradise Royale trail system includes 23 miles of trails with varying levels of difficulty.​ (BLM Flickr)

BLM, IMBA, and MTB Project: A Love Story

MTB Project, 10/6/2015
We at MTB Project are very pleased to announce the launch of Bureau of Land Management’s Mountain Biking Opportunities site, made possible through a partnership with the BLM and IMBA. The BLM’s director, Neil Kornze, spent most of Friday (10/2) riding mountain bikes and socializing with trail lovers at Outerbike Moab. That evening, Kornze announced the launch of this partnership to an exuberant crowd of mountain bikers as they enjoyed post-ride refreshments. (Read full story)

THANK YOU NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY VOLUNTEERS!

National Public Lands Day Event at Coast Dairies

Workers from a variety of organizations interested in preserving and improving public lands joined forces to build trail at Coast Dairies. (BLM Newsbytes)

Video: National Public Lands Day at Coast Dairies

Partners and volunteers help construct new trails and eradicate invasive weeds on newly acquired public lands donated to the Bureau of Land Management in 2014. (BLM YouTube)

National Public Lands Day at Cow Mountain

Local OHV riders participating in the ‪Cow Mountain‬ National Public Lands Day clean-up removed 24, 60-gallon bags of trash from areas where people were illegally dumping on the Lake County side of Cow Mountain OHV area. (BLM Facebook)

National Public Lands Day Volunteers

Conservation Lands Foundation, 10/7/2015
Thank you to our National Public Lands Day volunteers! Pulaskis and rakes were the tools of choice used by volunteers, youth “eco-stewards,” and a 12-member California Conservation Corps made up of military veterans–as they worked together to build the first hiking trail at Cotoni-Coast Dairies, 5,800 acres of coastal wildlands north of Santa Cruz, CA. (Read full story)

HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Plein Air at the Lost Coast

Painting outside offers many rewards and challenges to new and experienced artists alike. Painting outdoors provides a unique experience with an artist’s subject matter but also creates challenges like ever changing light and braving the elements. (BLM Tumblr)

Celebrating Women in Stem Wednesday with BLM Intern!

"The American Conservation Experience (ACE) DHA program has provided me with the exciting opportunity to act as a Natural Resource Specialist (NRS) at the Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office.  As an Oil and Gas NRS Intern, I have participated in a range of management practices within and outside of the oilfields." (BLM Tumblr)

The Cranes are Back!

The cranes are coming back home in huge numbers! Have you seen them yet? (Cosumnes River Preserve Facebook)

Nuestra Cultura in the Conversation on Conservation

Recreation.gov, 10/7/2015
Our friends at Latino Outdoors are passionate about exploring the USA’s natural, cultural and historical destinations. We are thrilled to hear about their experiences and share their stories with you. As we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), take a look around and enjoy the cultural influences from long ago to the present—and recognize that our heritage is in each of us and on the landscapes that create the unifying fabric of this country. (Read full story)

A Historic Exchange of California Desert Lands

This week marks a milestone for collaboration in conservation! A historic exchange of California desert lands will protect desert treasures while advancing renewable energy. State and federal agencies CAN work together to balance renewable energy and conservation in the California desert! (The Wilderness Society Facebook)

More info: State Lands Commission and Bureau of Land Management Announce Intent to Pursue Landmark Land Exchange (BLM News Release)

Study: Almost One Third of All Cactus Species on Verge of Extinction

Sci-News.com,10/8/2015
Cacti are members of the plant family Cactaceae. They are key components of New World arid ecosystems and are critical to the survival of many animal species. They provide a source of food and water for many species including deer, woodrats, rabbits, coyotes, turkeys, quails, lizards and tortoises, all of which help with cactus seed dispersal in return. (Read full story)

The Strange Sere Bones of An Ancient Landscape

Earth Island Journal, 10/8/2015
Interstate 5, running down the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, California cuts a dividing line between the flat valley floor and dry hills rising to the west. Passengers in thousands of cars and trucks, seemingly desperate to pass by as quickly as possible on the highway to Los Angeles, can look east over a landscape of huge fields and orchards.  (Read full story)

Related: Panoche Hills (BLM Website)
Related: Griswold Hills  (BLM Website)

Doctor Accused of Looting Ancient Artifacts is Indicted on 21 Counts

Los Angles Times, 10/4/2015
A Mono County doctor has been indicted on 21 felony counts related to the alleged looting of Native American artifacts from tribal and public lands including Death Valley National Park. (Read full story)

Video: The Curse of the Stolen Artifacts

In honor of California Archeology Month we bring you this edition of Funny.bytes.
Protectors of ancient artifacts reach across the centuries — to the dismay of modern-day plunderers. Based on a true story. (BLM YouTube)

Another Kind of Fire Season Begins this Fall Damon Arthur

Record Searchlight, 10/6/2015
With summer wildfire season slowing down, firefighting agencies are getting ready to start some “prescribed fires.” (Read full story)

BLM Hollister Field Office Lifts Fire Restrictions Oct. 15

Fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Hollister Field Office in the Panoche, Tumey and Griswold hills will be rescinded beginning Thursday, Oct. 15. Recent precipitation and seasonal changes, combined with increased humidity and cooler temperatures, have prompted the lifting of fire restrictions in the area. The fire danger is expected to be low throughout the coming months. (BLM News Release)

Knoxville Area Scattered Public Tracts Public Meeting Planned

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold a public meeting on public lands identified for potential exchange in the Resource Management Plan Amendment and to modify the Knoxville Area of Critical Environmental Concern boundary. (BLM News Release)

MOJAVE DESERT: Dispute May Derail Cadiz Plan to Tap Ancient Aquifers

The Press Enterprise, 10/8/2015
Federal land managers have dealt a blow to the controversial Cadiz project that would draw water from ancient aquifers in the Mojave Desert and pipe it to cities across California. The Bureau of Land Management rejected a proposal by the Los Angeles-based company to use a railroad right-of-way across public lands for its 43-mile pipeline. (Read full story)

IV 250 not returning to Valley in 2016, SCORE could possibly return in 2017

Imperial Valley Press, 10/8/2015
The SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series released its 2016 five-race schedule this past weekend and the Imperial Valley 250 was not on it. After hosting three SCORE races in two years at Plaster City, SCORE has decided it has become too costly to host a race in the Imperial Valley due to several issues, mainly the permits, fees and requirements from the Bureau of Land Management. (Read full story)

BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS

This Week at Interior October 2, 2015

This week: Secretary Jewell welcomes Pope Francis to Independence Hall during his historic U.S. visit; the Land and Water Conservation Fund expires; Deputy Secretary Connor celebrates the acquisition of a new tract of land at Antietam National Battlefield; Secretary Jewell travels to New York to kick off a Tribal Solarthon with the Shinnecock Nation; a new plan lays out a path forward for the Native Hawaiian community to seek a formal government-to-government relationship with the United States; a new report on water challenges in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (DOI YouTube)

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Which of the following snakes is venomous?
a) California Mountain Kingsnake
b) Coral Snake
c) Gopher Snake
Keep reading for answer below

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 8: BLM Schedules Public Meeting Regarding Arsenic Remediation

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct a public open house for the residents of Red Mountain, Randsburg, and Johannesburg on Thursday, October 8, 2015, to discuss the status of the arsenic removal project on public lands near these communities located in northwestern San Bernardino and northeastern Kern counties. (BLM News Release)

October 10: Headwaters Salmon Pass Trail

The Headwaters Forest is one of the largest old growth redwoods preserves comprised of 7,472 acres of old and second growth redwood and fir forest. Headwaters forest hiking opportunities are limited to two separate trails. For more information visit: Discover the Redwoods 

October 17: BLM Plans Free Public Archeology Day along Pit River

A glimpse into the lives of northern California’s first inhabitants will highlight Archeology Day, a free, family-friendly event, Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bureau of Land Management Pit River Campground in eastern Shasta County. (BLM News Release)

October 19: Knoxville Area Scattered Public Tracts Public Meeting Planned

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold a public meeting on public lands identified for potential exchange in the Resource Management Plan Amendment and to modify the Knoxville Area of Critical Environmental Concern boundary. (BLM News Release)

October 24: Fort Ord National Monument National Public Lands Day

Land management and rehabilitation including: habitat restoration, seed collection, trail maintenance, weed abatement and garbage removal. Following project work, volunteers are treated to a BBQ, live music and prizes. For more information visit Publiclandsday.org 

 October 29-30: BLM Advisory Council Plans Meeting in Mendocino

Management issues for Central California will be on the agenda when the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California Resource Advisory Council meets Oct. 29-30 in the Mendocino area. The RAC will meet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015, at the Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main St., Mendocino, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Time for public comment is reserved from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (BLM News Release)

November 5-6: Northern California Resource Advisory Council

Field Tour of the California Coastal National Monument; Business Meeting agenda includes discussion of land use planning issues affecting public lands managed by the BLM Redding and Arcata Field Offices and land use plan amendments for sage grouse conservation affecting the Eagle Lake and Applegate Field Offices. (BLM Website)

November 6: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Save the Date! November 6, 2015 marks the 15th anniversary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument – and we want you to celebrate with us! (BLM Facebook)

November 8: California Wild Horse & Burro Adoption @ Davis

The next Wild Horse and Burro Adoption will be held at Davis. Location is at the Donkey Welfare Symposium UC Davis Animal Science Barns La Rue Road and Putah Creek Lodge Drive 1-4 pm. We hope to see you at an adoption! California Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Schedule (BLM Website)

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER

Which of the following snakes is venomous? 

Answer: b) Coral Snake
Harmless California mountain kingsnakes are often confused with venomous western coral snakes, even though the western coral snake does not occur in California. One way to remember which one is dangerous is to think of this saying: Red on black, friend of Jack; Red on Yellow, kill a fellow! California mountain kingsnakes have red, white, and black stripes while western coral snakes typically have red, yellow, and black stripes.

SOURCE: BLM California Wildlife Database

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