Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
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- World Oceans Day
- Great Outdoors Month
- National Awards
- Headlines and Highlights
- BLM and DOI Highlights
- Wildlife Question of the Week
- Upcoming Events
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WORLD OCEANS DAY |
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1,000 Kids (and a Giant Crab!) at the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area
1,000 elementary and middle school students gathered to form a giant crab at the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area on the South Spit of Humboldt Bay for the 12th Annual Kids’ Ocean Day. Students from the
County of Humboldt participated in habitat restoration and a beach clean-up. Kids' Ocean Day is organized locally by Friends of the Dunes along with the BLM Arcata Field Office. The California Conservation Corps Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Loleta Volunteer Fire Department
participated. The program was started in 1994 in Los Angeles, California by the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education and is organized statewide by the California Coastal Commission. (News.Bytes
story)
Related: Humboldt children come out for World Oceans Day (NBC Eureka)
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LA Times, June 9, 2016
Curious about the vociferous elephant seals I heard bellowing last fall as I drove Highway 1, I returned in May to Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve near San Simeon with my husband, Paul. I was lured by the promise of a peak “molt season” at one of California’s largest
coastal rookeries. “What molt?” he asked, perplexed. Soon, he would hear more than he wanted about the annual shedding of skin and hair these massive pinnipeds undergo onshore. We came for the elephant seals — molt season lasts until August — but stayed for the
historic light station and spectacular views along the northern San Luis Obispo County coast. Read full story
Related: Elephant seals celebrating #NationalBestFriendsDay and #WorldOceansDay near Piedras Blancas Light Station.
(BLM California Vine)
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Stunning Coastal Views
Add California's stunning King Range National Conservation Area to your summer roadtrip. The colorful
sunset at Abalone Point never disappoints! (BLM California Facebook)
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GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH |
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Video: Adventuring on the South Fork of the American River
Just in time for National Fishing and Boating Week! BLM careers are cool. These river rangers are doing maintenance and looking out for visitors on the South Fork of the American River. Today, tempered
by upstream dams, the South Fork still lurches and bucks through cataracts of boulders, drops and chutes, on its headstrong plunge through Meatgrinder, Fowlers Rock, and Satan's Cesspool, then delivers a rough goodbye at Hospital Bar. Along with these heart-stopping rapids, you'll no doubt
come to shore long enough to do some discovering of your own at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. The 21 mile river run can be made in a full day or a more relaxing two day trip. (BLM California
Facebook)
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Video: An OHV Favorite
Celebrating Great Outdoors Month from the Fort Sage Special Recreation Management Area, located in the high desert region of northeastern California, about 45 miles north of Reno, Nevada. The recreation
area consists of approximately 22,000 acres of public land that is managed primarily for off highway vehicle use and winter deer range. The BLM has designated the approximately 90 miles of routes within the recreation area to be used for motorcycle, ATV and 4wd use depending on the width of the
trail. The routes traverse a wide variety of terrain including flat, sandy, high desert sagebrush country and rocky, steep canyons and gulches. (BLM California Facebook)
Related: Fort Sage Special Recreation Management Area (BLM California Flickr)
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NATIONAL AWARDS |
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On June 2 the BLM presented its “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards for outstanding volunteer service in 2015 on BLM-managed lands. The annual award
recognizes exceptional volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours to their public lands, from improving fish habitat to finding homes for wild horses and burros to providing environmental education. In 2015, BLM volunteers contributed more than one million hours, equating to more than
$24 million of service and 577 work years. The Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve won the first Group Excellence award, new this year. The non-profit, a BLM partner for over 20 years, owns 27 acres of land located within the Redding Field Office 5,500-acre Clear Creek Greenway. Each year, the greenway,
which embraces 15 miles of Clear Creek, receives over 90,000 visitors, who enjoy seven trailheads and river access points as well as more than 15 miles of non-motorized trails. (News.Bytes
story)
Related: Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve Video (BLM California Facebook)
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James Goodbar and Gary Pritchard-Peterson are the winners of this year’s BLM Legends Awards. Every year the American Recreation Coalition presents one individual from each
major recreation-related federal agency with the Legends Award to recognize extraordinary individual efforts that have expanded and enhanced recreational opportunities. Having two winners from one agency is unusual. On June 2, Goodbar and Pritchard-Peterson were recognized at the Coalition’s
2016 award ceremony for their tireless work to promote outdoor ethics throughout the country and to increase access to outdoor recreational opportunities. (News.Bytes story)
Related: Partners Outdoors (Department of Interior
LiveStream)
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For raising awareness and addressing the impacts of climate change on America’s natural resources, seven awardees were recently recognized as the first recipients
of the Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources. The new award recognizes the outstanding leadership by organizations and individuals who develop innovative approaches to prevent changes that are affecting valuable wildlife and natural resources. The award was established as
part of the Obama Administration’s Priority Agenda for Enhancing the Climate Resilience of America’s Natural Resources, which identifies key actions across the federal government to support resilience of America’s vital natural resources and the many people, businesses and
communities that depend on them. The award is sponsored by the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy’s Joint Implementation Working Group in partnership with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest Service, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. (Department of Interior News Release)
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HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS |
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The Tribune, June 2, 2016
A little more than 15 years ago, President Bill Clinton declared 250,000 acres in the southeast corner of San Luis Obispo County as the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Since that time, the monument has become a showcase for biological and geological diversity and research, yet it is still
one of the state’s hidden treasures, located in a little-visited corner of the state and county. In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, attended a tour of the monument that attracted more than 20 nature lovers and Carrizo Plain enthusiasts. Rep. Lois
Capps speaks during a tour celebrating the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. “This is what the Carrizo Plain can do,” she said. “It brought us all together. I know that it will forever be remembered and cherished, which is the best
legacy of all.” Read full story
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A foundation to the BLM's climate change response is the “landscape approach” which integrates multi-scale information to enhance the understanding of natural and
human influences on resource conditions and trends. One of the most effective ways to share information and enhance stakeholder understanding of environmental issues is through face-to-face workshops and forums. BLM California is working with various landscape partners to enhance conservation
and climate adaptation knowledge and abilities, and the partnership with Pepperwood Preserve is one of the best examples. (News.Bytes story)
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Courthouse News Service, June 7, 2016
Federal regulators adequately addressed whether a proposed wind-turbine project near San Diego would adversely impact migratory birds and global warming, the Ninth Circuit ruled Tuesday. The BLM granted Tule Wind, LLC a right-of-way on federal lands in southeast San Diego County to
construct and operate a wind energy project. The facility — which was originally envisioned as 128 wind turbines and supporting infrastructure that could generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity — will be built on 12,360 acres of land in the McCain Valley, 70 miles east of San
Diego. The BLM eliminated 33 of the proposed turbines from the project and required the repositioning of several others to help reduce the risk of bird collisions with turbine blades. As modified, the project is expected to generate up to 186 megawatts of electricity, which would meet the
energy needs of approximately 65,000 homes and businesses. Read full story
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CBS Central Coast, June 7, 2016
From a “river in ruin” to a “river in renewal,” there’s a lot of history at the former site of the San Clemente Dam. Monday marked another historic moment; for the first time, the many people and organizations involved in the removal of the dam came together to
celebrate the progress of a monumental riparian habitat restoration. In 1999, the Carmel River was regarded as the most endangered river in the United States due to the dam. Declared seismically unsafe by the California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams after a buildup of
sediment, the dam also impeded the passage of the anadromous, threatened steelhead trout of the Central Coast… This summer, the original dam built on the river, called the Old Carmel River Dam, will be removed. Once that is complete, the land will be donated to the Bureau of Land
Management. The plan is to eventually open the site for public access. Read full
story
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Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Bakersfield Field Office
In response to the increasing high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has announced fire restrictions for federal and state-protected lands within several Central California
counties effective immediately. These restrictions include all BLM public lands in Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. Fire restrictions affect all BLM recreational areas including Three Rivers, San Joaquin River Gorge, Lake Isabella, Chimney
Peak, Kennedy Meadows and the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are authorized with a valid California campfire permit, but the public is asked to be extremely careful with their use and carry a shovel and water at all times. (BLM News Release)
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BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Mother Lode Field Office
Effective Friday, June 10, the BLM is implementing fire restrictions on public lands managed by the Mother Lode Field Office. The fire restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. All campfires and
barbeques are limited to designated fire rings in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are authorized with a valid California campfire permit, but the public is asked to be extremely careful with their use and carry a shovel and water at all
times. The Mother Lode Field Office manages approximately 230,000 acres of public land in 14 Central California counties. Most of the acreage is within the historic Mother Lode region of the Sierra Nevada Range, from Yuba County in the north, to Mariposa County in the south. (BLM News Release)
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The kickoff of the third annual Latino Conservation Week, which will be held July 16 – 24, is quickly approaching. For those unfamiliar with LCW, it’s a platform for
organizations, business and government agencies to engage Latinos in our nation’s parks, public lands and conservation efforts. Our goal in creating LCW was to shine a spotlight on the involvement of Latinos in the outdoors and this community’s concern for preserving our natural
resources for future generations. (HuffPost Latino Voices blog)
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BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS |
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ExecutiveBiz, June 3, 2016
The Bureau of Land Management has introduced travelogues based on Esri-built Story Maps in an effort to promote exploration of public lands managed by the agency. The travelogues by Bob Wick, a photographer and a wilderness specialist at BLM, document Wick’s trips to public lands
as part of the bureau’s My Public Lands awareness campaign, Esri said Tuesday. Read full
story
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Even if being a scientist isn’t your day job, there are lots of ways to contribute to scientific research about the natural world. From counting monarch butterflies to
studying plant growth and tweeting earthquake locations, citizen science empowers the public to help scientists conduct and inform research. And it’s making a huge difference! Here are 5 ways you’re helping Interior tackle real-world scientific issues on America’s public
lands. (Department of Interior blog)
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Video: This Week at Interior June 3, 2016
Tightening restrictions on U.S. ivory sales to better fight wildlife trafficking; assessing Alaska’s carbon stores in an era of climate change; unveiling renewable energy efforts in New York and
California; celebrating National Trails Day with nine new trails; putting the stamp of approval on the National Park Service’s Centennial Stamps. (Department of Interior YouTube)
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WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
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In honor of World Oceans Day, which of the following are true about sea
turtles?
a) There are 7 species of sea turtles that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. The smallest is the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (weighs between 80-100 lbs) and the
largest is the leatherback (which can weigh over 2,000 pounds… the size of a small car!
b) All sea turtles in the United States are protected by federal and state laws.
c) Sea turtles will return to the same nesting beach from which they hatched.
d) One of the differences between sea turtles and land turtles is that sea turtles cannot retract into their shells while land turtles can. Further, sea turtles have flippers and land turtles have legs, feet and more than 3 claws.
e) Sea turtles must come to the ocean’s surface periodically for air. They are air-breathing reptiles and can drown if underwater too long. The length of time they can hold their breath varies depending on species and other environmental and physiological factors.
Keep reading for answer below
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
June 11: BLM Revises Meeting Locations and Times for Rasor
Off-Highway Vehicle Area Tours
Due to anticipated high heat conditions, the BLM, Barstow Field Office, has revised the meeting time and location for the previously scheduled Rasor Road Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area tour
rides and meeting. The scheduled tour rides will provide a more detailed opportunity for the public to provide comments and concerns regarding land use, off-highway vehicle area access, visitor services, off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities, facilities, resource values, and
monitoring. (BLM News Release)
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June 11 and 12: Wild Horse and Burro Adoption
28 wild horses, two of them trained and 10 trained burros will be offered for adoption this weekend, June 11 and 12, at the Indian Hill Ranch (16120 Woods Valley Road). Adoption event gates open at 8:00 a.m. each day with an oral bidding auction for the horses and burros beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Remaining animals will be available through Sunday for $125.00 to approved adopters on a
first-come, first-served basis after the auction. (BLM California Facebook)
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June 11 and 12: Inmate-Trained Saddle Horse Adoption
The BLM and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center will be holding an adoption for inmate-trained saddle horses. The adoption will begin at 12:00 p.m. on June 12 during
the Western States Horse Expo event at Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento. BLM California entered into a partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department to operate a wild horse training facility at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove, California. The facility
uses inmates to train wild horses removed from the rangeland and prepares them for adoption. Trained horses are available for
adoption from the facility through a program similar to other BLM inmate-training partnerships around the nation. (BLM California Facebook)
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June 14: Meeting Scheduled for Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan
Anyone interested in public lands in Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Butte and Tehama counties has an opportunity to share with the BLM their values regarding these lands, in a public
meeting. The meeting will be held Tuesday, June
14, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at
the BLM Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Road, in Arcata. (BLM News Release)
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June 15: Experimental Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles Collect Data on Sage grouse Habitat
BLM's Eagle Lake Field Office will offer an informational meeting on local use of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) on June 15 from 5-6:00 pm. A UAV crew will demonstrate how UAVs collect data with examples of how the data is used for observing, monitoring, and measuring the landscape. (BLM News
Release)
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June 16: BLM Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Solar Project in Kern County
The BLM Ridgecrest Field Office has scheduled a public scoping meeting on Thursday, June 16 at the Mojave Veterans Memorial Building, 15580 O Street, Mojave, California from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to
solicit comments from public agencies and the public on concerns and interests for the Camino Solar Project proposed by Aurora Solar, LCC, on variance lands identified in the BLM Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. (BLM News Release)
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Four Central California residents have been appointed to the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council. The BLM is accepting additional nominations until June
23. Jeffrey Froke of Pebble Beach and Laurie Collom of Bakersfield were appointed to represent the public at large. Froke is an ornithologist and former state park ranger and game warden. Collom is a real estate appraiser. Bob Schneider, of Davis, a co-founder of Tuleyome, was appointed to
represent environmental organizations. Reb Monaco, of Hollister, a retired educator and former San Benito County supervisor, was appointed to represent dispersed recreation. The Central California RAC advises BLM officials for the Central Coast, Mother Lode, Bakersfield, Ukiah and Bishop field
offices. The appointments were made by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for three-year terms. (BLM News Release)
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July
25: BLM Seeks Desert District Advisory Council Nominations
The BLM California Desert District is soliciting nominations from the public for four members of its California Desert Advisory Council to serve three-year terms. The council's 15 members provide advice
and recommendations to the BLM on the management of over 10 million acres of public lands in eight counties of Southern California. Nominations will be accepted until July 25, 2016 for the four positions to be filled: one environmental protection, one public-at-large, one
transportation/rights-of-way, and one non-renewable resource. (BLM News Release)
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WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER |
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In honor of World Oceans Day, which of the following are true about sea turtles?
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