BLM California News.Bytes Issue 731

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News.Bytes, Bureau of Land Management California

ISSUE 731 - JUNE 30, 2016

- Wildfire
- Your Public Lands
- Youth
- Headlines and Highlights
- BLM and DOI Highlights
- Wildlife Question of the Week
- Upcoming Events

WILDFIRE
	
Fire Danger is High this 4th of July!

Serious injuries and millions of dollars in property loss happen each year from wildfires sparked by fireworks. The years of extreme drought poses a particular threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of California. California has a zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner. It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal, as well as possess or use any fireworks in a community where they are not permitted. If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000 as well as sent to jail for up to one year. There are nearly 300 communities within California that allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks. (CAL Fire website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,2wfn,54wc,1bct,ijo3

Inyo National Forest and BLM Bishop Field Office Announce Fire Restrictions Starting July 1

The BLM and the U.S. Forest Service are implementing fire restrictions effective Friday, July 1, for all public lands managed by the BLM Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest, except for wilderness areas outlined below. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,kabw,32th,1bct,ijo3

BLM Emergency Fire Prevention Closure in Whitewater Canyon, Riverside County

Effective June 30, 2016, the BLM is temporarily closing public lands in and near Whitewater Canyon, Riverside County, California, due to hazardous fire conditions. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,7ymy,7xn2,1bct,ijo3
	
BLM California State Director Visits Erskine Fire Crews 

BLM State Director, Jerry Perez, took time to visit BLM staff assigned to the Erskine Fire northeast of Bakersfield. Perez, along with BLM State Fire Management Officer, Sam Marouk and BLM Bakersfield Field Office Manager, Gabe Garcia, received a fire operations briefing, a helicopter tour of the fire area, and a ground tour of several burned out residential areas that interface with BLM public lands. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,21qq,dznd,1bct,ijo3

Related: Erskine Fire update (IncidWeb) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,h5f2,6fh1,1bct,ijo3

Related: Erskine Fire update (Twitter) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,l6sd,jfp5,1bct,ijo3
	
Portion of Potrero Truck Trail Temporarily Closed Due to Border Fire

Effective June 24, 2016, the BLM has temporarily closed the Potrero Trail between Harris Ranch Road and Hauser Creek Road. The Border Fire has made conditions unsafe. Unless otherwise authorized, no one should travel the approximate 5 miles of Potrero Truck Trail over Hauser Mountain. The BLM will post closure signs at main entry points to this area. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,jmhs,dfqt,1bct,ijo3

Related: Border Fire updates (Cal Fire Incident Information) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,2up9,5zop,1bct,ijo3

Related: Border Fire updates (Twitter) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,5szo,ev1m,1bct,ijo3

YOUR PUBLIC LANDS
	
Welcome to Week 3 of the virtual ‪#‎mypubliclandsroadtrip‬ 2016 - Extreme Public Lands!

Last week, #mypubliclandsroadtrip featured "Our Camping Picks for sunsets, starry skies and smores on American’s public lands." From June 27-July 3, #mypubliclandsroadtrip takes you river rafting, mountain biking, climbing, bouldering, hang gliding and more – all out-of-this-world adventures. (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,9qt7,hcrq,1bct,ijo3

Related: New story books that recap roadtrip stops (Steller) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,843j,m5cu,1bct,ijo3

Related: Extreme Public Lands (Esri storymap journal) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,8bqc,9tx9,1bct,ijo3
	
Headwaters Forest Reserve a “Crown Jewel”

Headwaters Forest Reserve a “crown jewel” in landscape conservation and was first placed into the BLM’s National Conservation Lands for its prominent conservation values. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,f4kq,ehop,1bct,ijo3
	
Tread Lightly at Ramhorn Campground

The BLM Eagle Lake Field Office completed the installation of two game hanging poles at Ramhorn campground. Ramhorn campground is one of many established camping areas in the Eagle Lake field office and is heavily used during the pronghorn and mule deer hunting seasons (August-November). This campground sees approximately 3,300 visitors per year. The majority of the successful hunters find a nearby tree to skin and clean game. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,jy4p,c55v,1bct,ijo3

YOUTH 

Generation Green students begin summer internship with the BLM

Starting June 21, students from Grant Union High School began working as Generation Green interns for the BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation in Sacramento, California. Generation Green is a high school club that provides opportunities to students to get outdoors and introduce them to environmental careers. The program is designed for ninth grade and older, and is a mix of first and second year interns. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,izgj,4gcr,1bct,ijo3

Summer Camp at Headwaters Forest Reserve

National Park’s Foundation Every Kid in the Park awarded the BLM Arcata Field Office transportation and supply funds to bring Humboldt County’s summer camps to the Headwaters Forest Education Center. The first of 8 separate field trips, Cuddeback Elementary from Carlotta kicked off this summer events. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,3ih2,7o7o,1bct,ijo3
	
Desert Discovery Center host fifth annual ‘Mid Summer Desert Festival’

Daily Press, June 25, 2016
The community came together Saturday for a day of fun, learning and celebration at the fifth annual Mid Summer Desert Festival. Hosted by the Desert Discovery Center, the festival celebrated the wonders of the California desert and the multi-talented and diverse communities in the area as well. The event also recognized the 90th anniversary of the opening of historic Route 66. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,fp2,5vd9,1bct,ijo3
	
STEM in action in Redding, California! 

BLMers along with Generation Green crew members have been conducting botany surveys and recording rare plant occurrences in the Chappie Shasta OHV Area near Bohemotash Mountain. Through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the BLM Redding Field Office were able to hire this crew of local high school students for the summer and teach them about the many aspects of public land management. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,3405,b4be,1bct,ijo3
	
AmeriCorps Partnership 

AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Team Green 1 is on their 8th month of service partnering with BLM California. They are currently serving the Motherlode Field Office to reroute and rehab trails near the Magnolia Ranch trailhead to preserve a recently discovered archaeological site. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,czt8,8ybb,1bct,ijo3

HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS
	
A promising new approach to managing a whopping 15% of California

CalWild, June 24, 2016
The BLM is charged with overseeing the stewardship of over 15 million acres (almost 15%) of the Golden State. Under federal law, the BLM is required to prepare “resource management plans” (RMP) to determine, with public input, how recreation, livestock grazing, mining, energy development, and a host of other activities will be balanced with the need to protect habitat, wilderness, water quality, scenery, and other key values and features across particular landscapes. The BLM is proposing to change the rules that it uses to guide the development of RMPs. This new approach, “Planning 2.0,” will  provide many positive changes aimed at encouraging science-based planning decisions; allowing for innovative approaches to management; requiring that issues such as water quality be considered across landscapes, regardless of ownership; and enhancing opportunities for the involvement of other federal agencies, state and local governments, tribes, and the public. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,8yv6,hnhp,1bct,ijo3

Related: Arcata Field Office Planning (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,dqr1,35wj,1bct,ijo3
	
#whereisjose: The man forging a new path in the outdoors

High County News, June 27, 2016
This is the brave new world that José González imagined three years ago. Back then, he was looking for a movement, not trying to start one. He’d performed an internet search for “Latinos” and “outdoors,” and found nothing. So González started a Facebook page that begat a blog that, in the last year, has started to look a lot more like a movement to inspire recreation, stewardship and education in the outdoors, where his community is underrepresented. Today, Latino Outdoors has a presence in 14 states, including up and down California, the first large state in which Latinos have overtaken whites as the largest ethnic group. Like that population, Latino Outdoors is growing at light-speed; last year, its team of 42 volunteers and two fulltime employees led or collaborated on some 80 outdoor outings, coast to coast. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,hldy,d1p,1bct,ijo3

Related: 2016 Sacramento Youth Summit (Video: BLM California YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,g1bz,8p6d,1bct,ijo3
	
In the battle of desert tortoise vs. Marines, the tortoise wins — for now

Washington Post, June 27, 2016
Troops sent to the Marine Corps’s sprawling base in the Mojave Desert near here for advanced combat training are warned sternly about an unbreakable rule: no harming the desert tortoises or leaving behind food crumbs that are likely to attract ravens, the arch-predator of tortoises. To further protect the creatures with the high-domed shells on their backs, certain areas of the base are off-limits. And to prop up the tortoise population on base, the Marines have teamed with UCLA for the past decade to run an on-base hatchery. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,kh0k,m2sh,1bct,ijo3

BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS
	
Restoring critical habitat for the endangered Amargosa Vole

Wetlands, in the Mojave Desert? When we tell people we are working to protect and conserve the endangered Amargosa vole and its critical wetland habitat, this is the first question we are often faced with. The answer to that question is, “Yes! Wetlands in the Mojave Desert!”. These wetlands form a hotspot of biodiversity and provide important habitat for coyotes, bobcats, migratory birds, wetland plants, several species of pupfishes, and the Amargosa Vole. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,ikk5,clpr,1bct,ijo3

Related: Amargosa Vole Research (UC Davis website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,lc30,kic5,1bct,ijo3
	
Secretary Jewell, Director Jarvis, Valerie Jarrett to Participate in Dedication Ceremony for Stonewall National Monument in New York City

On Monday, June 27, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis and White House Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett joined federal, state and local officials and LGBT leaders to participate in a public dedication ceremony to commemorate the designation of Stonewall National Monument in New York City. President Obama designated Christopher Park in New York City’s Greenwich Village as Stonewall National Monument using his authority under the Antiquities Act. The monument’s boundary also encompasses the Stonewall Inn, a seminal location in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) history, as well as the surrounding streets and sidewalks integral to the Stonewall Uprising. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,8pj4,d8re,1bct,ijo3

Related: Secretary Jewell Applauds President Obama’s Designation of Stonewall National Monument (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,h8fg,5iw2,1bct,ijo3

Related: Celebrating the new Stonewall National Monument (Department of Interior photo gallery) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,eixs,7pv5,1bct,ijo3
	
Hit the Road with 8 of America’s Best Drives

Nothing is more quintessentially American than the road trip. Each year, millions of people load up their cars and embark on scenic drives through national parks. These roads represent astonishing feats of American engineering, blending the road into the landscape and guiding visitors through some of the most beautiful sights in the nation. They’re also a great option for visitors who may otherwise not be able to access the parks. Some of these scenic roads are very popular, so be sure to get an early start or visit in the middle of the week. So this year, hit the road, take advantage of the scenic lookouts and pull-offs along the way and immerse yourself in some of the best views this country has to offer. (Department of Interior blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,crlu,j0y5,1bct,ijo3

BLM Adjusts Onshore Oil and Gas Civil Penalties for Inflation

The BLM announced a congressionally mandated inflation adjustment to civil penalties that companies must pay for violating regulations governing oil and gas operations on Federal and Indian lands. The adjustments, issued as an interim final rule, are required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Act), which directs all Federal agencies to make inflation adjustments to the civil monetary penalties included in their regulations by July 1, 2016. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,3sa6,64gc,1bct,ijo3

Video: This Week at Interior June 24, 2016

The First Family wraps up its National Parks vacation; Secretary Jewell in Louisiana, announcing grants for tribal Gulf Coast restoration projects; the first step toward developing wind energy in federal waters off Hawaii; more the $450 million in PILT payments going out to 1900 communities nationwide; and millions of dollars in grants for battlefield restoration and WaterSMART projects. (Department of Interior YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,9dwt,4rwb,1bct,ijo3
	
Interior, USDA Announce More Than $47 Million in Investments for Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Drought Response & Agriculture Operations Across the West

The U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture announced more than $47 million in investments to help water districts and producers on private working lands better conserve water resources. The funds include $15 million in USDA funds and $32.6 million from the Bureau of Reclamation for local projects to improve water and energy efficiency and provide a strengthened federal response to ongoing and potential drought across 13 states in the West. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,gskv,kke,1bct,ijo3

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK
	
In honor of the Fourth of July, which bird did Benjamin Franklin state was a more respectable representative of the United States that the “bird of bad moral character” that is the American Bald Eagle?

a) sparrow
b) golden eagle
c) turkey
d) swan
e) duck

Keep reading for answer below.

UPCOMING EVENTS
July 5: Bucktail River Access Limited During Construction Beginning

The BLM and the Trinity River Restoration Program wish to advise visitors that the Bucktail River Access off Browns Mountain Road will be limited from July 5 to September 15. Although open on weekends, weekday access will be limited as a safety precaution during construction of a river channel rehabilitation project at this location. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,e7ux,lk9i,1bct,ijo3

July 13, 14, 19 and 21: Four Public Workshops Planned for Sand to Snow National Monument

The Forest Service and BLM will be hosting four Sand to Snow National Monument collaborative workshops in the month of July. The workshops will provide an opportunity for information sharing between the public, Forest Service and BLM about the Sand to Snow National Monument. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,cvc7,cgp,1bct,ijo3

July 14: BLM Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Public Land Withdrawal in Coolgardie Mesa and West Paradise Conservation Areas

The BLM Barstow Field Office is seeking public comment on the Environmental Assessment released today for the proposed withdrawal of 10,094 acres of BLM-managed lands in the Coolgardie Mesa and West Paradise Conservation areas. The 30-day comment period ends July 14. The purpose of the withdrawal is to protect the Lane Mountain Milkvetch, an endangered federally listed plant. The Coolgate Mesa and the West Paradise Conservation area represent two-thirds of the plants’ known range. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,1lpy,biqi,1bct,ijo3

July 23: Kayak the Lost Coast
"Kayaking the Lost Coast" will be offered Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Shelter Cove. Participants should meet at the boat launch site before 9 a.m. to register for the paddle. Please bring water, food, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Those without their own kayaks and safety equipment can rent from Pacific Outfitters.  There is a charge of $69 per person. To sign up for this trip, visit: www.pacificoutfittersadventures.com. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,dc9g,86lo,1bct,ijo3

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 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) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,f1lr,799n,1bct,ijo3

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER
In honor of the Fourth of July, which bird did Benjamin Franklin state was a more respectable representative of the United States that the “bird of bad moral character” that is the American Bald Eagle?

c) turkey

“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character… For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.” (Smithsonian Magazine) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2ksd3,3xn3,9zfv,kz1z,1bct,ijo3


News.bytes is a publication of the Bureau of Land Management California.

Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W1623
Sacramento, Ca 95825
(916) 978-4600
www.blm.gov/ca/

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