News.Bytes, Bureau of Land Management California ISSUE 738 - August 18, 2016 - Wildfire and Tree Mortality - Renewable Energy - Youth - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and DOI Highlights - Wildlife Question of the Week - Upcoming Events WILDFIRE AND TREE MORTALITY Faced with high tree mortality, BLM is strategically working with community leaders to mitigate hazards to public safety and protect California watersheds As California’s prolonged drought and record breaking heat continues, its impacts are becoming more evident especially on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management’s Mother Lode Field Office is experiencing significant tree mortality both from the drought and current bark beetle epidemic. As the impacts increase, the BLM is strategically working to mitigate risk to public safety and protect the state’s watersheds. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,74vc,kaeu,1bct,ijo3 Related: Tree Mortality and Dynamic Forests (BLM California Flickr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,jcvp,gk3n,1bct,ijo3 Related: BLM Forms Tree Mortality Fire Prevention and Education Team (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,87tu,bmxv,1bct,ijo3 Fires scorch tinder-dry California Capitol Weekly, August 15, 2016 Tens of thousands of acres are in flames across California and thousands of people have been forced to flee as the drought-stricken state fights its way through what could prove to be one of the worst fire seasons in memory. During the past two days, the Clayton fire in Lake County exploded to more than 3,000 acres and only 5 percent containment, burning into historic town of Lower Lake and forcing more than 5,000 people to flee. The blaze has destroyed 100 homes or other buildings and threatens 1,500 more. Lake County is no stranger to wildfires: Less than a year ago, Lake County was devastated by the huge Valley Fire, which destroyed nearly 1,300 homes and burned 76,000 acres. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,194k,59ud,1bct,ijo3 Related: Incident Information (CAL Fire website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,5b53,4lrz,1bct,ijo3 ‘Firenadoes’ are striking east of Los Angeles Fire tornadoes, also known as firenadoes or fire whirls, are spiraling out of wildfires east of Los Angeles this week. Wildfires have scorched more than 25,000 acres of mountain and desert near San Bernardino, California, where at least 82,000 people have been told to evacuate. (USA TODAY) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,d9db,1fi2,1bct,ijo3 Man charged with 17 counts of arson as wildfire decimates Northern California town FOX News, August 16, 2016 A California man was arrested Monday on arson charges for allegedly sparking a wildfire that exploded over the weekend, destroying more than 175 homes, businesses and other structures in a small town, authorities said. Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, of Clearlake was arrested Monday on 17 counts of arson and is in jail. He is suspected in numerous fires in Lake County over the past year. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Director Ken Pimlott said the blaze in the town of Lower Lake has caused over $10 million in damages and left dozens of families homeless. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,bzvl,658t,1bct,ijo3 Related: CAL Fire News Release (CAL Fire Twitter and Clayton Fire update) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,e710,7m4u,1bct,ijo3 Portions of Cache Creek Management Area Closed due to Clayton Fire The Bureau of Land Management has closed portions of the Cache Creek Management Area, including Perkins Creek Ridge Trail, for public safety due to the Clayton Fire. “The closure is necessary to protect the public from risks associated with active wildfire. The order will remain in effect while CalFire and the BLM work to control and remove the threat of active wildland fires from the area,” said Amanda James, Ukiah field manager. Private landowners within the restricted area and persons with valid existing rights-of-way or leases must request in writing access permission onto the public lands from the Ukiah Field Manager, 2550 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,db59,kr59,1bct,ijo3 RENEWABLE ENERGY Renewable Energy in California Did you know? California has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. The Bureau of Land Management has approved more than 5,500 megawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal energy on public lands since 2010, enough to power more than 1.6 million homes. We are working with the State of California to finalize a landscape scale plan that will direct renewable energy development to appropriate areas in the desert while protecting special places. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,8sbh,da8v,1bct,ijo3 Related: Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,hl7q,m6ki,1bct,ijo3 Why Big Solar and environmentalists are clashing over the California desert Washington Post, August 15, 2016 Just after noon on a 110-degree summer day, the 5.6-square-mile Desert Sunlight Solar Farm — the biggest of its kind erected on U.S. federal land — is proving why this desolate spot is such a good one for harnessing the sun’s rays. With few clouds above, the seemingly endless 8-million-panel array is churning out 551.3 megawatts, or million watts, of electricity, more than enough to power 160,000 homes some 175 miles west of here in Los Angeles…But lately, those lofty goals have run into a more earthly reality — large-scale solar projects require vast amounts of land, land that also is home to many animal and plant species, most iconic among them a slow-moving herbivore called the desert tortoise. The creature is so highly regarded by the conservation community, and so threatened by climate change, that groups that might otherwise regard themselves as allies of clean energy find themselves at odds with the solar industry. The two sides are squaring off on a U.S. Bureau of Land Management plan to allocate some 10 million acres of public land in the California desert for conservation, recreation and clean-energy installations like Desert Sunlight. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,11mn,67pe,1bct,ijo3 How many birds are killed by solar farms? The Desert Sun, August 18, 2016 During a meeting at Palm Springs City Hall in June, public commenters tore into the Palen solar farm, which would be built on 4,200 acres of public land just south of Joshua Tree National Park. One of their main complaints: The vast field of solar panels — which would generate enough electricity to power 230,000 average California homes, according to its developer — would kill birds. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,jacw,f3t6,1bct,ijo3 YOUTH Indian Rancheria Youth Assist BLM with Habitat Improvements It was an Olympian task of sorts, when a youth crew from the Susanville Indian Rancheria helped the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office remove dilapidated barbed-wire fencing from priority habitat for greater sage-grouse. In two days of work they removed 1,880 yards of rusty wire fence, an amount equal to 34 lengths of an Olympic swimming pool. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,66wc,3t2t,1bct,ijo3 Nevada County Fair >From August 10 to 14, 2016, the BLM California Wild Horse and Burro Program had a great time at the Nevada County Fair in Grass Valley, California. We had thirty minute demonstrations each day where volunteers brought their horses to show the crowds what wild horses can do with good training. For the rest of the day, they worked in the booth answering questions from fair-goers about adopting and training wild horses, handing out Wild Horse and Burro Program promotional items, enjoying the fair, and promoting upcoming adoptions, including the one August 20 to 21 at the fairgrounds. The Litchfield Corrals will bring to the Nevada County Fairgrounds approximately 20 yearlings, 10 adult horses, and 10 burros. The adoption starts at 9 am with a silent bid and then first come, first served after 10 am on Saturday. (News.Bytes story) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,gr7w,h8vm,1bct,ijo3 Video: Mom creates sightseeing bucket list for daughter losing her vision! Catrina Frost is on a mission to expose her daughter to as many colors and images as possible before she goes completely blind..."They also went to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area in Brawley, California, where Cailee had a blast tumbling down and making sand angels." (Today Show) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,ccfq,2v1u,1bct,ijo3 Welcome to #mypubliclandsroadtrip 2016, Week 10 - Get Outdoors Baby! Last week, #mypubliclandsroadtrip featured great places for watching wildlife, from California condors to sea lions to elk and moose. From August 17-21, #mypubliclandsroadtrip features a few of our favorite family-friendly places on America’s public lands. (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,ekac,gadl,1bct,ijo3 Related: New story books that recap roadtrip stops (Steller) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,6wr9,kk3t,1bct,ijo3 Related: Extreme Public Lands (Esri storymap journal) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,9kwd,baz9,1bct,ijo3 HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS BLM California Campgrounds, Plan Your Next Visit! "We're excited to be teaming up with BLM California to help you explore the best adventures across 15.2 million acres of public lands in California." (The Outbound Collective) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,1j2w,b4xu,1bct,ijo3 Palm Springs area plays backdrop for new ‘Ben-Hur’ film The Desert Sun, August 12, 2016 As executive director of the Greater Palm Springs Film Alliance office, Levi Vincent gets his share of calls from movie producers and directors wanting to know where to shoot in the desert… What he soon came to learn was that the Bureau of Land Management’s South Coast field office in Palm Springs, which oversees federal land in the Coachella Valley area, had not approved Sidman’s request to shoot a horse scene in the Painted Canyons off Box Canyon Road. He wanted to use two horses, with several cameras and a film crew of about 30. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,hlqj,3uis,1bct,ijo3 Mono County doctor pleads guilty to looting Native American artifacts from public lands L.A. Times, August 15, 2016 A Mono County doctor pleaded guilty Monday to two felony counts connected to the looting of Native American artifacts from public lands, including Death Valley National Park. Jonathan Bourne, 59, an anesthesiologist at Mammoth Hospital, also agreed to pay $249,372 to cover the costs of curating and storing about 20,000 relics that federal agents found in his home overlooking the High Sierra community of Mammoth Lakes, U.S. Atty. Phillip A. Talbert said. The case stems from a yearlong investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that was launched after photos of Bourne digging a wooden bow out of a melting glacier in the High Sierra appeared on a hiking club website. Wooden splinters recovered at the glacier by federal archaeologists matched the bow in Bourne’s possession, officials said. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,3c0o,k4ll,1bct,ijo3 BLM Seeks Nominations to Central California, Northern California and Carrizo Plain Advisory Groups The Bureau of Land Management is extending the call for public nominations to the Central California and Northern California resource advisory councils and the Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee. The groups advise the BLM on public land issues. As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 30 days. The Central California RAC advises BLM officials for the Central Coast, Mother Lode, Bakersfield, Ukiah and Bishop field offices. The Northern California Resource Advisory Council advises BLM officials for the Arcata, Redding, Eagle Lake and Applegate field offices. The Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee advises BLM officials for the monument. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,do6g,5uo6,1bct,ijo3 Cemex Contract Appeal Could Take Another Year KHTS, August 16, 2016 The Department of the Interior issued a response this week to a request for information from the Interior Bureau of Land Appeals, or IBLA, regarding the timeline and appeals process regarding Santa Clarita, the Cemex decision and a pair of mining contracts. The city of Santa Clarita has sought for decades to stop Cemex, an international mining and building supply company, from opening a massive mine just east of city limits, on a pot of land where the city owns the surface rights but Cemex owns the mining rights. Cemex officials have refused to comment publicly since the BLM announced that it would release its response to the Cemex’ appeal last week. Now that the IBLA has the response from the appellant, Cemex, and the BLM, “the clock” for consideration of the appeal can begin, officials said. “Most cases are decided within 1-2 years,” said Jessica Kershaw, press secretary for the Department of the Interior, in an email. “The timeframe between when an appeal is docketed and when a case is ripe for consideration by the IBLA can vary greatly... The IBLA will work to consider this and all cases in an expeditious manner.” Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,6g26,6b38,1bct,ijo3 BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS The Perseid Meteor Shower didn’t disappoint! Check out Perseid Meteor Shower shots in BLM Utah’s Valley of the Gods, where 500+ foot rock spires offered a great foreground. BLMer Bob Wick took the starry photo of the area Friday night and the day shots earlier in the week. A scenic loop tour travels through the spectacular sandstone formations – accessible to a passenger car in dry conditions. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,boe1,f3x3,1bct,ijo3 Don't Dump on Public Lands Imagine walking through an area littered with broken glass, jagged rusty metal, and leaking chemicals. Would you feel safe? Would you feel your kids are safe? How about your dog or your horse? Dumped and abandoned junk is a hazard for everyone. (BLM Idaho Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,gm0a,374s,1bct,ijo3 Related: Idaho's Other Invasive Species (Don't Dump Idaho website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,55xx,1tvi,1bct,ijo3 Related: Why You Should Care about Dumping on Public Lands! (BLM Idaho Flickr album) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,ksoe,fgl9,1bct,ijo3 Tribes watch GOP effort to wrest control of federal land The Desert Sun, August 15, 2016 Two years after a Nevada cattle rancher and his allies took up arms in protest of U.S. government grazing fees, Republican Party activists are asking that the feds return certain lands to the states. The proposal was included this July in the 2016 GOP platform — essentially a wish-list of legislation, a vision for the next president and Congress. That’s a big deal in the west, where nearly half of the land is owned by the federal government. As of 2015, the Bureau of Land Management oversaw 248 million surface acres and approximately 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estates throughout the country. The Republican proposal hasn’t gotten as much attention in California as in other states, but is certainly on the minds of some Golden State officials and tribal leaders as the presidential election approaches. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,3d8c,kpaw,1bct,ijo3 Can America’s National Parks defeats the developers at their gates? L.A. Times, August 13, 2016 To learn what most endangers national parks, on the occasion this month of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday, look no farther than Mojave National Preserve, a vast swath of exquisite desert panoramas halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. These days, national parks struggle with all sorts of urgent threats, such as climate change and deteriorating services and infrastructure as a result of underfunding, but Mojave’s biggest menace isn’t what’s happening inside the preserve, it’s what increasingly surrounds it. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,il1x,gifz,1bct,ijo3 Obama’s environmental legacy: Some 24 national monuments Washington Post, August 15, 2016 The race is on to win President Barack Obama’s attention as he puts some final touches on his environmental legacy. Conservation groups, American Indian tribes and federal lawmakers are urging his administration to preserve millions of acres as national monuments...Obama has created or expanded 24 national monuments during his seven-and-a-half-year tenure, the most of any president. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,nrq,89xy,1bct,ijo3 BLM, USGS Publish Data and Visualization Site for Sagebrush Geospatial Data The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have published a hub to enable easy visualization and access to geospatial data about the west’s “sagebrush sea.” This will help guide sagebrush conservation efforts during the 2016 fire season and beyond. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,eczs,3nwe,1bct,ijo3 Attacked On All Sides, The Stress Of Being A BLM Ranger Nevada Public Radio, August 16, 2016 The federal Bureau of Land Management controls 63 percent of the land in Nevada, part of the 85 percent of the state that is owned by the federal government. For that reason, the BLM has held a powerful seat in Nevada politics and, to a big degree, has been at the forefront of development in Southern Nevada. But that relationship has long chafed many in the state, particularly among some rural residents. The 2014 standoff with Clark County rancher Cliven Bundy was a prompted by BLM enforcement of grazing restrictions that affected Bundy’s cattle. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,azfw,g0ib,1bct,ijo3 Video: This Week At Interior August 12, 2016 A delisting for three once-endangered island foxes; August 12 marks World Elephant Day; a new inventory of Arctic fish species in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas; USGS marks 30 years for its Volcano Disaster Assistance Program; and a celebration of summer reading at DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. (Department of Interior YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,2dzr,9ivz,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK Which of the following are true about migratory birds? a) Connect people with nature and add beauty, sound and color to our world. b) They provide countless opportunities for enjoyment by birders, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, and they have cultural and spiritual importance. c) Contribute environmental benefits, including pollination, insect and rodent control, and seed dispersal. d) Are good indicators of environmental health because they are so visible and are relatively easy to study. e) Play a key role in the U.S. economy. f) All of the above. Keep reading for answer below. UPCOMING EVENTS August 19-21: Horses, Burros Available for Adoption in Grass Valley The Bureau of Land Management will bring its Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program to the Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21. The BLM will offer 30 horses, mostly yearlings, and 10 burros for public adoption. Anyone interested can preview the animals when they arrive at about 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. The event will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Adoptions begin with silent bidding from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. Animals not taken during bidding will be available for a $125 adoption fee. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,cwub,66zp,1bct,ijo3 August 21: Trinidad Lighthouse opens Sunday, Aug. 21; Ham Radio Demonstrations Planned In cooperation with the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club, the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office will celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend with a free open house at the historic Trinidad Lighthouse on Trinidad Head, Sunday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,ga4j,jb9m,1bct,ijo3 August 31: You are invited! Don't miss lighthouse hike and open house at the Piedras Blancas Light Station. We recommend beginning at the south end of the California Coastal Trail located at the north parking lot of the Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon, California. The hike is 3 miles round trip from the parking area to the Light Station and is a self-directed walk through the Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area. The Piedras Blancas Light Station will be open to walk in visitors between 10am and 2pm, and docents will be available to answer questions about the Light Station history and local ecology. For more information visit piedrasblancas.gov and piedrasblancas.org or contact us by phone at (805) 927-7361 or email at PiedrasBlancasTours@xxxxxxxxx. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,1djn,23ui,1bct,ijo3 August 30 - September 1: BLM Invites Public to Share Vision for Mojave Trails National Monument The Bureau of Land Management is inviting the public to share what they value most within the newly designated Mojave Trails National Monument for the BLM to consider as the monument management planning process begins. A series of envisioning sessions will enable the public to provide comments on specific interests and concerns that will assist the BLM in the development of the Mojave Trails National Monument Management Plan. These sessions are in advance of public scoping meetings which will begin in the fall. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,799v,dork,1bct,ijo3 August 30 - September 2: Long Valley Road Closure Wild Willy's Hot Springs Road in Long Valley will be closed at times in August and early September to allow for road resurfacing. The road will be closed Tuesday, August 30 through Friday, September 2 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, call the Bureau of Land Management's Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,am6j,dof6,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER Which of the following are true about migratory birds? f) All of the above. This year we mark the centennial of the Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds – also called the Migratory Bird Treaty – that was signed on August 16, 1916. This Migratory Bird Treaty, and three others that followed, form the cornerstones of our efforts to conserve birds that migrate across international borders. The treaty connects the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with our federal, state, private, non-government, tribal, and international partners who share a long, successful history of conserving, protecting, and managing migratory bird populations and their habitats. Celebrating the centennial of the first treaty allows us to bring together those who have contributed to its success, and to galvanize efforts to protect migratory birds for generations to come. (Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2m11b,3xn3,ka9q,jxxp,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/
