ISSUE 753 - JANUARY 19, 2017 Facebook Twitter Flickr YouTube tumblr Instagram - California Coastal National Monument - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and DOI Highlights - Wildlife Question of the Week - Upcoming Events CALIFORNIA COASTAL NATIONAL MONUMENT Secretary Jewell Applauds President’s Designation of the National Monuments to Preserve Pivotal Civil Rights Sites and the First National Monument to Civil War Reconstruction As the country prepared to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Acting Director Michael T. Reynolds applauded President Barack Obama’s designation of three new national monuments to recognize the nation’s journey from the Civil War to the modern Civil Rights Movement. The President also expanded the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwestern Oregon and the California Coastal National Monument to protect natural and cultural resources and areas of critical biodiversity, including highly important wildlife habitat. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,22nv,ubs,1bct,ijo3 Discover the Coast The California Coastal National Monument expansion, totaling approximately 6,200 acres, adds six spectacular places on California’s iconic coastline to the monument, preserving important habitat for coastal plants and animals, and protecting cultural sites that provide insight into the people who lived along the California coast thousands of years ago. Many of the new units of the monument are also culturally and spiritually important to local tribes. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,617q,c7tj,1bct,ijo3 Related: Six New Units Added to the California Coastal National Monument 1. Trinidad Head http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,iuaa,1hoh,1bct,ijo3 2. Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,4kfl,8ol4,1bct,ijo3 3. Lost Coast Headlands http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,6pgu,40id,1bct,ijo3 4. Cotoni-Coast Dairies http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,1kis,jgnl,1bct,ijo3 5. Piedras Blancas http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,8d8s,c9gl,1bct,ijo3 6. Orange County Rocks http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,b7ey,it9,1bct,ijo3 Obama expands the California Coastal National Monument, fulfilling multiple California lawmakers' wishes LA Times, January 12, 2017 After years of advocating from California lawmakers, President Obama on Thursday expanded the California Coastal National Monument. The California Coastal National Monument, which runs along the entire California coast, was expanded by 6,230 acres and includes protection of six new sites: Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area in San Luis Obispo County; Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz County; Lost Coast Headlands, Lighthouse Ranch and Trinidad Head in Humboldt County; and Orange County Rocks off the coast of Southern California. Retired Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), retired Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara), Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Menlo Park), Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and other members of the California congressional delegation have pushed for years to protect the sites. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,1a9y,k7zd,1bct,ijo3 Obama names five new national monuments, including Southern civil rights sites The Washington Post, January 12, 2017 President Obama declared five new national monuments Thursday, ranging from a Birmingham, Alabama, church bombed by segregationists to the coniferous forests of Oregon. He has now used his executive authority more than any other president to protect iconic historic, cultural and ecological sites across the country... The President also enlarged once more the California Coastal National Monument, which was established by President Bill Clinton and expanded by Obama in 2014, and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, another Clinton monument, by roughly 42,000 acres in Oregon and 5,000 in California. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,7x2x,4bs5,1bct,ijo3 HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS Who says hot fun is only for summertime? Children from Winter Camp at James O Jessie Highland Unity Center in Palm Springs, California had a day of fun and discovery while exploring a place that is often too hot to tread upon. They didn’t need extra jackets that normally are needed in late December as the day was sunny and warm. On top of that, the final destination was atop the tallest dune in the Windy Point dune system. The many calories burned to power their climb made the experience seem like temperatures climbed even more. (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,8sbd,cqf6,1bct,ijo3 Successful Volunteer Tree Planting On Sunday, Friends of Headwaters hosted a volunteer tree planting event at Headwaters Forest Reserve in which 200 redwood trees were planted. Volunteers hiked two miles on the Elk River Trail and used hoe dads and shovels planting 10 trees per person. They also participated in removing exotic pampas grass and other non-native species. Redwoods grow 100 feet in their first 50 years and volunteers were encouraged to come back year after year to see "their" trees progress. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,7ckn,dyq2,1bct,ijo3 BLM California Desert District Announces Appointments to Desert Advisory Council The Bureau of Land Management announced new appointments to the California Desert District citizen-based Desert Advisory Council (DAC) which advises the agency on over 10 million acres of southern California desert public land management issues. The DAC is composed of members with diverse interests and backgrounds. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,kf3u,cvin,1bct,ijo3 Join our team! Are you looking for a job and love spending time outdoors? We have a variety of wildland fire vacancies in multiple locations available now. (USAJOBS website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,3211,1yde,1bct,ijo3 Related video: Meet the Folsom Lake Veterans' Fire Crew (BLM California YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,4sei,ksxw,1bct,ijo3 Related: 15 Amazing Jobs at the Interior Department (Department of Interior blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,6ejg,2igz,1bct,ijo3 Follow and Tag Us on Social Media Make sure to share with your family and friends! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures on public lands in 2017. Facebook: facebook.com/blmcalifornia Twitter: @BLMca Flickr: flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia Instagram: @mypubliclands Tumblr: mypubliclands.tumblr.com Related: 7 Tips for Using Social Media on Public Lands (Department of Interior blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,cl0y,6h14,1bct,ijo3 BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS Neil Kornze: The Man Cementing Obama’s Public Lands Legacy Men's Journal, January 11, 2017 Talk about a tough first week on the job. In 2014, just hours after Neil Kornze was sworn in as the youngest director in the history of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the federal agency that manages one-tenth of the nation’s surface area, he found himself facing a volatile standoff in his home state of Nevada. Militia members in support of rancher Cliven Bundy were threatening BLM agents tasked with rounding up and removing Bundy’s cattle from public land, where the government contended they were illegally grazing. The agents had confiscated hundreds of cattle, and Bundy’s camo-clad supporters were growing increasingly antagonistic. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,5p01,e6pz,1bct,ijo3 Interior Department Announces 24 New National Historic Landmarks As the National Park Service enters its second century of service and strives to tell a more inclusive and diverse story of America’s history, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced the designation of 24 new National Historic Landmarks. The National Historic Landmarks Program recognizes historic properties of exceptional value to the nation and promotes the preservation efforts of federal, state, and local agencies and Native American tribes, as well as those of private organizations and individuals. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,17m8,k2e1,1bct,ijo3 BLM Announces Major Milestone and FWS Issues Record of Decision for Potential Eagle Take Permit for Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Phase I Wind Energy Project As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon pollution, create jobs, and move our economy toward clean energy, the Bureau of Land Management announced the approval of the first 500 wind turbines for the Chokecherry Sierra Madre (CCSM) Wind Energy Project. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, after concluding a thorough analysis of the potential impacts to eagles from this major Wyoming wind energy project, also issued its record of Decision today indicating that it would issue an Eagle Take Permit for Power Company of Wyoming’s Chokecherry and CCSM when final mitigation plans are provided. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,9uqr,5ndj,1bct,ijo3 BLM Announces Selections for Key Leadership Positions The Bureau of Land Management announced two key leadership positions. BLM veteran Kristin Bail will serve as the agency’s Acting Director upon completion of Director Neil Kornze's tenure, and Jody L. Hudson has been selected as the Assistant Director for Human Capital Management. Director Kornze is stepping down on January 20 with the transition to the new administration, and Hudson succeeds Carole Carter-Pfisterer who retired from the BLM last month. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,4hbh,3s6s,1bct,ijo3 BLM Junior Rangers 'Join the Adventure' Officially launched in October 2016, the Bureau of Land Management’s Junior Ranger program is the agency’s vehicle for engaging young people in recreation, learning, and stewardship, and connecting them to the natural world and their cultural heritage. BLM-managed public lands encompass millions of acres where young people can pursue healthy recreational activities, spend time with friends and family, nurture their curiosity about the natural world, and discover clues to our country’s past. We encourage all to learn more, get involved, and reach out to young people, parents, and teachers to promote the BLM Junior Ranger Program. In other words: Inspire others to “Join the Adventure”! (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,37gd,6gxg,1bct,ijo3 A Natural Winter Windbreak in Sagebrush It’s blizzarding in sagebrush country! Negative temperatures, snowfall, and winds pull together for a threatening whiteout. What are wildlife to do out in the Big Empty to protect themselves from winter weather conditions? Let sagebrush come to the rescue! (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,fuat,aozd,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK True or False? The Channel Island Fox is the size of a house cat? Keep reading for answer below. UPCOMING EVENTS Now: BLM Facilities at Briceburg Closed The Bureau of Land Management has closed facilities including the visitor center, campgrounds and restrooms along the Merced River at Briceburg in Mariposa county until further notice due to possible flooding. This weekend and continuing through next week, the National Weather Service forecasts the Sierra Nevada foothills will experience a "10 to 25 year" flood event, possibly as severe as the 1997 floods. The 1997 event significantly damaged BLM campgrounds and day use areas along the Merced River. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,c8jr,9zcl,1bct,ijo3 Now - February 3: BLM Seeks Comment on Proposed Northwest California Resource Management Plan The Bureau of Land Management is asking for public comments on issues that should be addressed as it begins developing a Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for public lands managed by the Redding and Arcata field offices. The Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan will guide the agency in decision making on these public lands for the next 15 to 20 years. It affects about 400,000 acres of public land in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Tehama, and Butte counties. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,e8vb,84wx,1bct,ijo3 January 21: 10th Annual Galt Winter Bird Festival The City of Galt, in collaboration with the Cosumnes River Preserve and Galt Joint Union Elementary and High School Districts, is pleased to bring you the 10th Annual Winter Bird Festival. Festival guests will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Cosumnes River Preserve and take advantage of the incredible opportunity to catch sightings of waterfowl, shorebirds and wildlife in their winter habitat. Festival headquarters provide a starting point for exclusive preserve tours, educational presentations, wildlife shows, art displays, wine walk, hometown history and hands-on activities. (City of Galt, California website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,6qbv,hgb3,1bct,ijo3 January 21 - February 18: BLM Offering Guided Bald Eagle Hikes in National Monument The Bureau of Land Management will host free guided hikes to look for wintering bald eagles in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Lake County on Saturdays, beginning January 21 and continuing through February 18. Those interested in participating should reserve space for a specific date by calling the BLM Ukiah Field Office, (707) 468-4000. Early reservations are requested for the popular hikes, which are limited to 25 participants each and fill quickly. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,h02k,3mtv,1bct,ijo3 January 24, 26 and February 9, 29: Public Invited to Provide Input for OHV Grant Proposals The Bureau of Land Management has announced the dates, times and locations of public meetings to provide input in the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks, Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Proposed grant applications are currently being prepared by BLM staff for the 2016/2017 grant cycle. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,gwx1,g17v,1bct,ijo3 January 28: Martin Luther King Jr Community Volunteer Day (event postponed originally due to road conditions) In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Eastern Sierra Land Trust is teaming up with local Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership members, friends from the Bishop Paiute Tribe for a volunteer day to protect a treasured cultural resource: Rattlesnake Village. Alongside Greg Haverstock, Archaeologist from the BLM California, you'll see and learn more about this incredible site as you remove trash, pull weeds, and help protect this special place for future generations. (Eastern Sierra Land Trust Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,4fc3,9qt3,1bct,ijo3 January 29: BLM Hosts Alabama Hills Hikes The Bureau of Land Management will host guided hikes on the film history and natural history of the Alabama Hills. There have been over 400 movies and countless commercials filmed in the Alabama Hills. Hear interesting and amusing stories about numerous productions as you explore the camera locations. This walk covers an area of Movie Flat that includes locations from memorable films such as Gunga Din, Tremors, How the West was Won and Django Unchained. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,krp8,iah9,1bct,ijo3 February 2: Open House for USFS and BLM Off-Highway Vehicle Grants Scheduled for February 2 The Inyo National Forest and the Bishop Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management will hold an open house on Thursday, February 2 to gather public ideas for requesting off-highway vehicle grant funds. The informal open house will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Forest Service/BLM office, 351 Pacu Lane, Bishop. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,m6hg,hyxn,1bct,ijo3 February 3-11: BLM Issues Temporary Restricted Access for 2017 King of the Hammers Race Temporary restricted access to select public lands within the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area in San Bernardino County will be in place from February 3 to February 11 to accommodate the 2017 King of the Hammers desert racing event. Over 46,000 acres within the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area not utilized by the racing event will remain available to the public throughout the restriction period. The 2017 King of the Hammers event is expected to draw over 45,000 spectators. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,dz6h,bafj,1bct,ijo3 February 5, March 5 and April 9: Young Explorers program launched at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Two programs are combined to make this new Young Explorer program. Story hour and a map and compass class. RSVPs are required as space is limited to 14 in each class, please call (760) 862-9984. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2q2td,3xn3,keek,grsl,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER True or False? The Channel Island Fox is the size of a house cat? True. This adorable creature is the island fox, one of six subspecies found on the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. In 2004, the island fox's future was uncertain, but thanks to a captive breeding program and relocating the fox's predators -- golden eagles -- the island fox population is on the rise. It’s considered one of the fastest recoveries of a mammal in the U.S. under the Endangered Species Act. They are about the size of a house cat, but way cuter in our opinion. When we think about what the fox says, we imagine it’s, “Thanks ESA!” (10 of the Greatest #WildlifeWin Stories of All Time via Department of Interior) 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/
