ISSUE 756 - FEBRUARY 14, 2017 - Happy Valentine's Day - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and DOI Highlights - Wildlife Question of the Week - Upcoming Events HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Punny Valentines This Valentine's Day, why not share the love with some specially made "punny" Valentine's cards from the BLM! We've developed a lovely – and cheeky – set of wildlife-and-public-lands-themed cards that are sure to delight budding Cupids everywhere. The cards speak for themselves… download and print yours today to share. (My Public Lands Flickr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,13m0,9q5o,1bct,ijo3 Related: My Public Lands Pinterest http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,3cu8,6zp,1bct,ijo3 The sweetest Valentine's Day video you'll see today America’s public lands are wonderful places to love and be in love. Experiences in national parks, wildlife refuges and scenic wildernesses are even better when shared with the people you care about most. We’re celebrating these great love stories with this cute video of romantic moments on public lands. Thanks to everyone who shared their photos and helped make this sweet Valentine’s Day video! (Department of Interior YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,91xe,b9o7,1bct,ijo3 Love in Nature Abbi Hearne, nomadic photographer known for shooting adventurous people in amazing places shared some love in nature with us! These beautiful couples celebrated their love in stunning public land locations. Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at the Bureau of Land Management! (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,iutj,6n7i,1bct,ijo3 11 Photos of Affectionate Animals Love is in air. It seems like everywhere you look, you can see tender moments between couples -- including in the animal kingdom. So this Valentine’s Day say, “Awww!” with these sweet pics of animals showing affection. (Department of Interior blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,6a25,hfze,1bct,ijo3 7 Tales Of Animal Affection Love is in the air this time of year, but don’t look to these animals for relationship advice. (USFWS via BuzzFeed) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,jb7t,h057,1bct,ijo3 HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS Headed to Imperial Sand Dunes for President's Day Weekend? NASCAR driver, Greg Biffel and BLM Park Ranger and Paramedic, Brian Puckett give some helpful tips on rider safety while visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. (Imperial Sand Dunes Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,1cii,jred,1bct,ijo3 2017 King of the Hammers Ultra Race Thousands of off-road extreme enthusiasts from around the world descended upon the BLM Johnson Valley Recreation Area for the 11th Annual King of The Hammers International off-road event held this week. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,d0ns,5fgc,1bct,ijo3 Related: #KOH2017 coverage on Twitter http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,e7lh,hr4k,1bct,ijo3 Goats, hard at work at Fort Ord National Monument Yes, we said GOATS! They're helping to reduce fuel loads, slow shrub encroachment and decrease some of the invasive plants in the area. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,btom,fj7m,1bct,ijo3 BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS Free Entrance Days for Public Lands Every year, the Interior Department and other land-management agencies make it easier to visit America's special places by offering free admission to the public lands that charge an entrance fee. (Department of Interior blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,8uj9,di8j,1bct,ijo3 Black History Month: Exploring African American Heritage at National Parks As America’s storyteller, the National Park Service preserves and interprets important places that teach us about our nation’s history and culture, so that future generations can learn from the past. The many African American heritage sites protected and maintained by the National Park Service honor the contributions African Americans made to the nation. (Department of Interior photo gallery) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,cgmh,jt84,1bct,ijo3 Tiny Sagebrush Seeds use Winter to their Advantage Did you know sagebrush is part of the Artemisia genus of the Asteraceae, or sunflower family? Imagine a large extended family of plants where each member is as connected and unique as your own family - that’s the Asteraceae family! Even though sagebrush comes from a large family, it stands out of the crowd thanks to special adaptations that help it flourish is North America’s sagebrush ecosystem. One of those is taking advantage of chilly winter months to help foster a new generation of sagebrush plants. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,hwux,8qo4,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK Which of the following is true? When trumpeter swans approach for a landing, the large birds (adult males can weigh 20 to 40 pounds) need to slow down to reduce impact and prevent injury. One way they do that is by: a) opening their mouth b) sticking their feet out c) closing their eyes d) drifting behind another swan Keep reading for answer below. UPCOMING EVENTS Now - 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,2qu0f,3xn3,awwq,6ob3,1bct,ijo3 Now - May 19: Redding Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge Don't miss Redding's first local Mountain Bike Challenge uniting current and new bicyclists in a friendly self-competition highlighting a diverse trail system. (Healthy Shasta website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,lhmq,do6i,1bct,ijo3 Related: Mountain Bike Challenge promo video http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,imnl,8vn1,1bct,ijo3 February 18 and 26: Guided Hikes Planned in Alabama Hills The Bureau of Land Management, Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association will host guided hikes in February on the film history and natural history of the Alabama Hills. The hikes will take place on February 18 and 26. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,evfm,84y5,1bct,ijo3 February 24: BLM Seeking Public Comments on Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Application The Bureau of Land Management’s Eagle Lake Field Office is accepting public suggestions and comments regarding management needs and projects that would benefit off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands. The field office staff will use the comments to develop a preliminary grant application to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division. Public comments and suggestions must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, February. 24. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,h28e,aqkw,1bct,ijo3 February 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,2qu0f,3xn3,l43c,la2p,1bct,ijo3 March 4: Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival The desert will soon come alive with the vibrancy of spring as the wildflowers bloom and transform the Coachella Valley into a colorful canvas. The best place to celebrate them is at the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival, which is held on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert. (Friends of the Desert Mountains website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,a5xi,93qa,1bct,ijo3 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,2qu0f,3xn3,2aob,b7tk,1bct,ijo3 April 16 and May 6, 13 and 27: Bureau of Land Management Guided Hikes Planned for April/May in Pine Hill Preserve The Bureau of Land Management’s Pine Hill Preserve, located in the Cameron Park area, El Dorado County, will offer three guided-plant tours and a bird tour in April/May in different areas of the preserve. The tours, led by volunteer naturalists, are free and open to the public. There is a limit of 25 participants per plant tour and 20 participants for the bird tour. Each plant tour will focus on the diverse and rare plants growing within the chaparral and oak woodland ecosystems. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,8fl1,8hcb,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER b) When trumpeter swans approach for a landing, the large birds (adult males can weigh 20 to 40 pounds) need to slow down to reduce impact and prevent injury. One way they do that is by: sticking their feet out in the air to create drag. With their feet fully extended, they look like they have two frying pans hanging below them. (USFWS, Wildlife Photos to Make You Smile) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,f5bf,e33a,1bct,ijo3 Related: "Try Not to Laugh" (Animal photos from USFWS) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2qu0f,3xn3,4pjg,c1sd,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/
