News.Bytes, Bureau of Land Management California ISSUE 762 - MARCH 13, 2017 - Track the Bloom - From the Field - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and DOI Highlights - Wildlife Question of the Week - Upcoming Events TRACK THE BLOOM Track the Bloom Campaign Hey, public lands visitors! The Bureau of Land Management in California, Nevada and Arizona want to share YOUR #superbloom photos from this epic year of precip. Help us #TracktheBloom by submitting your wildflower photos from BLM-managed public lands on our social media platforms below. We will be featuring photo contributions on our channels as the flowers bloom. Happy photographing. (My Public Lands Tumblr) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,i3sk,anlo,1bct,ijo3 Related: #TracktheBloom on Facebook and #TracktheBloom on Twitter http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,j4yu,4yqb,1bct,ijo3 http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,ba4w,8nvc,1bct,ijo3 Related: Here’s What California’s Wildflower ‘Super Bloom’ Looks Like From Space (KQED Science) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,4cc5,c4uq,1bct,ijo3 Related: California’s wildflower super bloom is so prolific you can see it from space (The Washington Post) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,2qet,986u,1bct,ijo3 April Full Moon 2017: 'Pink Moon' to Light Up Night Sky April's full moon is known as the Pink Moon, but don't expect it to look particularly pink. It is named after pink flowers called wild ground phlox, which bloom in early spring and become widespread throughout the U.S. and Canada this time of year. In fact, the April full moon is the first full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the first fall season full moon in the Southern Hemisphere. (SPACE.com) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,jw02,fziz,1bct,ijo3 Related: Record Number of Visitors Enjoy Carrizo Plain National Monument’s Wildflower Bloom (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,govl,5vv5,1bct,ijo3 Haven’t seen the wildflower ‘superbloom’ yet? There isn’t much time left The Tribune, April 12, 2017 Flowers may begin fading within the next couple of weeks, though that will depend on how hot the weather gets, said David Chipping, vice president of Friends of the Carrizo Plain and conservation chair for the San Luis Obispo chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Flowers along Shell Creek Road are already beginning to fade, said Chipping, who suggested that viewers head straight to Carrizo Plain National Monument. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,7hv3,ad78,1bct,ijo3 Related: California Today (The New York Times) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,bkgk,9od7,1bct,ijo3 Related: The 6 best places to go for spring break for California wildflowers, beaches and baseball (Los Angeles Times) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,aolp,g2kt,1bct,ijo3 Related: See the amazing 'super bloom' in central California (ABC News) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,md8f,g27k,1bct,ijo3 Related: 'Super bloom' at Carrizo Plain National Monument (Los Angeles Times) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,gcj4,ig8l,1bct,ijo3 FROM THE FIELD 'BioBlitz' scientists to survey California desert valley AP, April 6, 2017 Scientists will fan out across a California desert valley this weekend to take an inventory of everything there that flies, hops, runs, swims or grows in the dirt. It's been 45 years since researchers last scoured Amargosa Valley near the northern edge of the Mojave Desert. That accounting of species led to federal protections within the remote region and new scientific understanding of its biodiversity. Over three days, experts in a variety of fields will once again tally birds, bats, toads, crickets, coyotes, lichen and native plants, said Sophie Parker, a senior scientist with the Nature Conservancy. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,aqse,dm3e,1bct,ijo3 Rx Burning near Redding BLM's Redding Field Office conducted a prescribed burn earlier this week in the Interlakes Special Management Area aiming to reduce understory fuels, shrub and small tree cover to creating gaps in fuel continuity for the development of fire resilient conditions in a mixed conifer fire adapted forest. Off-highway vehicle trails are used as unit boundaries for most of these burns. This is a large project area BLM has been working in for over eight years. Funding for the project included hazardous fuels funding as well as grant funding from the California Deer Association. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,lzxa,6gga,1bct,ijo3 Restoring Habitat for the Endangered Amargosa Vole – Watching the Bulrush Grow California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Investigations Lab and UC Davis just completed their one-year followup to last year’s emergency efforts to restore and rescue Marsh 1, one of the largest and most important habitat patches for the endangered Amargosa vole. That effort included reflooding the marsh, clearing out debris from dead plants, and relocating resident voles into nearby marshes during the restoration. (CDFW blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,gfo2,ajvq,1bct,ijo3 Vernal ponds in Fort Ord full and teeming with life Mercury News, April 6, 2017 Machine Gun Flats Lake sits placidly in a natural depression on what was once an Army training area. It is one of about 45 vernal pools on Bureau of Land Management land on Fort Ord, teeming with life after an exceptionally wet rainy season, and a welcome sight after years of drought. “They’re full, but not as full as they were in ‘98,” said Bruce Delgado, BLM botanist. “The last four years they’ve been mostly dry so they’re noticeably different.” Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,2rx3,44zn,1bct,ijo3 Long-Living Tortoises Roam Protected Portion of Mojave Desert Spectrum News, April 3, 2017 In the Mojave Desert, it’s not uncommon to see rabbits or even rattlesnakes slithering around but one reptile that’s harder to spot is the desert tortoise. But it turns out there are plenty of them in a protected area just an hour north of Palmdale, outside of California City. It’s called the Desert Tortoise Natural Area... The property was set up in the 1970s with the Bureau of Land Management and is filled with about 1,000 tortoises. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,l3rf,8cnp,1bct,ijo3 HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS BLM Seeks Northern California District Resource Advisory Council Nominations The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for five open positions on the Northern California Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The RAC works closely with BLM managers in Alturas, Arcata, Cedarville, Redding and Susanville, providing guidance on the full range of the BLM's responsibilities. As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations until May 30. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,ahof,6apb,1bct,ijo3 BLM Seeks Desert District Advisory Council Nominations The Bureau of Land Management's California Desert District is soliciting nominations from the public for five 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 more than 10 million acres of public lands in eight counties of Southern California. As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations until May 30. The five positions to be filled are: one renewable energy industry, two public-at-large, and two elected officials. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,l6g9,5dev,1bct,ijo3 2017 Shasta Dam Grand Prix Last weekend, Redding Dirt Riders hosted the annual Shasta Dam Grand Prix as part of the AMA District 36 race series. Almost 500 riders took to the 18.5 mile 3 lap course to see who could make it through the tough, rocky terrain of Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area. "This is a great race and place for the entire family to come out and enjoy OHV riding on public lands," said Mike Mitchell, Redding Dirt Riders member. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,e622,bkoa,1bct,ijo3 Related: For The Thrill Of The Ride: The Legacy Of Redding Dirt Riders (Active Nor Cal) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,clw2,4tnu,1bct,ijo3 Related: Hart Hauls at Shasta Dam GP (Cycle News) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,bajg,i7sh,1bct,ijo3 Valley kids learn map and compass basics KESQ News Channel 3, April 9, 2017 On Sunday in Palm Desert, a group of young explorers took the first steps in making sure they don't become part of that problem. 11-year-old Oliver Schorr was one of many who took advantage of the free class on map and compass basics at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument visitor center, run by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,mgy1,69u7,1bct,ijo3 Gold Rush 2017: 5 things you need to know KCRA, March 7, 2017 The summer gold rush is only a few months away -- and experts are excited. Geologist and gold mining expert Rich Dvoracek said this year's gold rush could be the best in 20 years...The Bureau of Land Management reminds those wanting to searching for gold that not all land is open to the public. "Before searching for gold, the public will need to know about the land jurisdiction. Land jurisdiction can be private, state or federal," BLM spokesperson Sarah Webster said. "Each type of jurisdiction has its own rules and restrictions." Read full story http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,5wwo,9fob,1bct,ijo3 BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS Statement from Secretary Zinke on his meeting with California Governor Jerry Brown "I had the opportunity to meet this morning with California Governor Jerry Brown to discuss public lands, water infrastructure, and projects throughout California that are managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior. I appreciated the positive and productive conversation with the governor." (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,islg,c23v,1bct,ijo3 Secretary Zinke Announces Funding of $60 Million for Cobell Education Scholarship Fund U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced the Department has made its final transfer to the Cobell Education Scholarship Fund, bringing the total amount to $60 million to be made available to help unlock the doors to advanced technical training and higher education for Native youth. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,cfjw,l295,1bct,ijo3 6 Ways Interior Is Advancing America’s Energy Independence The Interior Department is known for protecting some of the most amazing landscapes across the U.S. An equally important part of Interior’s mission is supplying the energy necessary to power America. (Department of Interior News blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,j3xc,cnr0,1bct,ijo3 Secretary Zinke Announces Expanded Recreation Access and BLM's New Trail System in Recapture Canyon U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the Bureau of Land Management announced expanded recreation opportunities for motorized and non-motorized trails in the Recapture Canyon area located in San Juan County, Utah. The travel management plan includes nearly 7 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and/or traditional vehicle access to this area while protecting important archaeological sites and natural resources. (Department of Interior News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,abf4,adkn,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK Which of the following is true about the western snowy plover? a) They like using bits of oyster shells around their nest scrapes. b) They like to nest or shelter from the wind in foot prints which is why you have to be careful on the beach. c) They are usually only six inches long and weigh up to two ounces. d) The babies look like cotton balls walking on toothpicks. e) All of the above. Keep reading for answer below. UPCOMING EVENTS 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,2spu8,3xn3,8sdw,2i5,1bct,ijo3 Related: Mountain Bike Challenge promo video http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,ih9x,2vu9,1bct,ijo3 April 15: Native Species Planting at Fort Ord National Monument Since 1994, Return of the Natives has worked with community volunteers and the Bureau of Land Management to restore and revitalize Fort Ord. Volunteers are invited for native species planting on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Return of the Natives Restoration Education Project Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,1io5,bw5w,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,2spu8,3xn3,8out,ktzl,1bct,ijo3 April 22: BLM Reopens its Desert Discovery Center The BLM has scheduled activities associated with the reopening of its Desert Discovery Center upon completion of renovations that began last fall. While finishing touches are taking place inside, the Center school programs have already started and the center will reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 28. The public is encouraged to visit the center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. A grand reopening celebration will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,bbk4,6o7m,1bct,ijo3 May 7: Birding Hike at Fort Ord National Monument Fort Ord National Monument is a local treasure with a rich natural and cultural history. Expert birder and Bureau of Land Management volunteer, David Styer will lead a driving/ light hiking tour exploring the Monument searching for birds in habitats such as rare maritime chaparral, oak woodland and native grassland. BLM Botanist, Bruce Delgado will help host the trip on Sunday, May 7 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Group is limited to 15 so please RSVP to Shawn Wagoner via email (preferred) at swagoner@xxxxxxxxx or call (925) 487-7335. WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER Which of the following is true about the western snowy plover? e) All of the above. While Californians and visitors flock to the beaches this spring and summer, a much smaller resident will share the shoreline: the western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus). The small birds, found along America’s western coastline from Washington to Baja California, Mexico, are usually only six inches long and weigh up to two ounces. They have been federally protected as a threatened species since 1993. Breeding season from March to September is an especially critical time for the birds. They lay their eggs in small depressions in the sandy area of beaches with easy access to the water—the same prime real estate sought after by beach goers for picnicking, walking pets and jogging. Overall, the birds’ nesting habitats are vulnerable to urban development, and other conditions like invasive plant species, predators, beach erosion, high tides or severe weather. Read full story from the US Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region, This spring and summer, #SharetheShore with one of California’s tiniest shore birds. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2spu8,3xn3,1efj,d5pq,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/ You are currently subscribed to BLM CA Newsbytes as: .
