News.Bytes, Bureau of Land Management California ISSUE 770 - JUNE 29, 2017 - 4th of July Weekend - From the Field - Headlines and Highlights - BLM and DOI Highlights - Wildlife Question of the Week - Upcoming Events 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND CAL FIRE Urges Fireworks Safety 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. Large grass crops and abundant vegetation, due to a wet winter, increase the threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of California. (CAL FIRE YouTube) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,4e94,fey4,1bct,ijo3 Related: Firework Safety (readyforwildfire.org) Campfire Tips Planning a fun camping trip for the 4th of July weekend? Be sure to have a campfire permit and bring the right tools, a shovel and a bucket for water. Take all safety precautions by scraping away dead and dying vegetation at least 10 feet around the campfire. (CAL FIRE Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,f73r,ju6k,1bct,ijo3 Current Fire Restrictions Some BLM-managed public lands in California are now under fire restrictions and some areas have recreational shooting restrictions. Fireworks are also prohibited in developed recreation areas and where fire restrictions are in place. For more information on BLM fire restrictions, please call the local field office. (BLM website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,6oy,e2dq,1bct,ijo3 Related: BLM Advises the Public to be Fire Safe this July Fourth Weekend (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,jezu,e81h,1bct,ijo3 FROM THE FIELD Join us: Help save future generations of seabirds Would you like to make a difference in a seabird’s life? You can. Just ask members of the newly formed North Coast Chapter of the Seabird Protection Network. They are looking for volunteers this spring and summer in Trinidad, California, to assist with Citizen Science. The organization needs volunteers to collect scientific data that identifies current or potential disturbances to nesting seabirds, including cormorants, petrels and murrelets. (USFWS Pacific Southwest Region website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,e6s,l18m,1bct,ijo3 BLM El Centro Field Office Helps Save Endangered Desert Pupfish Last month, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and BLM staff were shocked to find extremely low water levels during annual Desert Pupfish surveys at San Sebastian Marsh/ San Felipe Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern. San Sebastian Marsh is located on the eastern side of the Salton Sea and has been a natural oasis on the desert landscape holding standing water year round for at least the past 300 years. The marsh is home to a population of endangered Desert Pupfish that typically fluctuates between 500 and 1,000 individuals. This population of fish was now in immediate danger during the upcoming Sonoran Desert summer with unprecedented low water levels threatening to leave the marsh completely dry. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,eqsg,3344,1bct,ijo3 Archaeological Surveys in the Desert Interns with BLM California are conducting archaeological surveys in the Western Mojave Desert as part of a 2015 agreement with ACHP - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and California Office of Historic Preservation that calls for the BLM to consider the impacts of its road planning in the desert on cultural resources and historic properties. (Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,3xp,azii,1bct,ijo3 Endangered Amargosa Voles Need More Than a Rainy Day For a year, a scientific team consisting of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and U.S. Geological Survey biologists have conducted intensive research into the life cycle of this little vole. (UC Davis website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,jsmo,m7n6,1bct,ijo3 HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS Wildfires: Know Before You Go Cal OES provides daily map updates for wildland fires across California. Also, Twitter is a great place to see the latest news and information about fires. Follow us @BLMca! Fire restrictions on public lands → on.doi.gov/2qcKS8p Cal OES California wildland fire map via Esri → arcg.is/2tj6L7l Wildland fire information via InciWeb → bit.ly/2siVOlO Wildland fire information via CAL FIRE → bit.ly/2tqv43i Defensible space information → bit.ly/2sobgZi BLM Pit River Campground Opens for Summer Season Campsites, river access and picnic areas have opened for the summer season at the Bureau of Land Management Pit River Campground in northeast California. Opening was delayed this year while crews repaired damage caused by high river flows during the winter and early spring. The campground provides economic tourism benefits for nearby communities, and offers an economical way for families to connect with the natural resources of the public lands. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,8lux,1vu6,1bct,ijo3 BLM Continues Firewood Cutting Program at Lost Coast Headlands near Ferndale The Bureau of Land Management is continuing a low-cost firewood-cutting program at the Lost Coast Headlands near Ferndale, where North Coast families can stop by the public lands to obtain an economical source of home heating for next winter. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,extx,ab11,1bct,ijo3 BLM Announces New Daily Fees for Developed Campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra The Bureau of Land Management has approved new daily fees for overnight camping in developed campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra. The new fees went into effect on July 21, 2017. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,i090,2kce,1bct,ijo3 Ben Blom Enjoys Serving as BLM Central Coast Field Office Manager Ben Blom is enjoying the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of serving as the Bureau of Land Management Central Field Office manager. He took over the job in March after Rick Cooper retired. “The Central Coast Field Office manages such a breathtaking array of resources; every day I get to work with a variety of issues and a number of different viewpoints,” says Blom, whose last name rhymes with plum. “We have a dedicated staff that is committed to keeping public lands healthy and productive.” (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,3t0,9s1c,1bct,ijo3 BLM Extends Land Withdrawal for Red Rock Canyon State Park The Bureau of Land Management has extended the land withdrawal for Red Rock Canyon State Park in Kern County to authorize the continued management of the site as provided by the Memorandum of Understanding between the BLM and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,6ymh,jxxe,1bct,ijo3 BLM Opens Protest Period on Proposed Amendment to Headwaters Management Plan The Bureau of Land Management has opened a 30-day protest period on a proposed resource management plan amendment and environmental analysis for the Headwaters Forest Reserve near Eureka. The BLM must receive protests by Monday, July 24, 2107. (BLM News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,b0gw,c40c,1bct,ijo3 Bishop Mule Days Celebration If you have ever spent time in Bishop, California, you might realize that Bishop Mule Days Celebration is a big event for the Eastern Sierra town. People from all over the country come to the five-day mule show that is dubbed by its organizers: a world class equestrian event promoting the legacy, heritage and talents of the mule. A mule is a cross between a horse (dam) and donkey (sire). The Bureau of Land Management has wild mules in the Centennial and Twin Peaks Herd Management Areas in California, and in a few other western states. BLM California showcased some of its own burros and horses in the Mule Days parade this year. (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,9f3k,alc9,1bct,ijo3 BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS Energy Week This week, the Bureau of Land Management is highlighting energy programs and their contributions to our national economy and country’s security. BLM’s energy plan is an all-of-the-above plan that includes oil and gas, coal, strategic mineral and renewable sources – all of of which can be developed on public lands. (#EnergyWeek on Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,46ot,b5yg,1bct,ijo3 Related: #EnergyWeek on Twitter http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,ko3z,8m94,1bct,ijo3 Related: 8 Powerful Facts About Interior's Role in American Energy Dominance (DOI blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,6j9e,98vk,1bct,ijo3 Related: Interior’s Role in American Energy Dominance (DOI video) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,c4k0,9s3m,1bct,ijo3 President Trump and Secretary Zinke Open up Comment Period for New 5-Year National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program Today, at an Energy Week event hosted by Energy Secretary Rick Perry, President Donald J. Trump announced that Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has taken action to open up the public comment period for a new 5-year National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). President Trump announced on stage that the comment period is the first step in executing the new 5-year plan which was put in action by the April 28 executive order on American Energy. The 2017-2022 Five Year Program, which is set to begin this summer, will continue to be executed until the new National OCS Program is complete. (DOI News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,ldli,akw1,1bct,ijo3 Statement from Secretary Zinke on Navajo Nation Council vote to extend lease of Navajo Generating Station Statement from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke after the Navajo Nation Council has ratified a new lease with the Salt River Project to provide for continued operations of the Navajo Generating Station through 2019: “Since the first weeks of the Trump Administration, one of Interior’s top priorities has been to roll up our sleeves with diverse stakeholders in search of an economic path forward to extend NGS and Kayenta Mine operations after 2019. Operating NGS and the Kayenta Mine through 2019 is the first step to meet this priority... (DOI News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,e5su,h5bq,1bct,ijo3 Secretary Zinke, Senators, and Local Officials Announce Rural Communities to Receive Record $465 Million in PILT While meeting with local, state and federal officials in Nevada, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that more than 1,900 local governments around the country will receive $464.6 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2017. Nevada has more federally-owned land than any other state (as a percentage) and will receive $26,184,790. This year's $464.6 million is the largest amount ever allocated in the program’s 40-year history. This funding level continues to underscore the Trump Administration’s commitment to rural communities. (DOI News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,98b,4s7y,1bct,ijo3 Secretary Zinke Announces Initiatives to Protect Western Ecosystems and Hydroelectric Facilities from Invasive Mussels U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke praised a package of actions and initiatives developed through collaboration with western governors and federal, state and Tribal agencies to protect areas in the West from the economic and ecological threats posed by invasive mussels. (DOI News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,h7k9,ewo3,1bct,ijo3 Secretary Zinke Announces Recovery and Delisting of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Due to the success of conservation efforts and collaboration among a variety of stakeholders, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear has been recovered to the point where federal protections can be removed and overall management can be returned to the states and tribes. The population has rebounded from as few as 136 bears in 1975 to an estimated 700 today and meets all the criteria for delisting. (DOI News Release) Interior Announces Regulatory Reform Initiative to Make Government Work for America The Department of the Interior announced an initiative to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people. This initiative implements the vision set out by President Trump in Executive Order (E.O.) 13777, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda.” This initiative is part of a government-wide initiative to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the American public. (DOI News Release) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,9p27,heue,1bct,ijo3 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips On Monday, August 21, 2017, millions of people across the United States will get to see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights -- a total solar eclipse. With wide-open spaces and low light pollution, public lands managed by Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon are the perfect place for viewing this rare event. (DOI blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,mdfw,l1av,1bct,ijo3 Related: Watch Solar Eclipse on Your Public Lands (BLM website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,cbr5,efrq,1bct,ijo3 5 cool things about the Duck Stamp Every June, hunters, birders, conservationists and stamp collectors celebrate when the new Federal and Junior Duck Stamps go on sale. These stamps are part of the waterfowl hunting license requirements and every hunter over the age of 16 must purchase and carry with them a Duck Stamp each year in order to hunt ducks, geese and other waterfowl. But they are also collectible works of art and the easiest way for anyone to support bird habitat conservation with 98 percent of the proceeds going to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. (DOI blog) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,7q69,avef,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK Fill in the Blank A parasitic eel-like fish with a gaping mouth, the rarely seen _____________ is often vilified. In reality, they provide an important service in our local California waterways. This native creature cleans our rivers, delivers food to the water system with marine nutrients and provides sustenance to tribes. Keep reading for answer below. UPCOMING EVENTS Now - January 2018: Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Events The BLM offers wild horses and burros for adoption or purchase at events across the country throughout the year. Upcoming wild horse and burro adoption events are planned into 2018. The most current adoption and purchase event schedule is provided on the BLM website. All times are in local time. Event information is shown in local time and subject to change without notice. Please call the Wild Horse and Burro Information Call Center at (866) 468-7826 for the most updated information. (BLM website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,ippc,b6zs,1bct,ijo3 July 11: Scorpion Hunts Join a nocturnal adventure in search of these mysterious creatures! Learn about scorpions and use an ultraviolet light to find them from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Call (760) 862-9984 or (760) 641-8832 to RSVP! (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,e3xl,4vyi,1bct,ijo3 July 18: Dune Discovery Get ready to make tracks at this action-packed evening exploring sand dunes! Seek out signs of animals that thrive in this special desert environment from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Call (760) 862-9984 or (760) 641-8832 to RSVP! (BLM California Facebook) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,5bn1,gyyr,1bct,ijo3 September 30: National Public Lands Day National Environmental Education Foundation's National Public Lands Day (#NPLD), sponsored by Toyota USA is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. NPLD connects people to public lands in their community, inspires environmental stewardship and encourages use of public lands for education, recreation and general health. Bring your family, friends, students or coworkers to spend the day outdoors giving back to your community by pulling invasive species, maintaining trails, picking up trash and so much more. Stay tuned for more details. (BLM website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,ct21,75ta,1bct,ijo3 September 30 and November 11-12: Fee-Free Days on BLM-managed Public Lands The unique and diverse natural landscapes and world-class visitor facilities on BLM-managed lands are among America’s greatest treasures, and most of these lands and waters are open for recreational use. Through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the BLM and other Federal agencies -- including U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- collect recreation fees to maintain and improve the quality of visitor services and amenities. Visitors may purchase recreation passes that cover many recreation fees. On fee free days, recreation standard amenity and day use fees on Bureau of Land Management lands are waived. (BLM website) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,d9p3,13cz,1bct,ijo3 October 6-8: Norco Horse Affair See you in City of Norco - Horsetown USA! BLM's Ridgecrest BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program Corrals will be participating in the Norco Horse Affair on October 6, 7 and 8. BLM will be bringing 10 burros and 20 wild horses for adoption. (Norco Horse Affair Facebook event) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,kue2,17uh,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER A parasitic eel-like fish with a gaping mouth, the rarely seen Pacific lamprey is often vilified. In reality, they provide an important service in our local California waterways. This native creature cleans our rivers, delivers food to the water system with marine nutrients and provides sustenance to tribes. (Looks are deceiving for 'scary-looking' lamprey via USFWS Pacific Southwest Region) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,2uxks,3xn3,5n1s,2flg,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/
